I just got my new "Merrill Chameleon" hiking boots. They cost a whopping $140.00 after local taxes. They are worth it though, and I'll tell you why.

Years ago (a little over 20) my back started hurting. I was a "Metal Man" back then and I did a lot of custom car work. I was also a single Dad of a toddler,

I spent my days hunched over bending, welding grinding and finishing steel. Then I went and picked up my daughter and carried her around on my hip like Moms do all the time.

My back finally started hurting, and that grew into a constant pain, then after a year or so, complete and total agony.

Lucky for me a friend I worked with had a friend that was a chiropractor and he hooked me up with him.

The guy did not have an office, or even a practice. He was a laborer for the Movie industry, but he gave me the best medical advice I've ever got.

He told me to go buy good shoes and to stretch everyday. It took me awhile for it really sink in, but constant pain reminded me of his advice, "Do it or suffer the rest of your life."

He also told me it would take about as long to heal as I ignored this advice. Since I already had a good year head start at ignoring these things I decided to stop wasting time.

A year later I finally realized my back did not hurt anymore.

Go try on a new pair of really good hiking boots. You'll notice you stand up straighter, your toes don't point outward (sciatic nerve problems) when you stand, and there is less stress on your back, neck, and shoulders.

I wear my Merrill's all the time. I've been wearing them for about 6-8 years now. I suppose it's cost me about 80-100 bucks a year but I've spent no money on doctors or chiropractors during that time and my back is still doing fine.

BTW, that advice only cost me $20.00 at the time and he straighten out my back to boot (what a relief!). I think I still owe that guy

Bill