Hey everyone, hope you're all well.

I'm planning a hiking trip to Austria (I live in Ireland) in June with my dad and brother. And I have a few noob questions.

Some stats about me: female, 21, 54kg (119lbs). I've gone for two to three hour walks but I'm not sure how I'll handle up to 4 or 5 hours hiking! Bad idea? I can take shortcuts too, though it's a really nice area so I would like to make the most of it. What can I do to prepare myself? (ie, treadmill with an incline?)

I normally wear motion control/stability runners (New Balance 767) and I know NB also makes hiking boots (link ). Has anyone tried them? I assume hiking boots are fundamentally different from runners, but what can I get that will help my mild overpronation? I'm afraid that I'll get shin splints like crazy in stiff boots. I'm told the terrain there is a bit stoney so boots gotta go over your ankles to protect them.

Also, am I better off buying the boots online with the uncertainty that comes with that, and then wear them in, or might it be better to go to a specialist shop at my destination and start hiking in brand new boots? I'm generally ok with that stuff, I was on my feet all day every day for four days on a college trip and I didn't get blisters in my NBs.

hmm.. I think that covers most of it. Unless you have any other advice or know any articles/threads I should read.

btw, anyone use google earth to plan their hikes? A lot of terrain is 3d mapped. check this out: