Choosing shoes for hiking is not easy. Because more than half of your fun depends on your comfortable shoes. Wearing too tight uncomfortable shoes will make you forget your fun and force you to focus on the pain on your feet!
What shoes to wear hiking? As there are a lot of types of shoes available in the market. Even there are hiking boots, running shoes, regular shoes, so many types, categories, it will drive you crazy and you may feel like canceling your trip!
But we must say, this article can be a helping hand for you in getting your perfect pair of shoes and make your adventure trouble and pain-free.
Now, let’s talk about all the different types of shoes that are available in the market.
Quick Overview
Boat shoes
These types of shoes are comfortable, smart-looking, and classy shoes. But we won’t recommend them for the trail. so, you can rule out them.
Lifestyle shoes
These shoes are great for the trail as well as for your city streets. They offer great arch support and enough cushion for comfort.
Leather + rubber-soled shoes
These shoes are classy looking, as well as comfortable, and rubber soles cushioned. They last for many years and good for hiking too.
Cross-training or trail running shoes
To us, trail running shoes are best for hikes. They are comfortable, offer improved traction against dirt, mud, and roots with external and internal features for foot protection.
Features:
Now that you know about the types of shoes, let’s talk about some important features which you should take into consideration while shopping for hiking shoes.
Weight:
More weight means you are losing more energy. You can think it is nothing but after a little bit of hike, it will slow you down by making you tired and make you feel pain in the feet.
So, always get a lightweight shoe.
Should you choose rigid, hard-soled shoes?
To be honest rigid hard-soled shoes do not flex with the feet and they are not breathable. As a result on sunny days, your feet will be soaked from sweat and make you vulnerable to blister. So, be careful about that.
In a long day hike, your broken-in shoes can also cause you blister too.
Are waterproof shoes waterproof enough?
Yes, they are. Choosing waterproof shoes is an excellent option. It will provide you protection against rain and water and keep your feet dry.
But remember water-resistant water-repellent, and waterproof are not the same. Water-resistant means able to resist water penetration at some degree but not entirely. Water-repellent means water cannot easily penetrate and waterproof means impenetrable.
Why should you choose shoes?
Shoes are lightweight, comfortable, and do not requires to be a break-in.
There are some good hiking shoes which you should give a try are Pacific Trail and Xero shoes. They are comfortable, breathable, lightweight, and perfect for the hike.
At last we will say one thing, choose a comfortable and supportive shoe, and get a successful adventurous hike!
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