No one should ever say no to travel. It’s a amazing time to step out of your monotonous routine and experience something great, fresh, and exciting. You get to explore amazing things and live differently for a few days.
One of the best forms of travelling adventures is hiking. It contributes to your overall well being and mental health and has also been linked with making you happier. Plus, you get to dwell in the gorgeous nature and return home with a renewed appreciation.
Whether you’ve already planned for a hiking trip or still deciding for one, you’ll definitely need a good pair of shoes to have a memorable time.
Hiking shoes or boots can make all the difference in your trip as the right pair can help you glide down the trail smoothly without any worries, and the wrong one can make you regret every footfall.
While choosing hiking boots isn't always easy; from size to style to comfort, and more, there is a lot to choose from. Here are a few tips you can keep in mind while choosing footwear for your upcoming hiking adventure.
• Understand the Various Styles
You will have to select your boots based on the terrain you will hike on and the backpack loads you’re going to carry. There are different types of hiking shoes designed for specific trekking grounds.
• Mountaineering Boots: These boots are suitable for glacial trails, snow roads, or rock territories. Mountaineering boots are built to handle a heavy load and can stand up against the toughest terrain.
• Backpacking Boots: These boots are designed for a variety of terrains - on and off the trail. If you're going for a multi-day trek, you can rely on these boots. Plus, their stiff sole and durability will help you fight through almost any conditions.
• Hiking Shoes: If you’re looking for a light fit, and heading out for day hiking, hiking shoes are an ultimate choice. Many long-distance backpackers prefer this style.
• Material Matters
Once you’ve decided the style of your hiking boots or shoes, the next thing you should look at is the material. To prevent your feet from getting cramped or have blisters, you need to keep a close check of the fabric.
• Split-grain Leather: A breathable material, split-grain leather is generally paired with nylon mesh or nylon. It’s not completely water-resistant and is usually cheaper than other boots.
• Synthetics: The synthetics category usually comprises polyester and nylon. These boots are lightweight as compared to leather, dry faster, and are less water-resistant.
• Full Grain Leather: These boots feature outstanding durability, abrasion resistance, and have very good water resistance. Most mountaineering boots are made of full-grain leather and are built for long trips, rugged terrain, and heavy loads.
• Consider the Cut
Hiking boots come in different cuts, and you should be well aware of the type of trekking you’re heading for. Sure, you don’t want to come back with a rolled ankle or rocks in your shoes. Let’s have a look at the various cuts.
• Low-cut: They are perfect for lightweight, casual hiking, and this cut leaves you vulnerable to ankle injuries. If you’re going on well-maintained trailers, the boots in this cut are an ideal choice.
• Mid-cut: if you’re looking for more ankle support and balance, as well as a better buffer from debris along the trail, mid-cut boots are right for you.
• High-cut: Are you an adventurous hiker who is going on and off the trail? Do you like to explore some dangerous tracks? High-cut boots will provide you with optimal balance and ankle support.
• Don’t Forget The Fit
One of the most important factors to consider while choosing the right pair of hiking footwear is fit. Comfort should be your #1 priority and you should select the size that has enough space for your toes and you don’t feel any type of discomfort.
• Measure your foot length correctly.
• The boot should fit snug around the ball of your foot while your heel stays in place.
• Make sure there’s no floating heel as it may cause blisters.
• Don’t forget to try the boots with trail socks.
• Ask about the lacing styles, insoles, etc.
• Take a stroll and spend some time in the boots before you finalize a pair.
• Try the boots at the end of the day as the feet tend to swell because of daily activities.
Summing Up
No matter what kind of adventurous trip you're going for; always pay extra attention to your footwear. They should be a perfect combination of style and comfort, and should allow you to stroll around freely!
