Table of Contents
Hiking
Hiking can be a fun activity for you to do alone, or with family and friends. Walking around and examining nature can give you a new outlook on life, or it can provide peace and tranquility. Hiking is also something that you can do to maintain your health while having fun at the same time.
Going the Distance
Hiking is not just something that you decide to do on a whim. Hiking is normally very planned out. Sometimes people take short day hikes, especially if they live in rural areas. These types of hikes normally last just a few hours.
Sometimes people like to do some serious hiking and go for several days at a time.
No matter what kind of trip you are going to be taking, you should always plan, and choose the right type of shoe. Your comfort is essential for enjoying your hike.
Planning a Day Trip
A day hiking trip requires less planning than a few days trip. Normally you want to pack a hiking bag with some healthy snacks, lots of water, and an extra change of socks.
You may also want to pack things like a jacket or change of shirt, depending on the time of year you’re going to be hiking.
Even if you are doing a smaller day trip you should also pack things like fire-starting materials, a map, a compass, and some sort of communication device. A small hiking trip can become an ordeal if you get lost or don’t have the proper supplies.
Planning a Longer Hike
Several day hiking trips require a little bit more planning, and more materials will need to be brought with you. This excursion requires the use of sleeping bags and tents, plus you will need more food and things to cook with.
It also requires different kinds of shoes than a day trip, because you never know what kind of things you may encounter.
No matter which kind of trip you are taking you should always let someone know where you are planning on going and stick to your plan as much as possible. This way if you do happen to get lost you have a much better chance of being located.
Why Should I Be Picky About My Hiking Shoes?
You might not think that it is important to be picky and choosy about your hiking boots, but choosing the right hiking shoes can make or break your hiking trip. There are a lot of factors to consider when choosing your hiking shoes.
The outdoors is no joke and your shoes can lead to your successful survival or your demise, so what should you be looking for in a hiking shoe or boot?
Hiking Location
One thing you should consider when choosing your hiking shoes or boots is the location you will be hiking in. If you are going to be hiking in a warmer area you are going to need different features than if you’re hiking in a cooler area. You will need different features if you are going to be hiking in wetter versus drier areas.
Durability
Some people like more than others. Some people like to take long trips, some people like to hike once a year.
Something you should think about while looking for hiking shoes is durability. If you take longer trips you are going to want a shoe or a boot that is going to last you for as long as you need it to.
Size
It might sound odd because of course size is always something that you consider when choosing shoes. However, the size of your hiking boots is something you should pay very close attention to.
You do not want a shoe that is going to be pinching your foot or sliding up and down your heel the entire time you are hiking. Hiking shoes and boots might also be different sizes than your regular shoes. Make sure to try shoes on at the end of the day when your feet are their largest.
Cost
If you are looking for decent hiking boots and shoe cost can be a factor for you.
Most of the time when it comes to hiking shoes, they are not cheap, and you normally get what you pay for. You would not want to go with the cheaper pair, only to find them painful and unsupportive when you’re in the middle of your hike.
Comfort
A major factor that you need to think about when considering shoes for hiking is comfort. Hiking is a strenuous enough activity without having to be uncomfortable while you’re doing it. Most people like to have comfortable shoes but when it comes to hiking comfort is a necessity.
Space for Inserts
Sometimes people need inserts for their shoes. There are several different types of inserts that help solve a lot of issues that people may experience with their feet. Sometimes these inserts are needed and not just wanted for comfort.
When considering the size of your shoe or boot you may need to consider allowing space for inserts. It’s always a good idea to have your inserts ready and with you when sizing and looking for shoes in the first place.
Weather
Weather is always something that you should consider when choosing your hiking shoes or boots. You should always think about the average weather type in your area. You wouldn’t want to buy shoes or boots that are meant for dry and sunny days when you need a set of waterproof boots because it’s usually rainy.
Cleaning Ability
You wouldn’t think that cleaning is something you would think about when choosing your hiking boots or any shoes, but it should be. Some shoes are much harder to clean than others, however, some shoes are self-cleaning.
Some shoes and boots can be run through the washer and dryer, while others have to be hand cleaned.
Boots or Shoes
There are several different hiking shoes and boots, and not all hikes require boots. Some hikes are not off the beaten path or in mountainous regions. Sometimes you are hiking on flatter land. You do not need to wear boots to walk on flat land, so hiking shoes or sandals should do well enough for you.
Weight and Support
Weight and support are very big factors you should examine when you are looking at what to choose for hiking shoes or boots.
Some people like heavier shoes and some people need better support in their shoes than others.
Different types and different brands of shoes and boots are designed differently.
Some will be heavy with better arch support, while others may be light and flat. There are a vast number of options to choose from when you are looking for the right hiking shoes and boots.
Choosing the Right Shoes for You
You should always do your research when you are looking for hiking boots or shoes.
There are a lot of things that can make your trip great or ruin it. Make sure that you are getting the right type of shoes for the type of hiking that you are doing or you might find yourself in a bind.