What is the Best Hiking Footwear for me?
With so many beautiful hikes to do, it is important to be wearing the right footwear.
There is a huge range of hiking footwear out there and it can be overwhelming to decide which ones are right for you.
This blog will go through three of my top tips when buying new hiking footwear.
1. Get the Correct Size Shoe.
- The most important thing when buying any new shoes is that they are comfortable.
- The length, of your shoe, should be one thumbs width longer than your longest toe.
- In terms of width, you want your foot to be snug enough that it doesn’t move around when you walk b
ut have enough room that you’re still able to wiggle your toes. - Try to go shoe shopping towards the end of the day as this is when your feet are at their most swollen, so will ensure your hiking shoes won’t be too tight towards the end of a long hike.
- Always try the shoes on both feet as most people naturally have one foot slightly bigger than the other and wear the socks you plan to hike in as this can change the fit of the shoe.
- Allow plenty of time to try different styles and brands to find what best suits you!
2. The Style of Hiking Footwear.
Hiking footwear comes in a couple of different styles and it’s important to think about what you’ll be doing in them to determine which will suit you best.
Hiking Boots
- These are your traditional style boot that comes up around the ankle.
- Hiking boots are suitable in rough terrain, are more durable, and offer more support if you’re doing long walks.
- I would recommend the boot style if you’re planning on doing lots of hiking, any multi-day hikes, hav
- ing to carry a heavy pack or have any existing ankle problems.
Hiking Shoes
- These are a more traditional ‘sneaker’ style shoe and come up just below the ankles.
- Hiking shoes are a great option if you’re planning the occasional shorter hike.
- Hiking shoes are lighter in weight and require less energy to lift with each step, and they allow more airflow so your feet won’t get so sweaty.
- Bear in mind though, a hiking shoe is generally less durable and sturdy and can allow more water into the shoe through the top.
Trail Shoes
- Trail shoes are, again, more of a traditional ‘sneaker’ style shoe, however, are made to be more dur
able than a sneaker and are made for running on all different surfaces. - Trail shoes may be a good option for you if you plan on doing lots of hiking on concrete or asphalt paths, as these surfaces may cause quicker wear on a hiking shoe sole.
3. What Materials Should I Choose?
Full- grain Leather or Nubuck Leather: offer good water and abrasion resistance and more durability, but require more wearing-in, are less breathable and are heavier.
Split grain leather: offers a little less water resistance and durability but takes less time to wear in.
Synthetic materials: are lighter in weight and allow more airflow, so may be better in more humid conditions or if your feet are prone to sweating in large amounts. They also require less wearing in, however, they tend not to be as durable over the long run.
What Now?
In summary, to ensure the best boot for you, you need to consider what you’ll be doing in them and will need to try lots of different types!
If you need any further information selecting hiking footwear, or have any other foot related questions, please contact us on 8330 0004 or book an appointment on our website.
