The secret to a happy adventure is happy feet! If you are the adventurous type and enjoy hiking and climbing you will want your feet to be supported, as well as comfortable, whether you are walking over rocks or gravel, or if you are carrying a heavy backpack. Since there is a wide range of options when it comes to footwear, you might feel overwhelmed and unable to choose. In this article, you will be able to learn how to choose the best shoes for your adventures. Let’s take a look:
What Type of Shoes or Boots Can You Choose for Hiking?
Traditionally speaking, everyone hiked in big leather shoes or boots. However, now there are different types of footwear to choose from including:
- Trail Running Shoes for Hiking – these shoes have grippy lugs on their soles in order to give you traction on the trail and there is also cushioning that will protect your feet from sharp rocks and roots. This will create a comfortable and flexible feeling, hence, some people love wearing trail running shoes for hiking or climbing. These shoes are best for short hikes, running, thru-hiking, people who do not need ankle support, and for people carrying lightweight backpacks.
- Day Hiking Boots – these low-cut hiking shoes take the flexible soles of trail runners and boost them up for rigors on your trail. They will provide more stability than trail runners and will protect your feet better. These boots are best for hiking on groomed trails, people with day packs, and hikers that do not need a lot of stability and ankle support.
- Day Hiking Shoes – the boots for day hiking in mid and high-cut styles will offer more ankle support on rugged trails and when carrying heavyweight. They are best for technical trails, long-distance hikes, for people carrying heavy backpacks, and for people that need more stability and ankle support.
- Backpacking Boots – these boots are built for difficult terrains and heavy loads, and they will stabilize your ankles when carrying weight. They are also quite stiff in order to prevent your feet from getting fatigued. These extremely durable boots are great for off-trail hiking and rugged terrains, people who need a lot of stability and ankle support, as well as for hikers carrying a heavy backpack.
The Materials to Choose From and the Features to Look for
According to the experts from shoesconsultant, the soles are always made from rubber while the part that wraps around your feet is made from a wide range of materials. What it is manufactured from will determine how breathable, water-resistant, lightweight, and durable the shoes will be. The materials can be:
- Full-Grain Leather – the most durable, water-resistant, and abrasion-resistant leather. This does make them the heaviest, the least flexible, and breathable as well.
- Suede and Nubuck – buffed leather that is more flexible and softer than full-grain leather, however, it is also less water-resistant and durable.
- Synthetics – this means that it can be made from nylon, polyurethane, or polyester. Some might mimic the features of leather, while others are more lightweight and breathable. Generally, they are more breathable, flexible, light, they are cheaper and faster to dry. But, they are also less water-resistant and durable.
When it comes to some extra features, look for a tow cap or rand that will protect your feet from impact. Also, look for Gusseted tongues which means that the sides of the tongue are connected to the upper part of the shoe or dirt which can prevent gravel, dirt, and water from entering your shoes.
Conclusion
Now that you know what features your adventure shoes should have, do not waste any more time and start searching for the perfect shoes that will make your adventures more comfortable and easy.
