Trekking is hiking on difficult terrain, so the choice of shoes suitable for this type of sport cannot be casual, they must ensure stability and comfort. We recommend which hiking shoes to choose so that you can enjoy hiking in the mountains for a long time – even in the most demanding conditions.
If you are starting the adventure with this form of activity, you have to remember one simple rule: do not rely too much on your usual size. How to choose the right size of hiking shoes? They should be a little larger – first, because heavy socks are worn with them, second – prolonged physical exertion causes swelling of the feet. And trust that tight shoes are the last thing you want when hiking in difficult conditions.
When buying hiking shoes, the most important thing is the length of the insole. Good hiking shoes should protect your feet not only from the elements but also from bruises. Which hiking shoes will be the best?
For summer and winter
Adapt the material from which the shoes are to be made for the season in which you plan the excursion. For the warm months and for places where the weather is predictable, choose leather hiking shoes. They guarantee good perspiration and prevent excessive sweating. Their advantage is that they are resistant (especially leather ones) and easy to clean. However, even the smallest streams should be avoided – they are not waterproof.
In autumn and winter, when it rains and the weather is changeable, you must necessarily equip yourself with hiking shoes with the membrane. It is an additional waterproof coating that covers the upper, which prevents the penetration of water inside the shoe and at the same time ensures transpiration and the escape of moisture collected in the shoe. If you decide to buy shoes with membrane, remember to take care of them properly.
Among the various models of trekking shoes, you will find both the low ones – with the bare ankle, and the high ones, above the ankle. Choose them based on the path you intend to take. The high ones – in addition to providing extra warmth – stabilize the ankle joint. Therefore, they are mandatory for uneven surfaces (with steep climbs and descents), wet or covered with snow, on which it is easy to slip. Low ones work best on flat, safer ground. It is also a good choice for summer – they are more breathable.
How to fasten your hiking shoes?
While it may seem trivial, lacing hiking shoes is extremely important for your comfort and safety on mountain trails – not just because it’s easy to trip over with your shoe laced wrong. Most models above the ankle are equipped with metal hooks to pass the laces. The latter must be stretched well to stabilize the ankle and help avoid injuries. Adjust the tension level of the hiking shoelaces according to the difficulty of the terrain:
- if the path is uphill, increase the tension of the laces in the lower part of the shoe;
- on the descent, it also laces the upper part tighter – for greater stability.
Do you know that…?
On steep surfaces, the best will be shoes where the laces start near the toes – they ensure the stability of the entire foot. Do hiking shoes tighten in the toes? Omit the first pair of holes and start pulling the lace from the second row.
Which hiking shoes to choose | Video Explanation
Conclusion
Now you know how to choose the size, height, and material of your hiking shoes, and also how to fasten them. So, you can proceed to purchase.
Hi, I am Brian, Lives in Mooresville, North Carolina, and Went to The University of Texas at Austin, I am a shoe lover & know the inside out of shoes. I am well aware of the qualities of top-quality boots. That’s what I’m sharing with the reader of About Shoes/boots/footwear. Read More Here
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