There are numerous things to think of when preparing a trek yet one of the most significant aspects to consider is the hiking shoes. Selecting the correct footwear will likely make or break the success of your trip so it is vital that you match the right pair of hiking shoes with your hike.
A lightweight and versatile shoe is wonderful for a short and easy day trip over a well trodden and easy route but is likely to leave your feet hurting and you could trip or twist an ankle if hiking through difficult and unpredictable land over a prolonged time, however a robust and well supportive pair of boots can be overkill on a light and easy day trip but is going to supply you all-day comfort and support on a hike up the side of a mountain.
Here are some of the many questions you have to contemplate when searching for hiking shoes:
What environment will I be hiking on? Are you going to be hiking well-worn trails, bushwalking, mountain or gorge walking or rough uncetain terrain? Will there be steep inclines or mountains, and will you require waterproofing when it comes to crossing streams?Are you going to be climbing through rough arid desert, or will you be trekking through deep wet jungle?
How long is my expedition? Are you organizing a day trip or perhaps an overnight trek with camping?
What will the weather conditions do? Will it be hot, dry and dusty or are you trekking through wet squelchy pastures? This will determine whether you will require light-weight and breathable hiking shoes or a pair that is going to keep one's feet dry!
What amount of weight will I be carrying? Will you need to have additional support from your hiking shoes for the heavy rucksack and also other gear you are carrying or are you travelling light with just a daypack?Heavier, more robust hiking boots will offer more support for you compared to light weight hiking shoes when you're moving heavy backpacks full with all your camping equipment.
Do I require reasonable ankle joint support? Coarse loose land or flat easy trails? Hiking shoes having insufficient ankle joint support can leave you with an injury if the terrain is unsteady and unpredictable but a highly supportive boot can be overkill and be unnecessarily bulky if you don't plan on going off the beaten track.
How frequently will I make use of my new hiking shoes? Do you plan only one or two hikes per year or are you an avid walker who wants long lasting durability from your hiking shoes or boots? Whilst a solid pair of hiking boots will be with you for quite a time whatever your level, you have to consider the amount of use you will get from your new pair prior to over-spending on a massively long lasting boot if you are just going to utilize them twice a year yet on the other hand, if you underspend on a cheaper and less steadfast pair then these can go downhill rather rapidly if you take them out on an overnight trek just about every weekend.
A lightweight and versatile shoe is wonderful for a short and easy day trip over a well trodden and easy route but is likely to leave your feet hurting and you could trip or twist an ankle if hiking through difficult and unpredictable land over a prolonged time, however a robust and well supportive pair of boots can be overkill on a light and easy day trip but is going to supply you all-day comfort and support on a hike up the side of a mountain.
Here are some of the many questions you have to contemplate when searching for hiking shoes:
What environment will I be hiking on? Are you going to be hiking well-worn trails, bushwalking, mountain or gorge walking or rough uncetain terrain? Will there be steep inclines or mountains, and will you require waterproofing when it comes to crossing streams?Are you going to be climbing through rough arid desert, or will you be trekking through deep wet jungle?
How long is my expedition? Are you organizing a day trip or perhaps an overnight trek with camping?
What will the weather conditions do? Will it be hot, dry and dusty or are you trekking through wet squelchy pastures? This will determine whether you will require light-weight and breathable hiking shoes or a pair that is going to keep one's feet dry!
What amount of weight will I be carrying? Will you need to have additional support from your hiking shoes for the heavy rucksack and also other gear you are carrying or are you travelling light with just a daypack?Heavier, more robust hiking boots will offer more support for you compared to light weight hiking shoes when you're moving heavy backpacks full with all your camping equipment.
Do I require reasonable ankle joint support? Coarse loose land or flat easy trails? Hiking shoes having insufficient ankle joint support can leave you with an injury if the terrain is unsteady and unpredictable but a highly supportive boot can be overkill and be unnecessarily bulky if you don't plan on going off the beaten track.
How frequently will I make use of my new hiking shoes? Do you plan only one or two hikes per year or are you an avid walker who wants long lasting durability from your hiking shoes or boots? Whilst a solid pair of hiking boots will be with you for quite a time whatever your level, you have to consider the amount of use you will get from your new pair prior to over-spending on a massively long lasting boot if you are just going to utilize them twice a year yet on the other hand, if you underspend on a cheaper and less steadfast pair then these can go downhill rather rapidly if you take them out on an overnight trek just about every weekend.
About the Author:
Choosing the best hiking shoes is an important step when planning your hike. Follow these tips for choosing the best hiking shoes and make your next hike a success.
