The Importance Of Appropriate Footwear When Hiking

Hiking boots are the best investment you can make when it comes to hiking gear. These boots are intended for walking in places with uneven trails and rocky areas. Failure to wear appropriate footwear for hiking can cause a number of painful issues.

Why Appropriate Footwear Is Important When Hiking

A good quality pair of hiking shoes will help with many things… such as keeping your feet warm, taking away moisture from your feet, and overall making your hiking experience much better because your feet are happy – meaning you can focus on and take in the stunning views around you.

Hiking boots provide the correct support for your ankles and feet, helping to prevent the ankle from twisting whilst walking and help prevent ankle blisters, whilst not restricting your ankle movement. Walking boots also tend to have support on their sides to ensure your legs remain straight – this is very important for those carrying heavy rucksacks whilst hiking. 

Weather Conditions And Hiking Surface(s)

Having to hike with wet feet and soggy socks is an experience no one wants to endure. Hiking boots will save your feet in rainy and muddy conditions. In fact, you could purchase waterproof hiking boots to ensure that your feet stay protected and dry.

You need to wear sturdy shoes, and they should provide your foot with support and protection from rocks, as well as give you traction on dry and wet surfaces. When hiking you encounter a variety of terrain, and your hiking footwear will need to be stiffer and more supportive to help protect your ankles. Hiking footwear is constructed from tough material which works to reduce friction and provide traction when walking on slippery terrain.

Ankle Support

When hiking it’s important that your choice of hiking footwear provides ankle support, otherwise there is a high risk of breaks and sprains.

Comfortability

Comfortability is key! When hiking you are constantly on your feet, meaning that ensuring your feet are as comfortable as possible is essential to allowing you to focus on the incredible feat instead of your uncomfortable feet.

Wear and Tear

A good high-quality pair of hiking shoes or boots should be able to withstand general wear and tear. Hiking boots are extra robust and designed to withstand harsh weather conditions and challenging terrain. As with any pair of shoes, they will suffer from general wear and tear over time, however, the lifespan of walking boots and walking shoes can be prolonged with the correct maintenance.

Keeping Your Feet Warm

When hiking, especially up to heights, the temperature can drop dramatically. This means keeping your feet warm is extremely important, failure to do so can have detrimental effects. Hiking footwear is designed to help keep your feet warm 

A great way to add extra warmth is with a pair of walking socks! 

Appropriate Shoes For Hiking

Walking Boots

Walking boots are the heaviest of walking shoes and act as a form of armour for your feet! So if you just want the maximum protection, ankle support, and a shoe that will last (potentially) for thousands of miles, go with a hiking boot.

Grisport have a wide range of walking boots the Quatro brown hiking boot is a great option for those who love to venture out on long hikes,

Walking Shoes

Walking shoes are a lighter and more comfortable option than hiking boots but generally offer the same level of protection, minus the high cuff around the ankle. 

The Dartmoor Black Walking Shoe is one of our best sellers! 

Further reading: Walking Boots vs Walking Shoes: Which Is Right For You?

Inappropriate Shoes For Hiking

Trainers

On whatever hiking trail you might be on, trying to hike through it while the ground is wet with trainers on is a recipe for disaster. Unfortunately, trainers are not suitable for the unpredictable terrain that comes with hiking.

Sandals

Hiking in sandals? No thank you! These should be reserved for summer and holidays only, sandals provide no ankle support and completely expose your feet to the elements, and offer no protection to your feet.

Slippers

It goes without saying that slippers are not appropriate for hiking – the only feat slippers should be facing is the stairs.

Formal Footwear

Formal footwear is another big no-no, you won’t be hiking very far in a smart pair of shoes or heels.

Check Out Our Hiking Footwear!

Grisport offers a range of high-quality and long-lasting appropriate footwear for hiking to ensure your feet remain happy whilst hiking.