The first thing you may ask yourself when considering to take up hiking is, “Do I even need hiking boots?” Or “Why do I need special boots for hiking?” Or if you are an avid hiker, then you’ve probably heard that question come out of someone else’s mouth. Hikers should never underestimate the importance of good footwear for their activities. Good hiking boots can make a huge difference and help to prevent injuries.
Why Do I Need Hiking Boots?
Here are just a few reasons why you should have hiking boots, even if it’s just for weekend hikes.
Hiking boots provide good ankle support –
Feet are the most common body part that hikers get injured on because of sprains or breaks from slipping on rocks or roots. In fact, the risk of ankle sprains is 14 times more likely when hiking with athletic shoes than with boots. Hiking boots are made with extra cushion to handle the shock of sudden slips and falls by providing good ankle support.
Hiking boots protect your feet –
Not only do most hiking boot provide great ankle support, they also come with soles that are thicker and sturdier than normal shoes. This extra layer of protection guards your feet from hard and sharp objects such as rocks, roots, and sticks that can scrape or cut through your skin. The protective rubber soles in hiking boots also help to keep water out when crossing streams or puddles.
Hiking boots take the stress off your feet –
Hiking long distances can put a lot of pressure on your feet, especially if you are carrying extra weight with you. Hiking boots have thick soles that help to take the stress off your feet so that you can go further without worrying about getting blisters or sore toes.
Hiking boots are durable –
Many hikers find themselves being more vigorous compared to when they wear their regular shoes. This increase in energy can cause normal shoes to wear out quickly. Hikers should always have a backup pair of footwear just in case the first pair wears out before they get back from their hike. But hiking boots are built to last long so you don’t need to worry about frequent replacements.
Hiking boots are water resistant –
Hiking boots are made to last through tough conditions. Many hikers find themselves having to walk through rivers, puddles, and wet grasses because of fallen or broken bridges that they have to avoid or simply for a more scenic route. Water-resistant hiking boots protect your feet from getting wet and catching a cold if you’re hiking in chilly weather.
Hiking boots provide good traction –
Hiking boots not only come with thick soles, they also have tread on the bottom of their soles so that your foot doesn’t slip and slide all over the place while you hike uphill or downhill. Hiking boots with special rubber work best to give you a good grip.
Hiking boots can add insulation in cold weather –
Many hikers like to wear hiking boots when the weather is chilly because they add an extra layer of warmth that regular shoes cannot provide. Hiking boots come with thick material to protect your feet from harsh winds and cold temperatures when you hit the trail in wintertime.
Hiking boots are perfect for trail hiking – trail hikes can be tough if you don’t have the right footwear. Trail hikes at higher elevations require more effort because of the uphill climbs and exposure to strong winds. Hikers need their feet to be protected from strong winds, debris, and cold temperatures at all times. Without proper hiking boots that provide ankle support, protection from sharp rocks and debris, insulation from cold temperatures, and traction on slippery surfaces, hikers can end up with a lot of foot problems that can lead to injuries.
Hikers should always have a pair of hiking boots in their backpack for any trail hike. Make sure you wear your boots as soon as the trail starts getting steep or rocky. Because it’s easier to hike with proper support from your boots before your feet get tired and you feel that familiar aching on the arch of your foot.
Hiking boots offer extra compression –
Hiking boots are specifically designed for long distance trails, which means they’re made sturdier to last through tough conditions. This toughness affects the insoles of hiking boots because they have to be able to retain air and support your feet for a long time. To help the insoles fit snugly inside your boots, some hiking boots offer extra compression straps that you can tighten or loosen depending on how much pressure you need from your boot.
Hiking boots come in different shapes – not all hikers want a pair of boots that look the same. Hiking boots come in different styles and different colors so you can always find a pair that perfectly matches your personality and style.
Hiking boots will give you extra grip –
Even if there are no special markings on your hiking boot soles, many hikers still use hiking boots to provide an extra layer of traction for their feet. Hiking boots with thick rubber work best for providing traction on any surface compared to your normal sneakers or shoes that you wear around town.
Hiking boots are uncomfortable at first – but no worries. It takes a while for hiking boots to mold to your feet and to get used to the weight of your backpack.
Final Words
Hiking boots provide cushioning for your entire feet – because hiking boots are designed to offer more support than other shoes. They also come with a lot of cushioning to help absorb the impact from walking on rocks and uneven surfaces. This helps prevent injuries like plantar fasciitis and allows hikers to make a long distance trek across mountains without feeling tired or aching on their feet.
Hiking boots are made of different materials – not all hiking boots are made out of the same kind of material. So it’s important for hikers to know what kind shoes are best with the type of trails you want to hike on.
