Dont fall into the same trap that most amateur hikers have when choosing a pair of hiking shoes. They may not be as plenty as ordinary shoes but they are not rare since there are lots of companies manufacturing hiking shoes. You may find a whole lot of them once you begin to look for your first pair of hiking shoes. Dont spend the whole day looking for a perfect pair but remember not to be too hasty in buying once you find the first pair you think are good. Never settle on the first or the last pair you checked. Instead, assure yourself a good buy.
What are the advantages of hiking shoes over ordinary shoes?
Hiking shoes are basically and specifically engineered to suffer among highly textured surfaces. Oftentimes, these were designed to deal with frequent dampness. Ordinary pair of sports shoes may not be able to suffer these conditions. Thus, it is best to choose a pair that was made perfectly, with threshold maximized, for such incidences.
What makes a good hiking shoe?
Everything, from sole to lace must be in a very good condition. Otherwise, the shoes may not be able to withhold the harshness of hiking conditions. Aside from several advertisements, hiking shoes are made good when they have brands that are well known in the market. Low-end hiking shoes may not exactly cater the extreme needs for hiking. Thus, your best bet is to buy a branded pair which can at least assure you of the workmanship, the quality and the services the brand may provide.
What are the best hiking shoes for you?
Only experience can answer that but as a rule of thumb the best hiking shoes for anyone are those that would fit the needs of the user.
Your choice of hiking shoes will largely depend on the type of hiking trail you expect to use the shoes for including the distance, the terrain and the elements you want your feet to be protected from.
For light hiking, that is moderate to little hiking distance, you could best rely on a pair of day hiker’s which is a more hardy version of your ordinary sneakers for running and walking. These are made of synthetic materials like nylon which could suffer only short distances and milder terrains.
On the other hand, you could settle for those ordinarily used by expert hikers. These are perfect for longer distances, rockier trails and hikes that require you to carry heavier backpacks. Usually, such hiking shoes are higher and have steel or plastic shank to make the shoes stiffer. This of course boils to better stability and could endure even the most unforgiving terrains.
When should you replace the hiking shoes?
Hiking shoes dont wear easily, especially with infrequent use. Once you notice signs of wear- these are smoothened soles, wearing off the padded linings and seems coming off- then it is time to buy your newer pair. Any signs of wear should be carefully addressed.
It is not hard to find a new pair that would fit perfectly for you and your needs, however be careful that you buy the best among your initial choices. You dont practically get to buy new hiking shoes every time so you should really be making the best choice at hand.