Trekking shoes
Experienced travelers know what equipment is considered the most important and what is secondary. And trekking sneakers or boots are the main element on a hike. Thanks to well-chosen shoes, your feet will be comfortable, less tired, the load on them will be distributed correctly, and calluses will not appear. Traveling in this situation will bring the expected pleasure.
People who are accustomed to city shoes find it difficult to choose when they go to stores specializing in hiking equipment. The assortment is huge, the price range is enormous, but there is no travel experience. First you need to decide what exactly to look at.
Types of Hiking Shoes
What are trekking shoes? These are specially designed sneakers and boots that can easily withstand the rigors of different types of hikes. The last divide this type of equipment into four types:
- Trekking sneakers. They are low, have a special elastic sole that springs when walking. Ideal for one-day hikes over rough terrain, long in time, but with light loads.
- Boots for light to medium trekking. Their soles also flex, but they are taller than sneakers and also provide better support and a tighter fit. Good for weekend hikes, but with increased loads, for example, with a backpack of up to 60 liters.
- Shoes for difficult routes. Looking at it, questions about what trekking boots are will not appear. They are durable, tall, have a low-flex sole, have a rubber nose, and can be completely rubberized along the sole along the perimeter of the boot.
- Mountaineering shoes. This is a hard version of the previous type of boots. Even heavier and stiffer ones sometimes have built-in gaiters; their backs are necessarily equipped with a welt for crampons. Such equipment is needed for difficult mountain climbs or technically difficult routes.
How to shop wisely
You need to devote enough time to this event. You should not come to the store before it closes so that you have enough time to try it on and feel it. You will have to wear up to a dozen boots, possibly more. In this matter, haste should not interfere.
When you find a pair that seems comfortable, walk around in it for 15-20 minutes. If after this time the shoes still feel comfortable, they are yours. All that remains is to buy trekking socks, because they have special properties, such as increased moisture wicking and hypoallergenicity.