How to choose the right Trekking Shoes
SO our footwear is our foremost companion for any adventure activity & no doubt it can make or break our trip. thus today let us discuss how we can choose the perfect shoes for us.
let’s start typically choosing the perfect shoes is depended upon a number of outer factors like the nature of the terrain, the duration of the trek/trip & also the weight we will be carrying on the trek. yes, all these factors affect the choice of the shoes perfect for us, & here’s how
for understanding we could divide the shoes into 3 broad categories :
Hiking shoes or trail running shoes
these are low-cut models having flexible rubber soles & are lightweight. These are meant for short treks, one day or weekend trips Carrying a lightweight pack & Walking on easy and well-paved trails. most of these are breathable & thus are superb for warm weather and dry terrain.
Trekking boots
these are the mid-cut models having relatively stiffer soles than the hiking shoes & have added support for our feet and ankles. Their uppers or upper layer are usually leather or synthetic. Trek boots are ideal for longer treks, usually a week-long, which involve carrying moderately heavy backpacks & are suitable to use even on rough terrains. These boots are good on snow, rain and are moderately water-resistant as well. these are actually good choice for trekking in the Sahyadris.
Mountaineering boots
these are the high cut models which are more durable are designed for challenging treks that last longer, sometimes more than ten days. these are suitable to carry a heavy backpack. The boots have thicker and more aggressive out-soles. The fabric used in these boots is more robust too. They have an insole padding which helps in cushioning the feet. They also have better ankle support and come with crampon-ready features. These boots are more expensive & are normally purchased by professionals to be used in colder regions like the Himalayas & likewise.
Additional tips
so after choosing the type based on your needs. you should check for
1Waterproof/breathable membranes such as Gore-Tex or eVent or Nova dry
2Always test the shoes for the right fit. for mountaineering boots, you should buy one size larger so that you can wear multiple woollen socks layers in colder climates. it also helps in avoiding blisters.
3Vegan-friendly hiking boots and shoes are also made using synthetic leather, without any animal ingredients or byproducts if you prefer this
4Wear the boots before going on the actual trek so that you can get used to it.
