There are loads of things to take into consideration when preparing for a hike but a vital components to take into consideration is getting the best hiking shoes. Picking the proper footwear is going to make or break the success of one's expedition so it is crucial that you diligently match the correct set of hiking shoes with the hike.
A lightweight and supple shoe is ideal for a short and easy expedition over a well trodden and easy route but is going to leave one's feet hurting and you could slip or twist an ankle if hiking through rough and unstable ground over a prolonged period, yet a sturdy and well supportive set of boots may well be overkill on a light and easy day trip but it will provide you with all-day comfort and support on a hike up the side of a mountain.
Below are a few of the questions you have to take into consideration when shopping for your next pair of hiking shoes:
What terrain are you going to be hiking on?
Are you going to be hiking well-worn paths, bushwalking, mountain or gorge walking or coarse unchartered terrain? Will there be steep hills or mountains, and will you require waterproofing for crossing streams? Are you likely to be hiking through rough arid desert, or will you be hiking through deep damp rainforest?
How long is your expedition?
Will you be arranging a day trip or an overnight hike with camping?
What will the weather do?
Will it be warm, dry and dusty or are you hiking through wet sodden pastures? This would establish whether you will need light and breathable hiking shoes or a pair which will keep your feet dry!
How much weight will you be carrying?
Will you need to have additional support from your hiking shoes for the heavy rucksack as well as other gear you are carrying or are you travelling light with only a daypack?Heavier, more sturdy hiking boots can provide more support for you compared to lightweight hiking shoes when you are carrying heavy backpacks jam-packed with all your camping gear.
Do you need good ankle support?
Harsh loose ground or flat easy paths? Hiking shoes with a lack of ankle support could leave you with an injury when the terrain is rough and unpredictable yet a highly supportive shoe may well be overkill and be unnecessarily bulky if you don’t plan on going off of the beaten track.
How regularly will you use your new hiking shoes?
Do you plan only one or two hikes per year or are you an avid walker that needs long lasting strength from your hiking shoes or boots? Whilst a good pair of hiking boots will be with you for quite a time whatever your level, you need to think about the amount of use you will get from your new pair before over-spending on a massively sturdy boot if you are only going to make use of them twice a year but on the other hand, if you underspend on a lower price and less reliable pair then they can deteriorate relatively quickly if you take them out on an overnight hike every weekend.
