Sunday, August 21, 2011

Finding The Right Hiking Shoes

By Michelle Yang


Before you can take off on that hiking trip you have been playing, you notice that you need to get new hiking shoes. Jumping into your fully packed car, you drive to the store, and go stand in front of shelves of shoes. What is it that you want?

What you look for will depend on what time of year it is and what conditions you are expecting to find when you get out into woods, desert, or streams. Each situation will require a different shoe for optimal performance, safety, and comfort.

If you are going out for a day hike and the weather is hot, you might want something that is lightweight and has good ventilation. These types are generally low-cut and provide minimal ankle support and would be good for easy or moderate hikes, but they might not provide the support you may need for strenuous hikes. They also tend to wear out quickly.

Hiking in winter brings its own perils. The weather is almost always cold and walking through snow, water, and ice can be hazardous. Something that is insulated, waterproof, and has traction can help protect your feet. You will need something that is rugged and well-built.

A ventilated shoe can help keep your feet cool in the summer time, but they can also cause problems in the winter time. While there are ventilated ones that are also waterproof, you have to be careful, because not all of them are. If you are hiking in the cold of winter and your feet get wet, then you could be in danger of developing frostbite. Conversely, in the summer time, if you are wearing shoes that do not breath your feet could overheat.

What one wears on an easy day hike is often much different from what one would wear on a strenuous hike over rough terrain. If you know what type of conditions you will be faced with, then you will have a better idea of the best shoe to purchase to take care of your feet.




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