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Trekking is a walk in nature, a recreational activity that reduces stress and promotes physical fitness and mental health. It is economical and convenient, and you don't need special equipment. Although it may seem like a simple walk in the park, it demands power, stamina, and endurance. Choosing the best pair of trekking shoes is equally important. The type of trekking shoes you should choose depends on the trek and your endurance. The best trekking shoes must offer quality, comfort, traction, stability, and durability.
This article has compiled a thorough guide on the right pair of trekking shoes to wear on your next adventure.
Barefoot Trekking Shoes
Barefoot trekking shoes are the best trekking shoes for short-duration treks. These shoes usually have a thin, grippy sole and a roomy toe box. These shoes are lightweight, flexible, and more breathable than other shoes. They are very compact and occupy minimal space, which makes these barefoot shoes a perfect choice for travel.
These shoes offer minimal cushioning and might not be suitable for rugged terrain. Also, you can’t use them in cold and snowy weather conditions.
Trail-running shoes
Trail-running shoes are quite flexible, lightweight, and more comfortable than most other types of trekking footwear, which results in less effort and saves a lot of energy. Trail-running shoes are most appropriate to wear in warm and humid conditions. Your feet will stay relatively much cooler, sweat will evaporate more readily from your feet, and your shoes and socks will remain dry.
These shoes are perfect trekking shoes for women or men. These shoes are mostly used for short and less difficult trails, as they are lightweight and unsuitable for the multiple-day trek.
Trekking boots
Trekking boots are durable and provide more ankle support than other trekking shoes. They can provide enough traction and protection against rough weather and all terrains. These shoes are also warm and appropriate for colder weather. But remember that trekking boots are heavier, less comfortable, and less breathable.
Waterproof trekking boots are the best waterproof boots for walking. Trekking boots are designed to keep your feet dry and warm when passing through streams, moving through rivers, and treading through wet grass.
Hiking shoes
You can also choose hiking shoes for trekking, especially for harsh trails and clambering off-trail. These shoes are also appropriate for areas where there are rocky slopes, slippery snow, and uneven trails. These are appropriate for hiking and backpacking with medium-sized loads or on rough, harsh terrain.
These shoes are also highly flexible, lightweight, and more comfortable and breathable than other trekking shoes. Waterproof varieties of these hiking shoes will help keep your feet dry in wet and soggy conditions. Hiking shoes aren’t suitable for very cold and snowy environments.
Backpacking Boots
Backpacking boots provide protection, durability, and support and are best trekking boots used in much harsher conditions. These shoes offer better equilibrium, ankle support, momentum, and motion control. Backpacking boots are warm; hence suitable for cold conditions and off-trail trekking.
These have stiff soles so that you can use them with crampons. Backpacking boots can be heavy and bulky. They restrict your mobility, are heavy, and can be uncomfortable and burdensome.
Mountaineering boots
Mountaineering boots are best trekking shoes for steep terrain, glacial travel, higher elevations, or harsh conditions. They have a high-cut profile for better support and stability. These boots are extremely tough and durable, built for rough terrain and serious trekking.
They are also compatible with crampons. Mountaineering boots can be too bulky and uncomfortable for long trekking trips, but these are a smart choice for a short and adventurous trip.
Trekking Sandals
Trekking sandals are the preferred footwear for summer treks. They are the best shoes for casual trekking on well-maintained trails. However, wearing durable hiking sandals with a shock-absorbing rubber outsole and rimmed edges is best for longer and more challenging treks. They provide great breathability, are easy to wear and have cushioning effect against rugged surfaces. These shoes are perfect trekking shoes for men or women in the summertime. Avoid wearing these shoes in places where prickly plants are present or in the winter season.
Points to Keep in Mind Before Buying Trekking Shoes
Following are the important points you should consider before buying best trekking shoes:
- The duration, or the number of days you will wear the shoes while trekking, is also important.
- Always check weather conditions on the trek before trekking, for instance, monsoon or snow trek.
- It would be best if you kept in mind the weight you will be carrying on you, i.e., backpack weight, and then buy shoes accordingly.
- For short treks, you should opt for low-ankle shoes such as trail running shoes. Whereas for harsh terrain and long treks, you should choose to use trekking boots. And for expeditions, you should use mountaineering boots.
- For trekking, look for waterproof, comfortable, and more breathable shoes.
- Buy a larger size of trekking shoes than your usual shoe size. It will help you avoid blisters, and you will also have room to move your toes. This space should be in your shoes, as you will wear multiple socks in colder conditions.
Conclusion
Always select your trekking shoes based on the terrain, the weather, the duration of the trek, and – most importantly – your personal choice. Trekking is a memorable trip that your inappropriate choice of shoes can ruin. Therefore, you should always select the most suitable pair of trekking shoes. But you must also be certain they're a perfect fit before choosing one. That’s why we have compiled an absolute guide on choosing the best trekking shoes.