HOW TO CHOOSE TREKKING SHOES?
“YOU NEED SPECIAL SHOES FOR HIKING AND A BIT OF A SPECIAL SOUL AS WELL”
Having said that, it is often said,” Give trekker the right shoe and he or she can conquer any mountain”
If you are a beginner and don’t know how and where to start trekking you can read my blog on Trekking Tips for beginners. Once you have decided on starting a trek and are excited, you start thinking about what gears to buy?. In that excitement, the first thing that comes to our mind is ‘ How to choose trekking shoes’?. The choice becomes even more difficult if you are a beginner. Well, if you are a beginner and don’t know how to go about choosing the right shoes, here are some tips. Based on the experience I am sharing few tips on how to choose the right shoes for trekking.
There are various options available in the market but choosing the right one is a difficult choice. Based on the kind of hike or trek, you can choose your trekking shoes. The important points to be kept in mind while selecting your shoes are:
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Grip– a well-fitted shoe with a good grip is a must for all types of treks. Even if you are wearing your regular sports or running shoes, they must have a good grip.
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Water-Resistant– If you are planning or heading towards a high altitude trek or a monsoon trek, you may encounter a lot of streams flowing from the hills and the rains. In such a situation, you will need water-resistant shoes. Even in case of rains, these shoes will help you to trek better without water seeping in. Make sure they are water-resistant and not water-proof. Water-proof shoes do not allow your feet to breathe well and you will have sticky and sweaty feet.
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Ankle Support– Whether it’s a day trek or a high altitude Himalayan Trek, the most crucial aspect while choosing the right trekking shoe is the ankle support. A good ankle supported shoe protect you from ankle sprains. Your ankle is prone to a lot of turns and twists while climbing up and down through the rough terrains during treks.
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Lightweight & Flexible– Usually you trek carrying your backpack, it becomes extremely important to have a shoe which light in weight and flexible. The rough terrains, boulders and steep climbs will need a shoe flexible enough for a free movement of feet. The flexibility of shoes is the most important aspect in choosing the right trekking shoe.
Considering the above points, let’s talk about the pros and cons of various shoes while selecting one for trekking.