Tips for Choosing Hiking Shoes

When you're looking to buy a new pair of hiking shoes, try to overlook the aesthetics and go for the ultimate deciding factor: comfort. It's no fashion parade out there, and when you're trekking over hill and dale, through water, mud and high grass, the last thing you're going to care about is who's looking at your feet. Your hiking shoes could well be the most important thing you pack for your trip, next to water that is.

Boots or shoes?
There are purists who prefer boots to hiking shoes and every person will have their own preference. But even those who wear boots in tough terrain and extreme conditions will likely choose a pair of shoes over their sturdier counterparts. The reason is that shoes allow you to cover more distance when the going is easier. They also result in less fatigue on the bones and muscles of the feet and ankles because they allow for more freedom of movement. The argument for boots is that they provide more support for the ankles but if you intend to do a lot of hiking, then invest in some ankle-strengthening exercises such as walking on soft sand at the beach or ask your physiotherapist or sports trainer for some tips.

Look for the features you need
There is such a variety of hiking shoes around that you could get quite confused when shopping for them. What you need to keep in mind is the kind of hiking you'll be doing. Obviously if you're going into wet territory then you'll need a shoe that repels water to a degree and that dries rapidly. Rocky ground requires footwear with stiff soles and deep treads for extra grip. For once, you may not be buying a shoe for its long-lasting qualities but for its suitability towards the task. The style won't have to stay current because it's not the priority. Just keep thinking 'comfort, comfort, comfort' each time you try on a pair.

Ask the sales assistant to help you fit your new hiking shoes, especially if you're an inexperienced hiker. They will be able to give you advice on the possibility of your feet swelling, how different conditions change the fit of your shoe, the right kind of shoe for where you're going and so on. It's always good to consult someone who is experienced at such outdoor activities; not only will they have some important advice but they will likely have some interesting tales to tell.

Take your thicker socks along with you when you go to try on your hiking shoes as they will be the best indicator of fit for your expedition. Avoid shoes that are too big because you'll be slipping and sliding around inside them while walking and that can throw you off balance, as well as cause you great discomfort. Too small and you'll bring on some very nasty blisters. Too short and your toes will be in trouble. What you're looking for is a shoe that fits firmly while you're wearing your thick socks, but still has a bit of room for toe movement.

It's useful to note that sizing of hiking shoes can be different from that of regular shoes. Don't be too concerned about the size of the shoes you look at, instead go by fit. Sometimes, different manufacturers even size their shoes differently for reasons best known to them, so if you wind up wearing shoes a full size larger than what you normally would, just go with it.

Most importantly, once you've bought your new hiking shoes, you must wear them in before you take them out on an expedition. Walk around in them and get used to the fit so that the shoes mold themselves to your feet. Remember, comfort is the ultimate goal.