If you are one of these people who enjoy a Sunday hike in the mountains, in the countryside or by the river, rather than a lazy afternoon in front of the telly, then you surely realise the importance of wearing good hiking shoes. However, being overwhelmed by the variety of brands, models, types and colours to choose from, you might find it a bit difficult to choose the right pair for yourself. So what is it – really – that good hiking shoes need to have?
Good hiking shoes – what should they be like?
There is a number of things that you might want to take into consideration when picking the perfect pair of walking or hiking shoes for women and for men. Whether you are an experienced hiker or someone who is just about to set off on their first serious journey, you should definitely not forget to:
– – make sure that they are comfortable! Feeling good and comfy in your clothes and shoes is one of the most important aspects of doing any kind of sport! The last thing that you need is to be stuck somewhere in the middle of your hike, because your shoes are uncomfortable, they rub your feet or cause blisters. Before buying them, have a good walk around the shoe shop to see how they fit. Then, try them out on a shorter walk before you set off on a full-day hike!
– – consider whether you need them to be waterproof. If you are planning to hike around the place as rainy as the UK, then you should definitely make sure that your feet don’t get soaked!
– ook out for resilient models with solid soles and good protection for your ankles to avoid twisting or spraining.
– – try to find the best value for money – the cheapest shoes will probably last you only a few weeks (if not less), so consider investing a bit more in shoes or boots that will travel with you wherever you go – for years!
Hiking shoes, gym shoes, running shoes – can I use the same pair?
Sport shoes are divided into various categories and we advise, as much as possible, to use the type that is the most suitable for a given type of physical activity.
When it comes to gym shoes, it is advisable to keep them separate and not to use them outdoors. Also, bear in mind that the gym staff usually appreciate their customers wearing clean shoes inside their facilities. And obviously, it is also good for your personal hygiene.
Running shoes is a whole different story. Running and jogging have grown in popularity in recent years. Many people find it stimulating to go for a morning run, while some like to jog in the evenings to clear their thoughts. Whatever your motivation is, remember that good shoes are an essential part of your running outfit.
Most sport shops have got separate lines of running shoes for women and men, so that everybody can find something suitable for themselves. Among the most popular brands you can find running shoes by Adidas and running shoes by Nike – some of the absolute bestsellers!
