Choosing the perfect hiking shoes: 8 important elements
Are you a trekking fan too? I have become one over time; I have always supported the theory that trekkers are not born, they become one and when you feel the thrill of reaching the top or the place you covet so much, your heart bursts with joy and becomes a real drug. To go trekking properly. you have to choose the right trekking shoes; there are 8 elements to take into consideration before buying them and today we will analyze them together
If you love walking to discover the wildest nature, one of the first things to take into consideration are your little feet; they must be pampered for the whole time of the walk, otherwise instead of becoming a passion, it will become a nightmare.
Let's start with the first element:
Sole
A good sole must be strictly non-slip and made of rubber, a hard and resistant material that will allow it to last over the years.
Upper
The upper is the upper part of the shoe and its job is to protect and support our feet. It must not be too narrow or too loose.
If you buy a hiking shoe with an upper that is too tight, you risk blisters with the rubbing of your foot, while if you take it too wide, it is much easier to slip or twist.
If your excursion involves crossing streams, buy a shoe with a waterproof upper, please. It makes a difference, believe me.
Lining and padding
Two other elements to consider when evaluating what type of shoe to take are the lining and the padding.
The best of all are those made of foam, a super resistant material, even more than foam rubber. Both will ensure the comfort of the foot and ankle.
Tab
The tongue is the area of the shoe that is located under the laces and serves to prevent stones and earth residues from entering the shoe.
Remember baby: when you lace your shoes, the tongue must be completely pulled upwards. If some creases remain, you can be sure that sooner or later some small stone will enter.
I learned this the hard way while trekking in Slovenia to reach Velika Planina and believe me it is hateful to have to stop to clean your shoes and let's not talk about the pain you feel when you put your whole weight on a pebble!
Solothurn
The insole (or plantar) is the inside of the shoe, where you rest your feet. If you don't want back problems, and believe me they could come to you over time, you have to buy a trekking shoe with an anatomic and fixed insole.
The 99.9% movable insoles tend to shift during walking and risk making you walk incorrectly.
Strings
Ah, strings are my biggest problem. It is an element that I have always hated because I connect them the wrong way all the time
In fact, as you hike you will discover that they are an element that should not be underestimated because they are used to keep your feet firm and firm inside the shoe.
I advise you never to leave without spare laces because some strings tend to break sooner than expected and suddenly and without them you will not go anywhere!
See also
Now that you understand the functionality of the elements that characterize a trekking shoe, let's talk about the size.
Dimensions
As you know, different types of trekking shoes have been created; some are high, some are low and some are of medium level. Each of these measures has its own why. It makes no sense to throw yourself headlong into purchases, without first understanding the substantial differences between the different hiking shoes.
The low shoe is definitely more suitable for driving smooth and regular roads.
Medium / high shoes are the most suitable for tackling more difficult treks where the terrain is often uneven, slippery and full of obstacles.
The ankle must be protected otherwise you risk a sprain or in the worst case of fracturing or breaking it.
In addition to height, you must consider whether to buy summer or winter shoes.
Obviously the winter shoe weighs much more than the summer one.
Gore-Tex shoes: the importance of waterproofing
Do you know what the Gore-Tex system is? It is a highly technological material born in 1969. It is a synthetic fabric consisting of microscopic holes (they are 20,000 times smaller than a drop of water) along the entire surface.
This prevents water from penetrating into the shoe but at the same time will ensure the escape of sweat, even if not completely.
This invention has guaranteed water resistance to millions of trekkers. You know, in the mountains it is very easy to come across a stream and thanks to the Gore-Tex system, your feet are 100% protected.
The lining is made up of 10 layers, an incredible and avant-garde creation. The shoe is the house of our feet and should be chosen at best and calmly.
If you love trekking, am I sure you will buy several models? Those who love the mountains love it all year round and forever.
