Introduction
Hiking is a broad term. To define it, hiking is simply walking, but for longer distances, and on trails and off-road (rural area, countryside, hilly or muddy regions). Since it involves a lot of walking, proper footwear play the most crucial role.
There is a wide variety of footwear available in the market and seldom do people make the right choice.
In this article we will discuss the differences between shoes and boots for hiking. At the end of the article, we hope you’ll have an insight on the differences which will in turn help you make the right choice to buy.
The footwear for hiking are really only two kinds: Shoes and Boots.
(Wearing flip flops of formal shoes, or other types will wear your feet. Nobody wants that!)
Whether to buy shoes or boots depends on the type of hiker you are. Do you prefer long, vigorous hikes, or short ones? Do you hike on trails or rocky regions?
Weather plays a deciding role too! If you mostly hike in rainy weather, you will be better off with waterproof shoes whereas if you like to hike on bright lit weather, you will be saved from the attack of nasty sweat by wearing shoes that have meshed upper.
Now let’s get into the stuff that make shoes not boots and boots not shoes.
Shoes
Shoes are lighter than boots. This is because they have less cushion and padding than boots – which works perfectly fine if you walk on well-defined trails.
The light weight, like mentioned before, comes with less support, meaning, there is less shock absorbed when compared to boots. Make sure you carry less weight. If don’t plan on carrying a lot of weight with you, shoes will do.
Shoes are low-cut at the ankles which allows for free leg movement, which in turn allows for fast movements. Speed and agility: if these are the aspects you are looking for in your hike, shoes are the best.
Boots
Are you a beginner? Boots are for you. Although they are quite heavy, (yes, even a few pounds on your feet makes a difference since you are walking for a considerable distance), but characteristic of being heavy comes with an advantage. It has plenty of padding. This provides a lot of support, which is a necessity for beginners.
Boots prove to be incredibly more better than shoes if you are hiking over rough terrains and hike for long distances.
Also, the support boots have allows a hiker to carry a lot of weight with them. Boots can take the weight better than shoes.
So, grab a bottle of water (because you dehydrate when hiking), maps and a compass (so you don’t get lost), a multi-tool, matches, and a torch light.
Take a hiking partner with you if that option’s available. Hiking is a great way to get to know each other, build trust and bond.
Happy and an adventure-filled Hiking to you!
