An important element of equipment for hiking is reliable and comfortable shoes. If you plan to walk tens of kilometers, you should understand that doing this in uncomfortable shoes will be very problematic.
Many people think that sneakers are quite suitable for hiking in the mountains. But keep in mind that these shoes were designed for movement in the city or sports ground. It does not protect against moisture, it is difficult to dry, the sole is not strong enough and can break through contact with a sharp stone, sneakers can even melt near a fire.
Therefore, if you are serious, the only reasonable solution is specialized trekking shoes. In Russia, you can now buy it in almost all sports stores. We have a wide range of trekking shoes Salomon, Lowa, Scarpa, Asolo, Garmont, as well as lesser-known Polish, Czech and otherfirms.
The hottest shoes are designed for climbing high mountains (4-5 thousand meters). It is very stiff, with soles designed for rock terrain, soft ice or gretcher. It is convenient to hang snowshoes, crampons on it. However, long-term travel in it is very tiring.
All trekking shoes are characterized by high wear resistance, good ankle support and a special sole that has good grip. Often a membrane is installed in it, which protects against moisture and allows the foot to "breathe".
For medium (and light) trekking, there are special boots. For transitions along trails, screes and rocks, it is better to choose shoes made of leather or leatherette. But if you plan to go on wet snow, then for this you should buy boots with a Gore-tex membrane. It is the best protection against getting wet. Winter trekking shoes should be especially reliable.
When choosing shoes, you need to pay attention to such points:
- The tongue of the shoe and the upper of the shoe should be one piece to protect the feet from moisture when crossing streams, on dewy grass, etc.;
- there should be no seams inside that can be felt by hand;
- laces should have special loops sewn on top, not holes;
- soft pads should be placed along the ankles;
- toe should be reinforced with metal spacer;
- sole should be tough, hard and waterproof (Vibram technology).
For hiking in warm, dry areas (Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Greece, etc.), trekking shoes such as sneakers are quite suitable. They differ from running shoes in a special sole that provides better grip on a rocky surface, which does not allow the foot to slip when moving along rocky paths, wet ground. Their stiffer construction protects the sole from bumps, small stones that feel great in soft shoes. Reinforced side parts and toe box extend the life of these shoes. There are sneakers with "breathable" inserts made of a special material for ventilation.
Trekking shoes are tried on with a thin woolen sock, they are not laced tightly. Put on both boots and walk around for a few minutes. No pressure should be felt in the toes or ankles.
