You’ve got your backpack and your gear, you’ve mapped the trail and your camera is at the ready—but are you neglecting your shoes? Having the right kind of hiking shoes can make or break your trip. Hiking allows you to experience nature up close and personal, but you won’t enjoy it if your feet are swollen and aching the entire time.
The kind of hiking boot or trail shoe you should get will depend on what kind of hiking you’re doing as much as your individual shoe needs. Before you stop into Haig Shoes for your trail and hiking boots in Rochester Hills, MI, read on to learn more about the major factors you should take into consideration when finding the perfect hiking footwear.
Lighter is better
We recommend lighter hiking boots or trail shoes in every season except winter. Carrying extra weight around your feet requires more energy—four to six times more, in fact. You won’t be lugging around the extra weight of a heavy boot, and they also dry faster while providing great traction.
Typically, lightweight hiking shoes offer a stiffer sole and better traction than regular trainer-type shoes, making them a cross between hiking boots and running shoes. They come in a variety of styles and options, so you can find the right combination to meet your needs.
Here are some factors to consider before committing to a purchase:
- Comfort: Obviously, your shoes need to be comfortable, so that you can cover as much ground as possible. Be sure to test different shoes to see what works in terms of fit, arch support, ankle support, width and other concerns.
- Sizing: Your feet can swell while hiking, so we recommend going up a half-size from your normal shoes.
- Traction: Test the flexibility of your shoe’s sole as well as determine if it will have enough traction to support you on your hike. We like lightweight hiking shoes because they’re flexible enough to keep us nimble, but help prevent slips.
- Durability: Hiking shoes should last about 750 miles, while hiking boots can last up to 1,000 miles. Consider replacing your shoes when you’re approaching that mark, and avoid shoes with unsupported mesh to prolong their life.
- Sole and ankle support: We recommend getting a shoe with a sole that’s thick enough you won’t feel every pebble under your foot. However, ankle support is hotly contested in the hiking world—some feel it’s crucial, while others point out that true ankle support only comes when boots are tightly laced around your ankles. If your ankles are healthy, hiking shoes should be sufficient.
Find hiking boots and trail shoes in Rochester Hills, MI
For all of your hiking boot and trail shoe needs, talk to the experts at Haig Shoes. We’ve been around for more than three decades and are known as the leader for footwear in the region. Our team will be glad to assist you in finding the perfect combination of fit, comfort, style and practicality, so you can focus on hitting the trail and getting away from it all.