When we are going for a hike, in the mountains, for training or just for a walk, among other things, we will need the right shoes. It protects legs from bad weather, keeps them warm, relieves the load from the joints. And the result of the whole trip depends on how convenient it will be. Because there is nothing worse than corns on the first day.
Shoes for hiking and active recreation have several technological differences from ordinary city shoes. The main ones are:
The stiffness of the sole is an important point when choosing models for hiking in rocky terrain. The dense sole is designed to smooth out unevenness, compensate for difficult areas of the terrain. The harder the sole, the better it "works" on stones and bushes. And in options for mountaineering, thanks to the rigidity, you can use crampons and break steps in a hard layer of snow and firn.
Fixation of the heel and ankle area prevents injuries and twisting during difficult sections. Good support of the ankle joint is an important moment on descents, the leg is fixed in the rear part and does not move forward, the fingers do not rest on the front wall. As you know, ingrown toenails are the most common problem when hiking.
Hard lacing is necessary to fit the shoe to the foot, to fix the foot inside the shoe. Also, with good lacing, it is possible to avoid corns. Some models, such as Asolo Apex or Asolo Space, have extended lacing, which allows you to lace the shoes as tightly as possible.
The insole, made considering the anatomy of the foot, provides support, cushioning and compensates for the load. During a difficult hike with heavy backpacks, it supports the elevation of the foot and prevents injuries.
A reinforced sock is needed to protect the fingers from impacts and damage.
The best manufacturers of the outdoor industry, including Asolo and Black Diamond, develop specialized shoes for trekking, mountaineering, rock climbing and other types of outdoor activities. During the creation of each model, the conditions of its use, seasonality, and anatomical features are taken into account.
When choosing shoes, the destination is one of the most important criteria for selecting a particular model. Conditionally, it is possible to distinguish: shoes for hiking, for training, specialized.
Hiking shoes
This is one of the most popular categories of shoes in outdoor stores. Choosing the right pair is just as important as choosing your backpack, sleeping bag and mat. This is the base on which all comfort on the route depends. After all, if the shoes are not comfortable, do not provide the necessary support and do not hold on the terrain, then there can be no pleasure from adventures. The hiker will constantly try to hold on so as not to trip or fall. Therefore, it is necessary to choose all the elements of equipment, and shoes In particular, responsibly.
Depending on the complexity of the terrain and the features of the transitions, tourist shoes are divided into hiking, trekking, and climbing shoes.
Hiking shoes
Hiking is a new word for our tourist. Simply put, this is an easy hike on a marked route, without technically difficult sections, a long walk for pleasure. Hiking involves a light backpack and easy terrain. Therefore, light boots, sneakers and sandals are used for this type of hike.
Hiking boots are optimally used if you plan to walk a considerable distance (10 km or more) over rough terrain. Freebie boots prevent dust and debris from getting inside, support the ankle joint and take the strain off the knees. Most often, such models do not use a membrane, there may be mesh inserts to ensure breathing.
Hiking does not involve carrying heavy backpacks, so the sole is used with medium stiffness. Its main function is to compensate for uneven terrain underfoot. Thanks to this, hiking boots can be used for walks in the park, outside the city, in the forest. They are great for the city in the off-season.
Hiking sneakers are used in the warm season and off-season. This is a good option for one-day trips to nature, summer hikes. The main difference between hiking boots and sneakers is the height of the toe. Sneakers do not fix the joint, do not give it support on the terrain. But at the same time, they hold the foot well, often have extended lacing and a hard sole.
Hiking sneakers are structurally different from ordinary urban or training ones:
- Their soles are significantly harder, they are designed for walking on stones, bushes, and all kinds of unevenness;
- The deep tread is designed to grip the surface; manufacturers offer different types of sole materials, various tread patterns;
- Upper materials are strong, hold the foot securely, withstand heavy loads; leather, nubuck, synthetics are used for production;
- The reinforced toe protects the fingers from shocks and damage to the stonethe same area;
- Reinforced fixation of the heel prevents stretching and twisting.
Sandals are used in the heat or as a change of footwear. They fix well on the foot, do not rub, have a soft sole. Some models are suitable for hiking with a backpack, their soles are designed for the weight of the tourist plus the weight of the backpack.
Trekking shoes
Trekking is a more difficult type of hiking. The tourist already has a heavy backpack (up to 15 kg) on his back and has to walk through mountainous terrain and stones. The requirements for trekking shoes are significantly higher:
- Their sole must smooth out the complexities of the terrain and withstand the total weight of a backpacker; for comfortable unloading of knee and ankle joints during production, an intermediate insert made of EVA material is used; mandatory pronounced protector; the heel can be reinforced with plastic chassis or inserts for reliable fixation of the foot;
- Upper materials are thick leather, nubuck, there may be synthetic inserts; the top has protection against moisture - a membrane or impregnation of leather elements;
- High clearance reliably fixes the joint, provides support in difficult areas; lacing allows you to adjust the degree of fixation of the foot, yes, on the descents, the boots are tightened, and on the ascents, you can loosen them a little.
Trekking boots are the most versatile type of hiking footwear. They are used both for long summer hikes and in the off-season, and for easy ones in the cold period. And the stiffest models are great for winter hikes, expeditions, and easy climbing. Some tourists also use them during the warm season, when the weight of their backpack reaches 20 kg.
When choosing hiking shoes, it is important to understand that there is a direct relationship between the final weight of the equipment on the back and the stiffness of the soles of the boots. The heavier your backpack, the stiffer the sole should be. To do this, it consists of several layers, each of which performs its tasks. The intermediate layers provide the necessary cushioning and remove part of the load from the knees, and the outer layers provide direct and torsional (twisting) stiffness, adhesion to various surfaces.
One of the most popular manufacturers of soles is Vibram. Today, many brands use its products. Asolo uses Vibram for both sneakers and boots.
Boots for climbing and mountaineering
The footwear category with the highest requirements. You won't be carrying a heavy pack while climbing, but the terrain underfoot will be different from what you're already familiar with. Snow, ice and rocks will form the basis of your route. Also, be prepared for the cold. Based on this, the main characteristics of climbing boots will be:
- Good insulation. Some models may have multi-layer insulation, an internal removable boot; the most popular heaters are synthetic Primaloft, Thinsulate, but if there is none, then you need to select the size taking into account the use of several warm socks;
- Rants for crampons;
- Protected toe so that you can hit the stairs with your boots in compacted snow;
- The stiffness of the sole is designed for the use of crampons; fixation of the foot is as rigid as possible;
- Protection against damage is implemented in the form of a rubber lower part, thanks to which the boots are not afraid of sharp ice chips, stones;
- Moisture protection can be implemented with a plastic top, use of skin impregnation or integrated gaiters.
Running shoes
Another popular type of activity is running. Today they run everywhere: in parks, on running tracks, in stadiums, on asphalt and rough terrain.
For a comfortable workout, it is important to pay attention to the following characteristics of running shoes:
- Amortization. Compensates the load on the spine, knee and ankle joints. Soft foam inserts, which provide shock absorption during landing, can be located on the heel, in the toe area, less often on the entire foot. It depends on running technique and landing style. Cushioning plays a very important role when running on hard (asphalt, rocky terrain) surfaces;
- Achilles fixation is important when running cross-country, when there is a possibility of twisting the foot. Allows you to tightly fix the shoes on the leg;
- Weight - the average weight of running shoes is about 400 grams, there are also lightweight ones;
- The soft and flexible sole allows the foot to take natural curves during the step;
- Reinforcement of some zones extends the service life of shoes. Reinforced inserts can be on the toe, on the bends. Zonal reinforcement is also placed on the sole;
- Ventilation and breathability are important criteria for summer running shoes. For this, mesh inserts are used;
- The lacing allows you to adjust the degree of stiffness of the foot fixation, in professional models, asymmetric lacing is used so that the foot does not slip inside;
- Protectors play an important role when you have to train on a wet surface or rough terrain. The deeper they are, the better the adhesion to the surface will be.
During development, manufacturers consider the conditions of use, physical data of runners, the area where training will take place nya All this affects the design features of each model. Therefore, all running shoes can be conditionally divided into models:
- For runs on specialized paths;
- For rough terrain;
- For asphalt coating.
Specialized footwear
In some situations, the functionality of hiking shoes does not quite meet the demands. It is in such cases that specialized shoes are used. Here you can count:
- Rock shoes (rock shoes);
- Shoes for approaches;
- Shoes for water activities.
Rock shoes
They are rock climbers, used during rock climbing. Their special shape and structure make it possible to stand on the smallest rock ledges. They firmly fix the foot inside, have a hard sole that smooths out sharp corners on the stone.
Today, there are models for climbing on natural terrain (on rocks) and in closed rooms (on climbing walls).
Rock shoes should fit very tightly to the leg, so the upper part of such shoes is most often made of leather with synthetic inserts. And the Black Diamond brand uses its unique elastic knitwear, which does not deform or lose its properties even after long-term use.
One of the most popular manufacturers of climbing shoes is the Black Diamond company. The entire history of this brand is imbued with love for rocks and mountains. Their ambassadors include Kate Rutherford, Matt Helliker.
In addition to rock shoes, the brand's 2020 collection includes sneakers for approaches. The main goal of the development of such sneakers was to provide rock climbers with comfortable shoes that they could use between rock approaches.
The climbing shoes have a soft sole reminiscent of urban models, a synthetic knit upper, and a reinforced toe box for rock grip and toe protection. They are optimally used when you need to reach the rocks from the camp, change shoes from hard rocks after climbing. Some models, such as Circuit and Session, are equipped with a soft back. It can be folded up and used as a flip flop between rock approaches. Of course, such a back does not fix the heel and is not suitable for serious terrain, but as intermediate shoes they are ideal.
Stylish designs of sneakers for approaches allow you to use them also for the city, where you do not have to walk on difficult terrain, climb somewhere or overcome long distances.
Shoes for aquatic activities are represented by coral slippers. Often they are also called corals. Their features are an anatomical cut and a tight, soft fit to the foot.
The top is most often made of elastic neoprene, and the sole is made of soft rubber. The slippers have a dense rubber edging, thanks to which the foot and toes are protected from cuts, punctures and impacts at the bottom of the reservoir. Additionally, upper fixation is used. For example, Sea to Summit uses velcro in addition to the neoprene base sock in its line of coral Flex Booties. They provide a soft fixation, are quite wear-resistant, do not rub with long-term use.
Coral slippers are suitable for various types of activity, from walking on the beach with shells to extreme rafting and calm SUP-boarding.
When choosing shoes for your adventures, it is important to pay attention to the purpose, quality, and brand of the manufacturer.
The SMG company is a direct supplier of such manufacturers as Black Diamond, Asolo. The most complete range of their products is presented in our warehouses. And consultants in stores are always happy to help with the choice.