Hiking sandals are not a shoe that most people would think appropriate for actual hiking. There are truths and myths that follow this type of shoe. When hiking, what is naturally assumed to be worn is a pair of heavy looking boots with a thick sole and a high ankle. Support and protection are obviously the number one consideration when purchasing a good pair of trail walking shoes, hiking boots, or adventure shoes, for either men, women, or children. However, two facts also needing to be seriously considered when choosing these shoes is the season of the year and the outside temperature. Keeping cool in the heat is difficult enough without wearing a pair of shoes that encompass the feet up to the ankle and have no space for air to circulate and keep the feet cool. Although the feet are protected against all types of terrain, the temperature inside the shoe can become unbearable. Even lightweight hiking boots and lightweight walking shoes will take their toll after a period of time. A hiker whose feet are trapped inside a shoe with no air flow will lose energy very quickly on a hot day.
A pretty well known fact is that thermal energy is, for the most part, transferred more often through a person’s hands and feet than through any other part of the body. Therefore, it is imperative that the hands and feet are kept at a comfortably even temperature during both hot and cold weather. Another fact is that most hikers will reject the idea of hiking while wearing a pair of sandals pretty quickly. The foremost reason, of course, would be their assumption of the lack of support in a pair of sandals, which makes sense. However, hiking sandals do offer their own positives regarding support while hiking or walking. They are lightweight and breathable in order to keep feet cool in the hottest weather. They also offer a lot more support than people would think. Because they are lightweight, they allow the hiker to enjoy the maximum level of energy and stamina. In addition, crossing low bodies of water, for instance a brook or stream, is a breeze because hiking sandals are easily and quickly air dried, keeping their comfort level high.
Mens hiking sandals and womens walking sandals are available wherever hiking boots, paraboots, winter walking boots, and all other types of hiking and walking footwear are sold. Hiking sandals are very dissimilar from every day sandals. They have both padded midsoles and outsoles that provide ultimate support and comfort. Their outsoles are thick with deep lugs which are perfect for any kind of terrain, the same as hiking boots. Hiking sandals are strapped, either by velcro or metal straps, and can be adjusted. The fit should be the same as a hiking boot; however, an important fact to keep in mind is that they do not, in fact, have the same ankle support as a hiking boot. If there is a possibility that a trail will become treacherous at any point, then wearing a hiking boot is a better choice. The ankle support is imperative. The same would hold true for rock climbing or uneven terrain.
Hiking sandals can run in approximately the same price category as hiking boots. In 2014 the average price of a basic hiking boot was about $50.00. In addition, hiking boots should always be a comfortable weight for the person who wears them. Shoes that are heavy will cause the wearer to become tired more quickly and lessen their energy level because of the extra weight they are carrying. Obviously, hiking sandals will automatically carry less weight; however, the weight should still be an important consideration.
Daily walking has become a favorite type of exercise for many people who can easily incorporate it into their daily life and routine. In hot weather a pair of hiking sandals would work just fine as the perfect walking shoe. They offer the needed support but the terrain would probably be as favorable and obliging as can be. Comfortable feet equals happy feet, equals a happy hiker!