Hiking Shoes vs. Hiking Boots

It’s essential to choose the right hiking footwear. The lack of proper support will likely lead to blistered feet, body aches, and injuries, such as rolling an ankle. You may not have the appropriate gear if you have never hiked before. Here are some tips for deciding between hiking shoes or hiking boots so you don’t hurt yourself on walking trails.

Get Your Hiking Footwear Early

It’s a good idea to buy your hiking footwear at least a week before you plan on hitting the walking trails. The reason is that they need to be broken in for a few days first. When you wear brand new shoes on a long walk, you may develop blisters.

Many stores sell both hiking shoes and hiking boots. Typically, hiking shoes resemble tennis shoes, but they tend to be made of more durable materials. However, if you suffer from weak ankles or have previously been injured, they may not provide enough ankle support. Despite this, they are lightweight, so you can probably use them for other purposes. Hiking shoes are usually better suited to light hiking and walking trails.

There are two main types of hiking boots: day-hiking boots and backpacking boots. A day-hiking boot is similar to a hiking shoe in boot form. These boots offer ankle support and are suitable for day hikes. However, they may not be able to support challenging or very long hikes.

Backpacking boots are a good option if you plan to hike for several days or attempt challenging paths. They provide more support than both hiking shoes and day-hiking boots. In addition, they are designed to be highly durable and able to handle off-the-beaten-path conditions.

Don’t Forget Chiropractic Care!

If you don’t wear the proper hiking footwear, you can develop foot and ankle pain. Livingston County Chiropractic Center can help if you experience any pain in your legs, ankles, or feet while walking trails. Schedule an appointment today!

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