If you were to ask anyone who hikes long-distance, they would tell you one of the most important pieces of gear to have are good shoes. There are many different types of footwear that you can use on the trail—here are a few of them.
The first type is Barefoot shoes. When I say Barefoot shoes, I’m not talking about dermis to the dirt—I’m talking about those funky looking shoes that have separate compartments for each toe.
Personal Review: I like the idea of these shoes. They allow more protection than just walking barefoot, and they can help counteract the effects of plantar fasciitis (a win-win!). A negative aspect though is that they offer little protection—if you step on something sharp you will still feel it.
The second notable shoe type are hiking boots. Hiking boots are generally a sturdier option than barefoot shoes and thus offer more support. On the downside, they can be pretty bulky and can slow you down on the trail.
Juxtaposed to the slowness of the clunky hiking boots are trail running shoes! Trail running shoes are lighter than the hiking books but have a more supportive sole. I personally find that these are the optimal footwear for both long-distance and a quick run on the trail. Some advantages of these are that they have pretty good breathability and are lightweight and flexible. Some cons are that they aren’t generally waterproof or good for colder weather.
These are just a few different types of footwear that can be seen on the trail—each are great options. My personal favorite though would be the trail running shoes because they are more versatile to all aspects of life; they can be worn casually, on a backpacking trip, while you’re running from a bear, while you’re helping your mom in the garden—you know, all the important stuff.
- Wils Haffner
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