To feel comfortable in your hiking shoes, avoid blisters and injuries, and get the most out of them for as long as possible, it is essential to use them correctly. Let's look at the right habits to adopt for getting the best out of your hiking shoes.
Choosing the right pair of hiking shoes is only half the battle — you also need to use them correctly. As with anything, there is no point in having the best gear if you do not know how to use it properly or neglect its upkeep. In this article, let's explore how to get the most out of your hiking shoes in just a few steps.
Put on the most suitable pair of shoes
It is entirely possible that you have several pairs of hiking shoes in your cupboard. If that is the case, before heading out, choose the pair that best suits the day's outing. For example, in summer, for a simple walk on flat terrain, you might opt for hiking sandals or low-cut shoes. If you are heading out for a long mountain hike, go instead for mid or high-cut boots to give your ankle the best possible protection. If you plan to walk in rain, water, or snow, make sure your shoes are waterproof — ideally featuring a Gore-Tex® membrane. These are all criteria to consider before you head out the door.
Choosing the right pair of socks
Once you have decided on your choice of shoe, it is also important to choose a suitable pair of socks. If you do not own several pairs of hiking shoes, you most likely own several pairs of hiking socks. Assuming you only have socks that conform to the shape of your foot, before heading out you need to choose socks that are, on one hand, suited to the shoes you have chosen (if you have several pairs), and on the other, appropriate for the day's outing.
You will therefore choose socks of varying heights depending on the cut of your shoes, as well as the weather and type of terrain. If you are about to tackle a serious mountain hike on steep and rugged terrain with significant elevation gain, you absolutely need socks with sufficient, high-quality reinforcements, particularly at the heels and toes. The choice of material and thickness is equally important and can vary depending on the outing and the day's temperature. For example, if it is on the cold side or you are likely to encounter snow, opt for thick socks with a certain percentage of merino wool. If, on the other hand, you know you are likely to sweat — because the day is warm or you are heading out for a particularly demanding outing — then favour synthetic fibres, which wick moisture more effectively, or a blend with a relatively low wool content and an intermediate thickness.
Only hike with properly laced shoes
It may seem trivial, but it is essential to lace your shoes correctly before heading out hiking. Your comfort during the walk, as well as your safety, largely depends on this simple step. Well-laced shoes conform perfectly to the shape of your foot without exerting any pressure. This means you must ensure sufficient support while maintaining a degree of flexibility and freedom of movement, particularly around the toes. Well-laced shoes must maintain the tension achieved at lacing throughout, from the bottom to the top of the foot — and above all, they must not come undone on their own, as you risk ending up with loose laces in the middle of a hike.
Regularly check that your equipment is in good condition
Too often overlooked, shoes and socks are one of the primary sources of comfort or discomfort during hiking — not to mention safety. It is essential to ensure your equipment is in good condition. Regularly check the outsole of your shoes: it should never become smooth over time, so make sure it still grips as well as on day one. It can also happen that the sole detaches from the upper — be sure to check this too, to avoid unpleasant surprises mid-hike. Bear in mind that it is often possible to have the outsole repaired; don't hesitate to speak to a cobbler who can re-glue it, reinforce it, or even replace it entirely. In the same way, check the condition of the upper, which can be susceptible to abrasion, as well as the condition of your laces and eyelets — the last thing you want is for them to break out on the trail.
The same applies to your socks, which should always provide a good fit without compressing the foot — meaning they should not be too loose, as this risks creating folds that cause friction and encourage blister formation, or sliding down to the calf and exposing the skin of your ankle directly to the shoe, creating a hot spot. This is also why your socks must not have holes. Check that the reinforcement zones are in perfect condition, especially if you are about to tackle significant elevation changes.
Properly maintaining your hiking shoes
Hiking shoes in good condition are either brand new, or they have been well looked after. That is why it is essential to take proper care of your shoes and carry out regular maintenance. After each outing, remove all traces of dirt or dust, dry out the insole, quickly clean the outside of your shoes, air them out, and let them dry completely at room temperature before storing them in a dry place away from dust, direct heat, or direct light. From time to time, carry out a more thorough clean that includes the inside of your shoes and washing the insole. Finally, once to a maximum of four times a year, treat your shoes with a product specifically suited to their material. For example, use a nourishing treatment if your shoes are made from full-grain leather, nubuck, or suede. There are also treatments designed to reactivate the water-repellency of your synthetic shoes. All of these steps, combined with proper storage and use, will help you avoid premature wear and keep your shoes in great condition.
