If you are here, it is probably because you are not one of those exercisers who are convinced that you can walk with any sports shoes. And you are right: as unique as it may sound, to hike, you need a pair of women’s hiking shoes.
In fact, even if you should first get some fresh air, admire the scenery, maintain an active life … from the short walk to the trek around the world, walking is a sport activity that requires adequate equipment.
And since walking essentially consists of putting one foot in front of the other, the best way to prepare your walks so that practicing this sport remains above all a pleasure is to take care of your feet and their comfort!
What happens to your foot when you walk?
When your foot is locked in a sneaker, it sweats. Your skin becomes soft and vulnerable: this is the best way to get blisters.
If you walk with an ordinary sneaker, your foot will not be kept comfortable enough, which will cause friction, the first factor in heating up your foot… and blister formation.
In addition, outdoors, the terrain can be unstable, wet, slippery, ascending, leaning over… in short, all the parameters that underline the importance of having your foot well maintained. Very well, but how to choose the right walking shoe? This article is here to guide you!
What to know before choosing women’s hiking shoes?
First, no sneaker is perfectly waterproof, it would be very uncomfortable when walking. Leather is quite waterproof when properly cared for. No wonder motorcyclists like it.
Perhaps you have a particular foot morphology to which any – necessarily standardized – sneakers fit poorly. Have you ever thought about using a different type of sole? They are essential for your comfort and can really change your comfort overall. So, what are the criteria for choosing a women’s walking shoe?
The selection criteria for your women’s walking shoes
Choosing your walking shoes well requires specifying several parameters that we will review with you:
- The context: The type of hiking you are going to practice (duration, terrain…)
- Your morphology: you need to check if a sneaker fits you well.
- The characteristics of hiking shoes: height of the upper, sole, material… and how to choose the best specifics for your foot and hiking.
- The season: the weather conditions you will encounter most often.
- The sole: choose an insole to better adapt the sneaker to your foot.
What to choose for each type of hike?
Hiking for a few hours, on trails, at an easy level, with nothing on your back or just a small daypack… In this case, sneakers with low soles or socks, preferably flexible and light are ideal.
This type of footwear is multi-activity, and you can use them for both hiking and biking. Be careful, however, they will not replace a real trail sneaker, which is much more efficient for running.
For active walking
A sporty approach to hiking in the lowland and mid-mountain at a sustained speed. The terrain is varied with little or many gradients. Suitable sneakers are low soled, high sock, depending on the environment. The main advantages of these shoes are their flexibility and grip.
For short hikes
from a few hours to a few days, 2 or 3 at most, medium to high-soled shoes are preferred. In fact, it is advisable to have a good ankle hold while maintaining a soft sole, but capable of supporting your weight and possibly that of a backpack for several days.
Consider the climate in your region
The climate and weather conditions are the criteria that will allow you to decide on the type of hiking shoes, waterproof tennis shoes, leather shoes, etc.
If you hike in steep terrain, cross poorly marked trails, even if it is hot, it is safer to hike with a good hiking shoe. Choose hiking shoes, low or high, designed with mesh, lightweight and breathable materials.
Consider the morphology of your foot
The foot is a sensitive part of the body, with a complex anatomical structure, but it is often neglected and mistreated because you don’t take the time to analyze it.
To avoid any state of premature fatigue or pain in the feet but also in the rest of the body, choosing your sneakers well is essential, especially for a sporting activity. There are many noticeable differences from one foot to the other: toe shape, arch of the foot… in fact, all feet are different, there is no universal foot.
Hence the importance of choosing your shoes carefully so that they best adapt to your podological peculiarities.
Choose the right size of your women’s walking shoes
Finally, the inner edge of the sneaker should be straight without any deformation. The length of your sneaker should be 1-2 cm longer than your foot so that your toes are not compressed at the end of the sneaker. Also, during exertion, the volume of your foot will change, so you have to give it room to adapt throughout the day.
