Some of you may wonder if it is possible to go hiking in Dubai. Technically, YES..! Hiking trails are situated in Hatta Village - an exclave town that belongs to Dubai Emirate.
The hiking and trekking shoes you wear can either make or break your hiking experience. The shoes are arguably the most important part of hiking gear. An inadequate pair of shoes can ruin an outing on the trails and make you experience pain at every step.
Because there are so many different brands to choose from, from lightweight hiking boots to double-layered plastic mountaineering boots, it's hard to know where to start.
Therefore, we have assembled a guide to help you choose hiking and trekking shoes to let you choose the one that fits you perfectly and hence improving your hiking experience.
There are a lot of hiking shoes out there. Here are some of the most popular ones:
A pair of sports shoes like these look like your typical sports shoes but have additional grip and waterproofing technology to make them comfortable and durable. As opposed to boots, these shoes do not have any ankle support, but they are fairly sturdy and offer more support than regular shoes.
The shoes are ideal for hikes and treks requiring low levels of walking, such as day hikes and weekend trips. These shoes are lightweight, making them perfect for carrying when you are limited on weight. Since they are not particularly good at containing moisture, they are ideal for hiking in dry weather.
Next in line in the trekking and hiking shoe category is Trekking shoes. They are bigger than any other hiking shoes and come with ankle support. Some reach above the ankle, while others extend just a bit farther.
There are mid-ankle boots as well as high-ankle boots. In addition to being convenient for multi-day treks, they also make a great load-carrying option. Trekking boots with a waterproof coating are a great option.
No matter where you are on your hiking or trekking journey, we have prepared a guide to help you make your choice.
Fit is of utmost importance when choosing hiking footwear. The right fit will determine whether you end up with blisters or bliss on the trail. Your hiking shoes should fit snugly in all the right places but shouldn't be too tight. It should also be big enough for your toes to wiggle.
If you are taking a hike, try it out with the socks you plan on wearing at the end of the day (because your feet will swell during the day and will be at their biggest at the end of the day). The most comfortable fit could be a size larger than usual if you are used to a smaller size.
To choose the right shoe for you, you should measure the size of your foot and try it on. If the shoe is too tight or loose, select the appropriate size. Ideally, you should select a shoe that is a little larger than your foot because this will provide additional flexibility. Typically, half a size larger is sufficient.
While trying on trekking boots, one thing that is often forgotten is carrying woolen or mountaineering socks with you. When you go to a store to try on trekking boots, it's important to have the appropriate socks with you, as they will help you determine which size is right for you and how you will wear the shoes while trekking.
To determine whether a shoe or boot fits comfortably, it is advisable to walk around in it for some time. The more time you spend with it, the better your understanding of how it fits. Running in them in the store, jumping in them, all this helps determine any problems with the fit of the shoes.
Conclusion
Hopefully, the above article has cleared all your doubts and concerns in regards to the ways to choose hiking and trekking shoes. Adventure HQ is an online store where you can find a wide selection of hiking and trekking shoes that won't disappoint.
Make sure you pick the right hiking or trekking boots before you pack your bags.