Long rigorous walks along the countryside, climbing hills and all such adventurous activities are referred to under the blanket term of ‘Hiking’. In India the most popular hiking places are located all throughout the map, the most visited places are located in Himachal Pradesh, Manali, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim and Andhra Pradesh. The important factor to keep into consideration is the supplies one carries along with them during hiking trips. However, the most important of all of these factors are the shoes one decides to wear through it. Canvas shoes, no matter how comfortable they are, are not at all a safe option while hiking. So, here is a list of the top 5 hiking shoes one should consider to rock while on a hiking trip:
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Hiking Shoes: A lot like running shoes, these shoes are lightweight and have a flexible sole which is preferred for hiking and climbing. It provides extra protection to the foot and are superb for warm weather as they have proper material for insulation to happen. The last thing one would want at the end of a trekking trip is a smelly foot.
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Trek Boots: The high end version of hiking shoes, these boots provide with proper padding and cushioning for the foot and an added protection for the ankle which is just right for a long climb. The upper layers are usually made up of leather, suede or a synthetic material. The only con of these shoes are that they are usually not as light as hiking shoes.
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Expedition Boots: Designed for climbing adventures, these shoes last longer than either hiking shoes or trek boots as they are designed in a way that lets the trekker to take the climb head-on and have a tough rubber protruding sole.
Having covered the best kind of hiking shoes, the next step is to choose ones’ brand. The most popular, voted and reviewed companies for trekking shoes are:
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Merell Moab Ventilator shoes: Water resistant, flexible sole, ventilated with an air conditioned mid-sole, these shoes are a top choice for any trekker.
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Salomon Speedcross: Water resistant with mud guard, quick-lace system and light-weight construction. It is any trekker’s dream
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The North Face Ultra: a light weight platform, durable construction combined with extra foot protection, these shoes prove to be a good companion during any trek.
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Adidas Outdoor Terrex Swift: It is light, fast and easy on the ground. Athletic in nature, it is lighter than any other trekking shoe which is one of it cons too. It cannot be trusted for rigorous adventures.
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Keen Targhee: Lighter that trekking boots, it has all the comfort of one. It provides extra support to the ankle region and has a rear pull up. Added to that is the extra rubber protection toe cap, waterproof leather and a foam footbed to provide extra comfort while on the trek.
Other brands that must be checked out before one zeroes-in on any other option are Quechua, Nike, Puma, Timberland, Wildcraft and Red-Chief.
