Hiking is a favorite sport of many. Apart from being a good physical exercise, it relaxes the mind also, being in natural surroundings. Using a hiking sandal is definitely comfortable for morning or afternoon hikes. However, it’s important to choose the right sandals for the purpose for keeping away injuries. You get special-purpose sandals for hiking.
It’s quite common for hikers to wear sandals for short hikes. They are comfortable and are specially designed for hiking to remain easy on pressure points and for preventing the formation of blisters, which are often experienced while using hiking shoes.
A good hiking sandals must use a breathable material with thick rubber soles to help avoiding slips. You have a choice of two styles of hiking sandals.
You get a better freedom of movements on using open toe sandals. The better designs come with mid-soles and are comfortable with thick socks. Mid-soles act as shock absorbers and save you from foot or ankle injuries. It ‘s fine too use them for light hiking during the day for not too difficult terrains.
Sandals that have a closed toe are made of leather with a mesh like design on the top that offers better circulation of air, thereby improving its breathing ability. They work well for day hikes or long strolls, as they offer more protection than open toe sandals.
No sandal can be suitably designed to provide safety for overnight hikes or even daylong trips. The ideal footwear while going for a hike in the mountains is your pair of hiking shoes. They not only protect you, but also act as shock absorbers for your feet. Sandals are not meant for rough terrain and harsh weather. You are liable to get injuries in the form of blisters, wounds, frostbite and cuts. Further, shoes provide better support to your ankles and would prove especially helpful in case of an already injured ankle.
Nice article on hiking sandals. My wife recently purchased a pair of Keen's which is one of the most popular womens sandals for hiking after reading http://hikingsandals.net. She loves them for trails and for everyday. Sandals of this functionality and comfort was unheard of just a few years ago.
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