Tips On Hiking Shoes From Selection To Lacing

Shoes are essential for hikers for them to have a comfortable and enjoyable trip. Inappropriate shoes leads to injury and getting tired fast. Thus, hiking shoes tips should be considered by hikers.

First is to buy their shoes at the right time. While some do it in weekend mornings to have more time to choose from store to store, experts says that the best time to buy hiking shoes is when the feet are tired. Human feet expand when tired, and buying shoes after a tiring day will allow hikers to feel how comfortable the shoe will be when their feet swell while hiking.

Aside from types, hikers should also consider insole. Flat insoles are mere replacement of those that were included in the shoe, while customized insoles provide better flexibility and contour fit.

Hikers should also have a comfortable insole. Various types can be found in the market, and among them are gel-filled insoles. They were designed to provide better cushioning around the foot and heel, and offer greater shock absorption.

Next tip is to have proper hiking shoes lacing technique. Applying mathematical concepts, there will be approximately two trillion ways to lace an average shoe with six pairs of eyelets. Among the two trillion ways, some of them are suitable for hiking, and one technique is known as hike lacing.

To do a bar lacing, the lace will be run on the bottom eyelet pair, so that the lace will end on the inside. One end will be run up the next hole, with the run hidden in the shoe, and cross on its pair on the other side. The same end will be run on the next eyelet while the other end will be vertically run on the next higher eyelet. Both vertical runs should be hidden in the shoe. Both ends will be run on their corresponding pair on the other side, then run upwards. The process will continue until one end reaches the top. The lace end that did not reach the topmost hole should be on the second set of eyelets from the top. That lace will be run straight to the top, and all vertical runs should be hidden in the shoe. Bar lacing is very suitable for sports and military applications because the bars can be easily cut in case of sprain and other injuries.

This lacing is easy to tighten and loosen. The angled lacing will pull the shoe inward to modify shoe alignment and fit. It also holds shoes firmly, and such features are advantageous for hiking.

Last tip is locking the lace of hiking shoes. Lock lacing is promoted by shoe stores because it prevents slips and shoe twisting because of stress. One locking technique is known as the high lock, where the shoe is laced to the top part of the shoe except for the last eyelet pair. Then, the ends are run straight to the unoccupied eyelet, and its run should form a vertical line on the outside. It will be crossed over so that it will be tucked under the run on the other side. Though it keeps the lace firm and reduces slip, this lock can be difficult to loosen.