Best Advice for New Hikers: What to Wear on Your Feet
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- čas přidán 21. 07. 2024
- So you have concerns about the best kinds of shoes to wear on a hike? Boots, running shoes, Vans? In this video, a Maryland hiker and trail running guy has some thoughts about comfort, fit, wool socks, and moleskin.
#hiking #hikingadventures
Check out this other video on day hiking essentials, after you've watched this one. • Essential Gear I Carry...
This video is for new hikers, those who have not spent much time on the trail. All comments are welcome, especially those that offer additional bits of info for viewers looking to understand more about the gear hikers use to support/maximize their time on the trail.
Big up the man in the Tottenham shirt!
Should be interesting year with another new manager. I’ve read good things about Ange.
I am new to hiking and I went for the Inov8 Lite shoes and do not regret it. Super lightweight, stiff yet flexible sole. Went to a hike over very rocky terrain and into a mountain rugged trail through a river and handle the conditions really good. My feet felt nothing at the end of each day. I actually left them on at the end of each days while calling down and replenishing or bodies with a few beers and food!
This comment was somehow held up for review. Not sure why, as it adds an important element to this discussion. It's good to see what works for people.
I agree with you about the flexibility of the shoe. I had the Salomon and after a while I developed metatarsalgia. Took a while for it to go away. I just use running shoes now.
Hey go with what works, I say.
Thank you sir. You gave me all the information I need.
All right!!!
Don't get moleskin, get leukotape sports strapping tape for your achilles. For hot spots that develop you want a thin tape because in most cases there is no space inside the shoe/boot. Use a "paper" surgical dressing tape. Or just more leukotape.
For socks you want aysmmetrical left and right socks with flat seams across the toes. Many people prefer a two-layer system with a thin liner sock and a more robust outer sock. Some also go for tabi socks or full separate-toe socks like the Injinji. Avoid cotton, yes; but pure merino wool isn't right for everybody. It holds too much moisture for some. Socks with nano silver coated nylon threads help reduce bacterial growth.
Shoes - it's horse for courses. On easy trails in easy weather runners are fine - but wear gaiters (below). If you're going into alpine terrain or off trail with mud, broken rock and/or ice patches you need a stiff boot, that can be used with strap-on crampons or microspikes, and will protect your feet and ankles from being bashed around. "Breaking in" is a myth - it's your foot that's being broken, not the shoe. Buy shoes that are comfortable, after you've been on your feet for ten hours.
With shoes, wear gaiters like the "dirty girl" stretchy polyester gaiters. Your socks will last much longer and your feet will be more comfortable if you stop mud, sand, grit and debris getting into your shoes.
Insoles are often overlooked but can transform a shoe. Superfeet makes a great range of aftermarket insoles.
Thanks for the detailed response here, Greg. The details in this video are of the "general, get you started" variety. And I'm 100% with you on how gear should match terrain, especially as you move above tree line. I'm not sure about the breaking in myth part, but I see your point.
This comment is awesome on many levels. For the edu value and for the imagery. Thank you.
I think it is about trying to understand the ground underfoot and the conditions you are going to be out in.
I live in the UK, and for most days out, especially in the summer I'd agree with trail running shoes. But heading out in colder times of the year over rough or boggy ground I'd go for full boots. Obviously in seriously wintery conditions you'd need a rigid boot for crampons.
I agree 100%. I'm scheduled to do a three day supported hike with a youth group this coming weekend. Rain is forecast for much of the duration, and I'm rethinking my gear choices.
Cotton socks also hold moisture which results in softening of skin and increases likelihood of blisters. ArmaSkin is a top liner sock. : )
Such a good point. WAY back in the day, this was the first lesson I learned.
I absolutely prefer boots to shoes on longer hikes. The ankle support is so helpful in reducing injury and fatigue
I hear you. I did a hike a few weekends back where I felt this pretty keenly.
@@BryanHiatt I did 38 miles over medium to rough trails and turned my ankles a few times and was really glad of them support - on shorter and smoother routes I enjoy trail running shoes (Saucony Peregrine) especially in warm weather - thanks for a good video
No problem. It’s all about the trail.
Thanks Bryan, great video and glad I stumbled onto it. I have always found hiking boots suit me best rather that trainer style. I wear Keens and get about 4000km out of them but best thing, brand new from the box they give no blisters or rubbing ever. Heavy obviously. I average 18km per day and the go pretty well. Merino wool is a must for socks. Good luck with the channel, subscribed 🙂
I was just trying out some Keens at my local Sierra Outfitter. I REALLY liked them, though they were a little small (that's the thing about Sierra...as a discount place...they never really carry my sizes that fit me). I'm going to keep my eye open a pair. Thanks for sub!
@@BryanHiatt That's always the challenge, I have a few online stores I start keeping an eye on a month or two out and can usually find some at a. reasonable price. Size wise I like the extra width I think, that is where I usually get problems ✌🏻 Good luck with the hunt and the hiking
Same to you. Happy trails! Subbed to your channel as well.
@@BryanHiatt ✌🏻
From Maryland, also. Planning on doing the 4 state challenge in a month or so. My plan is to wear Puma Deviate 2 Nitro’s.
Did the same trail last year with a pair of Merrill boots and I could barely walk by the end of it.
Awesome! Have fun.
Darn Tough socks + Hoka = happy feet and joints! 10 backpacking buddies and I have collectively hiked multiple thousands of miles, and 90% of us have happily migrated to Hoka. Durability could be better but we know we’ll be comfortable and we’re buying our way out of post-hike pain with other shoes.
This comment was somehow held up for review (not sure why...). I'm staring down a multiple day hiking adventure, and the Hoka Speedgoat 5 is my go-to for this. It just works for me. I've been dabbling with the Altra Lone Peak 7, but I'm not convinced yet that it can replace my Hokas.
Cool, thanks bro, good info!
This comment was somehow held up for review. Thank you! CZcams is weird sometimes.
Thanks for this video; it's very well done. I've hiked with boots and trail runners and MY EXPERIENCE was better with the boots. I didn't care for feeling every rock and root under my sole and the trail runners caught more on trail objects. Perhaps I just need to get better at raising my feet! The weight benefit of the trail runners was offset by the water proof, comfort difference, and endurance of the boots. That said, I recommend people experiment with both to find their own happy feet. Thanks again!
hey thanks! I identify CLEARLY with the drawbacks on trail runners on rugged trails some days. I like the advice about experimenting to find out what works best for them. It really matters.
How about for long mountain trail. Like 3-day hike and wet, probably muddy and pretty cold. Is it still advisable to have the gore tex yet heavy from Merrell or must have lightweight but non-waterproof?
@@mary-lynpineda7767 If I know it is going to be we/muddy I would go with boots for the stability and dryness. Take extra socks and maybe wear gators? For 3 days it is more of a comfort call instead of anything medical. But I've been wrong before.
@@truxpratt3306 will it be a disadvantage if it rains? Or for high altitude?
Great video, not so sure about the Tottenham shirt though :) Here in the UK, we put a lot of emphasis on hiking boots rather than shoes, due to the wetter landscape (i suppose) but also to eliminate the risk of turning an ankle. I do like the idea of a good hiking shoe though, especially in the summer months.
This is a fair point about weather and terrain. The advice here is mostly about warmer and drier weather conditions. About the Spurs shirt. I'm avid neutral fan and have many shirts from differing Premier League Clubs. As a person growing up here in the states, it has not made much sense to me to see fellow American fans arguing about why Everton or Arsenal mean so much to them, when they grew in Denver or some other far flung place. So I watch and learn (and play way too much football manager).
@@BryanHiatt Good point, similarly here with followers of NFL / NBA etc.
I’ve read both sports are growing there. That’s pretty cool. If I might, if you are looking for a team will break your heart over and over again, consider the Washington football club. Now called the Commanders, which is the worst rebrand ever.
@Bryan Hiatt Hi, Yes NFL has always had a decent following over here and when Teams travel over to play matches in London they always get sold out pretty quick. NBA is less popular as is Basketball generally, but the younger generation are taking to it more and more but Football (Soccer), Cricket and Rugby will always be the main sports here. Thanks for the heads up on Washington, and yeah, I've never understood why they give Teams names like Commanders, Raiders etc
That Commanders name is like one year old, after the team decided to move away from the original name (Redskins) due to cultural currents/concerns here in the States (supporters have mixed emotions about this). The Cleveland Indians (baseball) changed their to the Guardians (still don't get this one). Other pro teams and colleges with connections to native tribes are still around, but haven't made changes. The Raiders have such a great crest and their history parallels the NFL, as they were part of the OG American Football League, which eventually merged with the NFL in the 1960s. The Raiders, Chiefs, Chargers, Patriots, Bills, and Houston Oilers (perhaps the most on point name in the history of the states sporting clubs, since that area in Texas is all about oil drilling) all joined. Anyway, enough rambling from me about the NFL.
great video ty sir!!
Best boots ive found are Zamberlan, I've been disappointed with Merell and Solomon. Last pair of Merell I had the soles wore out very quickly, supposedly waterproof, but never were. Solomon too were supposed to be waterproof and again were not. Zamberlan are 100% waterproof and im now on my 3rd pair, the 1st abd second pair lasted around 10 years each in English weather walking the dog every day through forest. The 1st pair were before the current trend of gortex lined and were 100% waterproof, just occasionally treated with zamberlans own leather treatment. The new ones are gortex lined which imo is only to appeal to buyers because they think they must have it. 3rd pair i now use in Australia and love them here too. When I bought the 1st pair i had no idea who Zamberlan were. Often on special offer here so wait for the sale at Anaconda or Mountain warehouse.
Thanks for the detailed response on this. One thing that the responses to this video have taught me is that there is no one way to think about this. I dig hearing about what works for people in the different places where they adventure.
I could just tell that this would be a good video. I was right! Thank you!
I used salomon X Ultra MId GTX and Quest 4D too, but for me adidas Terrex works like a gem.
Nice. It’s about finding that sweet spot.
It depends on the kind of activity. Most people I know only do day hikes in good weather, typically on marked trails. All they need to carry is some snack and a bottle of water. Wearing heavy hiking boots is probably an overkill for that. Though if you carry a backpack on a long trip, especially if you're dealing with mud and snow, the situation is different. It's a personal thing and there are trade-offs. One thing that I consider important though are non-slippery soles.
Agreed. 100 percent. I was out today at Ohiopyle PA and it rained heavily last night. The trail shoe I was using, the Salomon Ultra Glyde 2 was not a good choice. Nothing was going to handle the low muddy areas well. It did not fare well over the many slick rocks and roots.
Great choice of shirt, Come on you Spurs ⚽
I prefer shoes to boots. I have a pair now on there fourth set of vibram soles.
If you are trying on shoes and they don't feel perfect the first second, keep looking
I need a wider " toe box" and use Meindl Philadelphia for wet weather .
As for socks, I have worn two thin pairs of socks for decades with no problems.
I've had to think about a wider toe box the last few months. I bought a pair of Altra Lone Peaks to wear around town to get a feel for them. I'm not sure about taking them out on the trail just yet.
This is a tough subject. I see a few people giving different advice pretty much saying “This is how you have to do it”. Footware is super individual. I switched to barefoot shoes 4 years ago and they helped my back and foot pain. I use Whitin zero drop barefoot trail runners with Injinji socks and they are great for my feet when I go hiking. Everyone’s feet, posture, walking gait, ect. is different so anyone that thinks there is a certain way of doing thing is sadly mistaken. Best advice? Try out different stuff until you find something that works for you.
100 percent agree.
I'll stick with the lowa camino. I think it's very important to have proper ankle support and arch support when hiking. I wouldn't hike in anything but a mid-height boot.
Now that is a boot! Love it. I was thinking about this video today, as I spent some time in Harpers Ferry WVA hanging out. A.T. day hikers were drifting onto/off the Maryland Heights trail (one of my favorite hikes), in just about every kid of footwear you can imagine. Whatever works, I say. I just hope people find ways to get out there and make choices that work for them. I think what I'd say differently in this video is that it is really for day hikers over short to medium distance, carrying a light load.
@@rah938 exactly! They are on the heavy side but it's the only boot that doesn't give me a hot spot on my right ankle.
OK. Since you asked for some thoughts I'll lean on my daily mountain/elevation hiking and backpacking with many thousands of trails miles.
This isn't meant to slam anyone but there's some who've been CONVINCED that trail runners are where it's at. There's no other option. What they don't tell you is that, like most pieces of gear, they're for specific conditions. And that would be groomed trails and warm weather if they get wet because most aren't waterproof. People have been convinced that lighter is better and that's nonsense. He was holding up the Salomon Ultra X Ultra which I have. Does some things decently. Particularly good on hard pack with loose stuff. But if you're in really rocky conditions, in mud or off trail then they're totally inefficient. I used them last summer season and by the end there were rips throughout and the waterproofing is terrible. I don't know how you get multiple seasons out of them unless you're not using them much.
So trail runners just aren't gonna handle rocky trails as well as something with a more substantial sole, they don't provide strong torsional support, they're ineffective if you're carrying real weight, useless in cold rain and mud and won't touch snow or handle spikes. They have their lane but it's not a one size fits all.
So if you're new to it, and really plan on hiking, you match your footwear with the conditions you'll be in most. People love to say the waterproof makes their feet hot. I've NEVER had that issue and I can get out in four seasons with waterproof shoes/boots. Newer hikers should look towards boots or shoes that have a decent amount of cushion and enough underfoot protection that they can handle a variety of conditions. So a more "all-purpose" shoe or boot is the call when you're starting. Anything over 2 1/2 lbs or so is going to more for backpacking and might be overkill if you're just hiking. If you get in to it then you can start working in a rotation of shoes/boots for the conditions. But to start, it makes much more sense to not limit yourself out of the box. I have trail runners, shoes and boots and trail runners are easily what I use the least. They're too limiting for me.
Just wanted to put that out there. When people tell you "this is what you need," and don't mention conditions, you should take the time to learn on your own so you don't waste money.
Again, not slamming this guy in any way. He's not a rookie and made this clip to help. I dig that. But there's some realities to consider when you're choosing what to wear. Boots and shoes can get expensive and it makes sense to try to get it right from the start which will make it easier for you to get out more.
100% agree with everything you’ve said here and I appreciate the time and energy you put into this response. A friend asked me to make this for his youth group, full of kids who have zero experience in trails. The message in the end, for them, was to wear what was most comfortable to handle 5-6 miles on mostly dry conditions in the summer months. 58k views later, the comments are still rolling in and I see them adding to a larger discussion about gear and conditions.
Take care!
@@BryanHiatt Right on. Thanks for that and, seriously, it was not meant as a slam on you in any way. You're a cool dude trying to clue people in. I've just built up an immediate response to the UL trail runner crowd. And that's because I know they convince people to go a certain way that definitely has limitations. I think new hikers are better served to start in the 'middle' until they know what they need.
Thanks for the comment dude and happy trails.
I did a hike a couple weeks back here in MD, super rocky AT fare in some Altra Timp 5s and they were clearly not up to the job, for me anyway, in that moment.
I appreciate the words as well. It’s nice to have a constructive conversation.
@@BryanHiatt Yeah. If I'm not mistaken those Altras are crazy light. It's impossible to create something that light that's going to move you comfortably and safely over a lot of rock. But I bet on a groomed trail they feel good. What I pull the most lately in three seasons are the La Sportiva Raptors. I like the leather boot version for streams and they can handle snow with spikes. I don't know how they did but they're under 2 lbs. with a sole that feels way more substantial than typical lightweight hikers. Pricey but you can grab sales. I've worn so many brands and styles and they're as close to the perfect all-around I've found. But the search never ends I guess. :)
All good to know. I’m gonna check those out. I really have no idea how folks do through hikes on the AT in trail shoes like Altra.
What do you think of the Columbia venture Amazon a pair for 70 I’m 250 lb tall boy and on a budget figured I’m gonna try them out with some gel sole inside to 😅
I’m not familiar with this shoe. I’d check the reviews carefully. Looks like 4.5 rating overall out of 5. I’d look closely about sizing and how well the shoe does in wet conditions.
Fo
Nice shirt 💪🏼
It really depends on the person and on the trails. The trails shown in the first part of the video are hardly hiking trails of the sort I hike on. More highly engineered walking paths, so sure, a basic old running shoe is great. But for more rugged trails you may want more rugged shoes, with more of a lug sole. You may even want a light weight boot to protect your ankles from getting banged up.
Waterproof or not again depends on the climate you hike in. Also depends on how sweaty your feet tend to be - waterproof do not breath as well as non-water proof.
Wearing moleskin every hike is very odd. Especially with modern shoes. These are not your grandfather's heavy unforgiving leather boots. If something is needed I much prefer a bit of KT-tape. Moleskin is very old school, not bad, but not really up to modern standards for performance.
Those Smart Wool socks are very good. I tend to like Darn Tough wool socks. Though in the summer I often wear thin synthetics as they are cooler and dry faster if I have to wade some streams.
I think for most people, it takes some time and trail and error to find what works best for them, with their feet, and their trails.
Thanks for the detailed response here. 100 % agree. It’s been pretty cool to see so many experienced hikers add to the conversation.
Common you Spurs 💪🏻
Which footwear is best for long day hot weather hikes? Shoes or boots and are there any you can recommend?
I like Salomon. Merrill is good too.
@@BryanHiatt is there much difference between the salomon x braze gtx and the x ultra 4? There's a big difference in price, I'm not sure which to go for
I’m unsure about this. It looks like the X ultra 4 is a mid boot, with goretex. It is more expensive but it seems like you are getting more.
What kind of trails? Dry or wet? Do you need ankle support? Sandy, packed dirt, lot of small rocks, lot is large rocks? If large rocks, slick or grippy? Do you have sweaty feet? Any foot issues?
How about for long mountain trail. Like 3-day hike and wet, probably muddy and pretty cold. Is it still advisable to have the gore tex yet heavy from Merrell or must have lightweight but non-waterproof?
Staying dry is priority #1. The first option seems the most sensible given the conditions you describe.
@@BryanHiatt will it be a disadvantage if it rains?
@@BryanHiatt even though it is with high altitude?
Where else would you wear shoes?
Probably trails that are not super rocky.
flip flops 🩴🩴
Are you a Spurs fan?
I'm more of a dedicated neutral who collects jerseys. I'm told I have a problem, one for collecting jerseys and two for sending mixed messages.
@@BryanHiatt oh fairenough haha
I use a super secret pair of ecco walking trainers.. shhh
Hey whatever works!!!!
wow .. wow .. tottenham shirt :( besides that great vid and advice :)
I know. I know. :) and thanks!
My main concern about this otherwise friendly and knowledgeable guy is that he appears to be a Tottenham Hotspur fan judging by his shirt. As a Gooner this is a big problem for me 😅
lol I hear you. As a dedicated neutral, I collect shirts from my local indoor soccer shop when they hit the sale rack. In previous videos, you'll likely see me in other kits.
@@BryanHiattexcellent Bryan, in my eyes you’ve redeemed yourself, I’ll be subscribing!
Nice. Thank you.
@@BryanHiatt ps in case anyone reading doesn’t know what a Gooner is, it’s a colloquialism for a supporter of Arsenal Football Club, also known as the Gunners and arch rivals of the other big North London team Tottenham, aka Spurs. Forgive me if this is a common knowledge in the US
US fans of the game would know for sure, given the influence of Men in Blazers on the media landscape here on NBC. Others? Probably not. Thanks for clarifying. Also. I first read the term in Nick Hornby’s book Fever Pitch. Great book that set me a path of discovery about a game that wasn’t even on the landscape here.
COYS
This comment was somehow held up for review. Not sure why!
Hi Bryan, good vid, good advice. Lose the shirt.
Thanks for the feedback! Noted on the spurs jersey. Lol.
Salomon = stiff? They are super soft, even approach shoes are way more stiff and they are still in Cat A. Those salomon aren't real hiking shoes, none of the shoes shown are hiking shoes 😮
Thanks for the comment, Jens. That boot in the video is 5+ years old, and it most def was not high end. So it remains stiff, though newer boots I'm sure perform differently. I made the video for new hikers...for people who might not think they can go for a hike because they need all the gear.
@@BryanHiatt those trailrunners are fine for relatively easy terrain. What I meant, hiking covers a wide range of possible terrain. Like in Central Europe we have 6 different categories for hiking trails, those traileunners are ok for the lower 2 categories, 3rd category is something like angels fall in US, there it depends whether someone still feels comfortable. In this 3rd cat you can have trails too, which requires hours of walking up or down a steep scree slope, there I wouldn't recommend such shoes, the sole profile is just not high enough to lock securely in the scree. Also, there can be also short sections which require climbing in UIAA 1 or 2. This can be negotiated much better with a stiff sole (salomon doesn't have this) combined with a small climbing zone at the front, so you can securely step on small steps. For trail category 4 and higher you definitely need real hiking boots which have high profile, stiff sole and allow the mounting of crampons (glacier sections are all cat 4 or higher). So, after all, it really depends what kind of terrain someone is approaching, I think
100% agree with all of this. It's an important part of this conversation for sure, noting that terrain should dictate our gear choices. As a person who grew up in northern Utah (have def hiked Angels Landing in Zion!) and went to school in Oregon, the terrain is much different (and rugged in many places, as you describe here) than what I see here in Maryland most days on the trail. I hiked the Billy Goat trail in MD this weekend and 5 minutes in knew I needed a sturdier boot for rock scrambling...not general hiking. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Billy_Goat_Trail#/media/File:Billy_Goat_Trail_boulders.jpg
Get that jersey off mate 🙂
Already done.
One of the biggest issue I have with most the options available today is they are not environmentally friendly. I like trail runners, but you’re constantly throwing them away. I’ll go through 3 to 4 pairs a year. After realizing I’m a hypocrite I changed back to all leather repairable boots.
This is a fair point. A little more $$$ up front and a boot you can repair makes a lot of sense.
Most people should start out with a shoe that is comfortable, has some side and sole protection and some ankle support. I don't think the advice to start out with regualr trainers and "graduate" to trail runners is sound. Not everybody has your experience! Stiffness serves a purpose to provide a stable platform and not slip and twist your ankle, which is going to be the #1 bad day likelihood for beginners. Beginners should not run on trails (like you the "cool guy" are doing). Falling and needing medical assistance are not cool for a beginning hiking trip. They should work up to it. Overall I give this minus points for evangelizing for a certain kind of hiking that beginners should not do. Edit: but many plus points for showing wha fun you can have out there!
All fair points, Jonathan. One point to clarify: I'm not advocating that new hikers run on the trail. I used that footage at the start as a way to say I've had different kinds of experiences on the trail. That's it. That said, I can see how hiking footage could be used in its place. Thanks for jumping in and adding your thoughts.
@@BryanHiatt overall a nice video thanks for posting it. I edited my comments above. I think a lot of people tend to overreach when they first go hiking, and think their fitness (maybe they run already) translates to the high peaks, where the consequences of a spill are very different.
TOTALLY agree with this. Moving above tree lines changes the terms of any hike.
Hiking just make you an Hiker, not an expert. The first step is to know SINGLE SOURCE is WORTHLESS! We have actual science that show experts can be WORSE than using a coin toss, because the expert is biased towards being "right" not correct. If you gave a long list of factors you used to make your decisions that would be a much more valuable, so we can actually tell if your an idiot or not.
Who is so full of them self they actually think BECAUSE I SAID SO is meaningful for us trying to learn?
Thank you for adding your thoughts to the discussion. As you can see, over the last year, many people have added their thoughts, and there is much to learn.
hahaha, DO NOT wear something which is not at least as high as just over the ankle
unless...
you´re sunshine paved road way walker with no weight in your backpack
These are all fair points based on the circumstance.
I would never wear an ankle shoe for a multi-day wet weather hike or with multiple stream-crossings
Good point. Neither would I.
Those thru hikes must really have been something…..before they became so fn popular.
Oh for sure. It’s a CZcams sub genre now days.
COYS