Which places would require hiking boots?
What type of hiking do you need to be doing where you absolutely need hiking boots? I'm looking to do some hiking in SE Asia and South America, but won't have room in my pack for boots. What reasons and terrain would I absolutely need to have boots for where shoes wouldn't suffice?
Best Answer
After many miles put on my old sneakers, I wear hiking boots whenever and wherever I travel now. There is nothing so miserable as getting a hole in the sole of your sneakers in a snow storm. Now, I always wear a pair of brown leather hiking boots that have some class when I travel, so I can wear them to dinner or on a hike.
I have another set of boots that lace up nice and high that I use for climbing the craggy types of mountains such as the Pacific Asian mountains, Andes, Rockies, Alps, etc. Mountains like a Appalachians, you can probably get away with a running style shoe, bit I would highly advise against it.
Generally, you need solid ankle support if you are hiking... especially in a location where you don't know how to get help.
I would say either find a way to get boots into your pack, or ditch your shoes for a pair of socially acceptable hiking boots so you don't need to fit an extra pair or footwear in your travel bag.
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Why are hiking boots needed?
Hiking boots offer better ankle coverage, which helps prevent ankle sprains, and much stiffer midsoles, which provide better support. It's dangerous to wear regular sneakers or tennis shoes when hiking because not only can you sprain your ankle, but you can actually hurt yourself.Do you need hiking boots for national parks?
Open-toed shoes of any kind should be left at home. However, hiking sandals are fine for the leisurely hikes in the park. Heavy hiking boots are not the best option for hiking in Zion due to the fact that they often inhibit ankle movement, but if it's the only thing you have, you'll probably be okay.Do you need to wear hiking boots when hiking?
This guide will sort it all out for you, but the short answer is that you probably don't need hiking boots. Hiking shoes or trail runners will be a better bet for most hikers.What is the difference between a hiking boot and a hiking shoe?
Hiking shoes are softer and more flexible than hiking boots, aren't as tricky to fit, and don't need breaking in. They are a good choice for dry weather and gentler terrain, though some proponents argue they're also better in wet conditions than hiking boots.How to Choose the Right Hiking Boots
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Answer 2
There are two main things that good hiking boots do (and most regular shoes don't):
- They have well-profiled and extremely sturdy soles that won't slip or break
- They support your ankles so they won't twist
So the more uneven and rocky the terrain gets, the more you need hiking boots. I'd say that's pretty much it.
Answer 3
It depends on how much ankle support you personally need and how heavy your pack is. If you regularly go hiking in sneakers in rough terrain with a backpack, and don't roll your ankles, then you probably won't need hiking boots. If that's not you, then bring a pair of hiking boots.
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