Having the right footwear is essential when it comes to exploring the great outdoors. Without them, your feet are in for a bumpy ride.
But with so many types of footwear out there with such a variety of features and technologies to choose from, it's hard to know what it is you’re looking for.
Here at Millets, we feel that it’s important to know the details before choosing the perfect pair for you. Having the right footwear ensures your feet remain comfortable and fully supported in the great outdoors for years to come.
In this guide we aim to fill you in on everything you need to know about each different type of outdoor footwear, so then hopefully you can see the type that suits you most and take the first step on your outdoor adventure!
Walking Boots
Walking boots offer the most support when it comes to outdoor footwear. They have a high ankle support, guarding your ankles against twist, sprains and cuts and scrapes. They also have stiffer soles that provide your feet with more support and protection, especially if you’re going for a rocky terrain. This avoids strain and bruising on your foot.
Although they are heavier than other options, they are well suited for colder weather as they provide you with more insulation. As well, most boots will have a waterproof and breathable liner that will keep your feet dry in the rain – so keep in mind the time of year!
Also, think about the terrain you’ll be tackling. Walking boots are great for rocky, uneven terrain and muddy paths due to their deeper tread and extra support.
Pros
Cons
Walking Shoes
Although walking shoes still provide support for your feet, they don’t offer the high ankle support that boots do. However, their lightweight design means they offer more manoeuvrability and flexibility. This can be ideal if doing a steep hike as it reduces weight, reducing the chance of tired feet.
Not best suited for winter, they won’t always have a waterproof lining in them. Nevertheless, having no liner makes them more breathable and lightweight, which is very useful during the dry summer months. And if your trail is a flatter terrain, shoes should more than do the job.
When it comes to the length of the walk, it depends on what your feet need. Do they need a lightweight option that won’t weigh you down? Then shoes are the one. But if it’s more support you need for a longer walk, then boots might be the ones for you.
Pros
Cons
Trail Running Shoes
Over the past few years, we’ve seen a growing trend in hikers picking up a pair of trail running shoes to replace their old reliable walking boots.
Trail running shoes have been continuously developed over the years and were once considered a specialist item that only avid running fanatics would buy, but are now a go-to choice for a wide range of outdoor activities!
Despite this obvious trend, it still begs the question, are trail running shoes really a viable replacement for a classic pair of walking boots?
Similar to walking shoes, running shoes are made from much lighter materials and will usually have a thinner and more lightweight sole, so won’t provide the same protection as a pair of boots. This does mean that they offer a lot more flexibility and are a lightweight option, resulting in a better range of movement.
Sandals
There's also an option available out there for the more casual walker, especially one who likes a nice walk by the beach. Sandals have the most flexibility and manoeuvrability of all our footwear types, but offers very little support as a compromise, this makes them ideal for easy, urban terrain such as along the beach or just strolling around town, but not so great when it comes to rockier and more uneven terrain.
We hope that this guide clears a few things up and provides all the information you need when choosing your next pair of outdoor footwear. Have a look now and find yourself a pair that suits your needs only at Millets!
