All nature lovers probably share the opinion that a forest is a great place for both relaxation and tranquility, as well as for active recreation. Especially those who prefer the latter option should think about the right footwear, which will enable comfortable and safe exploration. Find out what shoes are best for walks in the woods.
During forest wanderings, we have to deal with a different surface than the one we usually use every day. City streets, park alleys or even country roads are not equal to bumpy forest trails, where we often encounter protruding branches, damp mulch, slippery leaves, holes, hills or lingering puddles. That’s why it’s worth getting the right footwear for a forest trail, both for your own comfort and safety.
Let’s start with the basics, in this case the sole of your shoe. For trips into the woods, footwear with solid, thick soles will be best. Lightweight, foam soles will not work well on forest tracks. Various obstacles in the form of stones, branches or pits are best overcome with strong soles with good grip. Such footwear will provide us with better stability and comfort, because we won’t feel every bump.
It is worth investing in footwear for hiking in areas such as forests, choosing good quality materials that will provide proper protection depending on the weather conditions. It is important that the boots have a waterproof and breathable membrane that will provide your feet with adequate protection from moisture and possible changes in weather conditions, as well as the needed ventilation.
Padded material in the collar and tongue area of the boots significantly contributes to comfort when hiking on bumpy trails, where a stiff upper could cause abrasions and painful blisters. When choosing shoes, it is worth noting that the inner material is pleasant to the skin.
If you want extra protection against accidents, such as an ankle sprain, which can happen on a bumpy forest path, choose shoes with a higher upper. It will provide more stability for your ankle and thus reduce the risk of injuries, which may occur for example as a result of stepping on a protruding branch, stone or other uneven terrain.
Shoes for forest hiking should be first of all comfortable, so when trying on chosen models, let’s make a trial walk in the store. Walk around for a while to check whether the model fits your foot well, doesn’t press anywhere, and isn’t too stiff – hiking boots should be stable, but a bit flexible.
Pay special attention to the size – the foot in such shoes should be immobilized, so that it does not move in the shoe when descending or climbing uphill, because it could cause painful abrasions or blisters. Well-chosen footwear can not press, but should also properly adhere to the foot.
main photo: unsplash.com/Elke Karin Lugert
