By Anora Renaud, Certified Personal Trainer

Curtis Personalized Health Management Ltd.

Hiking footwear is the contact point between you and the ground on the trail. It is essential to your comfort and enjoyment to have footwear that suitably matches your hiking goals.

Hiking shoes should be selected based on the most difficult terrain you anticipate hiking.  Unless you intend to have multiple pairs of hiking footwear, I recommend you simplify by finding a pair of shoes that is versatile enough for almost all of your hiking. Ensure that your shoes are sturdy enough to endure the long hike and rough terrain.

For day hiking on easy terrain, a lightweight shoe with minimal support is sufficient.  For day hiking on moderate terrain or for easy to moderate backpacking, a shoe that is durable and possibly waterproof with good traction is ideal.

You definitely want your shoes to be as minimal and light as possible. Hiking long distances is challenging enough and the last thing you want is a pair of shoes that will weigh you down.

Tread on shoes, just like tread on bike or car tires, manages the terrain under foot. When hiking across steep or loose terrain, a more aggressive tread will keep you moving forward efficiently and effortlessly.  When hiking on well-developed trails, an aggressive tread is not necessary.

Hiking on uneven rocky terrain is always challenging and maintaining one’s balance is not easy! A mid to high cut pair of hiking shoes helps to provide great ankle support in such situations.   As long as you’re out hiking in the wilderness, you’ll always be susceptible to the unexpected weather elements. You’ll never know when it’s going to snow, rain or if you have to cross any river.

The best option would be to choose a pair of waterproof shoes that would save you from trekking with wet uncomfortable feet!

The ideal type of shoes feels comfortable and right for your feet even on your first trek with it.  Never get a too fitting and snug pair of shoes when trying them out at the mall.  Remember to always get 1 size bigger as when you’re hiking, your feet will swell and to facilitate blood circulation, you’ll need a bigger pair of shoes

No matter how good the shoes might be, please note that it does not make you invincible when hiking and it’s definitely still mandatory to take the necessary safety precautions! Always better to err on the side of caution! Happy trekking!!

For more information on hiking shoes or on great hikes around Vancouver, contact your onsite Curtis coordinator or email info@curtishealth.com.