Long trail days have a funny way of ruining an otherwise epic adventure.
If you've ever had to walk 15+ miles in improper footwear you know exactly what we're talking about. Blisters. Hot spots. Fatigue. Cramps. Doubting your life decisions.
But it doesn't HAVE to be this way.
Staying comfortable on long trail days IS possible. You just need to equip yourself with the right knowledge and preparation.
And it all starts with your shoes.
What you'll learn:
- What Makes Footwear So Important For Trail Comfort?
- How To Choose The Best Hiking Boots
- Tricks For Comfort On Long Trail Days (Besides Boots)
- Properly Breaking In New Boots
What Makes Footwear So Important For Trail Comfort?
Alright, let's cut to the chase…
The most important gear item you'll bring on any long trail day is a good pair of hiking boots.
Nothing beats a quality hiking boot for footwear on the trail. Period.
Think about it…
Your feet take a pounding hike. Every rock you scramble over, every slide down a muddy slope, every mile you put on the board… it all adds up.
Recent data shows falls and slips comprise almost HALF of all hiking related accidents. Many of those are due to loss of traction or poor footing.
That's a lot.
Which is why a sturdy hiking boot really does make ALL the difference. Boots with good ankle support, traction, and cushioning allow you to hike confidently mile after mile.
Consider picking up a new pair of boots specifically for hiking if you haven't done so already. Take some time to shop the best hiking boots that fit your particular needs. Great hiking boots with ankle support and durable outsoles can be the difference between finishing strong and crawling back to the car.
How To Choose The Best Hiking Boots
When it comes to choosing hiking boots, you really do have to be strategic.
Here's the thing…
There is no "one-size fits all" when it comes to hiking boots. Everyone's feet are different and various factors play into what makes the best boot for you. Tread pattern, typical hiking terrain, backpack weight, shoe width.
Things to consider when purchasing hiking boots:
- Make sure they FIT. Period. Nothing is worse than new boots rubbing in the wrong places.
- Cushioning is important. You'll be spending all day out there! Take care of those joints.
- Get a good grip. Traction is everything on loose or rocky terrain.
- Ankle support can be key on uneven ground or when you'll be hauling a heavier backpack.
- Look for breathable materials. Your feet WILL swell over the course of a long hike. And trapped moisture = blisters.
Speaking of blisters…
A medical study on long-distance hikers revealed that 64% of participants stated blisters were their most common complaint. Blisters aren't just painful… they can derail your entire trip.
Solution? Boots that fit well and wick moisture away from your skin.
Different Height Boots Serve Different Purposes
When it comes to different hiking boots, you'll notice most range from low cut to mid-cut to high-cut boots.
- Low-cut hiking boots are best for well maintained trails and lighter backpack loads. They allow for increased breathability but don't offer much in the way of ankle support.
- Mid-cut boots are great for "everything else". They provide sufficient ankle support without being too bulky. Ideal for day trips and medium-distance backpacking.
- High-cut boots are overkill for your average trail day. but necessary for technical terrain. Think heavy pack weights, ankle instability, mountains with a lot of rocky/scree slopes. These types of boots will be heavier but will offer the most support and stability.
Match your boots to the terrain/distance you'll be hiking.
Tricks For Comfort On Long Trail Days (Besides Boots)
Alright, so you've got your boots sorted. But there's more to staying comfortable on long trail days than just a great pair of hiking boots.
Let's take a look at some other things you should consider…
Hiking Socks Are Key
If you don't have one already, invest in a good pair of hiking socks.
Cheap socks trap moisture and increase friction. This can lead to blisters and sore spots quicker than anything else.
Look for socks made of Merino wool or other synthetic materials that wick away moisture. Additionally, you want some form of cushioning in high impact areas (heel of foot and ball of foot). And lastly, ensure the socks aren't too big or small.
They should fit snuggly without any bunching.
Bring multiple pairs with you on long trail days. There's nothing better than changing into a dry pair of socks halfway through your hike.
Upgrade Your Boots' Insoles
Every pair of boots comes with its own set of insoles. Odds are you're not walking around in sneakers that have no insole at all.
While those stock insoles do provide some level of comfort, there's almost always room for improvement.
Consider purchasing aftermarket insoles to give your feet extra support. I've dealt with wide feet for most of my life and a good pair of insoles /orthotics can be a game changer. Plantar fasciitis is no joke either and some people are more prone to it than others.
I'm not suggesting you go out and get custom orthotics either. But even cheap "off the shelf" hiking-specific insoles can make your boots feel like new.
Lacing Can Change Everything
This may come as a surprise to you but…
How you choose to lace up your boots can make a HUGE difference on your hike. Not only does it alter the overall fit and comfort of the boot, but it can also help you adapt to different situations.
There are multiple ways to lace up your boots. A few examples:
- Heel lock lacing helps prevent your foot from slipping forward when hiking downhill.
- Looser laces at the top of your foot can accommodate swelling as your feet expand throughout the day.
- Window lacing can help relieve pressure if your boots are rubbing anywhere on top of your foot.
Once you learn different lacing techniques, you can essentially turn one pair of boots into multiple outfits. Crazy.
Properly Breaking In New Boots
You bought a brand new pair of hiking boots yesterday and want to take them on your next long trail day… no problem!
Actually, that's a terrible idea.
Sure, they may be comfortable as soon as you try them on at the store but that doesn't mean your feet will feel the same after hiking 10+ miles.
Breaking in new boots is crucial.
Here's how you do it the right way:
- Wear them around your house for a few hours a day until they start to feel more comfortable.
- Take them on short walks or easy hikes to test out the terrain you'll be using them on.
- Overtime, increase your distance. And if they start to feel good, gradually bring them on longer hikes.
- Pay attention to any hot spots you might start to develop. You want those to go away before you take your boots on epic adventures.
Conclusion
Our feet are the only things connecting us to the trail. If they aren't comfortable, your hike won't be either.
At the end of the day, staying comfortable on long trail days comes down to being prepared.
Good boots > everything else. Make sure you take the time to find a pair that fits your feet AND the terrain you'll be hiking on. From there, take care of your feet with good socks and plenty of moisture wicking capabilities. If needed, upgrade the insoles and play around with boot lacing to find what works best for you.
And never ever wear new boots on a long hike.
Like anything else in life, you need to break them first.
Happy Trails!
