We’ve all seen it – the female sightseer staggering around ancient ruins in heels. Of course you’d never be silly enough to wear inappropriate footwear while travelling – right? Not only does it spoil your trip (and your companion’s) when your feet are covered in oozing blisters or you’ve sprained your ankle, it can be positively dangerous to wear the wrong thing on your feet when you’re trekking through rough terrain.
Research
When you’ve settled on your route and itinerary, do some in-depth research into the climate, terrain, activities and hazards for each destination. A seemingly innocuous woodland bordering the Appalachian Mountains can have poisonous snakes and chiggers. You’d definitely want a good pair of boots there, with long trousers tucked into your socks.
Hot Climates
Some travellers feel their trusted hiking boots will get them from one side of the globe to the other and while that might be true, they’re certainly not ideal for hot countries. Flipflops can usually be picked up locally if you’re heading out to the beach or don’t wish to look like a backpacker, but for trekking, it’s worth packing a good pair of sports sandals. They can be almost as good as a hiking shoe where comfort and sole grip are concerned. Not having sufficient grip can cause you to lose your footing and possibly injury yourself.
Travelling in Various Climates
There’s no doubt that a good pair of hiking boots can get you through all sorts of terrain and offer excellent ankle support, but unless you’re planning to trek to a cool, mountainous region with difficult terrain, you may wish to avoid packing/wearing anything so heavy. In addition, you need thick socks with boots, which will make your feet hot and smelly. Instead, you could opt for a low cut, lighter walking shoe or even a trail running trainer, for when sandals won’t do.
Try to limit yourself to two pairs of footwear: one to wear and one to pack. Pick up some flipflops locally, which may help you fit in. Pack some merino wool socks to wear with the shoes/trainers for when it’s colder. You could also invest in a thin soled shoe, such as those made for barefoot running or water sports, as they’re light, while not exposing your feet.
Footwear may be the last thing on your mind as you plan your backpacking experience, but wearing the wrong thing on your feet can make you miserable, cause you discomfort and in some cases put you in danger. Make sure you let your feet do the talking.
This article is provided by http://www.fitnesssocialist.com
