10 Reasons To Invest In Quality Hikers

Whether you enjoy going on hikes over the weekend or are a beginner, hiking is a great outdoor activity - as long as you have the right hiking shoes. Investing in a high-quality pair of hiking shoes is essential for a variety of reasons. These shoes are specially designed to provide the necessary support, comfort, and durability required for outdoor adventures. Here are the top 10 reasons why you should consider investing in a quality pair of hiking shoes.

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1. Incredible Durability
2. Ankle Support
3. Increased Stability
4. Impressive Traction
5. Better Breathability
6. Waterproofing
7. Weight
8. Improved Performance
9. Ultimate Comfort
10. Better Protection

1: Incredible Durability

Hiking shoes are designed with excellent durability primarily because they are intended for use in rugged outdoor environments where wear and tear on footwear is inevitable. High-quality materials, such as synthetic materials including nylon, polyester and leather which are chosen for their strength and ability to withstand harsh conditions, ensure your hiking shoes will last through numerous hikes. The durability of hiking shoes is a result of the combination of robust materials, thoughtful design, reinforced features and rigorous testing. These factors work together to ensure that hiking shoes can withstand the rigours of outdoor adventures and provide long-lasting comfort and protection for your feet.

2: Ankle Support

Hiking shoes typically provide better ankle support than regular sneakers, reducing the risk of twisting or spraining your ankle on uneven terrain. There are many different factors for this, with the main reason being that hiking shoes are designed for a variety of terrains, from rocky trails to muddy paths. This excellent ankle support helps you maintain balance and control even when the trail becomes challenging. The firm ankle collar in hiking shoes also prevents your ankle from hyperextending (bending too far backward). This is especially important when descending steep slopes, where your foot placement can be precarious.

3: Increased Stability

Hiking shoes are designed with proper arch and ankle support, reducing the risk of sprains and strains. This support is crucial when navigating uneven terrain. When hiking on uneven and rocky trails, your ankles are susceptible to rolling or twisting. Hiking shoes, with their higher ankle collars, help stabilise your ankle joints, reducing the risk of injury. And with a patented ADV-C chassis that keeps you stable when hiking on uneven terrain, both the Salomon Women's Quest Element Hiking Shoes and the Salomon Men's Quest Element Hiking Shoes are designed to provide a great amount of stability while still being lightweight. Hiking shoes restrict excessive lateral movement of the foot, which can occur when walking on uneven surfaces. This restriction minimises the chance of rolling your ankle.

4: Impressive Traction

Hiking shoes have rugged soles with deep treads, providing excellent grip on various surfaces like rocks, mud, and slippery slopes, enhancing your safety. Hiking shoes are designed with excellent traction for several important reasons. For ascending steep slopes, proper traction is vital. Hiking shoes with well-designed treads and grip patterns enable you to climb efficiently, even on challenging inclines. When descending steep hills or mountains, you need reliable traction to prevent your feet from sliding forward. The grip on hiking shoe outsoles helps you control your descent safely. High-quality materials and construction methods used in hiking shoes contribute to the long-lasting nature of their traction. Durable rubber compounds ensure that the outsoles maintain their grip over many miles of use.

5: Better Breathability

High-quality hiking shoes often incorporate breathable materials to help manage moisture and keep your feet cool and dry in warm weather. Hiking shoes with good breathability help regulate the temperature inside the shoe. They allow excess heat to dissipate, preventing your feet from becoming overly hot, which can lead to discomfort and overheating. Breathable shoes help prevent the growth of odour-causing bacteria by allowing moisture to evaporate. This keeps your hiking shoes smelling fresher for longer.

6: Waterproofing

Many hiking shoes are treated to be waterproof or water-resistant, helping to keep your feet dry when crossing streams or when hiking in wet conditions. Despite being waterproof, many hiking shoes are designed to dry relatively quickly when they do get wet. This ensures that if your shoes become soaked, they won't stay wet for long, minimising discomfort during your hike. In cold and wet conditions, waterproof shoes provide an extra layer of protection against cold and dampness. This is why the Merrell Women's Moab 3 Hiking Shoes and the Merrell Men's Moab 3 Hiking Shoes are excellent for most backpacking trips because of their GORE-TEX waterproof membrane, which offers exceptional waterproof performance along with excellent breathability. Wet feet can lead to a significant drop in body temperature, so waterproof shoes can be crucial for cold-weather hikes.

7: Weight

Most hiking shoes are generally lightweight, which reduces fatigue during long hikes and allows you to conserve energy for the journey ahead. Lighter hiking shoes, like the Salomon Men's X Ultra Pioneer Hiking Shoes and the Salomon Women's X Ultra Pioneer Hiking Shoes, are lighter, more flexible and place less strain on your legs and feet, reducing overall fatigue during long hikes. This allows you to hike for longer distances and durations without feeling as tired. It's important to note that the ideal weight of hiking shoes can vary based on your hiking style and the terrain you plan to explore. For day hikes on well-maintained trails, lightweight hiking shoes like the Keen Women's Nxis Evo Hiking Shoes and the Keen Men's Nxis Evo Hiking Shoes are perfect. However, for more challenging terrain, longer backpacking trips or when carrying heavier loads, you might opt for slightly heavier hiking boots that offer additional support and protection. Ultimately, the weight of your hiking shoes should align with your specific hiking needs and preferences.

8: Improved Performance

With the right hiking shoes, you'll have better stability and control over your movements, which can enhance your overall hiking experience and performance. For example, when going hiking on rough terrain, both the Keen Men's Ridge Flex Hiking Shoes and the Keen Women's Ridge Flex Hiking Shoes are the perfect choice because they are designed with performance mesh and a heel capture system to combat friction and heel slippage, ensuring improve performance on rougher terrain. Hiking shoes have outsoles with deep lugs and grippy patterns designed to offer exceptional traction on various surfaces like mud, rocks, and loose soil. Running shoes prioritise lightweight and flexibility, which can compromise traction on challenging terrains.

9: Ultimate Comfort

High-quality hiking shoes come with cushioning and padding to ensure comfort during long hikes. This reduces the likelihood of blisters and discomfort. Breathable shoes enhance overall comfort by maintaining a drier and more pleasant environment inside the shoe. This is especially important during long hikes when foot discomfort can be a significant issue. Hiking shoes are also designed for all-day comfort during long hikes, incorporating cushioning and support systems to reduce foot fatigue.

10: Better Protection

Hiking shoes often feature reinforced toe caps and heel counters to protect your feet from impacts with rocks and roots, minimising the risk of injury. On the other hand, running shoes prioritise breathability and weight reduction, which can leave your feet vulnerable to such hazards when hiking. Hiking shoes also often include gusseted tongues and closed designs to keep out dirt, rocks, and debris. Running shoes typically prioritise breathability and may not offer the same level of protection from trail debris.

Discover The Best Quality Hikers At Anaconda Today

The next time you go out on a hike, make sure you have invested in a quality pair of hiking shoes to ensure you're not only protecting your feet but also getting the most out of your hike. Before you head out though, make sure you check out our Adventure Centre for more exciting destinations that you can visit with your friends, family and loved ones. If you liked this article, then you might also like some of our other articles for helpful information and fun hiking destinations such as:

• Hiking Footwear Buying Guide
• The Benefits Of Being Outside In Nature
• Where To Find The Best Hiking Trails & Walks In Sydney
• The Ultimate Checklist For Hiking Essentials

Find your local Anaconda store and check out our extensive range of hiking for your next outdoor adventure