Best Hiking Boots For Wide Feet: Practical Buying Tips

 1. Sole

If you are planning to do a hiking, trekking, or mountain climbing activity or you are already an expert in one of them, then you should know that the sole of the boots should be non-slip and have cleats (studs). Nowadays, there is a type of sole, known as Vibram, which has a great grip and resists abrasion very well. There are also many brands of boots and shoes that make footwear with high quality soles.

 2. Breathability

Breathability in footwear is the capacity of the fabric or membrane that the shoe has to evacuate the humidity and sweat that originates inside it. If your hiking boot does not breathe enough, your feet will always stay damp from sweat and also from any water that may have entered them. This can lead to discomfort, cooling and poor body thermoregulation, resulting in fungus, blisters and chafing.

3. Waterproofing

It is good to know that if you are hiking only during sunny days in spring or summer, you could opt for a model of non-waterproof boots with a mesh option to maintain breathability and ventilation in the foot. However, if you prefer to go in all types of weather any day, then it is better to choose waterproof boots that allow you to keep your feet dry and have a better grip and avoid blisters and fungus.

4. Cane

The cane is the height of the boot, meaning how far the boot can hug the ankle or beyond. Whether you are a hiker going on slightly hilly trails, the most recommended option for this type of activity is that the boots are medium cane. This will allow for better stability, protect your ankles from bumps, and prevent slips and sprains. If the terrain is very rough, then you could opt for high cane boots.

4. Material and weight

These two factors are strictly linked as one can depend on the other to a great extent. Some materials such as leather are usually very comfortable and adaptable, although they tend to be heavy and not very breathable. On the other hand, there are many hiking boots made of synthetic fiber, generally from materials such as glass fiber, carbon fiber, etc. These tend to be more breathable and lighter, although they do not usually adapt as readily as leather to the foot, so if you choose one of these, make sure you are convinced.

5. Flexibility and hardness

Flexibility and hardness refer to the rigidity not only of the upper boot as such but also of its sole. Generally outdoor hiking boots tend to have rigid or semi-rigid soles. Those that are a little less rigid allow for greater comfort when walking, as they adapt better to the foot with each step taken. However, this option should be subject to the type of weather during which you will be hiking, so if it is hot you can opt for lightweight hiking boots, but if you will be in mild to low temperature zones, then it is better to use rigid, waterproof and durable boots.

6. Best Brands of Hiking boots

If you don't know any brand of hiking boots you can be innocently fooled into buying some poor quality boots that may eventually abandon you on the way. That's why it's best to always turn to brands that are known and popular because they are durable, good, offer high performance and offer the best value for money for the price you will pay. Some of the best brands of hiking boots are Merrell, Columbia, Salomon, Asolo, and Keen. There may be other good brands, but these are the ones that stand out among the popular ones. 

7. Summary

Now that you know the importance of choosing a good pair of hiking boots to go on this kind of adventure you know it will be the right thing for you. If you are looking for something standard or that just works for most trails, for hiking, or mountaineering, we recommend that you look for a pair of breathable boots, with non-slip soles, medium or low rod, not too heavy and not too stiff. You could also consider the option of waterproofing, you should also consider a vent for ventilation and evacuation of sweat.

However, if you are looking for something more specific, such as medium or high cane boots for mountains and deeper trails, then try to choose one that has a good sole, breathability, and waterproofing, and could even be semi-rigid. But whatever the activity you are going to do, we hope you will follow these tips and that you will be able to make sure you buy the ideal footwear and thus avoid accidents, falls, slips, etc.

Why is Hiking good for your soul: benefits for your body and mind

Hiking is a significant activity and will allow you to connect with nature. It is the only way to get to some areas of astounding natural beauty.

It (hiking) will improve your physical health and refresh your soul. It involves all your body work. While on the track you will come across many obstacles, you will need to jump, climb, crawl and do other activities that will strengthen your body and sharpen your focus.

A. Health Benefits

Hiking is a great cardio exercise and it will lower the risk of cardiovascular diseases by reducing the levels of cholesterol and blood pressure. In the long term, it can also stimulate the pancreatic acinus and produce insulin, which will prevent diabetes type II. Another significant benefit is that it will strengthen many muscles in your body, especially those in the lower body.

Taking on some of the obstacles on the track will improve your mental sharpness and enhance your ability to solve problems. It will give you a sense of achievement and de-clutter your mind giving resilience to take on your future day to day challenges with a renewed focus and higher energy levels.

Going to nature and hiking reduces stress levels since one can easily get immersed their daily business as usual routines. On the other hand, nature guides you to a relaxing moment. This will make you happier, and if you have a problem or something that you want to turn your attention away from for a moment, the amazing landscapes with flowers, animals and insects will get all your attention.

B. It enhances your connection

Getting out on a hike offers a spiritual experience where you can express yourself and find a quiet mental place. Doing it with some friends and family can be great too. While hiking with family or friends your relationships will grow as you overcome obstacles together, improving the bonds and making the trip a beautiful one to remember.

Being out on a hike will make you more interested and concerned about the environment and nature because of the bond you create with them. Various hiking trails will always give you some surprises and every trip will be different. You will learn a lot about the living species that you see in your trips and this will improve your memory and concentration

C. It improves your creativity

Hiking will boost your creativity.  Once out on a hiking trail, you will forget about your routine daily activities. This will make you give room to other ideas and possibilities. You will discover new heights you can scale especially if you take time to reflect in some point of the hike.

Hiking is one of the best things that you can do. It will help you with your body, strengthening it, and it will help your mental health, take on your hiking gear and get ready to improve your life.

Hiking gear list for beginners

Hiking is a great activity to break out of the routine and get immersed in endless nature. Choose a hike and get ready to live the experience with some friends, members of your family or by yourself. This short guide will provide a quick checklist for a beginner to get the essential gear and act a quick reference guide.

To improve the quality of your experience as you enter the world of hiking, you will need to carry certain things and put on the most suitable type of gear to help your achieve your goal successfully. The impressive thing is that they are not too many; with some basic things you will be ready to explore everything in your hike.

A. Basic items

There are basics you should carry on every trip as you go out on your hiking expeditions. You need navigation devices like a compass, maps or GPS, a lantern/torch in case you get into an unlit space or to light up the way at night. For personal protection from the sun, you need sunglasses and sunscreen. Please do not forget your first aid kit.

An important item that you must get to hike is the hiking footwear. In this case, the hiking boots are amazing. They will protect you from any obstacle that the terrain could have including sticks, rocks, little rivers, roots, and many other things. Choose the most comfortable hiking boots for yourself and wear them with some wool socks because in case you get wet they will dry faster than cotton ones.

Clothes are an important in hiking and walking. Choose wool or polyester clothes because they dry faster. If you are going to hike on a rainy day or in rain you can always get your rain-wear, take along the waterproof jacket and a pair of pants.

B. Other items

A knife or a multi-tool is useful for certain situations. You could use it to cut fresh fruits to eat for example. Depending on the nature of the hike, you may need to eat and or to cook. You will need fire so make sure you bring on some matches or fire starters. A packed lunch will be suitable for most short hikes.

You need to be ready for any situation so take some extra food with you in case a friend or someone else needs it. Take some extra water because it is never enough especially if it is your first time hiking, you do not know how much water you will drink. You should also bring some extra clothes in case you get wet on the trail.

C. Backpack

To carry all the required items and gear, you need a backpack that allows you to carry everything. If you are going on a quick trip you can go with a little backpack with at least 20 liters of capacity. If you are going on a longer trip instead and you need to bring more water, food, and clothes you will need a bigger backpack, one of at least 30 liters of capacity will be enough.

How to make hiking fun for kids

One of the most common problems of work in a construction environment is dried concrete and cement stains. Concrete splashed or drops onto boots then sticks on them before drying up. You usually will not notice when concrete splatters or stain while working. For this reason, it’s quite common that at the end of the working day you bring back home footwear with extra layers of concrete.

Hiking with kids could be a great activity to do because it will include all the family in this interesting activity.

You can help them enjoy the wild and allow them to learn about everything that is around them in the track. This can be done via a challenge to look out for a list of specific items or identify various items along the trail. This will engage the kids and make them feel interested in the plants, insects, and animals that they will find there. With this activity, you will also be inculcating on them the respect for nature and the environment while they fully enjoy the day out with their parents.

If you do not engage the kids, the hike could be a little boring or get them exhausted. This guide will enhance your kids’ engagement and result in exciting expeditions worth remembering.

A. What you can do to make hiking fun for your kids

When you are starting them into the art of hiking, try to choose a hike that you know would be easy for the kids taking into account the obstacles and the distance so they can fully enjoy the experience.

Try to go to a special place while hiking. The hike that you select must contain something like a lake, a waterfall, a special tree or something to maintain the motivation in the kids so they keep going to reach that goal.

Let the kids see and touch everything that is secure in the hike. Let them play with rocks, sticks and even some insects, the experience is everything for them, and they would remember that day for a long time.

You should always be prepared to take on any situation that could go on. Take everything that you think you would need to make the kids’ trip a unique experience for them. Some splendid stuff to carry are binoculars so if you find an animal or insect you can see it from a distance, a camera to save all your memories, enough food and water for them, and some extra clothes in case they get dirty.

Another important thing for your kids is to wear hiking boots so they can have their feet protected against every obstacle on the trail while you also protect their ankles too.

Take the time to stop by for a little amount of time with them so they can get some rest, especially if the track is long. There you can give them special foods that you prepare for the hike.

Play some games with them while you maintain your hiking pace, make one of them the leader of the trip for a while. They love that because the leadership is a magnificent feeling for them. Another game is making them pay attention to the flowers, birds or insects in the trail that one who sees more of these things first wins.

As you could see, there are many things to do with kids to get them interested in hiking. Every time you plan this activity, pay attention to their opinions and have a marvelous family time.

What is a good hiking pace and how to develop a better one

There are many things that you can do on your weekends, among the best is when you’re going out hiking. It will make you feel at peace and in touch with nature. Your lungs will enjoy the fresh air around and you can collect many amazing hiker adventure memories with your friends while you are doing this.

Many people enjoy going out for a hike to enjoy their surroundings, exercise and get refreshed. To do that you would like to feel comfortable during the hikes. That is why it is important to have the best gear with you, especially the hiking boots / shoes to protect your feet.

With a bit of planning you will be ready to go. You will see the amazing landscapes and scenery while traveling or walking. With all the necessary equipment and gear, you will achieve a perfect hiking trip and build the experience to each trip to guide you to make your next outdoor adventure more interesting.

A. The best hiking pace

There are many ways of tackling your trails. It all depends on your physical capacities and interests. Some power ahead faster and others walk a little slowly. The most important thing is to reach your goal and feel great with yourself.

Many people enjoy hiking at a pace around the two and four miles per hour (mph), with an average of three mph. As already highlighted it depends a lot on your goals, interests and your physical condition.

Hiking workout goals individuals set for themselves vary, they include getting in shape, improving health including weight loss. Some enjoy being outdoors and others practice hiking as a sport.

For heavy hikers, for charity and for many other reasons, demanding goals have sometimes been set. This is usually measured by the number of miles covered per day. Some have set high targets of even going past 25 miles on the trail in a day.

While on your long or short trail, you will feel great and each time if possible depending on your health ad goals, you should increase your pace to go faster or simply cover a longer distance. As a result, every time you go out, you will gain more resistance making it more possible to take on greater obstacles and terrains.

To reach the best speed you will need a good pair of hiking boots to help you have grip in various terrains and be comfortable in different weather patterns. The boots are critical, they will take care of your feet and ankles as you venture out.

Once you get used to hiking, your speed will naturally increase. Try always to start with at least 2 miles per hour (mph), and then start adding some velocity. 3 mph is an amazing hiking pace, and it is the recommended pace for most people. Some individuals like to push their limits try even 4 mph, achieving that feels amazing.

Distance covered is also important. As you gain some consistency, you will resist more hours and do longer distances.

Hiking is a marvelous activity to do with some friends and or family, practice with them till you get a fabulous hiking and preferred pace, and achieve your goals.