If you are into hiking or walking, the first thing that you need to focus on is the kind of footwear you wear during these activities.
Are hiking shoes good for walking, or should you buy specific footwear for each activity type?
Walking and hiking can cause a lot of strain not only to the feet but to the whole body as well, which can affect the outcome of the adventure.
Donning the appropriate shoes for a particular exercise will be beneficial for the user, as it can provide the comfort and stability that they need.
We are not saying that one shoe category should be exclusive to one purpose, though.
After all, there’s a wide range of modern designs and materials found in most shoes today.
Hiking and Walking
We all know that hiking and walking are similar, and yet they are also different in many ways.
These two activities are also considered exercises as they both help people maintain a healthy body.
Let’s take a closer look at each activity and find out their differences.
Hiking
Hiking is an outdoor activity sometimes defined as a long walk that people do for enjoyment and physical fitness.
It is usually done on various trails in the woods or backcountry.
Backpacking, trekking, and nature walks are other forms of hiking that are typically done for an extended period.
You need to exert extra effort when you hike as you will trek on natural yet challenging trails like mountains, forests, or reserved parks.
The number one benefit a hiker gets is the chance to enjoy nature while staying healthy at the same time.
Walking
Walking is the usual daily travel that we all do using our feet.
It is done for short and long distances on flat walking trails like concrete, gravel, asphalt, and sand.
It is also considered a form of exercise for some people, helping them stay healthy and fit and burn calories in the process.
Walking gives you the freedom to it anywhere, whether indoors or outdoors.
Hiking Shoes or Walking Shoes?
It is hard to look for the perfect exercise shoes from all the different brands and numerous models available in the market today.
If you know what kind of activity you are more likely to engage in, it will be easier for you to know which shoe category to choose from.
We will not check a particular brand but will look at the characteristics of two shoe categories to determine which one is suitable for our needs.
Hiking shoes and walking shoes look very similar at first glance.
However, looking closely at those two shoe varieties, you will notice distinct differences between them.
Hiking Shoes
Gone are the days when hiking shoes look like bulky and heavy work boots.
Now, they are made lighter with waterproof materials.
They also have different designs and variations that will match each customer’s needs and preferences.
These shoes have thick and solid soles with more pronounced treads that protect you from sharp twigs and pebbles scattered along the path.
Hiking shoes offer more feet protection, grip, as well as ankle support and coverage, but they may require short break-in time.
Walking Shoes
Walking shoes are lightweight, which are perfect for fast and quick movements or lazy strolls in the park.
They have flat and smooth soles that are comfortable to wear even on long-distance and extended walks over flat and gentle pathways.
These shoes are generally made of breathable materials and soft cushioning.
However, they are not as durable and protective as hiking shoes.
There are numerous walking shoe designs to choose from that will complement your lifestyle and personality.
You can also find walking shoe models that you can use in both concrete or uneven terrains.
Are Hiking Shoes Good for Walking?
Considering all the changes made with hiking shoes, we can say that they are suitable as footwear alternatives for other activities besides hiking.
Let’s check some factors why hiking shoes can also be used for walking.
Works Great on Asphalt
Hiking shoes have thick rubber soles that offer durability and excellent traction, making it perfect for walking on asphalt.
However, keep in mind that asphalt can damage the soles of the hiking boots.
Burned Calories
As you walk long distances wearing hiking shoes, you also get to burn a lot of calories, so you stay fit and healthy.
Ankle Support
Hiking shoes offer enough ankle support, which is crucial for protecting your feet from any harm or injuries.
Water-Resistant
Most hiking shoes are made with breathable and water-resistant materials.
Because of this, they eliminate sweaty feet as well as ensure that your feet stay dry during winter and rainy seasons.
Though these shoes have breathable materials, you may still feel warm while wearing them.
In that case, it would be best to wear them with thin socks, especially during warm weather.
Dries Quickly
Typically, hiking shoes have mesh materials on the upper part, which allows it to dry faster than leather shoes.
Alternative Shoes
It’s always a good thing to have extra shoes with you wherever you go so you can change into a different one as needed.
A hiking shoe is an excellent go-to pair.
How to Turn Hiking into a Productive Workout
Hiking is an outdoor activity that anyone can do to stay fit and healthy instead of spending their time inside the gym for a regular workout.
However, make sure to create a hiking plan before you pick up that hiking gear and start the adventure.
Here are some tips on how you can turn your hiking adventure into an enjoyable workout.
Plan Your Hike
As precautionary measures, always remember to hike with a buddy, even if it is tempting to spend some time alone in nature.
This is especially important for first-time hikers or those who want to try out a new path.
Choose a familiar path based on your level of fitness and experience, starting at a short and easy trail.
Look for an uphill terrain if you want your hiking activity to turn into a complete workout so that you can burn more calories.
Hike for 45 minutes to an hour to make sure that calories are burned while you enjoy your time outdoors rediscovering nature.
Start your hiking adventure at a reasonable hour.
This ensures that you cover your target time and distance without causing any alarm if you get lost in the dark.
Check for the weather update before heading out to make sure that you will not get caught in a storm or other natural calamities while on a hike.
Wear comfortable shoes and clothes according to the weather conditions at the time of your hike.
Hiking to Workout
Hike at a slow pace.
You are not after speed; instead, you should aim for a longer stay outdoors so you can burn more calories.
Maintain proper posture while hiking by keeping your head up, your spine straight, and your arms relaxed to prevent unwanted stress and waste of energy.
Use hiking poles to exercise your arms and upper body; it relieves pressure from the lower parts of the body, especially hips and knees.
Whatever happens, never try to speed up your pace downhill because this may result in accidents.
Always stay focused on your target.
Add Exercise to the Hike
When approaching an incline, try to make some lunges as you go uphill to strengthen your leg muscles.
Do squats using trees as your support then follow it up with some jumping jacks to increase your heart rate.
Conclusion
Comfort should always be the standard when looking for walking or hiking shoes.
In this way, you can focus on the activity instead of the discomfort you might get from wearing incorrect shoes.
Are hiking shoes good for walking, or do you have to look for specific walking shoes?
In truth, as long as you’re comfortable, then you’re good to go.
You can always enjoy these outdoor activities with the whole family, including your kids, so you might as well give them the best hiking shoes to wear and start them young.