Face it, the majority of us spend most of the day on our feet. It is extremely important to have the correct shoe for what the situation demands. With an ever-increasing array of shoes to choose from the task of choosing the right shoe can be daunting.
Since “adventure lust” is over shadowing theme of this site, it is important to at least explore the basics of foot comfort needed for adventures.
Our footsies and their importance are often times under-appreciated and over looked, after all they carry from point A to Z and many letters in between.
When choosing the shoe for the job there are some very basic criteria that can not be over looked:
The “Fit” - This may seem obvious to many, but depending on how well your shoes fit, can mean the difference between a ½ mile hike and a 5 mile expedition.
An important factoid in choosing the best fitting shoe is to realize that we can not truly get an accurate feel for a shoe until it is broken in. Chances are, that if you are feeling some discomfort with in the first couple minutes of strutting around in the store, then those shoes should go right back on the rack and be forgotten.
The “Function” - Everybody wants the shoe that can do it all. Since no true shoe reigns champion as of yet, you have to weigh your options and consider where sacrifices can be made. What type of terrain will you be covering? Are you going to be getting your shoes wet? Going out for dinner and drinks after? These are all considerations that should be examined. Shoes and their function can be extremely specialized. If we were looking for the best in every field we would have to own way to many pairs to be practicle.
The “Form” - Yes we want fit and we want function, but we also want to look good doing it. Thankfully, most shoes today look decent no matter the circumstances, but there are still those few exceptions which often times are easy enough to notice at first glance and will never earn a second look.
To briefly examine what I am talking about, let us look more in depth at three pairs of shoes that have all served me well over the years in their various strengths. In no particular order, but starting from the very far right and moving to the very far left (because its my site and I can do that):
Merrell Switchback non Gor-Tex (Cold/Heavy Hiking/Backpacking Boot)
This is a great example of a shoe/boot that has very specific strengths and subsequent weaknesses. These puppies are water proof (or at the least very much water resistant). Great for hikes in the snow or crossing smaller streams when it is cold. Your feet will stay warm and dry throughout most winter conditions – the shoe also has a built in strap point for attaching snow shoes. The Switchback's are also very rugged and durable. The tongue is a solid piece the majority of the way up allowing you to venture into water or snow about 5 inches deep without anything seeping in.
What makes this shoe great for rough winter conditions also makes it abysmal for just about anything else. They are warm (way warm!), they are heavy duty which means they are clunky as all get out and heavy. Because of the size of the boot and its heavy duty design, these boots really don't fit in the category of dinner attire. The Vibram sole means that they get excellent traction in the slipperiest of conditions but the sole does not wear well for walking on asphalt or concrete. Personally I can order any pair of Merrell shoes and expect them to fit – their sizing is consistent throughout their line.
What makes this shoe great for rough winter conditions also makes it abysmal for just about anything else. They are warm (way warm!), they are heavy duty which means they are clunky as all get out and heavy. Because of the size of the boot and its heavy duty design, these boots really don't fit in the category of dinner attire. The Vibram sole means that they get excellent traction in the slipperiest of conditions but the sole does not wear well for walking on asphalt or concrete. Personally I can order any pair of Merrell shoes and expect them to fit – their sizing is consistent throughout their line.
Merrell Chameleon III Stretch (Light/Warm Duty Hiking/Backpacking and Casual Shoe)
Although more oriented around warm weather hiking the Merrell Chameleon has plenty of strengths: The “fit” can not be beat. These things cup and cushion your foot like no other shoe I have worn. Some people might consider these shoes to be ugly, but this is just about as good as it gets! In the same day these shoes can be worn backpacking and carrying your huffing and puffing butt out of a camping spot, to exploring a pier or art gallery to dinner in the evening. They do not offer exceptional support for heavy loads when backpacking, but then again you shouldn't be carrying more then 30-40lbs to begin with. They lack in water protection and ankle support, but the make up for it with breathe ability and comfort. They are light, cool and again the Vibram sole offers excellent traction but poor durability if all your doing is striking the pavement.
New Balance 572 All-terrain Trail Running Shoe (Light/Warm Duty Walking/Hiking/Casual/Fitness Shoe)
These things are excellent for many uses. Obviously they are not cold weather shoes nor water-resistant. The sole has great traction but again it is a softer sole, not meant for pavement walking. You can use them for pavement but don't expect the sole to last forever. These shoes excel in trail running. They are extremely lite and breathe exceptionally well. They can also be worn for a evening out or to the grocery store. Don't expect any type of protection for stubbed toes or rocks smashing your feet, these things are light and only offer increased mobility.
There are plenty of other types of shoes and boots to explore – but this is only to get you thinking in the right direction. You can make some compromises when shoe shopping but one should consider all the circumstances that might occur where ever the adventure lures them.
As a general rule I discourage hiking sandals and sissy slippers (flip flops) for adventures. Flip flops are fine if you are not planning on doing much, but if you are going to be walking around, please put something on that supports your arch. Hiking sandals and the ability during warm weather to be able to step in a creek or stream might sounds like a great idea, but keep in mind, goat heads and other stickers that can get caught in there and cause a lot of pain. I really discourage wearing hiking sandals when doing anything that is even remotely technical. Their fit is usually a little loose and the sole is just large enough to catch onto a rock or something else when your lifting up your foot – both of which drastically increase your chance for tripping and injury.
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