Last Updated on June 2, 2022 by Ecorf
When you are camping especially in summer, being around water is a wonderful experience that makes you feel good. It is also refreshing to stroll along large bodies of water like beaches or flowing rivers or perform other activities like fishing and boating. However, you can enjoy the full experience and coolness of hiking in areas characterized by water if you have the right gear.
There are many reasons why you should have the right kit like water shoes if your adventure involves walking in wet zones. As such, this guide gives you tips about how to choose the best water shoes for hiking.
Table of Contents
Significance of Water Shoes
Water shoes are designed for individuals who love to take part in a variety of water activities and the shoes come with other features that you cannot get on sandals. On the other hand, hiking involves a lot of walking so water shoes help to protect your toes.
There are potential hazards like debris, broken bottles, shells as well as sticks and hooks that can be found beneath the surface of the water body. These hazards can pose threats that can result in injuries, hence wearing proper water shoes will help eliminate such incidences.
Quality water shoes also offer perfect traction and they are also versatile such that you can use them for various purposes like walking on wet and rocky terrain. Water shoes make it easy for you to participate in different activities since they consist of high-tech materials combining style and functionality. The following tips can help you choose the best water shoes for hiking.
Type of Water Shoes
There are four main categories of water shoes for hiking which include the following: Canyoneering shoes, trail running shoes, amphibious shoes, and low top hiking shoes.
- Amphibious shoes are ideal for hiking through streams and you do not need socks when you are hiking in water with these shoes. The shoes are designed to drain water such that your feet remain comfortable.
- Canyoneering shoes are perfect for hiking in water and you can also use them for other sporting activities. The shoes help to keep your feet dry and they also have good traction such that you can use them for hiking in rocky areas. These shoes are designed to suit the needs of all hikers who do not want to get their feet wet.
- Trail running shoes are durable and they are also lightweight. They also offer you a feeling of barefoot when you are walking in different terrain. Trail running shoes also offer perfect grip and protection to your feet. When you want to keep your feet dry while on trails, this type of shoe can work well for you.
- Low top hiking shoes are heavier compared to other types of water shoes. The shoes are specifically designed to offer you comfort as well as support when you are hiking in different terrains that are also wet. The shoes also come with quality cushioning underneath your feet to give you maximum comfort when you are walking.
Material of the Water Shoes
When you choose water shoes for hiking, make sure that they are lightweight so that you can easily navigate your way through different types of terrain. Other types of water shoes tend to become heavier when they are wet and this can give you a burden when you are walking in rough terrain.
The other thing that you should consider about water shoes pertains to protection. This goes along with the element of durability. Durable shoes do not get damaged easily and they can offer you maximum protection. It is also essential to get shoes with waterproof material to keep your feet dry.
If the activities involve stepping in the water directly then you may need shoes that can dry quickly. All the same, it is also important to choose breathable shoes when you know that your feet will always be wet. Synthetic nylon together with mesh panels constitutes perfect material for water shoes.
You can also choose shoes that come with antimicrobials which help to prevent fungus and bacteria from growing which can affect your feet. These antimicrobials also do not give bacteria any chance to grow.
Traction of the Water Shoe
Traction is one of the major factors that you should consider when you buy water shoes. It is essential to check if the traction of the shoe is versatile and designed to suit different terrains and surfaces. When you are hiking in wet conditions, there are high chances that the surface can be rocky so the shoe should have superb traction.
The other important element is that excellent traction on your water shoes can also help to tackle issues related to slippery surfaces. Wet terrain is usually slippery and you risk falling and getting injured when you do not have the right shoes for the adventure. Therefore, you must prioritize the aspect of traction when you choose water shoes for hiking.
Price
The price of water shoes is another vital element that you should consider. Due to their versatility, water shoes are generally expensive compared to other alternatives like sandals. However, you should also remember that there are different brands of water shoes and these significantly differ in terms of pricing.
Before buying your preferred brand, you must make an effort to compare other features about other brands in relation to their prices. More importantly, you must be guided by your budget since you know exactly your pocket. If possible, you should also try to avoid cheap products since they usually come with cheap quality.
Conclusion
Water shoes are wonderfully designed to protect your feet when you engage in various activities that are related to water. Such shoes are versatile and you can also use them for other activities like hiking, boating as well as fishing among others.
When you want to choose the ideal type of water shoes, you must look for factors like material, weight, durability as well as protection to your feet.
