According to AI, hiking is the most popular outdoor activity across the US.
63.4 million people hike at least one time per year. Hiking has seen a huge spike in popularity during and after the Covid pandemic. Most experienced hikers know the importance of your feet. Sore feet and blisters can put you in a bad mood, even on the best day.
Hiking involves a short list of gear with footwear and socks at the top of the list. Most of the other gear is weather dependent, such as sunscreen and rain gear. A water bottle and a small backpack, and walking sticks sometimes round out the gear requirements. In Montana, bear spray is recommended, depending on the backcountry you will be hiking in. Because hiking is easy to prepare for, it is a popular activity.
Hiking can involve walking up and down hills. On top of this, the terrain can be quite uneven with tree roots and rocks on the trail. Be prepared for all the conditions when you set out for the day. Rain can make things slick in a hurry. In Montana where we live, snow, even in the late months of Spring and the early months of Fall, is not uncommon. In Montana we say, “if you don’t like the weather, just wait a few minutes.” This is especially true of the mountainous terrain where most trails are located.
Preparation is important for hikers before the day you set out. Footwear is high on the priority list of items for the adventure. There is no excuse for using poor footwear for a long hike; your feet and body will pay the price of pain and possible injury if you do.
As the boy scout motto is, “Be Prepared”. Hiking boots that do not bend well are fine if you are doing a lot of side-hilling or hiking on rocky scree slopes with extremely steep terrain. However, they are not the best choice for most casual hikers. For casual hikers, the hiking boots should bend well just behind the toes, to allow the foot to move normally. This is where the foot needs to naturally bend. If this does not occur because the boot is too stiff, or the foot is not able to move normally, then foot problems may develop.
Foot problems can present as painful conditions in the heel and on the ball of the foot just behind the toes, or your Achilles tendon. Without the proper stabilization of the foot, as you walk forward and bend the toes upward, other foot deformities can develop as well, including bunions, hammertoes, and bone spurs. Avoid these problems with our recommendations for the best insoles for hiking boots as well as Cluffy Insoles.
Make sure the hiking boot fits you well. Purchase a boot that feels comfortable for you. A good lug sole will give you a better grip on the terrain you will be walking on. Soft rubber will grip better than firm rubber compounds. Water proofing of the boot is nice, if available, as you may encounter some water on the trail or crossing a stream.
On steeper dirt trails you may kick rocks up as you are walking. A higher top hiking boot will prevent most of these rocks from going inside the boot and is recommended for that reason.
On some well-maintained trails, a good trail running shoe is the best option. Light and flexibility are better than heavy and stiff, particularly on a manicured trail.
An insole for the hiking boot is recommended. Do not count on the boot alone to provide all the benefits the foot requires as far as the footbed is concerned. What the foot stands on is extremely important. Do not leave this up to the boot manufacturers. What the manufacturer puts in the boot is an extremely basic liner and this is not the best footbed for you. An after-market footbed is your best answer to this, and the premium Cluffy Insole is the most technical and innovative footbed on the market today.
Hiking is usually a forward moving activity and correct movement of the foot and toes is essential for happy and healthy feet. The Cluffy Insole allows your foot to move normally. This normal movement is essential to allow the foot to adapt to the terrain and stabilize properly as you move forward, reducing your risk of discomfort or overuse injury.
When your foot moves correctly, you will be in better balance, and strength of your legs and arms will be improved. Balance and strength are important to minimize the risk of a dangerous fall when on the trail.
Using a ruck pack with weight will improve your calorie burn by 2-3X regular walking, improve your cardiovascular and mental health, as well as help to prevent bone loss and build bone density. Goruck goruck.com offers a nice pack for rucking activities. This added advantage does not increase impact force on the body as much as running, so it is better for your joints (ankle, knee, and hip).
With adequate conditioning and proper footwear, including the best insoles for hiking, the Cluffy Insole, you will be getting a healthy workout and minimize your chances of getting sore or injured.
Hiking is a great activity to improve your health and enjoy the beauty all around you in a peaceful environment only nature can create. Go!
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