Blog

Do You Actually Need Them?

With every piece of technology that is developed, there are always nihilists who think that technology is not worth it. There are debates on whether having a pair of waterproof hiking shoes is really necessary. Both the antagonistic sides envision reasons that support their claim and hope to convince the world otherwise. However, we are able to learn a lot regarding the use of waterproof hiking boots from the reasons presented by both sides. In this article, we will analyze what the critics and supporters of this piece of tech say.

One of the things that differentiate us from our Neanderthal ancestors is the things we develop to make our life easier. Advancements in the sector of outdoor gears have brought about highly versatile items that have greatly changed the modern lifestyle. Most of the items made have high-performance standards that are weather-resistant, durable, easy to pack and with breathability capabilities. Essentially, we have been so accustomed to these items and we never wonder if we actually need them. Waterproof hiking shoes are a good example of this enigma. They are made with a waterproof membrane sandwiched between layers of synthetic or leather materials. This piece of membrane acts as a protective barrier from the outside world. However, the issue of whether you need this extra form of protection is debatable

Arguments In Support Of Waterproof Hiking Shoes

Many people feel that having waterproof hiking shoes is an advancement that the world has been looking forward to. When it comes to hiking, you are bound to encounter rains, streams, mud, and puddles among other areas that may make your feet wet. There are other forms of shoes that you can wear on such a day but the aftereffects will change make you rethink the items you must have during your next hiking day. When your feet get wet, the weak nature of the human skin gives in to abrasion and by the end of the day, you might be having the nastiest blisters you have ever seen.

With waterproof hiking shoes, you will find fun in wading through the mud, shallow streams and rain without worrying about how sluggish and cold your feet might get if they get wet. Think about all the fun you can get by just being capable of walking right through the water and your feet remain dry as if you never had an encounter with any form of precipitation. Unlike other shoes, waterproof hiking boots are designed to have a breathing mechanism that ensures that water from the outside does not get into your shoes and the sweat from your feet does not soak your feet and socks. The comfort you get from these shoes is worth owning a pair of these worthwhile feet guardians.

Arguments against Waterproof Hiking Shoes

The critics of this advancement outdoor gears often see the waterproof membrane in the shoes as unnecessary. There are those wet moments like shallow streams, puddles, mud and rains that you might encounter but even so, they are very specific and limited. If you encounter such environments, for instance, some people are doubtful about the idea that this kind of shoe will actually protect your feet from getting wet. It is argued that unless if you gaiters running above the cuff’s top, you are bound to fill your shoes with moisture. When it occasionally rains and you are wearing those waterproof shoes that are below the ankle, it becomes easy for the moisture to run down your legs into the shoes hence making your feet wet. Furthermore, the waterproof membrane reduces the breathability of your feet so much that even the ventilation on the shoes will not prevent the sweat from making your feet wet. And if this is the case, waterproof hiking shoes are not necessary hence picking a pair of shoes that dry faster when soaked in water is better.

Conclusion

People tend to think differently. The options in life for each individual are also different which leads us to the compelling reasons brought up by each side of the argument. However, from the arguments, we have been able to determine the number of merits and demerits associated with waterproof hiking shoes. with some light having been shed on this topic, we should not give ground to any side of the argument but instead, we should let personal preferences the necessity of wearing waterproof shoes when hiking.

Many people come up with so many things regarding footwear. Since waterproof walking shoes were invented, they have been associated with a number of things that are not true. There are myths about waterproof walking shoes that everybody out there should avoid be aware of and avoid falling for them. It’s because they are just myths and if you end up falling for them, you will just destroy your shoe and reduce its lifespan. Following what the manufacturer recommends is very necessary because it gives your shoe a long life.

You Should Buy Walking Shoes of the Same Size as Regular Shoes

At times you realize that after you have walked for a while, your feet are able to fit in a bigger shoe than the usual one. Have you ever noticed such a thing? It simply means that your waterproof walking shoes should be a bit larger than the regular shoes. If you walk for at least 30 minutes, your feet will swell and fill up the space that is left in the shoe. If your walking shoe fits you perfectly, it will be hard for your swelling shoe to fit hence you may end up with feet full of boils, swelling, foot pain or even black toenails. Don’t be shy when purchasing walking shoes because it is because of your own good. Sometimes, you may realize that your waterproof walking shoes seem to be too big to be worn when at home or even in the office. If it seems so, you should just reserve your pair of walking shoes for walking only.

Your Fit Slide Forward In Bigger Shoes

However, you should make sure that you know how to lace your shoes correctly. Since the shoes are a bit larger than the usual shoes, it might happen that your feet slide forwards. In such a case, you should learn how to lace your shoes so that the heels stay in the heel cup giving the feet enough space for expansion. This helps to prevent the development of blisters on the heels. If you realize that despite having enough space in your shoe you are still getting black toenails or your heel does not feel comfortable or does not fit well in the shoe heel cup, you should learn how to lace your shoe.

Wearing Socks Does Not Matter

At times, you might realize that your walking waterproof shoes are making you develop blisters as well as hot spots. If this happens, you should realize that the right kind of socks can help you prevent this. You should initially try them with the usual kind of socks and then go for the synthetic type of socks. You can also try other types of socks that wick moisture from the feet. However, you should not be in cotton socks if you know that you will walk for more than 30 minutes because they help in moisture retention in the feet that leaves the skin soft and prone to blisters. This means that synthetic socks are better and your feet should be lubricated or kept dry with cornstarch. This is far more essential if you are a victim of diabetes. You should not allow your feet to get ulcers if you are suffering from such a condition.

Walking Shoes Can Also Be Used For Hiking

This is the kind of a story that you should not try. Your pair of walking shoes might be waterproof but they are not designed to withstand the cropping rocks and the rough terrains that you encounter when hiking. The rock outcrops and roots might poke into the sole of your shoes. These are lightweight shoes that are meant to keep you comfortable and avoid the excess weight that might make you tired. They might give you a painful experience than the shoes designed for hiking. When it comes to hiking, you better look for a hiking shoe rather than destroying your walking shoe in the process.

Conclusion

Walking can be fun if you have the right kind of shoes. However, most of these shoes fall for criticisms that then turn to be myths. Before you try one of these myths, you should do enough research. Do not fall for any one of them because you may end up destroying your shoe or even hurting yourself. To avoid blisters, hot spots, dark spots or even uncomfortable heels, avoid falling for myths that surround waterproof walking shoes.

Find more at our shop