Whether you're planning a longer hike through challenging terrain or a short nature walk with the kids, choosing the right footwear is critical to making your adventure a success. Shoes will directly affect your comfort, safety and ability to walk many miles without blisters or injury. Since the offer of outdoor goods in the Latvian market is growing rapidly, it is easy to get confused as to which pair of hiking shoes is the most suitable. In this blog post, we will give you tips on what aspects to evaluate before choosing the most suitable shoes for adventures.

To avoid misunderstandings and unnecessarily complicating things, let's explain what this recently popular term "trekking shoes" is.

Trekking shoes and hiking shoes. What's the difference?

The term "trekking", which has recently become popular in Latvia, comes from the English word "trekking" and is synonymous with the word "hiking". Both of these words mean "walk " , so they are used as synonyms.

However, there may be some subtle differences in the usage or interpretation of terms depending on the region or context. In Europe and also in Latvia, the word "trekking" is often used to describe longer, more difficult hikes that involve several days or a high altitude in the mountains, while the word " hiking" or "haikings" is used to describe shorter, less tiring walks or one-day hikes.

In other contexts, "hiking" may be considered a more casual or recreational activity, while "trekking" may be associated with more serious or adventurous pursuits.

Nevertheless, when making a choice about purchasing hiking shoes, you should not base your decision on whether the shoe is called a trekking , hiking or hiking shoe, but on your own needs and the purpose of using the shoes. In this blog post, we'll look at different usage goals and possible user needs.

Hiking shoes: features and types.

Features:

• Hiking and trekking shoes usually have a durable, firm sole with good traction to ensure stability on rocky or slippery surfaces.
• The upper of a shoe or boot is made of durable, most often waterproof materials, such as leather or synthetic fabrics, to protect the foot from shocks, scratches and other hazards. The upper material is often combined with a waterproof and breathable membrane from Goretex or another manufacturer.
• The inside of the shoes can have cushioning , breathable materials or moisture- wicking properties so that the feet feel comfortable and do not sweat during long hikes.
• Some common features of hiking and trekking shoes are ankle support , which helps prevent sprains or other injuries , and
• reinforced part of the toe , which protects the fingers from accidental impacts.
• Shoes or boots can also have special lacing systems that provide additional support and prevent the foot from slipping in the shoe .

In summary:

In general, hiking shoes are designed to provide reliable performance and protection in a variety of outdoor environments, making them essential equipment for any nature lover in a variety of activities, from walking with children through the forest to a week-long hike through the mountains of Norway with a tent in a backpack.

Kinds:

Hiking shoes come in a variety of shapes, sizes and materials, each with unique features suited to different types of terrain and activities. Here are some of the more common types of hiking shoes:

• Hiking and trekking shoes: These are the most traditional and durable hiking shoes. They are designed to provide ample support, stability and protection for your feet and ankles. Trekking shoes are suitable for long backpacking trips, multi-day hikes in rough terrain, but can also be used for one-day hikes. Hiking shoes are divided into several types, starting from the upper materials (leather, synthetics), which affect their warmth, lightness, durability, flexibility and type of the sole, as well as the height of the ankle: low, medium, high.
• Trail running shoes: These are light, low-cut shoes designed for trail running and hiking on less technical terrain. They offer less ankle support than hiking boots, but are more comfortable and breathable, making them perfect for summer hikes or brisk activities.
• Walking Shoes: Walking shoes provide excellent traction, support and protection while allowing precise foot control. They are designed for scrambling and are often used by rock climbers for rock sections where the use of specialized rock shoes is not practical for some reason, but the climbing can get quite technical. Since rock climbers approach the rock climbing sector in these shoes, they are called "approach shoes". Walking shoes are most often close to the foot, with a narrow, rigid toe. However, there are also less technical walking shoes.

Comparison of different types of shoes

Type of shoes	Application purpose	Main advantages
Low hiking shoes	One-day hikes, easy multi-day hikes	Light, breathable, good grip
Hiking boots or ankle boots	Multi-day hikes, rough terrain	Ankle stabilization, strength
Mountaineering boots	High mountain trekking, extreme conditions	Thermal insulation, compatible with spikes, excellent grip
Trail running shoes	Off-trail running, fast hiking, orienteering	Light, breathable, great grip
Walking shoes	Technically more difficult hikes, steep climbs on rocks	The grip of a rock shoe and the stability of a hiking shoe at the same time
Hiking sandals	Hiking in dry, hot climates	Good grip, sole stability, toe protection, ventilation.

When choosing the most suitable shoes for your needs, consider the following aspects:

1. Terrain : Think about the type of terrain you will be hiking on. Technical terrain requires more support and protection, while equipped, easy trails allow for lighter and more breathable shoes.
2. Climate : Consider the climate where you will be hiking. For hot and dry climates, such as warm countries where it never rains, Goretex shoes might be unnecessary and hiking sandals (like Keen ) might be more suitable. For wet and rainy climates, waterproof Goretex boots will be most suitable.
3. Comfort and size : People and feet are different. What suits one person perfectly, makes another cringe in confusion. That's why hiking shoes should be measured before buying. Preferably with a hiking sock.* When measuring the shoe, lace the shoe properly so that it does not ride up and the foot does not ride in it. If you feel some discomfort or pressure point when measuring the shoe, you should not hope that it will disappear, on the contrary - after walking kilometers, this point will turn into torment. Speaking of size - choose a shoe size so that it does not rise and the foot does not move in them, but at the same time there is enough space in the toe. During the hike, the legs swell and if the shoes are purchased without sufficient margin (depending on the type of shoe and application, it should be with a margin of 1 to 2 cm), a great deal of discomfort may occur.
4. Experience and Fitness : If you're a beginner and don't feel confident on rocky or steep trails, opt for more stable hiking boots or ankle boots that will give you a sense of confidence and security. If you're a seasoned adventurer, confident on trails with difficult terrain, and can jump rocks quickly, choose a lighter, low-top hiking shoe or walking shoe that will make you even more nimble and fast.
5. Quality : Investing in a quality pair of shoes is cheaper than buying new cheap shoes over and over again that don't offer the best functionality and can prove to be dangerous, such as the sole coming off in the middle of a hike.

*Read about why it is important to use hiking socks here .

Shoes for sale in the traveler

At our store, we pride ourselves on offering a wide range of top quality hiking and trekking shoes. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or a novice adventurer, we've got the perfect pair of shoes to fit your needs. From durable trekking boots to lightweight trail running shoes, we carry only the most trusted brands in the industry.

Mammut hiking shoes

Mammut has been producing high- quality touring and mountain gear for over 150 years, and their hiking boots are no exception. Durable materials and excellent traction, these shoes are built to withstand even the toughest hikes.

Icebug trail running shoes

For those who prefer a lighter and more agile option, the Icebug trail running shoes are a great choice. Designed specifically for trail running and hiking on less technical terrain, these shoes are low-cut and breathable while offering adequate support and traction. They are also equipped with unique features such as the BUGrip sole, which provides excellent grip on slippery surfaces. Icebug shoes with studs are also available, which will be great for winter orienteering adventures.

On Running's innovative and lightweight shoes

On Running has become a favorite brand among runners and hikers alike thanks to their innovative technology and stylish design . Their trail running shoes are particularly popular, offering the perfect balance of comfort, durability and performance. In the store, you will find On Running's bestsellers Cloudventure and Cloudrock, with the patented CloudTec® technology, which will allow you to run as if on clouds !

Come visit and our experienced consultants will help you choose the most suitable one!