Go with suitable shoes and socks

Italiano

Hiking is the activity of walking from point A to point B, the feet rest on the ground, and then to practice it you need shoes, with which you have already walked comfortably, suitable for your route. Shoes are matched with specific socks for long walks. Shoes and socks are the primary items of what you need to go to the mountains, in a list that goes from clothing to equipment.

The shoe is a footwear that covers and protects the foot, to give comfort and facilitate the walk. It is made of fabric, leather or synthetic materials. The type of shoe is chosen based on its use, the terrain and climate in which you will walk, and on the style, because it is a fashion object. Some characteristics are length, i.e. the number, weight, height, breathability, impermeability, the ability of the sole to absorb the weight of the person and the roughness of the ground, how flexible or rigid they are.

Sports shoes

If you walk mainly on asphalt, and alas today many mountain paths are cemented, it is preferable to choose a sports shoe for running. The running shoes are flexible and have a foam rubber sole to reduce weight and cushion the impact on hard and flat surfaces and carbon rubber only at the heel level.
When the excursion includes trails with natural obstacles, such as rocks, roots, mud, you need a sports shoe for the mountains. A trail-running shoe has high traction for stability and support, and underfoot protection. Both the running shoe and the trail-running shoe have a low upper that reaches below the malleolus, the upper of a shoe is the part that covers the back of the foot. If the climate is dry, choose a non-waterproof shoe, which is more breathable, if it's wet, a gore-tex shoe to keep your feet dry.

Mountain boots

Mountain boots are special footwear designed specifically for walking on steep, wet or snowy terrain, while maintaining a high level of foot comfort.[^] The old boots were in leather or hides, the modern ones, more technical and light, are in Cordura or Nabuk. The sole must be rubber and of good brand, to give stability and adherence to the ground. The boots have a high upper to have a resistance to lateral stresses, protecting the ankles from sprains, and to absorb shocks, such as blows from rolling stones. The inside of the upper is protected with waterproof membranes capable of letting the foot breathe, in Gore-Tex or OutDry.
In a classification, the boots can be divided into three bands: classic hiking boots, slightly higher and more resistant than a sports shoe, medium-high mountain boot, high altitude or winter boot, with fully protected ankle and Vibram sole in non-slip rubber and shock absorbing polyurethane midsole.Boots can be cramponable, semi-cramponable, or non-cramponable.

A common sense rule is to try on a new footwear, sports shoe or boot, on a short path to see the reaction on the foot. The used shoes must be in good condition to avoid them breaking during the excursion, both above, everything that is above the sole, and below.

Purchase of shoes

The first step is to buy shoes of foot size. A practical check is to press with the fingers of the hand between the end of the big toe and the beginning of the toe of the shoe, for the length to be right there must be a small empty space. The test should be done with the type of socks with which you will go to the mountains. During the afternoon the feet are more swollen than in the morning.[^] Boots usually take half or one European size longer than a traditional shoe. Take a few steps, simulating a descent because the foot does not hit the toe or is too wide, do you feel at ease?
If you want to buy a shoe online, stick to the old model.

Regarding how much to spend, for a good running shoe about 70 euros are enough when they are discounted, for a sports shoe for the mountains it takes at least 100 euros, a good boot reaches 200 euros or more. When choosing, don't be swayed by excessively low figures or shoes that are too obvious, and in a color you don't like. In general, a pair of running shoes should last between 650 and 800 kilometers (3 to 4 months for those who run regularly).

Buying a shoe plays tricks on even the most expert sportsmen, because the verdict comes after traveling a few kilometers. In fact, although I seemed to have followed all the rules for choosing a sports shoe for the mountains that promised great performance, and among the most expensive on the market, it was really necessary to throw away the new purchase that fit well in the store, bought with the number of the right foot and without stitches that caused pain.

Socks

Socks are responsible for keeping your feet comfortable and dry while helping to prevent blisters and overheating of the feet. They must be breathable so as not to make the foot sweat and keep it sufficiently warm in the cold season.
Blisters are painful and spoil the trip to the mountains, while not a major health problem. They are caused when an area of the skin is rubbed repeatedly causing the surface of the skin to stretch away and form a liquid-filled bubble.[^]

There are several types of mountain hiking socks, made from merino wool, a composition of cotton, elastene, polyamide, in nylon, or patented synthetic fabrics. In addition to the fabric, there are three other main characteristics of a sock.[^] Height is a personal choice, no-show or quarter socks are recommended for sport walking. Cushioning affects durability, comfort and warmth. The ultralight socks and linings are ideal for running or hiking with flat shoes. The right compression helps venous circulation. The cost of a quality sock is between 20 and 30 euros.

Insole

In addition to the shoe-socks system, we must not forget to think about the insole, a real interface between the foot and the shoe. The insole has a shock-absorbing and hygienic function, reducing odor. When you notice discomfort in the sole of the foot (heat, sweat, redness, stiffness) or in one part of it, the sole could be the cause. For the choice of a comfortable one to your own characteristics you go by trial, on the market there are different types, in anatomic polyurethane, active carbon fiber, latex foam, gel.

My experience

The quality of mountain shoes has improved a lot in recent years and continues to do so and is one of the reasons why people walk more. Every little detail of the shoe is now scientifically studied and tested, ankle collar, heel counter, saddle, toebox, outsole, flex grooves and toe spring, midsole, heel cushioning, forefoot cushioning, heel-toe drop, stabilizing features, sockliner. I remember the pain in my feet when years ago I started with mountain boots, Scarpa or Asolo brand, less performing and perhaps tight. Also, I hate boots that come loose easily, how many times have I had to bend over to re-tie the laces, to avoid making a double knot!

Over the course of more than ten years of hiking in the mountains, depending on the shoe, I suffered crushing of the nail of the big toe and the second toe, even with a small subunguinal hematoma. The pain lasts for a few days, the nail changes color, becoming yellow or dark, and thickens. In the healing process, the nail first lifts and then gets lost. A callus comes on my fifth toe of my left foot.
When the upper is of medium height, a problem can arise that makes me regret buying the new shoe. Rubbing in the ankle area can produce inflammation, i.e. redness of the skin, and even cut it, with blood loss. For the callus and to reduce the damage caused by rubbing, I resort to the use of patches, which in any case decrease the damage. Thank goodness, the failures are less than the success numbers, I usually don't complain and I am happy with the response of the footwear during my day in the mountains.

On Grignone

On the Northern Grigna I walk or run with a sports shoe. Up Pialeral there are no obstacles on the ground, the paths are wide or are real roads, and 'the walk' is still a good training in nature that is good for the spirit and health. Long stretches are made of concrete because the Mountain Community and the Municipality of Pasturo pay little attention to the hiker, favoring the means on wheels and access to huts.

If the ground on the Grignone is dry and the weather forecast does not foresee water, I use a breathable, very light running shoe, Saucony Neutral. If the conditions are not dry, I wear my La Sportiva Bushido II, an excellent trail-running shoe that fits pretty much everywhere. When the ground is wet I wear a Salomon XA Pro 3D because it has a slightly higher upper and is made of Gore-tex.
When the Grigna is covered in snow and I intend to go up to high altitude enjoying the desert and the blue sky, I change my shoes at the Pialeral. I wear a La Sportiva Nepal boot, very light and stiff, which I put in my backpack. If necessary, I wear gaiters, to prevent the snow from getting my feet wet as I enter from the top of the boots. One of the secrets of a good hike is to always stay dry, and I also choose insoles that dry quickly.

References

1. "What makes comfortable hiking boots". Salomon. Retrieved 16 March 2022.
2. Beverly, Jonhatan (30 December 2021). "Gear Up With the Right Running Shoes". Runner's World. Retrieved 16 March 2022.
3. "How to prevent blisters when hiking". Salomon. Retrieved 16 March 2022.
4. Eldridge, Heather. "Clever Hiker". Runner's World. Retrieved 16 March 2022.