Dunes can develop from a mound of sand formed by the wind. Once these sands’ dunes form on a desert or a beach, they can create sand particles that can quickly get into your shoes, creating much discomfort. If you are considering hiking, you want to ensure that you find a shoe that will suit this terrain. Perhaps you would like to find out which would be the Best Shoes For Hiking Sand Dunes.
When selecting the best hiking shoe for sand dunes, you want to consider a shoe that would keep out sand and decrease sweating. Hiking involves a long, vigorous walk which can pressure your feet; hence you need to consider a shoe that provides comfort and support.
Before starting the great trek, you want to prepare adequately. To help you prepare, I will highlight the factors that need consideration when selecting the best shoe for hiking sand dunes and a recommended list of hiking shoes.
Best Shoes For Hiking Sand Dunes: Factors To Consider
The thrill of hiking on sand dunes can be short-lived, especially if you are not wearing the right shoes. Besides, your feet need to be well protected to ensure that you complete the journey and hiking barefoot is better suited elsewhere. To keep your feet blister-free, some factors need consideration when choosing the best shoe for hiking dunes.
Fit Of The Shoe
It is crucial to ensure that your shoe is well-fitted. An ill-fitted shoe won’t get you far. While a tight shoe will create blisters, a loose shoe will keep slipping, making the hike challenging.
When choosing a shoe, the best way to find a perfect fit would be to try out the shoe with a pair of socks, preferably a pair of wool socks that is great for hiking in the desert. A shoe that gives you a snug fit will restrict the foot from sliding around, maintaining stability.
Cushioning Of The Shoe
Since hiking requires more effort than walking, you will need a shoe that can meet the needs of this recreational activity. Choose a shoe with foam midsoles between the outer sole and the inside of the shoe.
The shoe should feature synthetic polymers and tiny air bubbles, the air bubbles will absorb the pressure when hiking, and the cushion will bounce back into shape, providing support to the foot. Sand dunes ease shock: hence hiking shoes should be moderately cushioned for movement.
Stability
Hiking on sand mounds typically involves moving from lower to higher terrains. Finding a shoe that matches this elevation level while providing ample traction and stability is crucial.
Trying to maneuver over soft sand can often be tricky and can sometimes cause one to lose their balance. Hence, you want to find a shoe with threads on the outer sole made of rubber and rubber composite to provide support on different terrains.
It is also advisable to select a shoe with foam stretching from the heel to the midsole, which helps correct the foot’s motion during hiking by providing extra support and stability.
Breathable Fabric With Good Ventilation
Often your feet tend to get hot and sweaty when hiking due to adverse weather conditions. A shoe with breathable fabric with good ventilation will be ideal for these weather increments.
Choose A Lightweight Shoe
An overweight shoe is the last thing you need to deal with when hiking, especially when carrying heavy equipment. Instead, focus on getting a lightweight shoe that will not be one of the contributing factors to tired feet. For this reason, each hiking shoe or boot should not exceed 2,5 pounds.
Ankle Support
For those with previous ankle injuries, good ankle support is ideal. Invest in a hiking shoe with heel cuff wraps around the ankle to provide additional support by keeping your ankle in place. A boot with mid-height will help keep sand out and provide stability.
Durability
Hiking on dunes can put extra pressure on your shoe. For this reason, you want to choose a durable and long-lasting shoe, or else you will be wasting your hard-earned money on the replacement of shoes. Your initial capital outlay on a pair of good hiking shoes is bound to be an investment.
Conclusion
Hiking sand dunes can be more challenging than hiking on other terrains. You will successfully conquer any sand dune with the right pair of shoes. Your feet will comfortably get you to your destination when you consider the above factors.
