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Choosing the right footwear

What do you need to know when buying footwear?

Gender specific footwear.

Footwear is designed to fit men and women differently. Men usually have feet with larger widths and volumes where women usually have small widths with lower volume feet.

Medical conditions affecting fit.

Do you have a condition that will affect the fit, crucial with heavier use footwear. Do you have any medical issues including pronation, supination, low or high arches, or orthotics. If there is doubt refer to a foot specialist. Feet change with age, that is why a foot should be measured every time you try a shoe on. Left and right are typically a different size, from an 1/8th to a size and a half difference. Traditionally you will be sized to your larger foot.

Fit

Finding a correctly fitting piece of footwear is critical to comfort and stability. If shoes are to small they will feel painful over time and if they are too large your stability will be compromised a turned ankle or a blister are not only uncomfortable but potentially very
dangerous in the backcountry.

Socks
Almost half the story in fitting shoes are the socks. The wrong sock can drastically affect the fit of a shoe, and the right sock will greatly improve the performance and fit of stiffer footwear. Marino wool is the fabric of choice, if there is a wool allergy present there are synthetic options. Sock systems are still popular in heavier footwear, a liner sock with a thicker sock on top.

Length of Shoe: (when standing)
If your toes touch the end while standing the shoes are to small. Walk down a ramp. If your toes touch the end of the shoe they will be very painful after walking downhill for a few minutes or hours. Ski boots and climbing shoes are the only exception to this rule.

Heel lift:
With the laces undone you should be able to just put one finger between the heel and back of the shoe. With the shoes done up and walking on flat surfaces or up a ramp make sure your heels do not lift. If they do you will have blisters after a few minutes or hours
of walking.

Width of the shoe:
When the shoes are done up you should be able to wiggle your toes. The toes should not be cramped together. If your mid foot floats in the shoe it will not offer the stability and control you need. A snug fit provides stability in the foot and ankle area. The heel of the shoe should grab snuggly and prevent the foot from moving.

Remember, finding the right pair of shoes or boots requires patience and time. Give yourself some when you go shopping. Proper boot fit takes at least 20 minutes, less if it
is a casual shoe.

Manufacturing materials differ as much as types of footwear. Consult the individual brand web pages for the detailed descriptions and advantages/disadvantages. No one material is better than the other.

What is intended use

Walking, running, hiking, backpacking and mountaineering require different footwear for stability, traction and durability. Do not buy a piece of footwear intended for a different purpose than what you need. You are better off to have a few pairs of footwear for specific activities. Your shoes will last longer and serve their purpose better.

Are you carrying a load, like a pack heavier than 30lb? Footwear is designed to support your bodyweight and the weights of potential loads you may be carrying. This may range from no weight, light loads to heavy loads.

Types of footwear for technical and casual outdoor use

Sandals: Sandals are generally used for casual wear and recreation. Some sandals do offer the support needed to be worn all day on hard surfaces but many do not.

Road runners: Designed to cushion the very hard impact of running on pavement and other hard surfaces that are flat. Most are ready to go out of the box and require very little break in time.

Trail runners: Designed to be used for walking or running on uneven surfaces. These shoes have aggressive treads and are designed to be stable through rough surfaces.

Approach Shoes: Designed to be used off smooth surfaces and often off trails. These shoes offer good traction, softer rubber and lightness to quickly climb mountains or scramble up rock faces.

Travel Footwear: Designed for all day comfort. Typically this is footwear that can handle a light hike but be worn as a casual dress shoe. Emphasis of the design is on lightweight, breathable and versatile shoes.

Multi-purpose shoes: Designed to be used both off and on trails. This shoe is good all around, however, it is not designed for one specific activity. Choose this type of footwear if you would want a bit more stability than a runner but less bulk of a hiking boot.

Day or light hiking: These boots are designed for one or two-day trips where you want more stability than a trail runner or multi-purpose shoe. These shoes are designed to support light loads and add stability to the foot and ankle in uneven terrain.

Hiking: Designed for more than one-day trips with light to medium loads. These boots are more durable than day hikers and offer good foot-bed and ankle support. Choose these boots if you want to move lightly and quickly in uneven terrain.

Backpacking: Designed to carry heavy loads over multiple days and long distances. These boots offer great foot-bed and ankle support along with good traction.

Mountaineering/ Climbing: Traditionally heavy footwear that is used for alpine ascents and technical climbing in winter conditions. Very supportive, stiff soled, waterproof and
crampon adaptable footwear, that typically gets asked for by name.

What do you think?