A Guide to Hiking Footwear

A mixture of hard and flat public roads, gravel fire trails and purpose-built single track through sometimes boggy, sometimes rocky and sometimes steep terrain sure makes for an interesting walk. It also makes footwear choice difficult. 

Simply put, the perfect pair of shoes for hiking the Hume and Hovell does not exist and a pair of shoes that don’t fit right or aren’t designed to last will ruin your trip. Nonetheless, to help you pick the shoes most suited to your unique needs, here is a guide to hiking footwear. And, remember to spend lots of time breaking in your boots with a full pack before you go!

Types of hiking footwear:

Short Ankle Hiking Shoes

Short ankle hiking shoes are similar to a pair of runners. They are light and flexible with very little ankle support, so they may not offer the support needed for multi-day walks. That said, if you prefer your ankles to move freely and don’t like the feeling of lots of support then they are probably ideal for you. If you find yourself more comfortable in something that supports your ankle, a pair of mid-cut or high cut boots may be better suited. If you are planning to walk sections of the Hume and Hovel as short day walks, you could get away with a pair of short ankle hiking shoes.

Mid-Cut Hiking Boots

Mid-cut hiking boots offer some ankle support and are generally sturdier than the short ankle variety. They are best suited for a 2-3 day hike with a light backpack. The extra durability, support and grip will be helpful if you are planning a long day walk or doing steep and uneven sections of the track. Mid-cut hiking boots are best suited for those seeking a balance of ankle agility and ankle stability. 

High-Cut Hiking Boots

The stiffest, most durable and supportive shoe with support going above the ankle is a high-cut hiking boot. They are best suited for long multi-day hikes carrying a heavy pack. If you prefer lots of ankle stability you may choose to wear hike-cut boots on short multi-days and day walks. The ankle support is also more comfortable and recommended for knee issues. High-cut hiking boots typically have a stiffer outer sole (so your feet don’t wrap around rocks and sticks) and a thicker midsole for cushioning and stability. High cut boots are the most durable, designed to protect from rocks and sticks on rough track sections.

Trail Runners vs Hiking Boots

For day walks or short overnight walks with a light pack, you could opt for a pair of trail runners. The benefits of trail runners are that they are light and fast-drying, some are even waterproof. However, they aren’t designed to support a heavy pack load as hiking boots are. That’s not to say you can’t wear trail runners on a long multi-day hike. Plenty of ultra-light, experienced hikers go the distance in a pair of lightweight trail runners. 

Trail runners also perform better on long stretches of road or flat surfaces, so depending on which part of the Hume and Hovell you are walking they may be more suitable. 

Materials

Boot material effects weight, durability, breathability and what happens when they get wet. So, it’s important to consider what boots are made out of together with the time of year, sections of the track you are walking and the boot style. 

Leather

Full-grain: the heaviest but also the most durable material.

Nubuck: resembling soft suede, it’s durable and water-resistant but does take time to break-in.

Split grain: lighter and more breathable than the above but less waterproof and durable. 

Synthetic 

Polyester or nylon dries fast, is light and breaks in quickly but doesn’t have impressive durability.

Mesh, used a lot in trail runners as it’s light and breathable but not waterproof.

Insulated boots

Not as important on the Hume & Hovell, maybe if you are walking the track in the middle of winter. But not a necessity as you won’t be walking in extremely cold or snowy conditions. A good pair of socks should keep your feet warm. 

Waterproof

Waterproof boots are well worth considering if you are planning on walking the track in its entirety or a longer overnight walking trip. They are helpful not only in rainy weather but also on dewy mornings when walking through long grass, as you’ll find yourself doing through private farmland. Waterproof boots have a lining most commonly made from Gore-Tex and often the upper is also a water-resistant material. Nikwax can also be used to treat leather shoes, improving their water-resistant ability. 

The idea of waterproof boots might sound like a no-brainer, but what keeps moisture out also keeps moisture in. Thus, waterproof boots are not as breathable as general hiking boots. So, keep that in mind if you are planning on wearing your boots in warm conditions. Waterproof boots generally work better in cold conditions when your feet are not as likely to perspire. 

Other footwear considerations

• In summer especially, gaiters are a good idea for protection from snakes, grass seeds and blackberries.

• Pack a pair of sandals or crocs for creek crossings and around camp. Plus if your boots happen to get wet or damaged they make a good emergency backup.

• If you have worn your boots for a while and find them not comfortable you can try some different lacing techniques or insoles to find a better fit.

• A good pair of socks can make all the difference. Make sure your socks fit, are the right height for your boots and have padding in the right places. A pair of socks designed for hiking is your safest bet.

• Generally, thicker socks lead to blisters, but sometimes adding a thin sock liner can prevent blisters. Allow time before going on a serious hike to break in your boots and find the right sock combination.

Tips for buying footwear:

• Don’t be in a hurry, allow time to wander around the store with a pair of boots on for a good 10-20 minutes.

• Shop in the afternoon, as your feet swell as the day goes on. Even better if you’ve spent most of the day on your feet. Your feet may be 1/2-1 sizes bigger after a long day on the trail, especially in warm weather.

• Wear the socks you are going to wear on your trip, or most likely to wear when hiking. Especially if you wear thick socks during winter. And make sure you try them on with any orthotics, cushions or insoles you usually wear.

• One foot may be bigger than the other, always pick shoes based on your bigger foot.

• Do you have wide feet? Choose a brand that allows for this like Lowa.

• Make sure your feet don’t feel squashed in from the sides and that you can wiggle your toes. Your foot should feel secure yet not slide around. Your heel shouldn’t lift and you should be able to slide two fingers down either side of your Achilles tendon when your toes are pushed to the front of the boot.

• If you are purchasing shoes for a long multi-day hike, don’t buy purely on price. Fit and comfort must come first, your trip can be ruined by painful blisters, foot pain from poorly fitting shoes or even having them fall apart while on the trail.

• Consider weight, every kilo on your feet is equivalent to five on your back.

Information prepared by Toms Outdoor’s in partnership with Hume & Hovell Track