To Choose the Best Shoes for Outdoor Activities

Outdoor activities can be great fun for all ages, at least they can until someone’s shoes start to rub and cause blisters to form – ouch! What a way to take the enjoyment out of something, right? Well, with the right shoes for outdoor activities, both you and your ankles will be safe.

So, how do you choose the best shoes for outdoor activities exactly? Luckily for you, that is what we are here to help you with. We have put together this article to show you what you should look for in a pair of shoes for any of the following outdoor activities.

Shoes for Hiking

Hiking is one of the most popular outdoor activities that you can do in the US, but with the rocky terrain, exposure to the harsh, outdoor environment and weather conditions, and the fact that most hiking trips go on for a while, you need to make sure you have the right shoes.

You will need to think about the types of hikes that you enjoy going on when choosing the right shoes for this outdoor activity, as the needs of your feet will vary depending on this.

For example, if you only hike in nice weather, light, breathable materials such as mesh and other synthetic materials will be ideal. You can also opt for a lower cut, although make sure there is still plenty of support for your ankle. Rainy weather, however, will call for ankle-high boots that keep your feet dry and comfortable. For the level of traction, keep terrain in mind.

Shoes for Running

Running shoes are arguably the most important to get right as your feet, knees, hips, and the joints between them will all take some strain, especially if running outside on concrete.

To find shoes that are appropriate for running and jumping, look for a pair of shoes that offers excellent stability as this will help you to avoid ankle sprains or other types of injuries.

Comfort is going to be a key factor for running shoes, so pay attention to both the inner and outer sole of the shoe. These should help to cushion the impact and can absorb most of the shock rather than allowing it to travel up to all your joints which can lead to an injury.

You will also need to look for an outsole that offers traction, such as rubber or Vibram, so avoid shoes that have rigid outsoles as these are not flexible enough for running purposes.

Shoes for Ball Sports

Whether you are playing basketball, soccer, tennis, or the most recent introduction to the court, pickleball, ball sports require different types of shoes than say, hiking or running do.

This is due to the different foot movements you will be using when you play these outdoor sports. Instead of moving your feet forwards and backwards, you will frequently be skipping, hopping, or jumping from side to side. This therefore requires more cushioning for your feet.

Look for shoes that offer great ankle support in the heel as well as somewhat of a rigid outsole to give you more stability. The rolling of your feet is less important than in running, so lightweight shoes are the ideal choice as well as something that provides you with traction.

Click here for a selection of the best shoes for pickleball for all budgets.

Shoes for Rock Climbing

When you are scaling rocks and cliff edges, grip is obviously going to be an essential requirement for any shoes that you are considering for this adventurous outdoor activity.

Like with hiking, you will need to think about the style of rock climbing that you will most often be taking part in as this will determine or should at least influence the type of rock climbing shoes that you end up getting. For this, there are three main types of shoes:

Neutral shoes: These are the best option for longer climbing sessions because of how comfortable they are and the fact that they allow your toes to be flat. This also helps when it comes to multi-pitch climbs thanks to a stiffer midsole and overall flat profile.

Moderate shoes: These are ideal for technical climbing and give your feet a stronger foothold. They also provide a great level of grip, although the soles tend to wear out faster.

Downturned shoes: These are the best option for single-pitch climbs and boulders as well as short overhanging routes although the heels can hold a lot of tension.