Footwear brands

You can prevent pesky blisters by following these tips:

• Ensure that your hiking shoes or boots fit well and provide enough room for your feet to move without rubbing against the sides.
• Break in your footwear properly: Gradually wear your hiking footwear before embarking on a long hike to allow them to conform to your feet and reduce the risk of blisters.
• Keep your feet dry by wearing moisture-wicking socks and using foot powder or lubricants to reduce friction. If you'll be crossing rivers, make sure you have a spare pair of dry socks to change into.
• Apply blister-specific adhesive plasters to high-risk areas before hiking to protect against friction.
• Regularly check your feet during the hike for any brewing hotspots, and address them promptly to prevent blisters from forming.

Let's break it down and weigh the pros and cons.

Hiking boots provide excellent ankle support, protecting you from twists and rolls. With their thick soles and rugged materials, they offer durability and protection against sharp rocks and debris. Hiking boots are also a great choice for challenging terrains, thanks to their deep lugs that provide superior traction. However, keep in mind that they can be heavier and take some time to break in.

On the other hand, trail runners offer a more natural and flexible feel, allowing for quicker movements and a faster pace. They are breathable, which helps keep your feet cool on those hot summer hikes. Trail runners are great for less technical trails and shorter distances. However, they may not provide as much ankle support as hiking boots, and their thinner soles might make you more susceptible to feeling sharp objects on the trail.

Ultimately, the choice between hiking boots and trail runners depends on your hiking style, the terrain you'll be tackling, and your personal preferences. Both have their advantages, so it's all about finding the right fit for you and your adventures. 

If you haven't tried on shoes from the brand of footwear you're considering, we recommend trying them on in-store first, since every brand has slightly different sizing.

When choosing the size of your hiking boots, look out for three things:

• Your foot should be snug enough that it doesn’t move around when you walk, but you’re still able to wiggle your toes without them touching the front of your shoe. 
• When you push your toes to the front of the boot, you should be able to slide two fingers down either side of the Achilles tendon.
• While walking, your heel should not lift.

Remember that your feet swell in the heat, and as you spend more time and effort hiking - so you want enough room in front of your toes for this swelling, otherwise you risk blisters and bruising under your toenails. For this reason, it's important to try on boots with socks of the same thickness that you intend to hike in.

Here are some common reasons why your once trusty hiking boots may no longer be waterproof:

• Normal wear and tear: Over time, the materials used in your boots may naturally lose their waterproofing abilities due to exposure to various environmental elements, such as dirt, moisture, and sunlight.
• Damage or abrasion: Hiking boots can face rough conditions, including sharp rocks, thorny bushes, and abrasive surfaces. These can cause damage to the outer layer of your boots, compromising their waterproofing capabilities.
• Insufficient maintenance: Proper care and maintenance play a crucial role in preserving the waterproof properties of your boots. If you haven't been regularly cleaning and conditioning them, the waterproof membranes and treatments may have deteriorated.
• Aging of materials: Even the best hiking boots have a lifespan. Over time, the waterproof membranes, glues, and seals used in the construction of your boots may deteriorate, leading to decreased waterproofing performance.
• Incorrect storage: Storing your boots in damp or humid environments can encourage the growth of mould and mildew, which can damage the waterproofing materials.

But don't despair! Here are a few steps you can take to potentially restore or improve the waterproofing of your hiking boots:

• Clean your boots, removing any dirt or debris. Allow them to air dry completely before attempting any waterproofing treatments.
• Depending on the type of boots you have, you can use suitable waterproofing sprays, waxes, or treatments recommended by the manufacturer. Follow the instructions carefully and apply them evenly to all areas of your boots.
• Store your clean and dry boots in a well-aired and dry environment, away from direct light.

Watch our handy how-to video.

Yes! Not all socks are created equal.

Unlike regular socks, proper running and hiking socks are designed specifically to protect the foot, provide cushioning and wick away moisture. These socks do not bunch, preventing uncomfortable pressure points.

Shop our range of running socks and hiking socks.