Shoes or Boots
Shoes, or hiking boots are probably the most important clothing item to be considered. Our poorer eyesight and diminishing sense of balance will be especially noticeable when hiking down a steep trail. Where we used to practically run down steep slopes, we now pick our way, hoping that we will not slip on any loose gravel and fall. We have tried all kinds of walking shoes, and find that the lug soles found on good boots are the best. This style of sole really digs in on those downslopes, and helps to prevent a slip. It is possible to get lug soles on lighter walking shoes, and I personally find them to work as well. The important thing is the squarish, block-shaped lugs on the soles. Many running shoes have lugs that are designed to prevent backward slippage. These offer little resistance to forward slippage, and consequently will not be as satisfactory for hiking. Also note that many styles of walking shoes are designed for pavement, and not steep gravely slopes. We get shoes or boots that are designed for the terrain we will be hiking.
In buying boots, make sure they are very comfortable in the store. Wear thick cushioning socks when trying on boots. The boots must not be too small, but should be snug enough at the heel so that your heel does not slide up and down when you walk. Be especially careful to get a proper width. You should be able to easily wiggle your toes around. Too narrow will lead to rapid tiring and cramps. Boots that are too short will jam your toes into the front of the boot, which can be very painful on a long downhill hike. However, also don't buy a boot that is too long. Extra length will contribute to your tripping on obstructions. Some stores will unfortunately try to sell you a boot that is too long, because they don't have the proper width in your size. Don't let them get away with it. If they don't have your size, go somewhere else.
Low hiking shoes instead of above-ankle-height boots are fine if you don't have a tendency to twist your ankles, and you are not going to be carrying a heavy load. If you do sustain a twisted or sprained ankle, a tightly laced boot over a taped ankle will many times offer enough support to allow you to keep on walking, enough to get yourself back to your roadhead, and transportation. With low shoes, you incur a greater risk of ending your trip early if you sprain an ankle, and need evacuation, or rescue. Clearly, the best advice is to wear really good boots.
At the end of each day on an extended trip, its great to be able to change into a light pair of shoes, such as moccasins, or some other kind of slip-on shoe. Putting these on gives your feet a rest. For some reason unknown to me, just changing shoes is refreshing. Also, if you are hiking hotel to hotel, or hut to hut, a light pair looks better than your boots in the hotel or restaurant.
Topics covered next in the book:
Preventing blisters; Stockings; Pants and Shorts; Keeping warm; Keeping cool; Rain protection; Skin protection; Eye protection; Preventing sunburn; Preventing insect bites.