Hiking sandals are a great form of footwear for those taking to the trails on foot. Quite often, however, hikers may find themselves facing an unexpected dilemma—blisters on their feet. For anyone who enjoys taking long hikes in their sandals, understanding how blisters can form and how to avoid them is essential. That’s why we’ve put together this comprehensive guide looking at the pros and cons of wearing sandals, the causes of blisters, how to avoid them and more.
The Pros and Cons of Hiking Sandals
The debate over whether to go with traditional hiking boots or lightweight sandals never ends. There are pros and cons to both sides of the argument, but for this article, we’ll focus on sandals. For one thing, sandals are usually much lighter and will provide the same level of protection. Even the thickest hiking sandal won’t weigh nearly as much as a full-fledged boot. They also provide a lot of ventilation for your feet, which can be an invaluable asset when you’re out on the trail.
On the other hand, sandals do have their drawbacks. They typically lack impact absorption and cushioning, which means your feet may take a beating once you’ve gone a few miles into your hike. They’re also not generally waterproof, so they aren’t ideal if you’re hiking through damp terrain. That’s why it’s so important to know how to prevent skin issues like blisters while wearing your hiking sandals.
What Causes Blisters on Feet?
Blisters are a common issue when it comes to hiking, and sandals can often make this problem worse. Blisters form when there is friction between your skin and an object, usually shoes or socks, that rubs against it repeatedly. This friction causes the skin to become inflamed, leading to a painful and annoying blister. And because sandals don’t provide the same level of protection from friction as regular shoes, they can sometimes make blisters even worse.
How to Avoid Blisters While Hiking
The best way to prevent blisters from forming is to take steps to reduce the friction between your skin and your hiking sandals. One way to do this is by applying something like petroleum jelly or moleskin directly to any areas that may rub as you walk. This helps to create a protective barrier between your skin and the sandal’s material, reducing the chance of developing a blister.
It’s also important to make sure that you have properly fitting hiking sandals, rather than picking a pair that’s too big or small for your feet. If your sandals are too small, they can put extra strain on your feet and cause additional friction. On the other hand, if they’re too big, your feet can slide around in them as you walk, which can also cause blisters.
The Benefits of Wearing Hiking Sandals
Despite all this talk of blisters, there are still plenty of reasons why a good pair of hiking sandals should still be in your outdoor gear closet. As we mentioned earlier, sandals are usually much lighter than their booted counterparts, so you don’t have to worry about carrying too much extra weight. Plus, because of the added mesh ventilation material, the risk of blisters is often reduced when compared to shoes or boots.
In addition, sandals provide better breathability which helps keep your feet cool in warm weather, and you won’t have to worry about sweaty feet in your boots after a long hike. Of course, if none of these benefits appeal to you, you can always opt for a pair of mid-cut hiking shoes or even full-length boots that offer more protection against blisters.
Types of Footwear for Hikers
Nowadays, there are more types of footgear available for hikers than ever before. From traditional boots to minimalist approaches such as barefoot running, there’s no shortage of options for anyone who wants to get out and explore nature on foot. And for those who face the dilemma of deciding between boots and sandals, there are a few other options when it comes to footwear for hikers.
Mid-cut shoes are growing in popularity with outdoor enthusiasts, offering slightly more protection and cushioning than sandals while still providing plenty of breathability. Some lightweight boot brands also make so-called “sandal boots” that give you the best of both worlds: comfortable and supportive structure with overlays that keep out small pebbles and dust from getting into your boots during a long hike.
What to Look For When Buying Hiking Sandals
When looking for the best pair of hiking sandals for your needs, there are a few things you should keep in mind. The first is cushioning; look for a pair of sandals that have plenty of cushioning on the sole of the foot. This will help reduce pressure from extended use and will also help to keep your feet cool when temperatures start to rise. You should also look for shoes with plenty of grip; traction is key if you want to traverse trails without slipping.
You should also make sure that the toe bed has plenty of reinforcement; otherwise your toes may start to hurt over time due to the rubbing. Waterproofing is also important if you plan on trekking in wetter areas; look for sandals with Gore-Tex liners that help protect against moisture while still providing breathability.
Types of Insoles for Effective Cushioning
Insoles can be a great accessory for hikers who want added comfort or those who suffer from foot issues. There are several types of insoles on the market today; some are designed specifically for hiking sandals while others are meant for any type of footwear. Some insoles feature air pockets designed to absorb shock from activities such as running or jumping, while others have Gel cushioning that provides better impact protection over long distances.
Always read up on the different types of insoles available before deciding which one might be best for you; some brands offer differing degrees of cushioning, so make sure you find out which type suits your own individual needs.
Tips for Breaking in New Hiking Sandals
Breaking in new hiking sandals can be tricky; you want them to fit comfortably and mold to your feet without causing any skin irritations. The best way to break in a new pair of hiking sandals is by taking them out for short walks before going on any extended hikes. This gives you time to get used to them and ensure they fit properly without any rubbing or pinching.
You should also use insoles when breaking in new hiking sandals; some models come with them already installed but you can also buy aftermarket insoles designed specifically for breaking in new shoes. Whichever option you choose, these insoles will help to add some cushioning that makes wearing new sandals much more comfortable.
Best Practices for Maintaining Your Hiking Sandals
Once you find the perfect pair of hiking sandals, it’s important to maintain them properly so that they last for many seasons to come. Sandals should always be washed off after a hike and allowed to air dry; this prevents dirt from building up between the straps and other materials which can make them uncomfortable over time.
You should also make sure that they always remain well-fitting; as we mentioned earlier, loose sandals can cause friction which leads to blisters. If the straps start to stretch out too much over time, it might be worth investing in a new pair rather than attempting to replace just the straps themselves.
At the end of the day, hiking sandals can be an excellent choice for hikers who want lightweight footwear with plenty of ventilation. As long as you take the necessary steps to prevent blisters—proper sizing, protective creams and breaking them in over short periods—you should find plenty of enjoyment out on the trails in this type of footwear.
