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Long walks, difficult terrain, heavy backpacks, countless ascents and descents - you name it, wearing hiking boots is completely different from wearing normal shoes.
Especially since in trekking even the slightest discomfort, after hours of walking, can become a real problem: this is why, when choosing hiking boots, it is important to pay attention to every detail, avoiding unpleasant inconveniences and enjoying your hikes without worries!
Here is a list of the main problems that mountain boots can cause, with simple and immediate solutions and advice.
N.B.: the best, most certain and safest solution is always to choose quality mountaineering boots, made by experienced specialists in the sector, capable of identifying and taking care of the details that really make the difference.
Take a look at our handmade hiking boots →
Blisters and irritations
Particularly in the case of very long hikes, mountain boots can give problems with blisters and irritation to the feet, caused by many factors: poor manufacture of the boot (which is therefore not ergonomic or suited to the fit of the foot), size too big or too small, particularly worn-out inner boot, etc.
The solutions are very simple:
first of all, as we have already mentioned, choose quality boots, made by specialised companies;
identify the correct size, accurately measuring both feet;
wear specific trekking socks, specially designed to reduce friction in the points most at risk and avoid discomfort.
Stiffness
Stiffness is a problem that mainly occurs in new, never used or very lightly used mountaineering boots: it can become a problem over long distances, as it can prevent the foot and ankle from moving freely, causing problems with walking and, in the long run, posture (as well as obviously causing discomfort during walking itself).
To solve this, just 'break in' the boots a little before using them on hikes, wearing them at home or on short, undemanding walks to soften them up gradually.
Foot pain
Buying mountaineering boots of the wrong size, even if only by a few millimetres, can be really detrimental to the foot, especially over long distances: a boot that is too wide makes the foot rub against the inside of the shoe, causing painful blisters and unnecessary irritation; a boot that is too narrow, on the other hand, suffocates the foot, crushing the toes when descending and annoyingly knocking on the heel and the back of the ankle when climbing.
How to know which size is right? Simply take a ruler and accurately measure your foot, both with normal socks and, above all, with the thicker socks you are going to use for trekking, so as to assess all the hypotheses before making the purchase.
Tip: if you're in between two sizes, opt for the larger one - you can always go and fill in that slight abundance with particularly thick socks or an extra insole!
Leg and back discomfort
Poor quality, non-ergonomic or poorly designed hiking boots can lead to discomfort and pain in the leg joints and back: walking on rough and uneven terrain for many kilometres without the correct support and cushioning, in fact, overloads the back and affects the gait and posture, making trekking more complicated and unpleasant and leaving a pain that can last for several days.
The solution in this case is only one: rely on a specialised brand that uses only high-quality components, thus ensuring that you have ergonomic, well-structured boots with properly cushioned soles on your feet.
Discover the technologies we use to make our boots →
Poor grip
The soles of mountaineering boots should be checked regularly to ensure that wear and tear has not worn them down, causing them to lose their grip and non-slip characteristics, so as to avoid unpleasant injuries or mishaps on difficult or slippery terrain.
If you need to resole your Gronell boots, we can do it here at the company! Contact us at gronell@gronell.it for further information
Wet foot
The waterproofing of mountaineering boots must be maintained over time by taking care of them with a series of measures and specific products so that you do not end up walking with soaked socks and wet feet. (risking not only blisters and chafing irritations - but also a cold!):
for genuine leather boots, regularly applying specific cream or wax (easily available online or in specialised shops);
for synthetic or nubuck fabric boots, consistently using a waterproofing spray, which is also readily available on the market.
Wrong boots
Choosing the right mountaineering boots for the type of activity you do is also crucial: for example, mountaineering boots are very different from hiking boots, just as a boot that is too light or too heavy could cause problems if used in the wrong season.
In particular, as mountaineering is a real sport (which also includes climbing, via ferratas and equipped trails, as opposed to the commonly understood trekking), it requires specially made mountaineering boots for this type of activity, more rigid and robust, perhaps less comfortable from a walking point of view but necessarily more structured to ensure maximum safety and usability even in the most difficult places.
In any case, the best way to avoid unpleasant accidents is to choose the right mountaineering boots for your needs: if you are in doubt and need advice, don't hesitate to contact us - our experts will give you a precise and detailed answer!
