There’s no faster way to ruin your hiking experience than by choosing the wrong hiking shoes. It’s the first line of defence against blisters, twisted ankles, muscle strains, and other pain that may arise.
Of course, a hiking shoe designed for nature trails will be different from one designed for desert and mountain adventures. That means one shoe cannot meet all your needs. In this blog, we will break down what a hiking shoe for desert and mountain adventures offers and suggest some of the best hiking shoes to make your choice easier!
What’s coming up:
- Hiking shoes for the desert
- Hiking shoes for mountain adventures
- What to look for in your hiking shoes
- Best hiking shoes to explore
Hiking Shoes For Desert
The rough ground, hot temperature, and the soft sand of the desert will put your feet through more challenges than one can think of. You are also more likely to have blisters on a desert adventure.
That’s why your hiking shoes must be designed for:
- Breathability
- Insulation against the sun’s heat
- Moisture wicking
Ultimately, they should balance comfort, support, and durability for a good wearing experience. One of the key features of hiking shoes for desert adventures is their lightweight and a gusset between the shoe's main body and its tongue.
Why? Well, that’s because it is quite possible that without a gusset (or a liner), your shoe will be full of sand after every few steps. The liner makes it harder for the sand to get in.
Hiking Shoes for Mountain Adventures
Hiking shoes for mountain adventures are built somewhat differently, given the change in terrain and the challenges it presents. In this case, the shoes are designed to be resistant to slippage. Most slippages may occur either forward, sideways, or backwards. As a result, these shoes are tested for their traction.
Moreover, the shoes must offer enough ventilation. Since the temperature and humidity will always be higher inside the shoe, the shoe's material needs to be moisture-wicking and breathable.
Next, there are cushioning or shock absorption capabilities. The terrain is not going to be flat, and the ground reaction level while hiking may be far more. Thus, better cushioning is required to reduce the poor impact on your musculoskeletal system and reduce any pain or discomfort in the feet.
However, all wearers must be aware of one thing: a false sense of security. You can wear the best hiking shoes there are and still end up injured if you are not mindful.
What To Look For In Your Hiking Shoes [UAE Edition]
Hiking shoes should be functional. Aesthetically pleasing is an add-on:
- Fit first: Your shoes should hug your feet without pinching. Always try them on with hiking socks.
- Weight: Lighter shoes are better for hike days, while heavy, sturdier boots support long treks with heavy backpacks.
- Grip and traction: Look for aggressive lugs for traction on loose gravel and sharp rocks.
- Construction: Reinforced toe caps and abrasion-resistant uppers protect against jagged terrain.
- Breathability: Opt for shoes with mesh panels to keep feet cool in desert temperatures.
Best Hiking Shoes To Explore
Vivobarefoot’s hiking shoes are specially designed for urban walks, nature trails and other detours. They give your feet natural strength, comfort, stability, confidence, and 100% freedom. Here are some of the best options that you can explore:
1. Tracker Decon Low FG2
Designed with a low-profile and flexible sole, the Tracker Decon Low FG2 gives you feedback from the terrain below. Its sticky rubber compound outsole with hexagon lugs allows you to dig into loose surfaces and maintain traction uphill and downhill.
The included insoles store and release heat dynamically, helping cool your feet when it’s hot. What sets them apart is their durable build, thanks to reinforced stitching, side-stitch outsole attachment, and leather base that protects against abrasion.
2. Magna Leather FG
The Magna Leather FG sits between low-cut shoes and high boots with enough coverage for rugged trails. It uses a Taro leather upper, which gives water resistance, breathability, and better heat/cold balance.
The sole is designed for hard-packed trails, giving you traction without compromising the sensitivity you want. Furthermore, the outsole rubber is high-abrasion, non-marking, and designed to stick even on gritty rocks.
As for thermoregulation, the balanced combination of leather, wool, and breathable lining materials helps avoid overheating in desert sun. Now, despite using leather, the shoe's weight remains moderate to avoid fatigue.
3. Sensus Chelsea Womens
Mountains present a unique range of challenges for human exploration. High heat, humidity, and relentless moisture demand nothing short of excellent outdoor gear.
The Sensus Chelsea is a feature-packed boot that resulted from months of development. It features a single piece cupsole for a more grounded, slip on statement. These shoes boast a taro leather finish with crafted burnishing and natural elastic trims that support natural movement.
4. Magna FG
If you’re looking for something that balances boot stability with shoe flexibility, the Magna FG is a strong choice for UAE’s varied terrain.
Crafted from premium Taro leather, this hybrid hiking shoe is naturally water-resistant, breathable, and thermoregulating. Its stripped-back construction keeps it lightweight and versatile without compromising on durability.
Its all-terrain grip and barefoot-inspired design give you both traction and natural foot freedom. So, if your adventures demand footwear that’s as versatile as your routes, Magna FC will help you keep up with the pace.
Conclusion
Whether it's a desert or mountain adventure, hiking requires special footwear that helps your feet feel their best!
Vivobarefoot believes that our feet are our foundation, connecting us to Mother Earth. Consequently, all our products are designed to be wide, thin, and flexible yet sturdy enough to protect your feet from stress during hiking. They promote your foot’s natural strength and movement. Explore our collection today!