How to select the best Footwear TYPE for Bikepacking, Backpacking and Hiking
There is no perfect footwear solution if you are hiking or riding on varied terrain. An important factor in the comfort of your expedition, particularly if you are a senior, will not only be your footwear type and footwear fit but also your general foot health before you set off.
Your footwear will be one of the most important pieces of kit you take with you on an expedition, do your research and buy the best you can afford
You can find a video below describing a small routine I do to nurse my feet back into long distance riding and hiking condition. It is crucial to set-off with your feet in tip-top condition, and know of and be able to mitigate any injuries or conditions you are nursing.
If you can afford to take professional advice from a Podiatrist, then that would be the optimum way forward, diagnosing yourself can leave room for error
Do you need a special insole?
If you don't already know what type of arch you have, it's worth finding out. Knowing this will give you an idea as to whether you need to replace your chosen shoe insert for a more appropriate one. You may even be able to select your chosen shoe with the correct insert and also correct sole to suit your feet off the shelf
To see what type of arch you have, do the following:
Place a piece of cardboard on hard ground such as tiles, approx. 2 metres long
Place your feet in a bowl of water
Shake off the excess water
Walk along the cardboard
Observe the wet print your feet have left
Shown below, these are options of the imprint you will observe
If possible find a shoe suitable for your arch type or seek out a suitable insole
You may already have a favourite orthotic insole, if you feel the insole is particularly thicker than the insole supplied with shoes, you should consider if you need to add another millimeter or two to your foot length, as the width and depth of the shoe will increase slightly to account for this If you don't already own an insole but feel you need one, select and purchase the ones you think suitable. Give them a run in your existing footwear to see if they are a) suitable and b) change the fit of your shoes There may also be another reason you need a special insole, in my case that is to raise my heel because the only wide toe box shoes I have are zero drop (where your foot is flat on the floor). Zero drop does not work well for my Achilles tendon, so I raise my heel around 8mm
Insoles don't have to correct a foot condition, you may choose to fit some after-market ones in your new footwear to give you some additional cushioning for added comfort. If you are carrying weight on your back, remember you will be heavier than usual, hence some additional padding may be most welcome
Type of terrain - Sole, Upper and Gaiter determination
If you are riding or hiking a wide cross-section of terrain a compromise will need making when deciding the best footwear. Select the one that will keep you more comfortable, most of the time
Expected temperatures and moisture
If it's going to be cold, your sock choice is going to be important and may impact your shoe size
If it's going to be hot, thin socks won't impact on your shoe size selection
If it's going to be hot and dry or even hot and wet, perhaps sports sandals are in order
If your route is going to be consistently wet, consider what is more important to you; trying to keep your feet dry or allowing your feet to get saturated but dry quickly
Waterproof footwear invariably dries slowly
Sports sandals as spare footwear for river-crossings may be in order
Wet heavy leather footwear is going to weigh you down and dry slowly
Un-padded, non-mesh, synthetic footwear will be more water resistant
Un-padded, mesh, synthetic footwear will dry quicker
Shoes or Boots?
Heavy leather hiking boots are not necessarily what you need, there are many options on the market nowadays, from lightweight leather boots to wide toe box synthetic trail runners, all of which have a place on the market
Boots or high-tops will give you some ankle and heel support
Boots or high-tops will give you additional protection against insect and snakebites below the ankle
There are some great high-top synthetic 'trail runner' type boots available
All boots, particularly leather boots are going to be heavier than trail runners although there are some lightweight ones on the market
If you have blood circulation problems or foot nerve problems in your feet, boots may be too restrictive and cause numbness and/or pain
Boots take longer put on and take off
Other considerations
Pedal type, if riding a bike, clipped-in or flats
Comfort during hours of pedaling
Comfort during hours of pushing/walking, up/down steep, perhaps loose terrain
Any foot conditions or injuries you are nursing
How long are they likely to last and will you be able to replace them on the road
Are zero drop suitable for you