“Are Basketball Shoes Good For Hiking?” is a question that is constantly being asked. Well, the answer is yes they are good for hiking.
You might ask why? That’s because most sneakers and running shoes have flat soles and bad traction. This often means you slip on an incline or even fall down if you take your eyes off a trail to look at the ground in front of you.
When wearing basketball shoes while hiking, they offer much better traction and support your ankle so it doesn’t get twisted when you step on uneven ground that could potentially cause injury.
These basketball shoes tend to be better for hiking than other types of sneakers or running shoes and the prices are reasonable for good quality. So you see, it is a very good option indeed to wear basketball shoes while hiking.
There are a few things you should keep in mind when you are wearing basketball shoes while hiking.
1. Make sure the shoes fit properly
Make sure they fit properly, they should be a snug fit but not tight. They should have enough room to wiggle your toes in them. If you wear shoes that are too small, you risk getting blisters on the tops of your toes and having shoe lace chaffing between your toes. As for a snug fit, it will keep the shoes from slipping off when you walk down an incline. Your feet will also be less likely to get sore since there isn’t extra room in the shoes for them to move around when walking.
2. Wear WATERPROOF gaiters over your shoes
If you have a lot of loose stones on the trails, it is not wise to wear thin and fragile sneakers. Waterproof gaiters will keep them from getting damaged by getting wet and helping protect the shoes from dirt and rocks. Make sure the gaiters are waterproof by looking at their rating online, but also try them at home if you have time. If they are not water-resistant, they may become soaked and ruin your shoes. If you wear waterproof gaiters, the shoes should be protected enough to get you through a tough hike.
3. Wear High-Quality Socks
Wearing the right type of socks is equally as important while hiking. If you have large feet, try to get a pair of basketball shoes that fit better than other types of running or tennis shoes. You also shouldn’t wear cotton socks with your basketball shoes unless they are thick and have padding because they can cause blisters just as easily as thinner socks do. The socks that you wear should wick away moisture from your feet and provide padding for the shins. Moisture-wicking fabric is ideal for hiking. Cotton clothing may be stylish, but it’s not ideal for the outdoors and cotton socks are no exception.
4. Wear Basketball Shoes on the right terrain
Hiking trails that are rocky and have loose stones can be hazardous when wearing basketball shoes. Loose stones or even small rocks can become wedged in between your toes or under your shoe laces, causing blistering and injury. It may be better to wear tennis shoes or running shoes during hikes like these as they are more comfortable while walking on uneven and rocky surfaces.
5. Wear them for long periods of time
If you are wearing sneakers or running shoes for a long period of time, it will cause blisters on your socks, your feet or even your shins. Hiking in basketball shoes won’t provide the same level of comfort as hiking boots do, but it should help avoid blisters and reduce the strain on your foot. Make sure you break the shoes in by wearing them around the house for a few hours before you go on a hike.
Why Hiking Boots Are Better Than Basketball Shoes
“Basketball Shoes Vs Hiking Boots” is a question that is constantly being asked. Well, the answer is yes hiking boots are better for hiking.
That’s because most sneakers and running shoes are made so that you can only wear them for short periods of time before they cause toe or foot pain. Hiking boots on the other hand, are more durable and made for long term wear without causing this pain.
Let’s look at a few advantages of hiking boots
1. Better traction
When walking on rockier terrain in basketball shoes, you have to have the reflex to lean backwards and not forwards because of their thin soles. This doesn’t help your balance when you are trying to step over a large boulder or uneven position of rock that could cause injury. In other words, wearing basketball shoes while hiking is more dangerous than wearing hiking boots.
2. Extra support
Wearing a pair of basketball shoes may be fine on easy terrain, but the shoes are not built to hold up if you have to jump over a creek or walk up hills. Hiking boots have heavier soles and heels that provide more stability, so you don’t get thrown off balance and roll your ankle. Basketball shoes are not designed for long distance walking or hiking because they do not provide ankle support or protection.
3. Hiking boots are better for cold weather
This is mainly due to the thicker leather, more insulation and larger tread. Because the shoes have a cutout for the toes and heels, your feet will be warm and dry because of all the heat that can be lost through contact with the ground. The insulation in hiking boots acts as an insulator for your feet when they are wet as well. If you are hiking in cold weather, consider a pair of warm and insulated winter boots as well to keep your foot warm when wearing them outside.
4. They keep your feet dry
In a pair of basketball shoes, the edges are not sealed and water can come in. This makes the insides of the sneakers wet which could cause irritation and pain in your feet. Hiking boots are designed with a higher sole that allows water to drain out instead of collecting inside the shoes. In addition, most hiking boots have a waterproof membrane to keep water out when you are walking through snow or mud. The bottom line is that hiking boots will dry faster after getting wet than basketball shoes do
5. They are better for uneven surfaces
Because hiking boots are not made for walking, jumping and running; their soles have more traction on the bottom. This will give your feet much needed support and stability when you are walking over rocks or other slippery surfaces. Although basketball shoes may have thick rubber to assist in athletic play, the soles wear down quickly when crossing large boulders or traversing rocky terrain. If you’re hiking in an area with difficult trails, hiking boots could be the safer option for you as opposed to basketball shoes.
To Sum Up!
As you can see, there are plenty of benefits to wearing basketball shoes while hiking. They provide better traction and support your ankles in hard situations, which makes them a good choice for people who hike frequently and need to be protected from potential injuries on the trail. They should prove to be a good option for casual hikers as well as avid outdoorsmen who love the great outdoors. The price and quality are very good for every type of shoe you could think of. So enjoy your hike in them!