When you’re gearing up for a long hike or backpacking trip, there are many things to pack and plenty of things to consider. When you’re trekking, your feet will carry most of the load and do most of the work. Therefore, taking the necessary steps to keep your feet safe along the way is essential. Here’s how to protect your feet when hiking or backpacking.
Wear the Proper Shoes
The first step to protect your feet while hiking is to wear the proper shoes. You want to avoid wearing inappropriate footwear that will expose your feet to potential hazards or injuries. Therefore, investing in a quality pair of hiking or tactical boots is a good idea. These types of shoes will protect your toes, feet, and ankles and will allow you to hike for miles and miles. You also want to ensure that your shoes are the correct size to avoid rubbing, blistering, and soreness.
Give Your Feet a Rest
Giving your feet a rest is another way to protect your feet when backpacking. Like any other part of your body, after long hours of walking, your feet will get tired and experience fatigue. Understandably, you want to push through the pain to reach your destination. However, pushing yourself to the point of injury isn’t a good idea. To avoid injuries, you should take regular breaks to get off your feet and rest for at least 10 to 15 minutes every few hours. You can even take your shoes and socks off to let your feet air out and keep them from overheating.
Tape Your Feet
Another option for protecting your feet while hiking is to tape them. Many hikers and backpackers use Leukotape or sports tape to wrap their feet and toes to prevent blistering. Even if you’re wearing the perfect pair of shoes, if you’re backpacking for days on end, some blistering is inevitable from all that walking. Any time you notice rubbing, pain, or discomfort, stop and tape your feet in the affected area. The tape will prevent further blistering and act as a protective barrier throughout your hike. Not to mention, taping your feet is one of the best ways to prevent common hiking injuries.
Now that you know how to keep your feet safe while hiking or backpacking, you can take the necessary steps to prepare for your next hike. The more preventative measure you take, the safer your feet will be.
