The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Right Outdoor Footwear

Choosing your footwear for outdoor adventures is an important decision, but we get it, it can be confusing. There are so many different types of outdoor footwear, styles, and brands to choose from. Everything from the type of terrain to the weather can determine what footwear is most appropriate for an outdoor adventure. For those of us in the UK, it normally rains, so it’s a good idea to go for something with a waterproof element.

Different Types of Outdoor Footwear

The first question you need to ask yourself is whether you want boots or trainers/shoes. Before you decide which is best for you, you need to ask yourself what your favourite type of adventure is. For example, if you prefer something that requires more mobility such as running, it’s best to go for trainers. However, if you are trekking on rocky terrain, it’s best to go for boots that can provide you with more support.

Hiking Boots

Hiking boots are best for rocky and uneven terrains as they provide more support for your ankles preventing the risk of foot and ankle injuries such as sprains.

• Comfortable
• Ankle support
• Heavy
• Long-distance

Trail Runners

Trail runners are best for following a trail. The lack of support makes them unsuitable for rocky terrain or offroad tracks.

• Breathable
• Lightweight
• Less protection

Hiking Sandals

Hiking sandals are best for warmer climates. Hiking Sandals provide breathability but little to no support which means it’s best to stick to the trails.

• Breathable
• Lightweight
• Little to no protection

Things to Consider When Selecting the Perfect Shoes

When it comes to deciding which type of outdoor footwear is best for your adventure there are usually two important questions that you need to ask yourself. Here’s why!

Do They Need to be Waterproof?

An important consideration to make is whether or not you need your choice of shoes to be waterproof. For those of us in the UK it tends to rain a lot, but that doesn’t always mean we need our shoes to be waterproof. Whether or not you need your shoes to be waterproof is down to the weather you plan on adventuring in and the location. If you’re planning on heading to the wetlands or hiking in the rain, it’s best to choose something waterproof. The good news is that most outdoor footwear will have a membrane in them that makes them waterproof. The Olang ECLISSE boots include a ‘Breathe.Tex’ waterproof membrane. 

How Much Support Do You Need?

Another important consideration is how much support you need. The amount of support you need will depend on the terrain and pace of your adventure. For more fast paced adventures, you want to go for something that offers more flexibility such as trail runners, but for rocky terrain adventures in the mountains, you want to go for hiking boots which offer more support, something like the Olang LOGAN or TARVISIO boots would be sturdy and reliable. If you are just planning on a casual stroll on a soft trail, you will be well equipped with a more simple hiking/walking footwear such as the Olang RAGNO or GRILLO.