Contents
Hiking will always be fun as it always leaves you having those happy feet at the end of the day. But, safety should be as important as the enjoyment you get. Never trade your body for such a fleeting excitement. No matter how simple or complicated an outdoor activity would be, none of your body parts should be compromised, not even your feet.
As the most important tool you have, your feet should be carried with extra care. Remember, the wild is already a risky place. You don’t need to place your feet at risk, too. Your belongings aren’t just the ones you should attend to, but your feet as well. Yes, you need to look after your feet before anything bad can happen to them.
Why should you take care of your feet when hiking?
You cannot hike without your feet. That’s plain simple. It goes without saying that your feet play a huge role in hiking, from traversing slopes and landscapes to jumping off the trails, or fences you come across along the way. Everything you accomplish on the road credits to your loyal feet. So, it is just fitting to take care of them during the hike. Imagine how your feet can spoil the fun if they get bruised or injured. You don’t want your own feet to kill your joy, do you?
So, what must you do to take care of your feet during the hike? Here are few steps you can follow:
Choosing The Right Boots For Hiking
It will all start with the kind of boots you are wearing. This goes to show that choosing the right boots for hiking is essential. Many have fallen into the trap of purchasing the boots they are most attracted to without trying first trying them on. Some companies may allow you to return the product within one week, so you can always have them changed if you found out they’re not your size. So, if you weren’t able to fit them before
you buy them, make sure you try them on when you get home. Getting the right
boots for your feet can save you from possible injuries your hiking boots may cause.
Caring For Your Feet And Toenails
No, you don’t sound obsessive-compulsive (OC) if you care about your foot and toenails (as some would think) Before wearing your boots, make sure your toenails are trimmed to avoid touching the corners of your shoe; hence, to avoid inconvenience when walking. Cutting your long nails isn’t enough. You have to smoothen your nail by removing the rough edges using a nail file. If you have an ingrown toenail, have it removed by a skilled pedicurist.
Moreover, caring for your feet involves giving it a regular foot spa and massage. You also have to clean your feet every shower, so it won’t be smelly after taking off your shoes.
Resting Your Feet in Between Long Walks and Hikes
If there’s another thing you can control when walking, it’s your feet. You can always pause or stop walking if your feet feel tired already. You may sit down for a few minutes to give way for your feet to breathe. Sitting or standing still could be a way to rest. However, some still want their feet to completely rest by removing their shoes and shocks, and have both feet lay elevated for them to relax. Resting your feet through elevating it can also help its blood circulation. In times like this, bringing your sandals or flip flops is an advantage. Any flat footwear brings us comfort. So, don’t forget to bring a pair of flat footwear in your next hike, so that if your feet hurt, recuperation becomes speedy.
Hike Light and Avoid Carrying Heavy Baggage
While the shoulders carry much of the weight of your baggage, your feet appear to be the ones carrying the entire you. Your body is quite a baggage already, so, control how your luggage weigh. If your backpack is too heavy, you have to check it again. Leave anything bulky. Try to hike light, and your hiking experience will be like no other.
Do Not Leave Your Feet Wet. Get The Right Socks
Taking care of your feet doesn’t only involve choosing the right hiking boots but making sure you have the right pair of socks, too. According to HYPERLINK “http://www.pcta.org/blog”Pacific Crest Trail Association, the right socks are those that have a moisture-wicking synthetic liner that can help your feet get rid of moisture; hence, keep your feet dry. If you feel that your feet are sweating, take off your boots and socks, and cool your feet through the air. You may also bring extra pairs of socks so you can change in between your rests.
Other Ways of Taking Care of Your Feet
Taking care of your feet shouldn’t just take place when hiking is on-going. Prevention is always better than cure, so you have to prevent your feet from the undesirable of things. First, you shouldn’t wash your feet after a heavy, long walk. Regular exercise can also do something with the energy your feet can give during tough mobility. So, during
your exercise, make sure you are doing some leg work while taking care of your
other body parts.
Not walking long distances can also help your feet become more relaxed. Eating foods rich in calcium and B-Complex can do so much to your feet. Make sure your daily food menu contains vitamins and minerals that can boost the health of your feet.
Conclusion
Your feet are your powerful weapon in everything that you do, especially when you brave the rocky, bumpy roads outdoors. This being said, your feet should then be taken care of by all means. We may have different ways to pamper our feet when hiking. What are listed above are just few of the many great ways to take care of our feet during a hike.
Did you find this article helpful? We would love to hear your personal thoughts on this by leaving your honest comments below. Don’t forget to also share this through your social media account!
Related Posts:
1.What Causes Plantar Fasciitis? How to Prevent the Pain
2. How to Make Steel Toe Boots More Comfortable – No More Foot Pain 2020
3. How To Make Shoes More Comfortable – Tips For Shoe Problems
4. How To Cure Plantar Fasciitis In The Best Possible Manner?