Matthew Girardy, DMD, is a general practice dentist, currently at Simply Beautiful Smiles of Rancocas in New Jersey. In addition to his work, Dr. Matthew Girardy spends time walking the boardwalk, biking, and hiking. The right hiking shoes are an important element, due to the support and protection they provide.
There are three general categories of hiking shoes. First is the general hiking shoe, which often resembles a more rugged tennis shoe and is most suitable for short trips in clear, open trails.
Second is the day hiking shoe, which provides more ankle support, higher traction, and is often waterproof. These shoes go up higher on the leg, and are most often recommended, since they are lightweight and decrease the chances of rolling an ankle.
Finally, backpacking boots, designed for long distances with heavy packs, are the heaviest, and often the most expensive. However, they provide the most ankle support.
There are three general categories of hiking shoes. First is the general hiking shoe, which often resembles a more rugged tennis shoe and is most suitable for short trips in clear, open trails.
Second is the day hiking shoe, which provides more ankle support, higher traction, and is often waterproof. These shoes go up higher on the leg, and are most often recommended, since they are lightweight and decrease the chances of rolling an ankle.
Finally, backpacking boots, designed for long distances with heavy packs, are the heaviest, and often the most expensive. However, they provide the most ankle support.
