Becoming a wellness coach makes you the go-to person for individuals wanting information about all topics surrounding fitness and health. When you complete your coach certification, you’ll have the knowledge to not only share but also ideas to help people get fit, especially the clients who don’t necessary enjoy working out. Recommending a hike outdoors is a great activity to encourage health improvement for both physical and mental benefits.
Having the right gear can make your hike a better experience. Many hiking enthusiasts often talk about the differences between hiking shoes and hiking boots. Both are designed for good traction on uneven surfaces and both should have a rock plate on the bottom to protect your feet from sharp rocks and tree limbs underfoot. The shoes become different depending on what you want to get out of it and your hike. Let’s break it down into functionality and style of training.
Hiking shoes are lighter in weight than hiking boots. They are less bulky. They are meant for power hiking and even some trail running. They were designed to move at faster paces along a variety of surfaces such as trail, mud, and slippery or loose rocks. They generally do not lace up higher than your ankles. They are made to get on and off fairly easily and quickly. The multi-directional lugs on the bottom are not very aggressive in terms of profile. If your outdoor event is exposed to a lot of rocks or sand, you can wear gaiters on top of your hiking shoes to keep debris out of your shoes and socks.
Hiking boots are much heavier and are often thicker soled and made from heavier fabrics such as leather and vinyl. You will need to wear heavier socks with them for comfort and feel. Hiking boots lace up higher than hiking shoes and trail running shoes to better protect the legs from brushing up against the outdoor elements. The higher lacing also stabilizes the ankle better, lessening your chances of twisting an ankle while maneuvering over tough terrain. The multi-directional lugs on the bottom are more aggressive for really good traction in poor conditions. You do not need to wear gaiters with hiking boots since they lace up higher on their own. Many hiking boots have built in gaiters to prevent pebbles and dirt from getting into the shoes. Hiking boots are not designed for speed. They are made for protection against environmental factors. Athletes who train for endurance events will most likely benefit from a hiking shoe that is lighter weight and provides the greatest mobility of the foot and ankle.
Get out there and enjoy the mild, fall temperatures and colors. To learn more about becoming a certified Personal Trainer, just click the link below!
