Hiking surfaces are not created equal, and neither are hiking shoes. The type of trail you choose to hike determines what shoes are best suited for the journey. A slippery surface calls for special hiking shoes that promote balance while minimizing the risk of injury. When choosing the best shoes for hiking on a slippery surface, check your shoe’s fit. There’s nothing more dangerous than wearing a good hiking shoe that doesn’t fit properly.
Shoe Soles
The type of sole that your hiking shoes provide is what stands between you and injury. The best hiking shoes for hiking on slippery rocks contain deep rubber patterns. The deep pattern helps prevent you from slipping on rocks and helps to anchor you on softer terrain. At the same time, the rubber soles should not be too stiff or too flexible. A rubber sole that’s both stiff and pliable helps to support your natural gait and keeps your foot sturdy, minimizing the risk of ankle sprains.
Inner Material
The type of material contained within your hiking shoe doesn’t matter as much as the inclusion of padding and waterproof lining. A hiking shoe with adequate padding keeps moisture away from the inside of your shoe, which prevents the growth of mold or fungus. Mold and fungus growth in your shoe increases the risk of developing athlete’s foot. The Hiking Dude website suggests getting a hiking shoe that contains Gore-Tex water lining inside.
Shoe Type
Hiking shoes include hiking sandals, hiking sneakers, mid-weight boots and heavyweight boots. Wearing hiking sandals on a slippery surface increases your risk of foot injury, because there is virtually no support for your toes or ankles in this footwear. Hiking sneakers do contain deep treads on the sole, which is adequate for hiking on slippery surfaces, but if you twist your ankle, this shoe provides minimal ankle support. A mid-weight boot is the better option for hiking on various types of surfaces, including slippery ones. These boots contain deep treads, adequate inner padding and lining and ankle support. But if the trail you are planning to climb includes many elevation changes, choose a heavy hiking boot.
Best Shoe
The shoe that offers the best ankle support along with the best traction, according to the Zion Rock Guide, is the Five Ten Canyoneers. These shoes contain waterproof material, adequate inner padding and a rubber sole that’s boasted to "stick to wet boulders like glue." Some hiking trails offer these shoes on rental, but you they are also sold at sporting good stores.
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