Sudden rains are unavoidable on any hikes. It’s wonderful, but sometimes it also becomes annoying. But whatever it is, rain is a great experience on a journey.
However, it is undeniable that the rains will result in wet terrain and an unpleasant environment. And a question many people ask is if they can wear hiking boots in the rainy season or not. They wonder if hiking boots can make things better.
Well, the answer is, it depends. Today’s article will tell you all the answers.
Let’s check it out!
Can You Wear Hiking Boots in The Rain?
In fact, if you own a pair of hiking boots with good waterproof ability, then you can totally wear them in the rain. Simply because waterproof hiking boots will ensure your feet are dry and comfortable for the whole journey.
Waterproof hiking boots are also often easier to clean, a tap of water is enough to spray away dirt and mud on the surface.
Dry hiking boots will not increase the weight during your hike, thereby saving you from losing strength. This is an extremely important thing that expert hikers know.
In addition, regarding the terrain factor, hiking boots are also essential accessories on wet and slippery trails as they have good grip and ensure good balance. Good ankle support will help you not to experience injuries on slippery slopes.
Hiking boots with mid-tops or high-tops also ensure you stay warm with their 5 inches to 8 inches height (Some of today’s hiking boots even have good insulation). Their padding collar wraps around the ankle to prevent water or mud from getting inside. All these features can keep your feet clean for a comfortable trip.
In general, the above type of hiking boots is a must for good safety and comfort during your journey. They support you a lot in heavy rains more than sandals or regular shoes.
Last update on 2023-11-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Even so, not all hiking boots are really suitable for the rain. To put it simply, they are different types of hiking boots from the ones I mentioned above.
Some hiking boots are waterproof, but they don’t really stop rainwater from getting inside your feet, e.g. low-cut hiking boots.
In addition, not all hiking boots are waterproof. And honestly, those non-waterproof hiking boots are surely not the right choice for rainy weather. Your feet will be wet, uncomfortable, and very cold in them. In addition, your feet will also slip in the hiking boots, causing blisters or loss of stability.
In particular, the leather of non-waterproof leather hiking boots will quickly get damaged. And water getting into leather boots also makes your boots and feet feel heavy.
Low-cut or mid-cut hiking boots without padding collars can’t prevent water from seeping in so they can’t keep your feet warm and dry. They are not really a good choice for rains and very wet or slippery terrain.
It is wise to research the terrain, environment, and weather before your upcoming hike. From there, you can decide which type of hiking boots to trust.
If it really rains a lot when you hike on challenging terrain, make sure you wear the right hiking boots with essential features such as a high top and padding collar, ankle support, non-slip outsoles with deep lugs, and most importantly, waterproof ability.
However, if the rain is too heavy, it’s better to find a cave or a large tree to hide in before continuing the journey to ensure safety.
Conclusion
In short, you can use hiking boots for rain, but remember to pick the right type of boots.
Hiking boots for rain should have a good waterproof ability, which is the most important thing.
In addition, they should have a high top and padding collar to keep your feet warm and not let rain, mud, or debris get in.
The non-slip outsole is also a very important feature to maintain balance on slippery terrain. Ankle support ensures your ankle stays stable to tackle steep and slippery places.
But if the rain is too heavy, find a place to hide!!