Woodland shoes have gained massive popularity since their launch, providing an extensive line of footwear for various styles for different purposes.
Their shoes are made of high-quality leather and last for a really long time.
But, I often get asked whether Woodland shoes are good for trekking?
And to find that answer, I have read hundreds of customer reviews and tried them on for trekking myself, all to get you the accurate answer.
No, Woodland shoes are not good for trekking. The shoes tend to be really heavy and rigid – their soles are also very thick. So, as a result, they do not provide much flexibility and grip while trekking. Moreover, they are not waterproof or breathable, so they can feel very uncomfortable.
Keep reading till the end as I elaborate on the reasons why Woodland shoes are not the perfect trekking companion.
Are Woodland Shoes Good For Trekking?| Answered
Woodland shoes are highly durable and can last you for a really long time, all while giving excellent service to your feet.
But sadly, when it comes to Earthy adventures, such as trekking, they are not quite the right companion. But why is that? What makes Woodland shoes unfit for trekking?
I have mentioned the main reasons why they are not good for trekking below.
They Are Too Heavy
Woodland shoes are very, very heavy and bulky – as a result, they are not ideal for trekking.
In fact, due to their excessive weight, they can feel like heavy tires tied to your feet!
One of the ideal properties of trekking shoes is that they should be tough yet lightweight, which is the main lacking of Woodland shoes – their weight. They are very heavy and will wear you out very easily.
The weight of the shoes is highly unfavorable for trekking adventures. Moreover, if you are in risky, uneven terrain, the weight may even cause sprains to your ankles and feet – resulting in long-term pain.
Check out our separate post: Are Nubuck Boots Good for Snow.
Their Soles Are Too Thick
Yes, relatively thicker soles are common for trekking shoes as they help protect your feet and improve traction – but sadly, that’s not the case for Woodland shoes.
In fact, it’s quite the opposite.
Besides being thick, the soles of Woodland shoes are very, very tough. Due to their rigidity and thickness, the shoes can be very unfavorable in uneven, swampy, or rocky terrains.
The rigidity closes off any flexibility that the shoes could provide, and it can feel very uncomfortable while trekking.
To add to that, the overly thick and tough soles take away the point of action from your feet. This greatly reduces the grip that your feet have on uneven surfaces and increases the risk of injuries – so they can be quite unsafe.
Also read, Are Tactical Boots Good For Snow.
They Are Not Waterproof
One of the primary qualities of trekking shoes is that they should be waterproof.
Unfortunately, Woodland shoes are not waterproof or breathable.
As a result, if and when you go trekking, it will not protect your feet from getting wet or drying up quickly. Instead, the already heavy shoes will get wet and weigh you down even more.
The inside of the shoe can get quite suffocating for your feet due to the lack of breathability, overall deeming Woodland shoes unfit for trekking.
How To Choose The Perfect Pair Of Trekking Shoes?
Now that you know why Woodland shoes are not great for trekking, let’s find out what qualities you should look for in shoes for trekking.
Trekking is an exciting adventure, but it can quickly become a bitter experience without the right kind of shoes. Wearing the wrong shoes will not only drain you but also open the chances of accidents and injuries.c
So, to be safe and have a good trekking experience, proper trekking shoes are a must.
Now, what are some of the qualities that you should look for in trekking shoes?
I have elaborated them for you below, so just keep reading.
When describing trekking shoes, they need to be broken down into three more specific categories, which have features specific to them, and they are as below.
Follow our guide to know Are Work Boots Good For Hiking.
Hiking Shoes:
Hiking shoes are somewhat comparable to athletic shoes but with a much improved grip and greater durability.
They are best utilized for shorter hikes in which the hiker is not required to carry hefty things on their back.
Their primary feature is that they are lightweight shoes with thin and flexible soles – making them perfect for trekking in dry regions, especially during warmer weather.
Salomon, Forclaz Fesh, and Weinbrenner are some brands with excellent hiking shoes in their collection.
Trekking Shoes:
Trekking shoes take the game up a notch than hiking shoes. They are made especially for trekking, regardless of the weather.
They are much tougher than hiking shoes with deep grooves in their sole which provides better grip and traction. Moreover, they provide improved ankle support and reduce the risks of hurting or spraining parts of your feet.
These shoes are also water resistant which qualifies them to be used in different weather, whether dry or wet, including snow and rain.
This type of trekking shoes can help the wearer trek for much longer period than hiking shoes. They can also provide enough support and enable you to carry much heavier weight around with you.
Salomon, Kingcamp, and Forclaz Quecha are two brands that I would recommend for purchasing high-quality, durable trekking shoes that will be apt for your adventures.
You may also like Are Military Boots Good for Work.
Mountaineering or Expedition Boots:
Last but not least is expedition boots – they are also known as mountaineering boots.
These shoes are much more advanced than hiking or trekking shoes. They are not like your regular trekking shoes but are much more complex.
They are specially crafted to be worn during climbing or trekking mountains that are icy and rocky. Areas that have glaciers, crevasses, and a lot of snow are the right place to wear these expedition boots.
These expedition or mountaineering boots have really rough and aggressive outsoles to provide maximum grip and friction. Their soles are much, much thicker than other kinds of soles.
The fabric used to make the outsole and the boots are also very tough and robust along with thick in-soles.
The in-soles have a lot of padding to cushion the blows and create a comfortable setting for your feet.
These boots also have exceptional ankle support. Plus, you can also use crampons with them!
If you don’t know what crampons are, they are sturdy frames with metal spikes that are designed to be attached to a person’s footwear in order to provide a significantly greater grip on ice and snow.
So, overall, expedition boots are pretty wild!
Some good brands for expedition boots include Scarpa, Merrell, Keen, Salomon, and Forclaz.
Conclusion
Yes, Woodland shoes are great quality shoes, but they are not the best for trekking. But there are many other brands who provide excellent quality trekking shoes, ideal for the adventure.
I hope this article was helpful for you. If you have any feedback or queries, please leave them in the comment below.
