Surely everyone will agree that shoes are one of the most important items in the home closet and that nothing is more important than wearing a pair of comfortable shoes during the day. The importance of shoes is so high that in every activity we do (work day, running, cycling, basketball, beach trip, etc.) we will try to wear another pair of shoes that will be the most comfortable and suitable for keeping our foot.
 

The weight of the shoes increases not only to maintain the foot comfort but also to maintain stability and protect the health of the ankle, back and knees and all This is under different conditions and weather conditions. Add to this the fact that many backpackers go out with one pair of shoes for a trip of a year or more, during which they go trekking, walk on the street or film, ride a bike and who knows maybe even play basketball and understand why backpackers and experienced tour guides will testify that a pair of shoes is one Of the three most important items (in addition to a backpack and sleeping bag), which every person who goes on a field trip and in the world needs.

Shoe parts back up
 

Shoes are a highly complex accessory built from a large number of parts such as: sole, shock absorber, insoles, limb, waterproof membranes and more. When choosing the shoes that are most suitable for the trip to which we are about to leave, it is recommended to consider each of the different parts of the shoes, only in this way will ensure the perfect fit of the shoes to our needs. In the article "Basic Concepts in Shoes" you can read in detail about each of the shoe parts. In addition, the team of consultants at Ricochet stores will be happy to point out the differences between the various shoes and help find the best shoes for you.

Categories of shoes

There are many ways to divide shoes into categories. Among the methods you can find the words "Alfinism, Trekking, Light Trekking Hiking, Light Hiking, Tramping, Scrambling" and more. The main difference between the categories stems from the way in which one shoe company chose to distribute the variety of shoes it manufactures.
The categories in which we are ricochet users are categories that match the groups of packs:

1) Trekking - This group of shoes is suitable for a trip that takes long walks on the ground (weeks to months) and intends to carry all the equipment on the back. In these shoes, the main emphasis is on the height of the shoe, maximum protection on the ankle, the rigidity of the shoe and the sole. These shoes "understand" that during the backpacking trip they will be tired and that they will be responsible for most of the support operations and the containment of the shocks. In addition, these shoes are usually the strongest and will be particularly resistant to wear and tear. One example of a backpacker who will find these shoes as convenient and especially useful is the backpacker who walks the entire length of the Israel National Trail and walks continuously.

To view the range of high shoes in the workbootsmaster.com click here

2) Hiking-Light Hiking - This group of shoes is suitable for a trip that takes short trips in the field (up to one week) and intends to carry all the equipment on the back. In this category you can find the "MID" shoes, that is, half-height shoes that provide very high movement comfort and support for the body. The duration of the trip is relatively short (up to one week), and low shoes provide support and shock absorbers on short day trips while maintaining flexibility, Light weight and ease of movement of the ankle. In recent years, many technological improvements in shoes have led many shoe manufacturers worldwide to increase the number of low-heeled shoes and MID shoes.

In the "MID" shoe collection you can find:
• Relatively tough shoes that will be suitable for week trips and long trekking, for a backpacker who has chosen to come out with a backpack and light equipment.
• Soft shoes that will be suitable for day / day trips when carrying moderate to low weight on the back.

In the lower shoe group you can find:
• Relatively hard shoes that will be suitable for day trips or short walking with relatively high weight on the back (eg climbing equipment, baby carrier).
• Soft and lightweight shoes, for short walks without weight or field runs.

Its great advantage in this category is in several areas:
• Relatively cheap price.
• A large number of models and increasing the chance of finding comfortable shoes.
• Adapting to a wide range of activities.
• High suitability for future uses of weekend trips in Israel.

3) Backpacking - This set of shoes is suitable for a traveler who goes on a long trip under different conditions and intends to carry all the equipment on his back at least part of the time. This shoe set is ideal for backpackers who intend to do "a little bit of everything" during the trip, simply because it is a combination of all worlds.
This category can be divided into two main models of shoes:
• High but relatively soft shoes with shock absorbers for medium weights.
• "MID" shoes are relatively stiff with shock absorbers for medium weights.

These shoe models will provide support and shock control in most situations the backpacker will encounter during the trip, without limiting the freedom and ease of movement.

4) Travel - This group of shoes is most suitable for a trip that goes on a mostly urban trip and may find itself walking along the dirt paths. Most of the equipment that will carry such a traveler will find in a suitcase or bag a small and lightweight day. The great advantage of these shoes is a combination of existing technology in hiking boots (support, protection, shock absorbers, etc.) along with a fashionable and day-to-day look.
 

Clean Design Company is here for you. We have a wide range of talents to serve businesses large and small.

Steps for proper selection of shoes

Stage A - Proper planning

• At what stage do you choose shoes?

The answer to this question is simple - as quickly as possible.
In fact one of the first items to purchase, immediately after you have formulated an opinion about the nature of the trip you are going to leave, is the shoes. The recommendation is to purchase the shoes once you understand the size of the weight you will carry during the trip (for this reason it is best to choose a sleeping bag, which will immediately affect the weight you will carry and the size of the backpack you need). In any case, it is recommended to purchase the shoes no later than a month before the beginning of the trip. This time will allow you to walk in your shoes and start the process of softening the limb.

• What is the nature of the trip?
Make a decision about the nature of your trip and try to associate yourself with one of the categories of shoes as mentioned at the beginning of the article, there is no need to achieve this perfect fit only for the general assessment and feel about the main use of this pair of shoes. Remember, there is no pair of shoes that fits all the conditions you will be exposed during the trip especially with regard to backpacking trip.

• Know yourself
The most important thing in shoes is the comfort, the more details you keep on making, the more likely your chance to find a suitable backpack will increase, for example.

1) The width of the foot - Although the shoes have the ability to expand but when the foot is wide in the first place, we prefer to fit shoes with a wide stature.

2) Insoles - If you have orthopedic inserts, be sure to measure the shoes with the pedals.

3) The level of physical fitness - a person who is accustomed to carrying heavy weights and walking in the field will need much more supportive shoes than a person without experience walking in the field.

4) Injuries - Do I have back or knee problems, is there a stability problem (increased wear on a particular side of the sole)? In such cases, the first recommendation is to take care of orthopedic trainers that will help overcome and sometimes prevent the problem. In addition, the more information we know about the nature of our posture, the better the shoe will fit in the nature of the trip.

Step B - Choose three pairs of shoes

The Rikushet chain has a very large variety of shoes (as can be seen in the shoe catalog). Now you have to find the three pairs that fit you perfectly, both in comfort and in the nature of the trip. Remember, the shoe matching process can be long and important to get measurable on a day off with no commitments to other appointments.
Expert advice:

• The feeling we receive about the comfort of shoes can be affected by many factors: the time of day, exercise we did in the days before the measurement and more. These differences are so great that it is very difficult to decide between two pairs of shoes that are measured in different days and in different stores. Our recommendation is to carry out the screening phase of the three pairs of shoes under the same conditions as possible. For example, always wear the same pair of socks in the evening and use the same pair of socks in all the measurements (the priority is to measure in one store only and compare one shoe to another) A real comparison and find the shoes that are best for you.
• In stark contrast to saying that the most important thing in shoes is comfort, listen to a consultant in the store. Although the overall sense of comfort is important, but it is possible that the hard and heavy shoes that feel painful and pressing during the measurement are the ones that will be the most comfortable and will keep your feet and your body fresh at the end of the day, more than the pair of soft and pampering shoes you felt better during the measurement.

The measurement process

Measurement and adjustment of hiking shoes is completely different from the measurement of running shoes or daily shoes for example you can not feel the tips of your fingers and decide whether there is enough space at the front of the shoe. It is therefore advisable to listen to the counselor in the shop and let him adjust the shoes, while observing and learning how he is concerned about wearing shoes. The main steps to follow in tailoring shoes are:

1. Matching socks to shoes: Most stores have stockings designed to measure shoes. It is possible to use these socks, but the priority is to measure with the pair of socks with which you will go on a trip or better socks with which you will go on the most difficult trips. Be sure to use the same pair of socks throughout the measurement process.

2. Adjusting the size of the shoes: In hiking shoes, there is a wide difference in the size of the shoes between different models, so that a person who usually wears a shoe can find himself wearing a pair of shoes in the hiking boots and vice versa. The best way to adjust the shoe size is by using the thumb rule.
• Put on your shoes and leave all laces open.
• Now stand upright and push your foot forward as far as possible until the fingers touch the shoe, but without bending your fingers.
• Stay upright and let the counselor insert a finger in the gap between the heel and the shoe.
• The existing gain should be the thickness of the finger. If the shoe is too small, it will not fit. If large, it may be appropriate to check the size of the other foot.
Always remember to measure both shoes, most people have different sizes between the two feet. We would always prefer one shoe to fit just as much as the other would be a little larger.

3. Attach the foot to the heel of the shoe and allow the seller to lace the shoes. Notice how the seller laces the shoes while carefully arranging the tongue of the shoe.

4. Start moving in the store by following the following:
• Is the overall feeling in shoes comfortable - do the shoes squeeze or rub in a particular place?
• Does the heel move freely in the shoe while walking? In appropriate shoes the heel should be fixed to the heel of the shoe, free movement can lead to injuries.
• Check with a step whether the foot slips while leaning forward so that the fingers touch the front of the shoe. This will resemble walking downhill, if the fingers touch the front of the shoe.
 

Step 3 - Choosing shoes.

Finally after you have filtered up to three models that you have found comfortable and suit your requirements, it is time to choose the right pair of shoes. It is time to pay attention to the technological differences that exist between shoes and the durability ability of shoes over time and the price of shoes and more. It is recommended to load the weight on your back (this is the time to start choosing the backpack), and to walk around the store with your shoes and your backpack and make sure that you are comfortable with each other.
From this moment it is recommended to wear your shoes on as many occasions as possible. At first, be sure to wear your shoes for relatively short periods of time in order to avoid unnecessary injuries that may result from new shoes and stiffness, and as time passes, lock them for longer periods of time. Another recommendation (which is generally correct for all equipment) is, try to take a field trip before the big trip and see if there is a malfunction or misunderstanding in the use of one of your items. Understand that equipment malfunctions (even if new ones) are possible and therefore it is advisable to discover the fault as soon as possible and not during the trip itself.

Keeping and handling shoes back up

Shoes are one of the most important accessories on the trip and hence the great need to be careful and keep them. The shoes sold on the Rikushet chain are under the manufacturer's warranty and it is recommended that you consult with the store advisor regarding the warranty of the shoes you have selected.

Following these rules will help keep your shoes on for longer:
1. Make sure to apply a vacuum on your shoes. Once you have bought the shoes and your exposure to the sun and water begins, the process of dehydration and decay of the shoe skin begins. Putting vox on your shoes will help keep your skin and stitches in your shoes for longer. Notice that smelling Vox on the shoes changes the color of the shoes and makes it darker. Generally, it is recommended to apply a layer when the shoes feel dry, before embarking on a trip and, of course, before storing the shoes for a long period of time.

2. If your shoes get wet, be sure to dry them in the shade. Dehydration of the shoes in the direct sun will cause the limb to contract, dry the skin and even crack. It is recommended to insert into the shoes absorbent paper / newspaper that will accelerate the dehydration process on the inside of the limb.

3. Never leave shoes in closed areas exposed to the sun, for example a car trunk. High heat will lead to dehydration of the skin and in extreme cases even dissolve adhesives and separate the sole from the shoe.

4. Store shoes for a long time in a shady dry place and only after you have made sure that the shoes themselves are dry.

Improving the experience of using shoes Back to top

When choosing an important product always remember that there is a fundamental difference between the reality of the store and the reality with which we will deal in the field. In order to ensure a perfect experience from shoes, the following accessories are recommended:

1. Vox Shoes - One of the products that will help us soften the shoes faster and keep the shoes for a longer period is Vauxhall. Its added advantage is its ability to increase the waterproofness of the shoes so that even shoes that are not water-resistant will improve their durability when applied in a thick layer of vox.

2. Socks - an integral part of the comfort of walking. Hiking socks will improve the shoe's sweat-drying ability, shock braking ability and of course the ability to isolate. Socks are such an important part that a relatively inexpensive shoe of a medium level with a proper stocking can feel better during the trip than a professional shoe at high costs.

3. Madras - some of the shoes do not come with these pads with a padding, the addition of madras (the priority is always for orthopedic pads) will significantly improve the posture of the body and reduce the risk of short-term and long-term injuries.

4. Laces - Always carry an extra pair of laces - in any case.