Want to know what the most important clothing item of your Kilimanjaro adventure is? It’s not a jacket or hiking pants, nor is it what hat you wear. It’s your boots!
As a shoe fanatic and a shopaholic to boot (pun intended!), this was one to the parts of my trip preparation that I got really excited for. I am not one to pass up an opportunity to buy new shoes, even if they are brown hiking boots instead of cute Lilly Pulitzer sandals, sexy Antonio Melani heels, or my new favorite sparkly pink glitter TOMS.
Choosing the right hiking boot is incredibly important to a successful Kilimanjaro climb. For this purchase, I would recommend going to an outdoors outfitter to seek the advice of a professional.
Several weeks before my trip, I visited REI where I worked with a staff member from the shoe department for over an hour to find the best boot for me. After all, if I was going to wear these things up Kili I needed to make sure they fit well and provided me with the support I needed.
After trying on multiple pairs in multiple sizes and testing them by walking around and climbing on a rock display in the store, I finally had my Cinderella moment. The pair that I choose were Vasque Breeze GTX 7465. What set this hiking boot apart from the rest of the pack? A couple of key characteristics were distinguishing.
This pair is made with Gore-tex fabric so that it’s water resistant. They’re durable boots but it doesn’t feel like I have cinderblocks on my feet when I wear them. Also, they have high ankle support which helps to decrease the pressure on your ankles and the likelihood of rolling them. I have weak ankles so this was particularly important to me.
Other items I bought to go with my new footwear were support inserts and socks. I bought support inserts because I have especially flat feet and needed the extra support beneath my arches to avoid foot pain as best possible.
When it comes to socks, there are two types necessary: socks and sock liners. I wore SmartWool hiking socks that are moisture-wicking to keep my feet dry and comfortable in various temperatures. Beneath the SmartWool socks I wouldn’t be caught without anti-microbial wool or silk sock liners. Liners like these ones from REI will prevent any type of fungus, infection, or smell from sustained hiking or outdoors experiences.
One mistake you do not want to make is neglecting to wear your new boots prior to your hike. Definitely take several weeks to break your boots in so that when it comes time to hike Kilimanjaro you don’t run the risk of blisters.
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| My Vasque Breeze GTX 7465 hiking boots-wish they came in pink! |
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| SmartWool hiking socks |
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| Anti-microbial sock liners |
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| My favorite Glitter Pink TOMS: they're cute & for a cause! |
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| Adorable Lilly Pulitzer McKim Wedges in Gold I want! |
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| Cinderella is my favorite Disney princess |
Maybe we can get together and you wear your pink sparkle toms and I'll wear my silver sparkle ones. :) Gotta love shoe shopping for any cause and reason.
ReplyDeleteP.S. Love the blog!