Hiking is more interesting when you put on the right gears. These include wearing boots that protect and comfort your feet while walking through rough and rocky terrains.
It is also crucial to put on proper clothing for hiking. But this post will focus on the suitability of the Sperry boots for hiking.
Now, let’s answer the question below.
Are Sperry boots good for hiking?
You can hike in Sperry boots or any other boots. But it is not advisable to use Sperry boots for long or extreme hiking trips.
Only use Sperry boots for short or easy hiking trips. And by this, we mean 3 to 5 miles. In fact, the shorter the trip, the better your feet will be in the Sperry hiking shoes.
Some people’s feet may not feel comfortable hiking 5 miles in a Sperry boot. So keep your hiking trips short when wearing a Sperry boot.
Now, here’s something you need to know. Sperry boots boast several features that should have made them a wise choice for hiking. They are waterproof, easy to put on, comfortable, and even lighter than a range of hiking boots. So why are they not recommended for long or difficult hiking trips?
Keep reading to make an informed decision on using Sperry boots for hiking.
4 Reasons Sperry Boots Are Not Ideal For Serious Hiking
We have explained that Sperry boots aren’t ideal for long or intense hiking, but you can consider them for short hiking trips or walks.
Now the question is why are these boots not ideal for hiking? By the way, they are lightweight, easy to put on, and even waterproof. All these features should have made the Sperry a wise choice for hiking. But unfortunately, they lack other features crucial for this outdoor activity.
Now, let’s discuss why Sperry boots are not a top choice for intense hiking trips.
1. Breathability:
Ideal hiking boots should be highly breathable. Such boots will keep your feet dry and comfortable throughout the trip.
Unfortunately, Sperry boots aren’t in this category. You can argue that they’re waterproof, a great feature for any hiking boots. However, Sperry’s breathability issue makes them unappealing for hiking.
If you wear Sperry boots for an extended period, there’s a good chance that your feet and socks will become drenched in sweat in no time.
The challenge associated with boots with poor breathability is the wetness, as it increases your feet’s chances of developing blisters. You’ll not feel comfortable in such boots too.
Wet Sperry boots and socks can also increase your feet’s chances of catching cold, and you know how badly this can affect your hiking trips.
Again, remember that the rate at which Sperry boots can make one’s feet sweat profusely differs from person to person. Most people may sweat faster than others. Thus, such people don’t need to cover long distances before their feet become drenched in sweat.
A Handy Tip: Boots with highly breathable upper implies that one’s feet could get wet quickly but dry up easily.
So, when choosing hiking boots for intense hiking trips, consider brands with breathable upper as against those that are waterproof.
You may only find the waterproof feature on Sperry boots more when hiking during the winter period.
2. Lacks traction:
Traction has always been a selling feature for companies making hiking boots. Boots with good traction prevent slippage, making your hiking trips safe and enjoyable.
Now, do the Sperry boots have traction? Yes, they do. But the kind of traction they have is only suitable for easy terrain, or even in terrible weather conditions.
So understand that the lack of good traction makes using Sperry boots for intense or long hiking trips a massive risk. There’s a chance you may hurt yourself or end your hiking trip abruptly.
You require hiking boots that boast traction and can prevent slippage, which can put one’s life at risk.
3. The boots have too much space:
Another reason why hiking with Sperry boots is not appealing is how spacious they are. You’ll find your feet moving around in these boots while walking, creating room for blister formation.
An ideal hiking shoe should fit snugly and not feel too tight anywhere on your feet. Otherwise, it won’t take long before you start seeing blisters on your feet.
So, how does being spacious inside cause Sperry boots to leave blisters on your feet? The answer to this question is friction. As your feet move around inside the boots, it creates friction that leads to blisters.
However, you can take shorter walks in Sperry boots. A less than 5 miles journey is enough if you want to avoid getting blisters on your feet while on Sperry boots.
4. Lacks angle support:
Traditional hiking boots ensure stability and provide great ankle support, preventing injuries. In other words, your ankles won’t feel sore after long hiking trips in these boots.
Unfortunately, Duck boots don’t offer proper ankle support, making a terrible choice for intense hiking trips. If you decide to wear them, you may end your hiking trip with injuries on your ankles.
So these are the reasons most people don’t consider Sperry boots for hiking.
Features Of The Sperry Boots
It is a surprise that Sperry boots are nowhere near traditional boots for hiking. Why is this so? These boots have several impressive features that could have easily made them a good option for hiking.
So, what are the reasons most people fancy Sperry boots for hiking? What sets Sperry boots apart? Let’s discuss them.
Comfort:
Sperry boots’ comfort sets them apart. They are waterproof and protect your feet from getting wet or dirty.
In other words, these boots can protect your feet from cold, dirt, and wetness that you might experience if you were wearing boots that are not waterproof.
Lightweight:
Sperry boots’ lightweight makes them super easy to walk in. They appear lighter than most hiking boots.
So, if you’re seeking lightweight boots for short hiking trips, consider Sperry boots.
A breeze to put on and take off:
Most people fancy Sperry boots because of how easy they are to remove and put on. This feature is because of Sperry boots’ spacious toe box.
However, you can make your Duck boot tighter by tightening the lower shoelace.
Waterproof:
Because Sperry boots are waterproof, you can use them to navigate muddy and even wet trails without getting your feet and socks drenched in water.
What Are Sperry Boots Good For?
Sperry boots aren’t a wise choice for intense hiking. So what are they good for? Thanks to their waterproof feature, you can use Sperry boots in snow and even slush.
These boots will protect your feet from cold when worn outdoors in the snow. They are top-notch winter boots.
Sperry boots could keep your feet warm during outdoor activities in cold periods.
Conclusion
Are Sperry boots good for hiking? These boots may prove useful for short hikes, not long and intense hiking.
So, you can use Sperry boots for hiking. But let it be short hikes alone. They lack the features traditional hiking boots have that make them ideal for long and intense hiking trips.
However, Sperry boots are waterproof, making them ideal for cold weather. Their traction may not be the best for hiking, but for walking in the snow.
