The short answer is, no – bean boots are not suitable for hiking. They just don’t have the features you need when on a trek. At the same time, these shoes aren’t a complete write-off either.
Not fully convinced that you can’t take your bean boots out on a hike? Well, the following details will prove why it isn’t the best idea. However, these shoes do have a few advantages. This post will deal with the following:
- The features of bean boots
- Why bean boots aren’t appropriate for hiking
- Are bean boots unsuitable for all hikes?
- Tips for wearing bean boots on hikes
Keep reading to get the full story on these boots.
The Features of Bean Boots
To really understand why this footwear isn’t great for hikes, you first need to appreciate their main features:
Waterproof
One of the most notable features of bean boots is that they are almost completely waterproof. The footwear consists of a sealed rubber sole that doesn’t let any kind of moisture in. As such, you could be standing in a puddle and your feet won’t get wet.
The upper portion of the boot is made of leather to promote movement. Even then, you will find that the leather is water-resistant. Due to this, most parts of the shoe won’t let any water in.
Soles for Wet Conditions
Another thing that bean boots are known for is their grip. However, this is not the kind you will find with most pairs of footwear. This is because the shoes are designed for wet, muddy, and similarly slippery surfaces.
As such, they are good for gripping the wet decks of a boat. Or, they will prevent you from slipping on muddy fields. It should be noted that the soles aren’t really designed for anything apart from this.
Spacious Fit
You will find that many people comment on how easy it is to put on and take off bean boots. This is all do with how spacious the interior of the shoe is. So, once your foot is inside, you will notice that there is room for it to move around.
This feature often makes the boots one of the more comfortable options out there. It is also a top reason why they are a popular choice among avid outdoorsman.
Why Bean Boots Aren’t Appropriate for Hiking
Despite the many advantages of the bean boots, here are some reasons why it isn’t a suitable option for hiking:
Poor Traction
Yes, the soles have been designed for wet slippery platforms. However, the shoe has been designed for walking across snowy fields or standing on the flat, slick surfaces of boots. As such, these are the kinds of surfaces that they are most suited for.
Therefore, while the boots have excellent grip, this is only the case with the above circumstances. If you were to take then out onto rocky or uneven paths, you’ll find that they don’t work well here. This can compromise your safety quite a bit and it is best not to take a chance.
Internal Friction
Remember how we mentioned that the inside of the boots is roomy? For short distances, this can make them comfortable. After a while, however this could result in increased friction between your foot and the inside of the boot.
This is because your foot will keep moving around and rub against the interior material. This leads to chafing which, in turn, can cause blisters and callouses. Not to mention, it can be incredibly uncomfortable. You will also find that it’s difficult for you to walk after some time.
Lacks Ankle Support
The spaciousness of bean boots means that there is more room around your ankle. Although this can seem like a good thing, what it really means is that there is no support. This can result in an increase in the number of ankle injuries. At the very least, you may find that it’s not comfortable enough to cross rough terrain in.
No Breathability
While it’s a plus to have a pair of waterproof shoes on a hike, there is a downside to this as well. Such footwear tends to lack breathability as the fabric has been protected from letting water and often, air, in and out of the boot.
During a hike, you will probably work up quite a sweat. If your boot doesn’t allow for much air, the chances of your feet getting hot and sweaty increases exponentially. To make matters worse, it can be quite difficult to dry out the inside of these shoes, ensuring that you are stuck with the situation until you get back home.
Are Bean Boots Unsuitable for All Hikes?
It’s clear that bean boots aren’t right for hikes. Does this also mean that they can’t be worn on any kind of trek?
Well, this is not necessarily the case. If you are won over by the comfort and waterproof aspects of the boots, you may be able to wear them on some hikes. In particular, bean boots may be suitable for short hikes – no more than 3 miles.
It is also a good idea to consider the terrain you will be hiking in. If you want to wear your bean boots, give anything that is too uneven or rough a miss. The same goes for whether you need to scale up hills, rocky inclines, etc. Look for flat and mostly smooth land.
To err on the side of caution, take a pair of extra shoes with you. If you find that your bean boots aren’t cooperating with the terrain you’re walking on, you can make the switch. This way, you won’t have to turn around and go back home. You can also guarantee your safety at the same time.
You should always remember to test the boots out first. Make sure that you’re comfortable with them and get used to placing your foot on a sturdy surface despite the internal roominess of the shoe. You will then be less likely to slip and slide around on your hike.
Tips for Wearing Bean Boots on Hikes
In case you’re going to wear bean boots on a hike, here are a few guidelines to follow:
Look for a Secure Fit
The first thing you need to do is find a pair of boots that are as snug as possible. Since the shoes have been designed to be loose, you may need to go down a size. Of course, it is just as important to ensure that the footwear isn’t too tight, as this will cause chafing and blisters. It is all about finding the right balance.
You may also want to look for a design with a higher ankle and a more secure lacing pattern. This way, you can lace the boots up more tightly. You can then gain back some of the ankle support, making it a safer option to wear on hikes.
Consider a Breathable Upper Sole
A lot of modern bean boots have waterproof leather uppers, but this can result in a lack of breathability. Due to this, try to look for those that have shoes with regular leather uppers. This will not make the bean boots as breathable as hiking boots, but it will certainly be more suitable for warm weather than traditional designs.
Needless to say, selecting such footwear means that the boots will not be as waterproof as other versions. This is something you need to keep in mind if you’re planning on hiking through muddy terrain.
Wear Thick Socks
Make sure to wear a thick pair of socks with your bean boots as well. This can help to reduce the amount of room between your foot and the shoe. In turn, this should help to cut down on the friction and chafing. At the very least, it will offer you enough protection so that you won’t have to worry about getting blisters later on.
So, there you have it – the lowdown on wearing bean boots for hiking. As we have already discussed, these shoes are far from ideal to wear on treks. Due to this, leave them at home if you are planning a longer walk with rough or rugged terrain. Look for a pair that is more suited to hiking.
That being said, bean boots may be suitable for shorter hikes, particularly those on flat or uneven surfaces. Therefore, in certain instances, you may find that this type of footwear does come in handy. Of course, if you decide to wear them, make sure to get a pair with a good fit. Also, look for a more breathable upper sole and wear thicker socks.
All in all, though, it is a good idea to steer clear of these boots when you are going on a proper hike. In the end, they don’t have the support or safety features that you need for an enjoyable trek. Not to mention, these boots may end up causing severe discomfort when worn for longer periods of time.
