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Hiking with wet feet is okay for short periods, but you need to look after feet while walking. Of course, there will be occasions when you need to cross a stream or get caught out in the and no matter how “waterproof” your boots are advertised as being, water will still get in and make you have wet feet.
Hiking with wet feet can lead to blisters and more severe complications if you leave them wet too long. If your feet do get wet, you should try to dry them as much as possible next time you have a break. Take your boots off, dry your feet and ring out your socks (if you have enough spares change to a dry pair of socks).
What to do if your hiking boots are wet?
Never fall asleep with wet feet. This can lead to a nasty build-up of bacteria and make your skin weaker for the next day of hiking. Keeping your feet wet for long periods can result in trench foot and, if left untreated, result in gangrene. So you must treat your feet with some TLC if they get wet while hiking.
Recommended Gear
- Merrell Thermo Chill Mid Waterproof Boots
- Oboz Sypes Low Leather Waterproof Hiking Shoes
- Co-op Merino Wool Lightweight Hiking Crew Socks
Ideally, you should carry a dry pair of socks and some comfortable crocs or sandals to wear around camp. So at least at night, your feet are kept dry. Also, invest in some high-quality hiking specific socks.
They will keep your feet padded and help to wick away moisture more efficiently than standard cotton socks.
Before setting off for the day, put hydrophobic balm on your feet. This keeps your feet moisturized and protected, helping to avoid developing trench foot.
At night once you have dried your feet, put on some anti-fungal oil, such as tea tree oil, before putting your nice dry wool socks on for added protection. Do not forget to reapply the hydrophobic balm in the morning.
More Reading
- Here’s Why Hiking With Tennis Shoes Is NOT A Good Idea
- Hiking With A Face Mask [3 Things You Should Consider]
- SwiftWick’s Pursuit Hike Socks Reviewed In Glacier National Park
Conclusion
While hiking, your feet will likely get wet. This is not going to cause a problem for short periods.
However, you need to give your feet some TLC by drying them regularly and applying hydrophobic balm and anti-fungal oil if you anticipate your feet getting regularly wet on longer hikes.
