How to avoid sweaty feet while hiking?
Sweaty feet while hiking in the summer are common. But sweaty feet in winter, during freezing weather, are just as common. If our feet sweat as much, or even more, in winter, it is because we may tend to overheat them.
Luckily, there are several tricks to remedying sweaty feet (and the unpleasant odor that accompanies them).
Sweaty feet and its consequences
Foot sweating causes a softening of the skin which can lead to several discomforts:
the development of bacterial infections;
the development of fungal skin infections, such as athlete's foot;
bromidrosis, which corresponds to the appearance of bad odors in the feet.
Also, softened skin is more easily damaged. The risk of injury then becomes greater:
the formation of blisters;
the appearance of frostbite, especially in athletes practicing winter sports.
Source: Passeport Santé
Let's not forget that foot sweating is a normal and very common phenomenon. You are mainly at risk when trekking and when it is cold!
Follow our advice to reduce your sweating during winter hikes 👇
Wear the right shoes/boots
Good hiking shoes or boots for winter should be waterproof and breathable.
Waterproof and breathable shoes are generally made of a GORE-TEX, GRITEX, SPOTEX or SYMPATEX membrane. These technologies keep water out while allowing sweat and moisture to easily escape. Thus, they are the ideal materials for changing weather conditions, including extreme winter conditions.
Look for this kind of technology to optimize your comfort when you have sweaty feet.
💡 Don't tie your shoes too tight! The proper fit of your shoe has a huge role to play in your comfort. To keep your foot warm, you have to let the heat circulate. A shoe that is too small or too tight will prevent your foot from staying warm.
Wear the right kind of socks
The right type of sock may depend on the type of shoe. If you wear waterproof and breathable shoes, you will need less "warm" socks. If you wear breathable shoes with good ventilation, thick socks provide more insulation.
❗️ Be especially careful not to over-isolate your feet! Do not wear super insulating stockings with super insulating shoes. Your feet will thank you!
In general, a thin sock absorbs sweat better than a thicker sock. The most important thing is to choose according to the material. Wool is a material that naturally absorbs moisture and wicks sweat away from your feet. Not to mention that wool has a natural resistance to odors.
❗️Avoid especially cotton. Your 100% cotton or nylon socks will become saturated with sweat and take hours to dry out..
Protect your lower body
Protect your lower body, especially when hiking in rainy weather!
In summer, hiking in shorts is often a way to optimize your comfort. But during downpours, water can infiltrate. So it's not just about choosing your socks and shoes strategically. You also have to dress accordingly!
💡 Our advice?
Wear water-repellent pants (water-repellency allows water to slide off the material of your garment without absorbing it.)
Wear waterproof and breathable overtrousers
Wear a rain skirt or poncho
Wear waterproof and breathable gaiters (can be used in combination with other equipment.)
Dry your smelly boots
With sweat come bad smells… Your hiking boots are particularly vulnerable to this. To prevent them from impregnating bad smells, start by drying them well!
💡If your shoes stink, you can machine wash the soles on a delicate cycle! Let them air dry and apply an essential oil like tea tree oil to the inside of the shoe.
Loosen the laces and open the shoe. Remove the insole and dry everything in a dry, well-ventilated place. Don't forget to dry your socks!
❗️ Be careful, never speed up the drying time by placing them in the blazing sun, near a fire or a heater! A direct heat source could permanently damage your boots...
Waterproof and breathable boots
