A nice hike outside is the best way to get in touch with our beautiful world. There is sure to be a hiking experience that will bring you closer to nature and yourself, whether you’re in a warm jungle or a rocky mountain pass.
If you want to do something different, try the Flip Flop Trail. Even though most people wear hiking boots, we dare to break the rules and hit the woods in our trusty flip flops.
I know what you’re thinking: flip flops on a hike trail? Isn’t that a recipe for disaster? Hear us out on why sometimes less footwear can accomplish more.
Why Hike in Flip Flops
- Freedom of Movement
Flip flops let your feet move freely, while hiking boots are heavy and make it hard to move. Every step will make you feel like you’re walking on air, even if you’re going over rocks or a babbling brook.
- Being Able to Breathe
Let’s face it, hiking can make you sweat. Flip flops, on the other hand, let your feet breathe the most because they’re open. During intensive activity like hiking, enclosing your sweaty feet can make them smell. And that’s not cool at all. You know what is? Feeling the fresh breeze against your toes.
- Quick Drying
Have you ever stepped in a puddle while hiking and had to walk around all day with wet socks? It’s not pleasant at all. And feeling the cold, squishy feeling against my toes is one of the pet peeves I have while hiking. Thankfully, this won’t happen while wearing flip flops! Because they dry quickly, you can run through streams and puddles without stopping. Plus this also makes it perfect if you plan to swim in a waterfall mid-hike or take a shower after.
- Comfort
Flip flops aren’t just for the beach. If you have the right pair, you’ll feel confident on all kinds of walks, from easy ones through nature to more difficult ones. They’re also very simple to put on and take off, so you can quickly change out of them and get on with the rest of your day.
- Flip Flop Philosophy
For many of us, flip flops symbolize simplicity and a carefree spirit – qualities that align perfectly with the hiking experience. When we hike through nature’s beauty, it reminds us to enjoy the journey rather than focusing on the end destination. And what could be better than doing that in our favorite flip flops?
Tips for Hiking in Flip Flops
- Choose the Right Trail
While we may be adventurous souls, it’s essential to choose our trails wisely. Choose well-kept paths with minimal obstacles. Avoid paths that have steep hills or rocky ground that could be hard on your flip flops. Stick to trails that offer scenic views and gentle slopes, allowing you to soak in the beauty of nature without sacrificing comfort.
- Celebrating Each Step
As we walk along the Flip Flop Trail, let’s enjoy each step and the quiet times when we can connect with nature. Every experience, like the sound of birds singing, the rustling of leaves in the wind, or the breathtaking views from the top, reminds us of the beauty all around us.
Advanced Techniques for Hiking in Flip Flops
Meet Dave, an engineer, sponsored rock climber, and avid traveler. He’s not your typical hiker, yet he’s found a unique way to navigate the trails – in flip flops. Dave’s unusual way of hiking goes against the idea that you need strong boots or special gear to go hiking. He instead counts on his trusty $20 flip flops to get him through all kinds of terrain and adventures.
For Dave, hiking isn’t just about reaching a destination; it’s about embracing the journey with a sense of purpose. Dave’s flip flops go with him everywhere, from the short way up to a climbing wall to the rough path that leads to a secret waterfall. But how can someone hike safely and comfortably in flip flops? Dave talks about his advanced methods with Modern Hiker:
- Grip with your toes
Because flip flops have soft soles, you need to change how you walk on uneven ground to stay balanced. You can confidently move through the ground by using the muscles in your feet and ankles to grip it.
- Get Used to Debris
Flip flops don’t protect you much from sticks, rocks, and other trail debris. You can change your surroundings by accepting this fact and learning how to move things out of the way as you walk.
- Plan Ahead
When hiking in flip flops, you need to be more aware of possible problems. You can move quickly and easily if you plan for problems and practice dealing with them.
- Take Smaller Steps
If you wear flip flops, you may need to change the way you walk to avoid slipping and falling, especially on steep hills. Stability is improved by controlling and planning your moves.
- Always Look Ahead: Being alert is very important when climbing in flip flops. Being aware of your surroundings and constantly looking for dangers lowers the chance of getting hurt and makes sure the trip goes smoothly.
Now, before you lace up your hiking boots and scoff at the idea of hitting the trail in flip flops, let me assure you – I’ve been there, done that. But let me tell you, hiking in flip flops is the best way to feel free.
Other hikers might look at you funny at first, but trust me, once they see how smoothly you’re moving along the trail, they’ll wish they’d left their boots at home too.
Whether you’re an experienced hiker or just want to get away from the busy city life for the weekend, give the Flip Flop Trail a try. After all, life’s too short to spend it cooped up indoors.
So, lace up – or rather, slip on – your favorite pair, and let’s embark on an adventure where comfort meets the great outdoors.
It’s time to Do Life Right!
Check out the best flip flop reviews, flip flop advice and flip flop philosophy on how to live a flip flop life!
