You can hike in an ordinary T-shirt with a simple bag, but the wrong shoes can ruin your whole day. Rif trails mix limestone rock, dirt paths and river crossings, so you need shoes that protect and support your feet.
Low or high-cut?
- Low-cut shoes: light and comfortable, fine for easy and moderate trails in dry weather.
- High-cut boots that cover the ankle: they protect against sprains and are best for hard trails, long descents and carrying a heavy pack.
It's all about the sole
Look for a thick sole with deep lugs. A smooth sole slips on wet rocks, which are common near rivers. Press your thumb on the sole and try to bend it: it should be fairly stiff, not soft like a trainer.
Fit
- Try shoes on in the evening, when your feet are slightly swollen.
- Wear the socks you'll hike in.
- Leave a finger's width in front of your toes so they don't hit the front of the shoe on descents.
Don't hike in brand-new shoes
Wear new shoes around town or on short walks before the big hike. They need a few days to adapt to your feet, or you'll get blisters.