Walking shoes, gym shoes or basket ball boots are essentially
not suitable for mountain walking since they provide little support for the
ankles or protection for the foot on rough ground.
Boots are essential but they need neither be very
expensive nor very heavy. A good boot for mountain walking should be fairly
broad for its size and have a good heel. This will reduce the risk of twisted
ankles. The sole should be strong and slightly flexible for easy walking. Most
boots now use composition rubber so use a reputable mountaineering sole and not
an industrial sole which may grip well in oil but not on mossy and wet rock.
With composition rubber soles be careful on hard snow or ice, on steep wet grass
and on mossy or greasy rocks.
Socks Wear one or two pairs of socks
or stockings. Keep them in good condition, put them on smoothly and see that
they fit well. A spare pair of socks is useful for a dry change. A woolen socks
may be kept for sleeping in the sleeping-bag as feet tend to get cold fast and
warm last and this leads to uncomfortable sleep.
