“Um, I know how to walk.” 

Okay, sure. But you’re not walking down the street. You’re hiking… with a pack… up a hill…

Yes, hiking form is a thing. It’s not complicated, but it sure is important.

If you pay attention, you will see that a lot of people hike with their ankles – an overuse of Dorsiflexion and Plantar flexion:

You use this motion extensively while walking normally as you would down the sidewalk. But with a fully weighted pack, on rough terrain, on an incline, for hours on end… This is not only an inefficient use of energy, but it can lead to injury from straining the tendons and ligaments in your ankles.

Instead, hike with your butt! Use your powerful glutes to power you up the hill rather than exhausting your calves and ankles.

Supportive hiking boots can help you keep your ankles in a neutral position and cue you to hike with your butt. But for those of us who hike in shoes, focus on your form – keep your foot in neutral position as much as possible (think of a 90-degree angle between your tibia and your foot), and use your glutes as the main force to push yourself up that hill.

You will find that hills become more of an enjoyable challenge than a painful slog. Your legs will get much stronger and you will be less likely to get overuse injuries when your muscles are working as they are meant to.

If you have a history of ankle injuries, or feel like your ankles are prone to rolling, then boots might be a good idea for some extra support and stability. But if your ankles are strong and you can focus on having good form, then those lighter, more comfortable shoes will work just fine.

— Kris