Guide to Choosing the Best Hiking Shoes for Your Next Trek

Mount Rinjani in Lombok is always the perfect place for hiking. Many trekkers have this dream of exploring different active volcanoes due to the Segara Anak Lake, which offers breathtaking views. Even if it is true that trekking in Rinjani will give anyone an unforgettable experience, good preparation is also important, like having proper hiking shoes.

To give you more insight, Rinjani features the dusty volcanic trails of Sembalun. You will also navigate rocky descents towards the crater rim and trek through slippery forest paths in Senaru. For that reason, you need to have the right footwear. By having the perfect gear, you will have an enjoyable adventure. With this article, you will learn the most important part, which is the gear that you always need to be ready with.

What type of shoes are good for hiking?

Hiking boots and hiking shoes are the best options for hiking. However, it completely depends on your preference and foot size. The shoe type options in this category are generally lighter. They have a lower cut, which is below the ankle, giving you more flexibility in the mid- and outsole. This type is mainly not waterproof, but it dries quickly when wet. For that reason, it wicks moisture and remains breathable.

Meanwhile, boot-style options tend to be heavier and sturdier than regular hiking shoes. One key thing to note about boots is that they have highly durable uppers that often extend above the ankle, offering greater support through the midsole and outsole. Understanding these differences will help you decide which option suits you best.

The type of hiking footwear you choose can also depend on the nature of your favourite hiking destinations. If you are preparing specifically for trekking on Mount Rinjani, boots may be the better option, as they provide additional ankle support. However, the final decision ultimately comes down to your personal preference.

Key features to look for in good hiking shoes

Before choosing a pair of hiking shoes, it’s important to understand what type is suitable for challenging treks like the one on Mount Rinjani. These terrains have many steep volcanic slopes to loose gravel paths, which hikers have to cross to reach their destination. There are also forest trails that make your footwear even more important.

By this, you have to know that the shoes you choose need to be more than just comfortable. It should provide reliable grip, solid ankle support, and many more features that we will discuss below. By knowing these features, you can choose the right one that keeps you steady and safe. Here are the details!

Strong Traction (Outsole Grip)

The hiking shoes you wear during your hike on Mount Rinjani must offer features that have deep lugs, durable rubber, and strong traction or outsole grip. Deep lugs need to be able to bite into soft ground and prevent you from sliding backwards. Durable rubber needs to provide superior grip on rocky sections. This ensures stability along your way.

Ankle Support

Ankle support is a very important factor to consider before choosing the right hiking footwear. For this reason, mid-cut or high-cut designs are highly recommended for beginners who are not yet accustomed to walking long distances. They are especially beneficial on unpredictable terrain such as Mount Rinjani. They also prevent ankle rolls and sprains while walking on uneven ground.

Breathability

Rinjani’s temperatures at daytime can rise quickly, so you need good-quality hiking shoes that offer good breathability to your feet. It is an essential feature as it allows air to circulate and helps regulate heat inside your shoe. Good circulation can keep your feet dry, preventing discomfort and blisters. By having breathable materials, you will stay cooler and more comfortable.

Water Resistance

Moisture is almost unavoidable on Rijani. From morning dew to unexpected rain showers, the damp first areas around Senaru will make your feet wet. For that reason, water-resistant or waterproof footwear will help you while you hike. Materials with Gore-Tex membranes are an excellent option, as they help in keeping the water out of your feet while still allowing them to breathe properly

Cushioning & Midsole Support

Proper cushioning and midsole support in your hiking shoes are very important. As discussed earlier, Rinjani’s trek can be long and physically demanding. This is why you need shoes that have well-cushioned midsoles that can help absorb the impact on your feet. This will reduce strain on your ankles, knees, and hips as you move through the varying terrain.

Toe Protection

In Rinjani’s trails, you can expect plenty of rocky sections. It is especially true if you approach the crater rim, where you can meet loose stones and exposed roots. For that reason, it is important to have toe protection in your footwear. This will help shield your toes from painful knocks, leading to fewer injuries

Weight

Lightweight hiking shoes can help you move more efficiently during long climbs. You also need to keep in mind that there are drawbacks to having a lightweight shoe, as it can compromise support and durability, especially on rugged volcanic terrain. Thus, finding a balanced pair is important: light yet sturdy to support and handle sharp rock.

Why do the right hiking shoes matter on Mount Rinjani?

The right hiking shoes matter on Mount Rinjani because they help you safely navigate its steep, unstable, and highly challenging volcanic terrain. It is the most underrated mountain equipment that you need to hike Mount Rinjani, which people sometimes neglect, as it stands tall at 3,726 metres, making it Indonesia’s second-highest volcano. This is why it is important to emphasise that your hiking shoes matter more than your jacket and backpack. It is because its terrain is famously challenging due to:

• Volcanic sand that swallows your feet with every step
  
• Steep inclines where grip is everything
  
• Rocky paths requiring ankle stability
  
• Cold temperatures whenever you near the summit
  
• Slippery forest floors during the rainy season

Types of hiking shoes that suit Rinjani’s terrain.

Not all types of hiking footwear can suit Rinjani’s terrain, as it is not created equally. Therefore, the type you choose can also significantly affect your comfort during your trek. As mentioned, there are different types of footwear, from lightweight shoes to sturdy boots; each style has its own unique strengths and limitations.

In this part, we are going to break down each of them, so you can decide which one is the best option for your next adventure. Here’s a clear breakdown of the main types of hiking shoes and how well they perform on Rinjani’s diverse terrain!

Hiking Shoes (Low-Cut)

Low-cut hiking footwear type is actually not recommended for Rinjani’s summit day. However, if you already have experience with loose volcanic sand, you may use this. As it offers more comfort and it is very light, you might prefer this even though it lacks ankle support if you have used them before. However, if you are a beginner, you need to avoid this as it is less suitable for slippery sections.

Mid-Cut Hiking Boots

Mid-cut hiking shoes in boot types are best for multi-day treks and moderate terrain. It provides solid ankle support and offers a good balance between protection and weight. Therefore, it is highly recommended to climb Rinjani as it delivers the support and stability needed in the slippery volcanic sand and long trekking days.

High-Cut Mountaineering Boots

High-Cut Mountaineering Boots are ideal for snow and icy conditions. It offers maximum ankle support and excellent insulation. It has a different level of durability because it is designed for cold, icy environments rather than volcanic slopes. Therefore, it is not generally needed for hiking Mount Rinjani as it is also heavier to use.

Trail Running Shoes

These kinds of hiking shoes are only ideal for fast-paced hikers and trekkers who carry a very light load on their shoulders. It is extremely lightweight and highly comfortable, but it can only provide minimal protection and limited ankle support. For that reason, it makes them risky for Rinjani’s loose sand and uneven paths. For most hikers, sturdier footwear is the safer option.

How to Choose Hiking Shoes for Your Rinjani Trek?

To choose the right hiking shoes, you need to focus on the footwear that matches the mountain's terrain and the paths. It can make your journey and experience smooth. As the Mount itself has steep ascents, loose volcanic sand, and forest trails, it demands long trekking hours. That is why the footwear you pick needs to match both the terrain and your comfort. These are the tips for you!

1. Try in the afternoon: Trying shoes in the afternoon gives the most accurate fit as your feet swell throughout the day.
2. Wear the socks you’ll use for trekking: Wearing the socks you will use ensures that the shoe fits exactly as it will on the mountain or not.
   
3. Do a flex test: Bend your new hiking shoes gently as they should flex near the toe, not in the middle. The cheap ones often bend in the wrong place, which will make you uncomfortable.
   
4. Test the grip: Check the shoe’s traction by standing on a smooth or slightly slippery surface in the shop, such as tiles. If the shoe has a good grip, it should feel stable and not slide.
   
5. Check toe room: In your hiking shoes, there should be room for your thumb at the front for downhill sections.
   

Never hike in new shoes: The excitement of having new shoes is good, but allow them to take the shape of your feet, at least two weeks before you try the Rinjani trek, by simply wearing and walking for five or ten minutes a day with the shoes. It prevents blisters on Day 1.

Common Mistakes Trekkers Make with Hiking Shoes

Even if you are sure that you have chosen the best hiking shoes, there are some common mistakes that trekkers often make. This is why it is important to always pay attention to key details, especially if you want to hike Mount Rinjani. These simple mistakes can lead to discomfort or even safety issues on the trail. Here are the mistakes you need to avoid!

• Bringing brand-new shoes: As mentioned above, you have to wait for two weeks before using them in Rinjani. If you still want to bring brand-new shoes, then you will suffer blisters even before you manage to cross the trail halfway.
• Choosing style over practicality: Pretty shoes may interest you, but Rinjani doesn't care about how fashionable your hiking shoes are. Always choose the ones that will protect your feet, rather than simply being stylish. 
  
• Wearing trainers or running shoes is not recommended. You will slip constantly on volcanic gravel.
  
• Shoes too big or too tight: Choose the one that is the exact size of your feet.  Incorrect sizing leads to pain, black toenails, or ankle issues.
  
• Thin socks: This is a big no when trekking in Rinjani. Always use moisture-wicking trekking socks for your adventure.

Conclusion

Many trekkers always dream of hiking in Mount Rinjani as one of Indonesia’s most beautiful and rewarding trekking destinations. However, as Rinjani has a challenging trail, choosing the right hiking shoes is more important. It is an investment for your safety and comfort all the way to the summit.

If you’re planning your climb, pair good hiking footwear with a reliable operator like Rinjani Trekking Center. They will ensure that you are fully supported from start to finish. Their experienced guides and safety focus will ensure that you are safe and sound along the way. Not to mention their knowledge of the local areas will make your Rinjani adventure smoother and more memorable.