How to keep small rocks and stones out of hiking boots?
I keep encountering this issue during summer, when wearing short trousers or a skirt while hiking: my boots get filled up with small rocks and stones, and I must stop from time to time to empty them. I guess this is a common issue, but I was wondering: is there some method to avoid, or at least lessen the little stones which get in my shoes?
What I have tried so far:
- wearing long trousers which cover the boots (too warm)
- tying shoelaces differently (not too effective)
- walk on the grassy side of the road (not always comfortable)
- change the way I walk (hard and demands constant attention)
- trying to see whether it happens with other shoes/boots too (and it does... now I use a Lomer Pelmo)
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4 answers
Lightweight gaiters are your best option. They do a very good job of keeping things out of your shoes. If those are also too hot for you then you will have to reconsider the effort it takes to change your stride/walk so that you're not kicking up as much detritus. It will come down to which is less inconvenient for you: adding gaiters, changing your walk, or living with the rocks.
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Like Russell said, gaiters are what you need, there are many varieties, most are meant to help keep your feet and pants dry while moving through the bush, but in your situation I'd probably recommend a pair of trail running gaiters:
They're built exclusively for keeping sand, dirt, and rocks out of your shoes, and they're pretty stylish, which is apparently kinda important for some girls... Check out Dirty Girl Gaiters
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The two answers suggesting the purchase of gaiters seem like a great idea. The same effect can be gained with socks. Either cut the elastic off of a pair of socks that are worn out. Or just roll down the tops of long socks over the cuff of you boot/shoe.
If you don't own or wear long socks, and you know someone who wears nylons, ask them to give you any old nylons with runs in them. You can cut them into gaiters of you own.
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While gaiters might be useful for many hikers, for me that is too high maintenance.
Instead, I choose where I hike to avoid the problem. Steep hills "encourage" me to walk slowly and to carefully select where I place my feet on each step. And staying on the main path (usually) has less loose debris to kick up.
Here was my choice two days ago in the Columbia River Gorge (Oneonta Gorge):
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