Do You Need Hiking Boots for the Narrows?

Do you need hiking boots for a trip to the Narrows? The answer is yes. While regular shoes may suffice if you are only walking along the banks of the river, hiking boots are essential if you plan to wade into the water.

The Narrows is a popular destination for hikers, located in Utah’s Zion National Park. It consists of a narrow canyon, with walls rising hundreds of feet on either side and the Virgin River cutting through its base. While it can be explored from the sides, many hikers choose to wade into the river and explore inside it as well.

Why You Need Hiking Boots
Hiking boots provide much-needed support and stability when you’re in the river. The riverbed is often slippery and uneven, making it difficult to maintain your balance without proper footwear.

Hiking boots also provide ankle support, which is essential for preventing injuries in this type of terrain. They also have good grip and traction that helps keep you upright in slippery conditions.

CANYONING SHOES A GOOD ALTERNATIVE
If you don’t own hiking boots but still want to explore The Narrows, then consider investing in a pair of waterproof canyoning shoes. These are specially designed for wet conditions and offer similar benefits as hiking boots – such as ankle support and good grip – while also being lightweight and more suitable for wading through water.

Tips For Choosing Hiking Boots

When choosing a pair of hiking boots for The Narrows, look for ones with plenty of ankle support and good grip on wet surfaces. Waterproofing is also important, so make sure that any pair you buy has some kind of waterproof membrane built into them or comes with an aftermarket waterproofing spray or wax that you can use on them after purchase. You should also make sure they fit properly by trying them on before buying them – never buy shoes online without first trying them on!

In conclusion, hiking boots are essential if you plan to explore The Narrows from within the water rather than just walking along its banks. They provide much-needed stability and ankle support, as well as excellent grip on wet surfaces.

If you don’t own a pair of hiking boots then consider investing in a pair of waterproof canyoning shoes instead – they offer similar benefits while being more suitable for wading through water due to their lighter weight construction.

Conclusion: Yes, it is recommended that hikers wear proper hiking boots when exploring The Narrows since they provide necessary stability and ankle support while also having excellent grip on wet surfaces. If hiking boots are not available then waterproof canyoning shoes would be an acceptable alternative.

Photo of author

Chris Powell