Good gaiters, happy feet

One of the best parts of hiking is stopping to remove the little pebbles and bits of earth junk that collect in the bottoms of our shoes or boots, right? No? Not the best part? OK, I don’t like it either. It’s annoying and inconvenient. 

Luckily, gaiters — protective fabric worn over the shoe and lower leg — were invented to save us from this task, no matter what time of year we’re hiking. 

A gaiter is essentially a tube of material with some way to keep it snug around our legs and attached to our footwear of choice. But the exact design depends on a bunch of things.

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Height: Gaiters come in different heights ranging from ankle to knee, each designed for a different function. For winter travel through snow, when we’re wearing boots, a knee-high gaiter may be most appropriate to keep snow from sliding down into our boots, getting our socks wet and making us cold. During the other three seasons, a mid-calf or ankle-height gaiter keeps the detritus out just fine. 

Material: Gaiters come in a variety of materials, each suitable for different conditions. Lightweight and breathable materials like nylon are ideal for summer hikes, while more durable or waterproof materials like Gore-Tex are more suitable for winter excursions.

Closure systems: Winter gaiters typically have a front closure system, often using Velcro, but sometimes zippers or snaps. Summer gaiters most often slip over the foot prior to putting on one’s shoes. Both types generally include a hook at the front for connecting to laces. Gaiters may also have an instep strap that fits under the shoe to hold them down and Velcro at the back to attach to a piece of corresponding piece of Velcro on the back of the footwear. These options ensure the gaiters stay in place. 

Winter gaiters

Gaiters designed for winter are fairly robust, providing some additional insulation as well as debris management. They are often waterproof, which helps keep your feet drier in wet snow, slush and on waterlogged trails. They even can be used as a piece of rain-shedding gear, allowing rain to flow down rain pants and onto the ground instead of being soaked up by your socks and boots.

Crocodile gaiters from Outdoor Research are a great choice for snowy hikes. Photo by Outdoor Research

As part of the research for this article, I tested a pair of Outdoor Research Crocodile Gaiters while snow hiking and snowshoeing in a few inches of fresh snow. I had never used winter gaiters and was impressed. This design attaches using a long piece of Velcro running down the front, allowing for some customization of fit. It has an instep strap that fits around the bottom of the boot, as well as a hook on the front and Velcro on the back. The gaiters had a small learning curve, but my hiking buddy was patient and they were easy to put on once I figured it out. They did a great job of keeping the snow out and kept my lower legs warmer in 25-degree weather. The one caveat for this style is that, if grip strength is an issue, you may find them difficult to take off or put on, as the Velcro is quite robust. These will definitely stay in my winter kit going forward.

Gaiters for warmer weather

I first discovered gaiters for non-winter travel when looking for ways to avoid painful little stones in my boots and shoes. Summer gaiters are generally lightweight, breathable and easy to put on and take off. They may be made from Lycra or other stretchable material and generally come with a hook at the front and a piece of Velcro at the back for attaching to your footwear. They may, depending on the design, have an instep strap to help keep them in place.

Gaiters are often associated with snow, but they also keep out dirt and rocks. Photo by Anna Roth

Gaiters keep dust and debris from entering the footwear, preventing discomfort and potential abrasions. This is particularly useful in regions with loose soil or gravel, where every step can kick up particles that might find their way into hiking boots or trail runners. Gaiters also help keep your socks cleaner, and cleaner socks mean fewer blister issues. On trails that include more undergrowth and vegetation, gaiters act as a shield against scratches and other irritants. Though they are not generally waterproof, gaiters can still help to shed some rain and dew off your legs and shoes instead of capturing moisture in your footwear. 

I’ve been using Dirty Girl gaiters for several years and love not having to stop to remove trail junk from my shoes. Their design uses stretchy Lycra, which you pull over your foot before putting on your shoe. You then attach it with a hook to the laces and Velcro to the rear of the shoe. They come in a bunch of fun designs, allowing you to choose what fits your personality. The one annoyance I’ve found actually has nothing to do with the gaiters and more to do with the shoes and boots I’ve hiked in — the Velcro does not stay affixed to the back of the shoe for long enough. It’s generally OK for part of a season, but then starts losing its stick, which likely could be solved with a stronger glue.

The Outdoor Research Ferrosi hybrid gaiters. Photo by Outdoor Research

For this article, I also tested a pair of Outdoor Research Ferrosi Hybrid gaiters, which have a bit different design than the Dirty Girl gaiters. They are made of stretchy, breathable fabric and have a hook at the front and Velcro at the back. But they also come with an instep strap and elastic around the top to hold the gaiter in place. The fabric has SPF 50 sun protection — always welcome. The gaiters were easy to put on; the strap can be disconnected if not needed. They were lightweight and comfortable and I look forward to using them more during the summer. They seem a worthy competitor to my favorites.

Gaiters are a great accessory for hiking in any season. From snowy winter landscapes to gritty trails, gaiters help keep our feet happy, and happy feet let us enjoy all those beautiful vistas we go out to see. So, whether you're embarking on a summer trek through dusty canyons or a winter expedition into snow-covered mountains, consider the role of gaiters in elevating the enjoyment of your hiking adventure.