Things You'll Need:
- Hiking boots
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Step 1
Choose a lightweight hiking boot to hike in the sand, as opposed to a leather boot with a thick, heavy sole. Some modern hiking boots are made from lighter materials and uppers that breathe, so that hiking through loose dirt, gravel and sand is less challenging.
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Step 2
Place the heels of your boots in the sand when you start, and then roll forward onto the balls of your feet. While this is the natural way for humans to walk, it can be easy to revert to a walking style that places the entire bottom of the boot in the sand at the same time, in a stomping motion. Walking this way can produce pain in your knees, hips and lower back.
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Step 3
Ensure that the laces of your boot are tight at all times, reducing the amount of foot slippage inside your boot. Not only will this help to prevent sand from getting in your shoe, but it will also reduce blisters as well.
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Step 4
Watch where you walk when you hike in sand, especially if you are moving through sand dunes. Avoid walking near grass and plants with delicate root structures that may be damaged as the sand shifts under the weight of your hiking boots. A plant that took several years to root in the sand can be destroyed in a second by a careless hiker.
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Step 5
Rest more frequently when you hike in sand. This type of hiking is far more strenuous than hiking on solid ground. If you feel winded, stop to catch your breath and have a drink of water.
