Any good ideas to keep rocks out of your shoes while hiking/walking on the trail?

Question

I walk on a bike trail, it is made of crushed limestone. I'm forever stopping to dump small pebbles from my shoes. I love that trail because it is level (rail trail), beautiful, and near my home. Have any ideas to keep the rocks from jumping in my shoes? May try wearing gators but was hoping someone would have a better idea!

Answer 1

Avoid crossing one foot over the other whether in front of or behind the other foot that way rocks won't fall off the sole into the other shoe.  Another idea would be to find a pair of trail running sandals that will let you kick the stones out as they fall in.

Answer 2

How about going barefooted? :-)

More seriously, try wearing shoes laced up above the ankle -- like army boots or old fashoned basketball sneakers.

What are gators?

Answer 3

OR, Outdoor Research, makes some ankle height gaitors.  Really lightweight, and they work really well.  I use them in AZ, where all the trails are rocky.

Answer 4

we have been using a brand of gaiters that are light weight and come in a variety of syle patterns. Check out

www.dirtygirlgaiters.com