Among the most common showstoppers for any outdoor trip is acute foot pain, particularly plantar fasciitis and structural foot strain. Understanding the biomechanics of outdoor terrain, why standard footwear often fails to protect the foot under dynamic loads, and how to implement proactive prevention strategies can ensure you complete your journey pain-free.

Here's a list of unexpected problems to watch out for during US Southwest road trips. Arizona, Nevada, Utah, and New Mexico are among the few regions in the United States where the gap between a great trip and a bad one comes down to preparation rather than luck.