…When the other hiker likes this special footware, why should I persuade him to change his mind?
One thing of note in regards to human nature is the desire to confirm ones own reality and view point. A lot has to do with ones own self-confidence and perceived validity.
I think a lot of the more heated discussions you see (and it doesn't matter if it is leisure or more important as the human mind doesn't really distinguish the two when it comes to how these emotions/feelings occur - even if the conscious intellect will give different weight on importance) it is because people will feel threatened if their own view is challenged.
EDIT: And they will feel more confident they are right when their view is supported … I believe this is why religions like to convert people to their faith - the more that believe as they do …well then their religion must be right ... and of course many other reasons.
Speaking in very general terms people tend to like it when their decisions, views, etc. are confirmed in a positive way by others. When others do the opposite and question those decisions, put them down, or suggest they are bad views, it can make one defensive on an emotional level.
The more people support and confirm you view the more confident you feel it is the correct and right one. When that doesn't happen you can be filled with doubt, cognitive dissonance, and anxiety.
That isn't always bad of course … in fact one should question ones views, etc. But people have various degrees of confidence and self-esteem. If everyone hates this game you play it may raise some doubt in your mind … am I weird for liking it? why am I the only one who likes it? Perhaps you will start to loose enjoyment of the game as doubt nags at you … or perhaps you dig in your heels and get mad or block everyone out, refusing to accept this negative view on something you enjoy.
I am not sure if I am explaining this well as its a complex subject to summarize without being misunderstood. Everyone has various levels of tolerance, how much confidence and esteem they have, how well they can integrate different points of view, etc.
Maybe someone spent a lot of time and money, pondering all kinds of things, to pick out these great shoes. Maybe more money then they could afford. They have some doubt if it was a wise choice but they also want to enjoy the shoes.
Then along comes someone who goes "Wow you got those over-priced shoes? They look nice but really they are super poor for running. That air pad thing is just a gimmick."
The person might bristle or get defensive at that comment because they already had some doubt deep in their mind - and now this person is pecking at that.
EDIT: Or to take your question - maybe you picked out this shoe and now want others to help confirm your decision by agreeing with you that the shoe you got was the best choice in the end. So maybe you try to persuade others to see that so they go … wow your right, those really are great shoes. Now I know why you brought them!
One example. It applies to most anything from taste in books, games, movies to bigger items like religion, politics, etc. Importance and degree vary but the emotional feeling that comes up from agreement or disagreement is still there.
How well people handle it depends on so many things - emotional state at the time, stress levels, energy, there own current state of confidence and esteem, how often their view was "attacked", etc. Even someone who normally can shrug things off can reach a point of burn-out.