Choosing the right shoes can transform any hike, from a casual stroll around your neighborhood to a multi-day trek in the backcountry. Whether you’re planning to carry a heavy pack or walk up a steep mountain trail, you need comfortable footwear.
Breathable hiking shoes allow your feet to escape the sweat they generate while working hard. These shoes will be your best bet for humid summertime hikes or cold snowy wintertime trips.
Comfort
We’ve been conditioned to believe that hiking boots must completely encase our feet and make us feel like we are walking in a shoe box. But, in many parts of the world, people successfully travel long distances on foot over a variety of terrain and experiences with only minimal footwear. Mountain porters in the High Himalayas, for example, carry heavy loads on their backs while walking in thin huarach sandals on their feet. And the Tarahumara, Native American runners from northwestern Mexico, run ultramarathon distances wearing only their huaraches.
The most important attribute of any hiking shoe or boot is comfort. Shoes should be comfortable enough to wear all day long on hikes, with a wide toe box to allow the toes to spread out naturally and cushioning that supports the shape of the foot. They should have good traction on the trail, and be constructed of durable materials that will hold up to the rigors of outdoor hiking adventures.
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Footwear manufacturers construct their shoes around a “last,” which is a model of the human foot. Ideally, you should have your feet professionally measured and buy footwear that fits you well, but since most of us can’t afford custom footwear, it is critical to try on multiple pairs of hiking shoes or boots to find the ones that fit your feet best. Keep in mind that your feet will change volume during a hike, so you’ll want to wear the shoes or boots for several hours to see how they feel on longer walks and hikes.
Another important factor in determining hiking shoe or boot comfort is the outsole and midsole. Both of these are made from various materials, and the density of each can determine how long the footwear will last. A softer rubber outsole will offer more flexibility, but it will also wear down faster than a harder rubber outsole. Some manufacturers make a flat “climbing zone” on the outsole of their hiking shoes for those who plan to do technical rock climbing, but these features are usually only found on more expensive hiking shoes.
Durability
Investing in quality hiking shoes or boots will pay off over time, as they’re designed to last longer than lightweight sneakers. If you’re looking for something more durable, leather is a tried and true material, but it may require more break-in time than synthetic mesh or woven nylon. The weight of a shoe or boot is also an important consideration. Weight on your feet zaps more energy than the weight you carry on your back, so shoes and boots with less mass will be easier to walk in over long distances.
The durability of hiking shoes depends largely on their design and materials. Most modern hiking shoes are built with reinforced stitching and nylon, and some have a waterproof membrane such as GORE-TEX(r) or eVent(r). Waterproof membranes prevent sweat from leaking inside the shoe, but they’re more breathable than a similar shoe without the membrane.
Hiking shoes can also have a high or low level of stiffness, with stiffer shoes offering more stability. If you hike over rocky or root-covered terrain, you might want a stiffer and more stable shoe, while softer or more flexible shoes might be more comfortable for hiking through forested trails. Hiking shoes are commonly made with highly tacky rubber on the outsoles, and many have a flat “climbing zone” on the toe that allows you to move more efficiently up and down rocks or steep slopes.
It’s important to remember that your feet will expand during a hike, so you should try on shoes in the afternoon and leave some room for them to swell for a day’s walk. Additionally, if you have custom orthotics or other foot supports, be sure to bring them along and test them out with your shoes when trying them on. Addressing hot spots or friction early on can help prevent blisters, and adding padding to the sole of the shoe or boot may help as well.
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Stability
Whether you’re an occasional hiker or a trail-running enthusiast, picking the right footwear makes all the difference in the world. Hiking shoes need to provide traction, stability, and protection from the elements and rough terrain.
The best hiking shoes are built for a natural foot configuration that lets your toes spread out and distribute weight evenly over the entire foot. This configuration creates optimal traction and stability. A rugged sole and sturdy upper are also important. Some people prefer to wear hiking boots for maximum support, while others prefer hiking shoes with a lower ankle cut and a more streamlined look.
It is tempting to rely on hiking shoes to do all of the work, but your feet and legs must be well-supported as you trek. You’ll need to be stable on uneven surfaces and steep inclines, so look for a shoe that provides ample heel and arch support. You may also want to opt for a shoe that’s stiff through the middle of the shoe and slightly flexible near the toes so you can flex your feet while hiking.
If you’re a hiker who tends to pack a heavy backpack or spend extended time on the trail, opt for a more rugged hiking boot with thick soles and sharp lugs. However, many modern brands have trimmed down their classic outdoor shoe designs to make them lighter and more nimble for day hiking and light backpacking. Some hiking shoes even skew more toward street or running footwear and may look more like sneakers than traditional hiking boots.
Breathability is another must-have for hiking shoes and boots. This allows your feet to stay dry and prevents blisters caused by moisture buildup. Look for breathable uppers that are water resistant rather than completely waterproof, since waterproof shoes can become heavy when they’re saturated with water.
Finally, don’t be afraid to add after-market insoles to your hiking shoes. These can make a huge difference in how your shoes feel, and they’re especially useful for those with painful or nagging foot problems. For instance, Correct Toes toe spacers, Injinji toe socks, and Pedag metatarsal pads can significantly reduce discomfort while hiking by stabilizing your feet and allowing them to function naturally.
Safety
As an outdoor enthusiast, you are probably well aware of the importance of having high-quality hiking shoes and boots that are designed for the types of hikes you plan to take. The best shoes and boots provide excellent traction, support, protection, and comfort, and are lightweight to enable you to hike longer distances with less effort. Taking the time to select your shoes and boots properly will help you get the most out of every trail adventure you encounter.
Hiking footwear typically has thick, sturdy outsoles that are grippy and offer exceptional stick-to-the-trail performance. They’re designed to be durable against the rigors of hiking on rough terrain, including loose scree and wet rock. According to Garritty, a sturdy outsole can make the difference between a shoe that stays on the trail and one that gets lost in it.
The outsoles of hiking shoes and boots can be made of a variety of materials, from rubber to suede. The material you choose depends on the type of hiking you do, the weather conditions, and the environment you’ll be walking in. In addition to selecting a material that fits your lifestyle and preferences, you should consider whether the outsoles are replaceable. This allows you to customize the fit of your shoes and boots and may improve their durability and performance over time.
While some people prefer to wear full-length boots, others enjoy the flexibility of a shoe with a minimal outsole. It’s also important to consider the amount of ankle support you need, as this impacts stability and comfort. For example, if you prefer a lighter-weight hiking shoe that doesn’t sacrifice ankle support, you might consider a shoe with an ankle collar or strap.
Many outdoor enthusiasts like to add padding to their hiking shoes or boots for additional cushioning and support. This may reduce blisters, and can also prevent rubbing from forming in areas of the foot where the shoe or boot is a little tight. If you notice areas of friction or discomfort, address them promptly by applying moleskin, blister prevention patches, or padded insoles.
Conclusion
Hiking shoes are an essential piece of gear for anyone who enjoys spending time outdoors. They provide support, traction, and protection for your feet, allowing you to explore the great outdoors with confidence. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just starting, investing in a good pair of hiking shoes is well worth it. So lace up and hit the trails!
