How to Start Finding the Best Hiking Footwear

Wednesday, May 26th, 2010

Investing in a solid pair of hiking-specific shoes or boots can make the difference between a day enjoyed and a day in pain and discomfort. A cheap pair discount shoes probably won’t hold up to a twelve-mile hike through the Appalachians, and an expensive pair of boutique boots with crampon attachments is a bit much for the trail around your local apple orchard, so when considering your hiking footwear, it’s best to take a few key factors into consideration.

First, what kind of hiker are you? Are you new to the practice, or have you been doing it a while? If you’re new to it, don’t buy the most expensive pair of shoes. Like an expensive guitar doesn’t make you a better guitar player, an expensive pair of shoes won’t make you better at hiking. Try your own shoes first, and move on from there.

Second, what are your trails like? Are they flat, paved with crushed limestone or mulch? Or are they dirt trails? Are there lots of roots and rocks? How much climbing will you have to do? Depending on the terrain, a heavier-duty shoe might serve you better. But if the trails are too light, a heavy-duty shoe might end up weighing you down. Know you trails.

Third, you need to know your feet. Going to your local hiking expert and having them help you find a good pair of shoes can make a huge difference. They might even know your feet better than you do, and because they’re the experts, they’ll know what is right for your hike. It doesn’t hurt either to go to a podiatrist, if you’re serious about the sport, and have your foot doctor recommend what kind of support you need. Walking can be hard on the joints, and having the right kind of support is necessary for enjoying a long day on the trails.

Now get out there and explore!