What kind of hiking will you be doing?

There are tons of different hiking shoes and styles out there that can make it overwhelming trying to figure out what you need or what the best options are for you. When I first started getting into hiking and was looking for a good pair to upgrade from my running shoes, I was so lost. I knew nothing about different fits, styles, or brands. I had to spend a lot of time doing research to find what was best for me and it will be totally different for every person.

Start by narrowing down what type of shoe or boot you want:

1. Trail running shoes

2. Day hiking: Low-cut models

3. Day hiking to short backpacking trips: Mid-cut models

4. Backpacking: High-cut models

Size and Fit – This is everything!

Once you decide what style of hiking boot or shoe you’re looking for, the next step would be to get sized. Did you know your feet are always changing, growing, or shrinking? Yes, even for us adults. You should get your feet measured at least once or twice a year. There will be nothing worse than being on mile 5 of a hike in boots that are too small. So, prevent the pain from blisters, loss of toenails, sprained ankles, and more with the right size and fit for you.

You also want to try on boots with the idea in mind that your feet will swell up while hiking or backpacking. This means you should size up a half a size for extra room to swell and so that your toes do not cram up into the front of the shoe as you are walking downhill. Don’t forget room for your hiking socks.

For best results, try on shoes at the end of the day when your feet are swollen from the day. Don’t forget to bring the hiking socks that you’ll be wearing on the trail and if you wear orthopedics, bring those along as they impact fit. Boots should be snug enough to prevent injury but not restricting and uncomfortable. Make sure you can wiggle your toes!

*Keep in mind that your correct size will vary with each brand and you should try on boots before committing!

Best brand for wide feet: Keen, Oboz (wide), Merrell (wide)

Best brand for narrow feet: Salomon, La Sportiva, Asolo, Vasque

Best brand for standard feet: Oboz, Altra, Hoka, Merrell, Lowa

Other things to consider:

Waterproof or not waterproof?

Waterproofing is necessary if you plan to hike in the winter or if you’ll consistently be in wet conditions. You don’t want your feet to be wet and miserable as that will cause blisters and your skin to break down. However, if you plan to just hike in the summer in hot or humid climates, waterproofing may not be necessary for you. Waterproofing membranes limit the breathability of a boot causing hot air and moisture to become trapped. In those hot climates, your feet can be miserable. Even if you plan to cross a few streams, non-waterproof boots may be more comfortable as they will dry quicker than waterproof boots.

*Be aware: breathable, non-waterproof boots will get a decent amount of dirt in them!

Stiffness:

Stiffness is put into place to provide protection for your feet in rough terrain and it helps provide support when carrying heavy loads on a long trip. While stiff boots are great for backpacking and long hikes, they do restrict natural foot movement and the straining can make you pretty tired. It all depends on what kind of hiking you’re doing.

Cushion or shock absorption: 

Cushioning works in a way that increases the duration of an impact to prevent a large shock load to the musculoskeletal system. The cushioning in a boot or shoe is found in the midsole. Overall, the cushion is there to help provide comfort. Hoka is a great brand for maximum cushion.

Durability:

The durability of a hiking boot or shoe depends on many different things such as materials used, and technology used. If you’re constantly hiking rugged terrain, lean toward a boot made with a full-grain leather upper.

Different hiking boot components: Construction, materials, and more

Upper:

The upper is everything above the sole. It is important because it impacts breathability, water resistance, weight, durability, and overall performance.

• Full-grain leather: Super durable, great for rugged terrains, heavy loads or long backpacking trips, resists water and abrasion well
• Nubuck leather: Durable, resists water and abrasion, flexible
• Split-grain leather: Lightweight, breathable, affordable
• Synthetic: Lighter than leather, quick-drying, affordable, quick break-in time

Midsole:

The midsole is the part of the boot that is responsible for cushioning or shock absorption and stiffness.

• Eva: Cushiony, lightweight, and affordable
• Polyurethane: Firm and durable for long trips and rugged terrain, last longer

Outsoles:

The outsole is the part of the boot or shoe that is made of rubber and faces the ground. The outsole protects your foot and helps with shock absorption. This is also where you’ll find the cleats and lugs that build up the traction on the bottom of the boot. The high points will stick onto rocks or slippery surfaces while the rest of the boot will sink into the softer ground and provide traction for better support and stability. The most common outsoles are Vibram and Contagrip.

Final Tips:

• If you have bad ankles, a mid- or high-cut boot is not always going to save you from a rolled or sprained ankle. Consider carrying less weight if that is the issue. And please, try to do some ankle strengthening exercises.

• I know it is not always fun to buy more items after spending hundreds on boots but the insoles that your new boots come with will not last. It will be so much more comfortable to buy separate insoles that are better designed to provide support for your specific foot type. I recommend Superfeet or Walk-Hero.

• SOCKS MATTER! You must invest in a merino wool sock for hiking. A thicker wool sock can help provide warmth in the winter and a thinner sock, in the summer, will wick moisture away from your feet and keep them dry. Merino wool is also odor resistant making them perfect for backpacking trips if you need to wear them multiple days. I strongly recommend Smartwool (Women’s | Men’s) or Darn Tough (Women’s | Men’s)

• If you’re purchasing leather boots, spend some time walking around in them before heading out on the trail. The break-in period can be longer than other boots and it’ll save you plenty of pain!

• No amount of traction on your boot will be as good as microspikes if you’re hiking in winter!