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First things first: There is no \u201cbest choice for everybody\u201d hiking shoe. Given the variety of foot shapes, personal preferences, climates, and end-uses, there isn\u2019t one pair of hiking shoes that will work for all people (although a couple of pairs come close). When you\u2019re choosing the best footwear for your feet, here are a couple of things to keep in mind:<\/p>\n
Choose footwear that matches your particular foot shape. Do you have wide feet? A high instep? Low volume feet? Many shoe stores will measure your feet and let you know the type you\u2019ve got.<\/p>\n
Once you\u2019ve found a style that complements your foot shape, sizing is just as key. The salespeople I spoke with offered me a few pointers on fit. Find the pair that offers your toes about a half-inch of wiggle room. It helps to take the insole out of the shoe and stand on it. Heels should be snug to the back of the shoe wall, with just a little room for up-and-down movement. Walk around before hitting the trail and make sure your toes aren\u2019t hitting the end on a downslope and that there aren\u2019t any pressure points that will outlast a bit of break-in time. REI has some tips<\/span><\/a> to help you get the best hiking shoe fit.<\/p>\n For day hiking and light backpacking, a hiking shoe can be just as sturdy as a hiking boot yet allow for more controlled movement on the trail.<\/p>\n This is the advice that ACMG certified mountain guide Colin Garritty gave us. Choose shoes designed for the thing you plan to use them for, whether that\u2019s hiking, running, or climbing.<\/p>\n There\u2019s been a recent shift in the outdoor industry towards the minimalist shoe. Brands have made hiking footwear lighter, more nimble, and closer to street shoes; almost everything skews towards looking like a trail runner.<\/p>\n But, there are a lot of cases where a waterproof hiking shoe is the better option. From what Garritty told me, most people will benefit from the added sturdiness, stability, and protection from a pair of hiking shoes. And, if you\u2019ve got a few pounds on your back, you\u2019re going to find your body doing less work in a pair of hiking shoes than it would while wearing trail runners<\/span><\/a>.<\/p>\n The shoes on our list are suitable for day hikes, groomed trails, and lightweight day hiking backpack<\/span><\/a>. It is also suitable for lightweight backpacking or carrying a thru-hiking lightweight backpack<\/strong><\/span><\/a>.<\/p>\n For backcountry hiking or backpacking, most people will feel more comfortable with the added protection of a backpacking boot. Travelers will find some good options here, too, with hiking shoes being more versatile and easier to pack than boots. And, for long days spent walking on city streets, lightweight hiking shoes offer more support and cushioning on hard concrete than many sneakers do.<\/p>\n Won\u2019t any old shoe do? Garritty says that good shoes will lessen the burden on your body. Whether it\u2019s your pack weight or loose rock, good shoes will help you better navigate the rough terrain and make your body work less hard. They\u2019re also going to reduce the risk of injury by providing stability and support. And our experience confirms this.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n“Match your Footwear to the Activity you\u2019re Doing”<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Why Do you Need a Special Shoe just For Hiking?<\/strong><\/h3>\n