How to Choose Hiking Shoes

Wearing comfortable, well-fitting hiking shoes is an important part of any hiking trip. When it comes to choosing the right hiking shoes, base selection on comfort not style. Hiking shoes are generally lighter than hiking boots, which allows you to cover more terrain with less effort than wearing a heavier boot. The type of hiking shoe you choose depends on the type of terrain you will be hiking.

Things You'll Need

  • Thick pair of socks
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Instructions

    • 1

      Choose the right shoe for your hiking needs according to the type of hiking terrain you generally hike. Trails with boggy, wetland areas require a shoe that repels water and dries quickly. Trails that cover rocky soil will require shoes with stiff soles and deep treads for extra gripping and to reduce slipping.

    • 2

      Choose a hiking shoe based on comfort and fit, not on shoe size. Ask a salesperson about proper fit based on different conditions such as swelling of the feet and other conditions that can affect the wearability, comfort and fit of the shoe. Bring a thick pair of socks that you would wear on hiking trip. The hiking shoes should fit firmly with thick socks on but still provide some room for movement of toes. A shoe that fits properly should be the right length for your foot; you should be able to slide your foot slightly forward in the shoe and slip your finger down the back of the shoe against your heel.

    • 3

      Choose a hiking shoe based on your hiking terrain or trail conditions. Day hiking shoes are good for flat, even trails. Similar to sneakers, day hiking shoes are lightweight and usually made of nylon and suede uppers; they have additional extra grip and support to make them more rugged for hiking. For hiking in wet weather conditions or terrain, look for shoes that made of waterproof materials such as Gore-Tex and have breathable mesh uppers that wick away perspiration and wetness from your feet. Shoes with heel mudguards help prevent water or mud from striking the back of your legs while walking. Hiking shoes with ankle height cuffs provide extra support to your ankles and protect against ankle strain and injury on long hikes and hikes on rugged terrain. Shoes with nylon shanks and carbon rubber outer soles provide extra support, traction and stability when hiking on rocky and uneven terrains. Hiking shoes with toe guards and cushioned arch supports help provide extra protection for your feet on hikes on rocky terrains. Hiking shoes for rugged and wet terrains should have a lacing system and gusseted tongue that securely holds your feet in place while keeping out debris.

    • 4

      Wear your shoes before you go on a hike. Walk around in your hiking shoes to get a feel for how well they fit and allow the shoes to mold to your feet. Make sure they are still comfortable after wearing them for several hours.