Before discussing the different types of hiking and walking shoes, I must stress the importance of proper fit and comfort. Your feet will be the contact point over often rocky, rough terrain. Selection of a sturdy shoe is imperative, but if it doesn’t fit your feet, you, your feet and your treks, will suffer.
Introduction to Hiking and Walking Shoes
Hiking Shoes
Hiking and walking shoes come in all shapes and sizes. Low-cut models with flexible mid-soles and sturdy grip are excellent for day hiking. Some ultralight backpackers may even choose trail-running shoes for long-distance journeys. I like to have leather reinforcement around the toe and heel sections of the shoe.
What Kind of Hiking do You Plan On?
The type of hiking shoe or boot you will need depends upon the length of hike and the type of terrain you plan to frequent. The longer the hike and the more rough the terrain, the more you will need a beefier shoe with a sturdy, cushioned footbed, with the uppers made of stout materials and a more rugged and slip resistant sole.
Shorter Walks On Smooth Trails
Basic walking shoes are perfect for casual walks with friends and family on terrain that doesn’t pose many challenges, like pavement or flat, well-groomed trails. These are comparable to athletic shoes, but may have a more textured sole for grip on wet surfaces. These shoes will be somewhat cushioned, ultralight and flexible that allows you to move comfortably through everything from daily errands to light exercise.
Longer Walks On Varied Terrain
If you’re an avid trekker logging a few miles a day, look for a walking shoe with better cushioning, which you’ll be able to identify in the added thickness along the bottom, through the heel and in the footbed of the shoe. If you are now on rugged trails with uneven or even rocky surfaces, you will may also want a sturdier sole with positive grip. This is the key to keeping you comfortable as you rack up the mileage on your walks. As long as you don’t intend to have a large backpack, you can still opt for hiking shoes that are low cut.
Hiking Shoes or Boots For True Rugged Outdoor Hikes
As your treks begin to extend and include more rugged terrain (think unpaved, rocky, likely hilly or even mountainous adventures), hikers will want to consider a hiking shoe or boot that combines trail-ready ruggedness. If you plan to carry a backpack weighing anymore than 10 pounds, you will want to consider a higher boot that wraps around your ankles and provides support. You still will want cushioning to keep you from feeling rocks and other rugged features underfoot.
If you would like to learn more about what to look for in hiking shoes, check out this article: 10 Important Characteristics of Hiking Shoes
Featured Product Links
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Hiking and Walking Shoes for Men
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My Favorite: Merrell Unisex-Adult Alverstone Hiking Shoe
- High quality, name brand all leather shoe
- Affordable (depending on size and color)
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My Budget Favorite: Golden Camel Men’s Waterproof Hiking Shoes
- I like that these are predominantly suede leather, waterproof and durable soles
- Very affordable
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Hiking and Walking Shoes for Women
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My Favorite: Merrell Women’s Moab 3 Hiking Shoe
- High quality, name brand suede leather shoe with durable soles
- Affordable (depending upon size and color)
Day hiking boots
Day hiking boots will range from mid- to high-cut models and are designed for day hikes or short backpacking trips with lighter (under 25 lbs.) loads. They often flex easily and require little break-in time. However, they will lack the ankle support and durability of beefier backpacking boots. Again, I like to have leather at least in the toe and heel area for durability. I have one pair of boots that shows several holes from branches poking through the toes just beyond the leather reinforcing.
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Day Hiking Boots for Men
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My Favorite: Columbia Men’s Newton Ridge Plus Ii
- Columbia is a high quality, reputable brand
- A great price for a waterproof, all leather hiking boot
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Day Hiking Boots for Women
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My Favorite: Columbia Women’s Newton Ridge Lightweight Waterproof Shoe Hiking Boot
- Reputable name brand
- Good price for a waterproof and all leather hiking boot
Backpacking boots
These are designed to carry heavier loads on multi day backpacking trips far into the backcountry. Most have a higher cut that wraps above the ankles for excellent support. These will be both durable and supportive, with stiffer mid-soles than lighter footwear.
Given their characteristics, heavier backpacking boots normally need to be “broken in”. I would not buy a brand-new pair and take a week-long trip the next day without putting some miles on them. True backpacking boots will understandably be more expensive and frankly, unnecessary unless you are packing in loads of 25-30 pounds or more over a multi-day trip. At this price point, I would pay for a nearly all leather boot.
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Backpacking Boots for Men
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My Favorite (on sale): KEEN mens Durand 2 Mid Height Waterproof
- High quality, leather name brand hiking boot (won’t see sale price until it’s in your cart)
- Mid-weight, so this would work for short backpacking and day hiking trips
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My Favorite Heavy Boot: Asolo Men’s TPS 520 GV EVO
- I am a fan of Asolo…always high quality
- Heavy duty, all leather boot for long backpacking, trekking and technical terrain
- These will require some time to break in and are really only necessary for long backpacking trips with 45 plus pounds on your back
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Backpacking Boots for Women
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My Favorite: Asolo Women’s TPS 520 GV EVO
- Proven, high quality Asolo brand
- Great all leather boot for long backpacking, trekking and technical terrain
- Take time to break these in before that long backpacking trip
Hiking and Walking Shorts
I prefer durable hiking shorts (in preference over lightweight nylon shorts) with plenty of pockets, even for day hikes. You will inevitably be sitting on the ground or rough rocks during your travels and heavier cotton or poly/cotton material will wear better than most synthetic fabrics.
Hiking and Walking Socks
Especially on longer trips (say more than 3-4 miles), it is imperative your feet are cared for. Don’t make them too thick unless you will be using them for shorter winter treks.
Rain Gear for Hiking
You never know what kind of weather you will face, especially at higher altitudes. Depending upon what kind of weather you will be in, a rain gear set (jacket and pants) may not be a bad idea. Look for gear that certifies it is water or rain proof and not just water resistant (item will have taped and sealed seams, etc.). I would recommend that the jacket be waterproof but breathable. A waterproof, but non-breathable jacket is fine for rain protection if you are just waiting out the storm. However, if you plan to be active (still walking or hiking) during the storm, you will heat up in a rain poncho or slicker.
Hiking and Walking Poles
Many hikers and walkers are champions of the use of walking poles, while others claim they are a nuisance. Despite the diversity of opinion, these days a growing number of people are taking up their poles and enjoying the benefits. And research reveals there is a lot to recommend the use of walking (or trekking) poles. They are especially useful if you plan to go beyond the pavement and venture into the nature, where your path will likely be rough, hilly and uneven.
Benefits of Trekking Poles
It has been shown that using walking poles will reduce the accumulated stress on the feet, legs, knees and back by sharing the load more evenly across the whole body. This is especially true when carrying a heavy pack on your back.
Trekking poles can also:
- Protect knees, especially when walking down steep hills.
- Reduce fatigue and improve your power and endurance when walking uphill.
- Help to provide balance on uneven trails.
- Provide extra stability.
- Burn more calories by providing an upper body work out as well as a legs workout.
- Strengthen muscles that support the spine.
- Build muscles in arms, shoulders and neck.
I highly recommend you purchase poles that are adjustable in length. This will prove convenient not only to right size for your frame, but for long uphill or downhill climbs.
Hiking and Walking Backpacks and Fanny Packs
If you are going to be in the outdoors for any length of time, especially away from basic conveniences, you need to take everything you need with you. This will include most importantly, water, but also, food, snacks, foul weather gear, sunscreen and perhaps a compass, GPS and/or map. Whereas some like shoes, I have an affinity for backpacks and will admit to having over 10 of various sizes (including smaller fanny packs). Especially handy for just walks around the park or short jaunts in the country-side, I would in the least recommend a fanny pack that can carry a water bottle.
Hiking and Walking Books
These can not only give ideas and directions to the trail head, but can also provide some inspiration. You can buy them to cover specific parks, states, and geographic areas as well as a focus area like waterfall hikes.
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Best Hiking and Trekking Books
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The Elderhiker Handbook: On Walking, Hiking and Trekking, and the Health and Fitness to Do Them
Don’t forget to check out my other post: Resources for Hikers and Walkers
Don’t Forget Your Sunscreen!
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