What shoes to choose for hiking

Hester Walker

Whether you’re visiting the Swiss Alps or the Serengeti, shoes will most likely be the most important items in a backpacker’s pack – they provide a sense of safety and security when traversing challenging terrain. Every year, manufacturers manage to reinforce these aforementioned characteristics in the form of new hiking boots that become more and more functional, and while there really is no shortage of outdoor shoes on the market, there is a short list of models that objectively outperform all others, excelling in their use of innovative materials and design.

What to look for when buying

It is important that you keep in mind the following tips when choosing hiking boots. To make your shopping experience easier, let us highlight some key factors to consider before buying anything.

Appendix: Like most hiking boots, they come in various categories based on what they were designed for. The features boots come with depend on the person’s need. They may be insulated for cold weather, but lack other amenities like waterproofing or support for additional endurance on long hikes.

Comfort: Hiking boots are essential for sturdy walking out in the field. You don’t need to be an expert to know that wearing unsuitable footwear can lead to accidents and other unpleasantries. Fortunately, modern hiking boots come with a host of technologies like ventilation, improved support and more which make them much more comfortable than ever before.Factors like lining and tongue protection, and collars and insoles will be important to consider when shopping for boots.

Materials and Construction: When it comes to purchasing outdoor products, the materials and manufacturing process used are paramount. Not only does this affect the quality of the product but can also dictate performance. When buying a new boot make sure to look for specific signs like GORE-TEX membranes, abrasion resistant upper or composite shanks. A good pair will also have durable construction and hard-wearing finish.

Style: There’s a huge variety of shoe styles to choose from today, ranging from modern and minimalistic stripes to retro and more. Although many people focus on application and materials, their aesthetic tastes can partially guide their choice.

Traction and Traction: Hiking can be unpredictable and the terrain may vary throughout your hike. Without proper ability, steep climbs risk dangerous falls and loose or slippery terrain can become quite challenging. Hiking boots have evolved much in recent years, with an extensive collection of high quality outsoles & tread patterns. These offer unbeatable levels of traction, helping you embark on your next hike in any environment. When making your purchase, it’s always best to go with a reputable brand from a company you trust – such as the Vibram Megagrip outsole.

Water Resistant: In order to protect your feet from getting wet, waterproof shoes are a must. Fortunately for you, modern hiking boots have an added membrane that makes them impervious to water and other weather conditions. Unless you’re planning to spend all of your time hiking in the desert, this would be an excellent addition to any survival kit.

Weight: All of the models on this list are considered light by traditional hiking boot standards. However, lightweight shoes have their benefits, depending on the type of hiking you’re doing. For example, models that are suited for cross-country running can benefit greatly from being lightweight.

KEEN TARGHEE III WATERPROOF MID

KEEN has been developing materials, technologies & systems that help to make our footwear better for 18 years. The Portland-based KEEN company has patented its very own KEEN.DRY liner. This product is waterproof, breathable with Cleansport NXT antimicrobial technology which keeps your feet dry and fresher for longer. The ESS stance is complemented by a TPU heel support system, a pressure-molded dual density EVA midsole, breathable mesh lining, a removable dual density EVA metatomical footbed, leather mud flaps and a combination of weather-resistant leather and functional mesh upper.

Upper: waterproof leather and mesh fabric

Membrane: KEEN.DRY

Outsole: KEEN all-terrain rubber

SALOMON X ULTRA 3 MID GTX

One of our top-selling outdoor boot brands, X Ultra 3 Mid GTX is already well known for its quality. The shock system now features patented Descent Control technology, which helps provide optimal motion control when walking or running. The system does this, thanks to its lightweight chassis that exists in-between the shoe’s sole and midsole. Power and Battery protection that is designed for any type of environment or technology. These hiking boots have everything you need to keep your feet safe in wet, dirty and all other types of outdoor terrain. It features a GORE-TEX membrane that keeps your feet shielded from the outside world. The shoes also include a kick-proof, water-resistant padded lining for all-day protection and OrthoLite insoles with EVA foam for comfortable.

Upper: mesh and synthetic fabric

Membrane: GORE-TEX

Outsole: Contra Grip

THE NORTH FACE ULTRA FASTPACK IV MID FUTURELIGHT

Even a few years after its debut, the North Face Ultra Fastpack IV Mid FUTURELIGHT remains one of the best hiking boot options on the market. The quality and durability of this model make it a favorite among many people who enjoy hitting the trails. Lightweight and sturdy, these boots provide reliable protection and comfort at a reasonable price. Fastpack IV has patent-pending FUTURELIGHT, mesh upper, TPU overlays.

Upper: TPU Overlaid Mesh

Membrane: FUTURELIGHT

Outsole: Vibram MegaGrip

VASQUE BREEZE LT NTX

An eco-friendly and sustainable take on a pair of modern hiking boots, Vasque’s Breeze LT NTX Mid is another refresh of a modern classic, featuring a new construction with recycled Nature Tex membrane and an upper made from a combination of 70% recycled mesh sourced from used coffee grounds and vegetable-tanned suede upper from a tannery rated by a Working Group of Tanners. These boots are inspried by the Vibram Ground Control so they provide superior grip on any terrain. They have an exclusive Vibram base built with the ecellent Megagrip compound.

Upper: recycled mesh, suede and TPU yarns

Membrane: Nature Tex

Outsole: Vibram Ground Control LiteBase

LA SPORTIVA TRANGO TECH GTX

The La Sportiva Trango Trango Tech GTX is definitely overkill for your average hike, but it suits mountaineering perfectly. It’s one of the finest mountain boots on the market right now. Crafted with a Strobel Lasted construction, these cold-weather hardcore hiking boots are built with a Vibram x La Sportiva “Cube” outsole with the patented Impact Brake System, while the upper is made of waterproof QB3 fabric with thermo-coated technology and is made of waterproof polyurethane fabric and polyurethane. When the terrain takes you off-road, these shoes will also take care of your feet. Our shield skin sole and performance comfort lining will keep you comfortable for many miles to come; plus we’ve done away with laces and opted for an ultra-precise pre-shaped toe that makes it easy to get your shoes on and off.

Upper: Waterproof Thermo-Tech Injection coated QB3

Membrane: GORE-TEX Performance Comfort

Sole: Vibram La Sportiva

Best Destinations

All our routes are well known to us, and instructors who work on them, either laid the track themselves, or are constantly improving it, adding something new and interesting. We try to compose a route so that the trip would be as accessible as possible to all lovers of active recreation in the mountains, regardless of their physical fitness or income. Geography offered by us hiking, trekking, expeditions, climbs and active tours is very wide and constantly growing. Now our club organizes active recreation in 40 countries on five continents.