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Hiking
One of the best ways to really enjoy and appreciate nature is through a hike. Hiking has become a very popular recreational activity and sport, even amongst people who are not ordinarily adventurous or athletic. That’s because hiking is considered to be a convenient and economical activity that often requires no special equipment. It can be as low impact or as physically challenging as the hiker desires.
While hiking may not require specialized equipment, it does require specialized footwear. Because there are different levels of hiking and different types of trails, the type of hike you plan to take influences the type of hiking shoes you should select. Hiking shoes range from Lightweight Day Hike Shoes to Mid-Weight Hiking Boots to Heavyweight Hiking Boots used for trekking rough terrain, backpacking or alpining.
The climate is a huge factor to consider when selecting the right Hiking shoe. Hikers hiking in a dry climate should select a Hiking shoe with excellent ventilation. Hikers hiking on wet terrain or during inclement weather should select Hiking shoes with water resistant features.
Whichever type of hike you plan to take, be sure to not only put thought into your footwear but also into your hiking etiquette. Always leave with what you brought and leave no trace of your hike behind. Be considerate and thoughtful of hiking trails, so that future generations may continue to enjoy what you yourself had the pleasure to experience and explore.
Need assistance choosing Hiking shoes? Follow these easy steps:
STEP 1: Identify the type of hike you will be taking from the list below.
STEP 2: Read “Tips” for guidance on what to look for in a Hiking shoe. Always be certain to consider the climate when selecting the right Hiking shoe.
STEP 3: Click the provided links to shop for Hiking shoes.
STEP 4: Try on your new Hiking shoes with the socks you intend to wear while hiking. The shoes should feel comfortable throughout from the moment you try them on. Never attempt to break in uncomfortable Hiking shoes.
- DAY HIKE
- If you are planning a casual daytime hike over heavily walked trails and you will not be carrying a backpack then all you will need are LIGHT HIKERS, which resemble rugged sneakers.
- If you are planning a non-technical, daytime hike on a well maintained trail, but still require more versatility in your hiking shoes/boots than what light hikers offer, then you should try APPROACH SHOES.
- HIKING WITH A BACKPACK
- If you will be hiking with a loaded backpack, you should select BACKPACKING BOOTS.
- TIPS:
- Heavy fabrication
- Rigid construction to support the ankles
- Mid to high cut
- Well-ventilated if hiking in dry climate
- Water resistant if hiking in wet climate or on wet terrain
- NOTE: If you are hiking with a backpack that weighs less than 35 pounds, choose a mid-weight backpacking boot. If you are hiking with a backpack that weighs more than 35 pounds, choose a heavy weight backpacking boot.
- Men’s Backpacking Boots
- Women’s Backpacking Boots
- FAST PACKING
- If you are looking to go beyond hiking and backpacking, seeking adventure without a lot of heavy gear, and trekking for extremely long distances, then fast packing is the sport for you. Fast packing is gaining momentum and the knowledgeable fast packer knows that not only should his/her pack be light, so should his/her shoes. If you are planning to fast pack, you should select FAST PACKING BOOTS.
- CANYONEERING
- If you seek even more adventure, like traveling down streams and creeks within a canyon by hiking, climbing, swimming and even liloing (riding an inflatable mattress down stream), then you are ready for CANYONEERING FOOTWEAR. When choosing your canyoneering footwear, be sure to consider the difficulty of the terrain which you will be hiking in conjunction with the duration of the hike. Some canyoneering hikes may include less challenging terrain and take only an hour of the day, while other canyoneering hikes can be extremely challenging and take up to 17 hours. The more difficult the terrain and the more challenging the canyoneering hike, the more support and durability you will need in your canyoneering footwear.
- WINTER HIKING
- If you plan on hiking in cold weather, you may want to consider INSULATED HIKING BOOTS to ensure warmth and comfort.
- STYLE PREFERENCE
- Experienced hikers often develop preferences for specific types or designs of hiking footwear. Many hikers prefer and will only hike with FULL-GRAIN LEATHER HIKING SHOES. Full-grain leather hiking shoes offer added durability on rough terrain and are extremely water resistant while remaining somewhat breathable. They last a long time and are used primarily for extended hikes with heavy backpack loads. If you prefer full-grain leather hiking shoes, shop here:
- Full-grain leather hiking boots are heavy and require a break-in period, which is why some other hikers may prefer a hiking shoe made of NYLON MESH AND/OR SPLIT-GRAIN LEATHER. This type of hiking boot is much lighter in weight and more breathable. They take very little time to break in and are designed for short to moderate hikes. If you prefer hiking boots made of nylon mesh and/or split-grain leather, shop here:
- Often a hiker will place importance on the cut of the boot. Some hikers require ankle support while other hikers may not want to compromise flexibility in order to maintain speed and stay light on their feet. A MID CUT HIKING BOOT offers great ankle support while LOW CUT HIKING SHOES offer freedom of movement with the opportunity to stay light and quick.
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