10 Best Hiking Shoes For Exploring (Review) In 2021

How Do We Choose Our Selection Of Hiking Shoes?

Brand - We like to look at brands that specialize in footwear. Hiking shoes are among the most important shoes you can wear when trekking through rugged terrain so we wanted to make sure the brands we chose to focus on this crucial factor.

Quality - When it comes to hiking shoes, you simply can't skimp on quality. In fact, quality is our main criteria when putting together this selection of hiking shoes. They simply must be well constructed using top of the range materials to ensure the shoes will withstand anything the average hiker can put them through.

Reviews – The customer experience is always a good indicator of a product's pros and cons so we checked the reviews of all the hiking shoes in our selection and chose the ones with a minimum of cons. Of course, each customer is different and has different criteria when it comes to footwear, but reviews are always a good indication of the performance of any products. When it comes to hiking shoes we also checked reviews that included actual hikers. Although there is nothing wrong with wearing hiking shoes in urban areas, we needed to be sure our selection would perform as they should in nature.

Durability – The absolute worst thing a hiker can experience while hiking is for his hiking shoes to fall apart or tear, letting in dirt and water. This is especially treacherous if your shoes fail you several hours into your trek. You are facing several hours back to your starting point with defective shoes. You can just imagine the state of your feet when you manage to limp back. Durability is extremely important when it comes to hiking shoes. You simply cannot afford to have them break or leak half way through a hike. That is why we looked at hiking shoes that a well-made and strong enough to endure even the most rugged hiking trails.

Price – Everyone wants to save money in these challenging economic times, but hiking shoes are one type of footwear you don’t want to be frugal. That doesn’t mean you need to go for the most expensive pair of hiking shoes. You still want value for money and a good, solid pair of shoes that will protect your feet when you hit your favorite trails. We’ve looked at good quality hiking shoes in a range of prices to ensure there is one for every budget.

Features To Look For In Hiking Shoes

Fit – How a hiking shoe fits is without a doubt the most important feature to look for when you want to select yours. If the shoe is too tight, you’ll feel a definite pinch when your feet start to swell after several hours of hiking. Too loose is also bad as your feet will wiggle around inside the shoe which will not increase the likelihood of blisters forming on your feet, you’ll also be hindered from taking your natural strides as you walk and this will lead to pain in your feet, calves and possibly your back as well. Hiking shoes should fit snugly but still have just a little wiggle room for when your feet start to swell. When you put on a well-fitting pair of hiking shoes, your foot will feel cradled and supported, without any discomfort.

Weight – Anyone who has ever been hiking can tell you how painful it can become to walk for several hours in shoes that are too heavy. The best hiking shoes should be made from lightweight materials that allow for proper and mindful walking. When you are hiking uphill in particular, heavy shoes will become an unbearable burden and instead of walking along, enjoying the scrawny, you’ll end up dragging your heavy feet in abject misery. Always try on both hiking shoes before you buy them and make sure they will not be weighing you down.

Materials – To put together a quality hiking shoe you need to start with quality materials. Some hiking shoes are made using leather, others using various textiles. The materials should be thick enough to enough some rough hiking, but not too thick to be overly bulky and clumsy looking. The rubber in the soles needs to be flexible, yet strong so that you maneuver your way around the trails without a worry.

Support & Cushioning – Hiking can take a toll on your feet and if the terrain is hilly and full of rocks, branches and other obstacles you could end up cutting your hike short due to painful feet. Hiking shoes with good support will stabilize your feet and ankles and minimize the risk of you stumbling all over the mountain. You should also look at shoes that cushion your feet. This cushioning effect will eliminate and absorb the impact each time you take a step. Put support and cushioning together and you’ll have an excellent pair of hiking shoes that will see you through even the most rigorous trails for as long as you choose to hike.

Traction – Hiking trails can be treacherous and unpredictable. If your shoes don’t have good soles with rugged treads, you will find yourself hiking as though you are walking on eggshells to prevent slipping. On mountain trails in particular, this can be downright dangerous. You need the deep treads on your hiking shoes to get proper traction. This traction acts almost like a grip on the trails so that each time you take a step, your foot is securely on the ground waiting for your next step. This is especially important if you are hiking in wet or snowy conditions when traction will already be compromised.

Waterproofing – Wet feet are possibly the most uncomfortable conditions you have to deal with at the best of times. When you are out hiking, wet feet are a recipe for disaster. Hiking with wet feet can cause serious damage to your skin and that includes painful blisters. Hiking conditions are not always predictable. Even on a sunny day, you could end up walking through dew covered fields or forests. This moisture can very easily penetrate into your hiking shoes if they don’t have waterproofing. Waterproofing repels moisture so that it almost just rolls off the shoes. If the water can’t seep into your hiking shoes, you’ll be able to hike without worrying about wet feet.

Breathability – Hiking up a mountain is a hot and heavy activity and we humans tend to perspire when we are engaging in physical activity. Or you may already have an existing problem with sweaty feet. For whatever reason, sweaty feet can become a hazard for hikers because sweat equals moisture, and moisture that accumulates in hiking shoes will result in soggy, smelly feet. Some of the most comfortable hiking shoes feature breathable materials that prevent your feet from overheating and will keep your feet relatively cool and dry. This will make it easier for you to hike longer distances, without discomfort.

Hiking Shoes vs. Hiking Boots

First of all, the choice between Hiking Shoes and Hiking Boots is going to come down to personal preference. However, there are some significant difference between the two. Firstly, Hiking Shoes are more lightweight and flexible than Hiking Boots and are more suitable to hiking in dryer, warmer conditions. Hiking boots are thicker and bulkier. They are usually ankle high, which makes them preferable in cooler conditions or if the terrain is wet or snow covered. In terms of materials, hiking shoes are often made from lighter materials, but the features will still be similar to Hiking Boots.

Tips For Staying Comfortable In Your Hiking Shoes

Make sure they fit right!  -  This is the most tip when it comes to staying comfortable in your Hiking Shoes. If they don’t fit properly you will feel it very early into your hike. When you purchase your hiking shoes, make sure you try them on with thick socks and leave a little bit of wiggle room. After hiking for several hours, your feet will swell and you will really appreciate that tiny little bit of space you afforded yourself.

Choose The Correct Shoe For Your Hike – Depending on where you are planning on hiking, make sure choose the right hiking shoes for the job. If you plan on hiking on a cold day you should look at having waterproof shoes. On the other hand, if you’re planning on trekking on a hot, sunny day, go for shoes with breathable mesh so your feet don’t end up a sweaty mess. Of course, you can always choose shoes that are waterproof and breathable to cover all your bases.

Walk In Your Shoes Before You Hike In Them – Before you take your shoes for a hike on a rugged mountain trail, walk around in them in your neighborhood first. You need to break your shoes in at least a little bit before attempting a hike in them.

Wear Good Socks – The right pair of socks could make or break you when you hike. Cotton is a natural fiber, but it also absorbs moisture. If your feet start to sweat, cotton socks will absorb and retain the moisture and you will end up with wet feet quite quickly. Opt for woolen socks or synthetic socks that have been especially designed for hiking as they wick moisture away from your feet. While you’re at it, always pack an extra pair of socks in case your first pair gets wet or too sweaty.

Bring Along A First Aid Kit – Hiking in the wilderness is not without it risks and despite your attention to care and details, you could scratch your ankles or get blisters. Bring along a first aid kit so that you are prepared for any mishaps. If you do get a blister you should avoid the temptation to pop it. Popping a blister will only give you temporary relief and may lead to infection. Try to cushion the area around the blister until you can get it treated properly.

Get A Pedicure – Long toenails are a huge problem when you’re hiking. They limit the wiggle room in your hiking shoes and make walking incredibly uncomfortable. Before going hiking book yourself in for a pedicure. OK, maybe not. At the very least, carefully trim your toenails making sure you don’t cut them too short. You don’t want the edges digging into your toenail beds.

Let Your Feet Rest, When You Rest – When you’re taking a break from hiking, take your shoes and socks off and let your feet cool down and breathe. Sit in the shade and relax for a while, or if you are near a cool, clear stream, relax with your feet in the water. Your feet will feel refreshed and rested for the next part of your trek. Just be sure to get your feet properly dried before you put your socks and hiking shoes on again.

Hiking Shoe FAQs

Q: What Are Hiking Shoes?

A: Hiking shoes are similar to hiking boots. They have both been designed to grip the terrain you choose to hike through. However, unlike hiking boots which are higher above the ankle joint, hiking shoes more closely resemble sneakers. They are, however, more rugged, durable and have thicker soles which offer more traction when you want to trek off the beaten track. Hiking shoes are preferable than boots for hiking in warmer weather as they allow for more movement and a faster pace.

Q: Are All Hiking Shoes Water Resistant?

A: Water resistant hiking shoes are a must for hiking in cooler conditions or if you like to start your hikes early in the morning when the fields are covered in dew. However, not all hiking shoes are water resistant. While many hiking shoes these days are water resistant, some hiking shoes have been specifically designed for dry, desert-like terrain where water resistance is not a necessity.

Q: Do I Need To Wear Some Special Socks With Hiking Shoes?

A: You don’t necessarily need to wear special socks with Hiking Shoes, however, it is advisable to do so. Good socks that have been designed with hiking in mind are breathable, to keep your feet comfortable and dry. They are multi-layered which will offer your feet additional comfort and support and many brands of hiking socks are made from synthetic textiles that wick moisture away from your feet which is crucial for those long, hot hikes.

Q: What Is The Right Way To Lace My Hiking Shoes?

A: There are a number of ways to lace your hiking boots. You can experiment with various knots such as the Surgeon’s Knot or the Double Overhand Knot. Whichever style of know you choose, you should always loosen your laces before you put your shoes on. Once you put them on, you should tighten each section of the lacing so that you are not adding unnecessary pressure to any parts of your foot. Once you have tightened each section of lacing, then you may choose the knot of your choice.

Q: Is Gore-Tex The Best Waterproof Breathable Membrane?

A: There are many different products that claim to be waterproof and breathable and they are used in a variety of sporting apparel. However, Gore-Tex is by far the best waterproof breathable membrane. The beauty of Gore-Tex is that it repels water and stops it from coming into something like your hiking shoes, while at the same time it is breathable and expels perspiration from your shoes. This makes Gore-Tex an outstanding material to use in the production of multi-purpose hiking shoes and other apparel often favored by hikers.

Q: How To Wash Hiking Shoes?

A: You should look at washing your hiking shoes after every hike. Hiking is strenuous and your feet will most likely sweat leaving bacteria in the insoles. If left unwashed, this bacteria can multiply and this will result in nasty, smelly shoes and feet. Then too, hiking will take you over some grubby terrain and if not cleaned off after each hike, it will accumulate and decrease the life of your shoes.

When it comes time to clean your shoes;

• Remove the laces and insoles and wash them separately in warm, soapy water. Rinse thoroughly and leave them out to dry completely.
• Brush off any caked on dirt and grime.
• Give the outside of your boots a good scrubbing using warm water and a mild detergent.
• Remove the soap with a clean, damp cloth.
• Allow your hiking shoes to dry completely before re-inserting the insole and the laces.
• Apply a waterproofing compound. Most of these come in spray form which is easy to apply.
• If your shoes are leather, apply leather conditioner with a soft cloth.
• Don’t dry your shoes in direct sunlight. Keep them in the shade or in a warm spot in your home.

Hiking is the perfect way to experience nature and if you choose the right hiking shoes, your focus will be on the hike, your fellow hikers and the incredible sights before you. That is why the best hiking shoes are the ones you will barely notice. Hiking is about having fun and enjoying an up-close-and-personal encounter with nature. The last experience you want is achy feet. Get yourself a great pair of hiking shoes and start exploring some great hiking trails.