How to Choose the Right Hikers
If you’ve ever set out on a trail with the wrong footwear, you know the pain, literally. Blisters, sore arches, bruised toenails. The wrong hiking shoe can turn a dream hike into a miserable trudge. But with the right pair? Your feet will feel like they’re gliding over the terrain, and you’ll still have energy left for a post-hike cool-down.
Contents
- Difference between hiking shoes and hiking boots
- Choosing the right hiking shoes by pro staff Paige Galea
- Types of hiking shoes
- How to size your hikers
- How to break in your hikers
- Fast & Light hikers
- Cleaning, drying, and removing mould in your hiking footwear
- Picking the right hiking socks
Hiking Shoes vs. Hiking Boots: What’s the Difference
First things first, do you need a hiking shoe or a hiking boot?
Consider where you’re hiking: If you’re sticking to well-groomed trails and day hikes, a hiking shoe is probably all you need. If you’re heading into rocky, steep backcountry or carrying a heavy pack, boots might be the way to go.
Choosing the Right Hiking Shoes
Find out how to choose the right shoes for your hikes, get them comfy, and cool ways to tie your laces from pro staff Paige Galea.
Types of Hiking Shoes
Every hiking shoe is different, and they can be categorised based on their features and use cases.
- Trail Shoes: Lightweight and designed for well-maintained trails. These shoes hold tight grip making them an ideal choice for running.
- Approach Shoes: Due to their sticky rubber soles, these shoes provide better traction on rocks and mixed terrain.
- Fast and Light Shoes: These shoes are designed for speed as they are ultralight and minimal. Fast & Light shoes are great options for trail runners, hikers and whoever wants to cover a lot of ground quickly.
Low-cut (ankle cut) Hiking Shoes
- Similar to trail runners
- Lightweight and Breathable
- Perfect for dry, even trails and fast-paced hiking
- Offers freedom of movement
- Good ankle support
Mid-cut Hiking Shoes
- Better support and mobility
- Covers just above the ankle
- Better stability for uneven terrain
- Not too bulky
- Better ankle support
High-cut Hiking Shoes
- Provides maximum protection
- Built for steep, rocky trails, backpacking with heavy loads and multi-day treks
- Heavier in weight compared to other two models
- Takes longer to break in
- Excellent ankle support
Hiking Shoes Closures
Another essential factor to consider when it comes to comfort and fit is how the shoe does up. Some of the standard closures include:
- Laces: Choose strong and non-slip laces for good grip.
- Hook and loop: Provides easy and quick adjustment of your shoes, but may not be able to tighten them as precisely as laces.
- Speed lacing: This system has a pull tab and clamp mechanism for easy and quick secure.
How to Size Your Hiking Shoes
The key is to not get attached to your “normal size.” Picking a big size will provide you with less support while a small size can hurt your toenails on the descent.
- Try them on at the end of the day when your feet are slightly swollen.
- Wear the socks you plan to hike in when trying them on.
- Leave room for your toes to wiggle, especially on the downhills. You want about a thumb’s width between your toes and the front of the shoe.
- Test the heel, if it slips when you walk, the shoes too big.
Pro Tip: Don’t be afraid to size up slightly as the feet tend to swell on long hikes.
How to Break in Your Hiking Shoes
New hiking shoes out of the box are stiff and that’s a recipe for foot blister management for hikers.
- Wear them around the house: Lace them up and wear them while doing chores.
- Take them on short walks: Gradually increase the distance.
- Hit an easy trail: Start with a short, low-stakes hike before heading into more serious terrain.
- Pay attention to pressure points: If they’re rubbing or pinching after a couple of wears, you might need to adjust the fit (or reconsider the shoe).
Fast and Light Hiking Shoes
Fast and Light shoes are built for every step, on and off the trail. They are lightweight, packable, breathable and tough enough to handle elements. Fast & Light hikers are a perfect balance of athletic comfort, speed and durability to power hikers who want to cover serious ground without feeling weighed down.
Cleaning, Drying and Removing Mould in your Hiking Footwear
Let’s Talk Socks
The best shoes in the world won't help if your socks are not right. Ditch the cotton as it holds moisture and guarantees blisters.
Pro Tip: If you’re hiking in cold weather, choose thicker socks with more cushioning. For hot weather, go for lightweight, breathable socks that wick moisture fast.
To choose the right socks for your hiking trip, consider, fit, material, cushioning.
- Sock height: The right sock height protects you from blisters and abrasion with your footwear.
- Fit: Ensure your socks fit well to avoid blisters.
- Go for merino wool or synthetic blends. They wick moisture, regulate temperature and reduce friction. A good pair of hiking socks should have cushioning in all the right places: heel, toe and under the arch.
How to Size Your Hiking Socks
To find the right fit, know the size of your actual foot rather than your hiking shoe size, because sometimes, hiking shoes are sized up and you could end up with socks that are too large.
Pro Tip: When you try the socks on, it should be snug and not overly tight. A good fitting sock should properly fit when the heel cup lines with the heel of your foot.
The Bottom Line
Your hiking shoes are arguably the most important piece of gear you’ll buy. Take the time to find the right pair, break them in and pair them with solid socks. Your feet will carry you through the wild.