Taking good care of your feet should be a top priority if you want to be a happy hiker.
This starts with what you put on your feet. Selecting and wearing proper footwear for hikes is very important. Nobody likes blisters or sore feet. The best high-performance hiking footwear will protect and support your feet on day hikes and backpacking trips.
Let’s review your main options that will protect your feet on the trails for different conditions and terrain.
For more information on your hiking footwear options start with our guide to choosing the best hiking footwear for your feet. Or, scroll down for our in-depth gear guides below.
New to hiking and backpacking? Check out our guide on what to wear hiking and our hiking for beginners guide.
I don’t know what happened, but one day, none of my shoes fit anymore. Was it that nothing felt good after too much time in Birkenstocks? Or did a pair of shoes irritate my latent bunion? It doesn’t really matter. I had to find comfortable shoes, especially for situations where my Arizona’s don’t work – … Read more
A top priority in 2023 is to find the best trail running shoes for hikes and trail running. My focus is on durability, foot protection, breathability, traction, cushioning that lasts, and stability on technical terrain. I have tested one or two potential options for the most trusted brands. This is my review of the Brooks … Read more
Each year, I test the best lightweight hiking shoes and the most robust and durable trail running shoes. I aim to find the best shoes that deliver excellent foot support, stability over uneven terrain, and underfoot protection. They should also be flexible, lightweight, and not clunky. And, of course, the shoes can’t be ugly, weird-looking, … Read more
There are so many hiking footwear options these days. So, how do you choose the best option for your particular needs? What’s better for hiking? Trail running shoes or hiking shoes? It depends on several factors. In this guide, we will steer you in the right direction to help you make the right decision. When … Read more
Introducing the brand new Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX, the best lightweight hiking shoe made by Salomon. This shoe is designed for fast-moving and aggressive hiking on rough and rugged terrain. The Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX is lightweight and athletic, similar to the build of a trail running shoe. The X Ultra 4s also … Read more
Hiking in snow and ice can be slow, frustrating, and dangerous without proper winter traction devices. This is why microspikes, ice cleats, and crampons exist. The grip of these traction devices on rock-hard ice and in deep snow is phenomenal. They make hiking in Winter super fun. For most hikers, microspikes and ice cleats are … Read more
Aftermarket insoles are a magical and transformative experience. When I get new shoes or boots I immediately remove the floppy non-functional manufacturer’s insoles and replace them with high-quality protective and supportive insoles. If you experience plantar fasciitis, or sore, bruised, tired feet after your hikes you need to get some insoles. Once you try real … Read more
The most important equipment for any hike is comfortable shoes. In winter that means boots that keep snow out, heat in, and provide traction in wet, snowy, and icy and conditions. The best winter hiking boot depends on your activities and local winter conditions. A boot for moderate hikes in the rain won’t work for … Read more
It’s not just sun’s out, guns out – it is sun’s out, toes out. For outdoor summer adventures, kid’s hiking sandals can be even more comfortable than hiking shoes or boots and there is no need to avoid water. Even better, they are easy to put on and take off for children of all ages, … Read more
Yes, waterproof socks exist and yes, they are really waterproof. Here’s when to wear them, when to skip them, and some of the best waterproof socks to wear hiking or anytime feet need to stay dry and warm. What makes waterproof socks waterproof? It is similar to wearing a plastic bags between two socks, and … Read more
You’re only as happy as your feet is a good motto for hiking and some other parts of life too. Walking long distances, carrying a heavy pack, trail running, and even genetics increase the risk of getting painful blisters. The good news is wearing liner socks can stop blisters and hotspots before they start. Liner … Read more
Men’s hiking shoes are better than ever. It is truly remarkable how much hiking footwear is improving each season and year. The newest hiking shoes of this current season are more comfortable, durable, supportive, and protective. At the same time, they are lighter than ever which helps to be nimble on the trails and conserve … Read more
When the child carrier is outgrown, and sometimes before, it’s time for some kid’s hiking shoes. Hiking shoes, hiking boots, or trail runners are essential kids’ hiking gear but which one is the best choice? Hiking boots are the most common but there are many reasons to buy hiking shoes instead, especially because they weigh … Read more
The HOKA ONE ONE Speedgoat 4 trail running shoes are officially my favorite shoe that I have ever worn hiking. They are an unbelievable blend of comfort and support. Lately, I have found my regular hiking shoes too heavy, clunky, and overly rigid. I tried on many lightweight hikers and couldn’t find one that worked … Read more
The answer to, “what is the one thing I need to go hiking?”, is good hiking socks. Ok, water too. But definitely socks. Hiking socks are very different from other types of socks. They are designed specifically for performance, comfort, and to prevent the slipping or bunching that leads to blisters. They are also exceptionally … Read more
As we close off another year, we completely updated our guide to the best hiking shoes for women. It is mind-blowing how much better, more durable, and lighter women’s hiking shoes are getting each season. We have gathered a great selection of top performers. In this new guide, we cover everything you need to know … Read more
Hiking footwear gets better and more advanced each season of the year. It is truly remarkable when you look at the newest men’s hiking boots made by the top brands. So, what are the best hiking boots for men to get this year? Well, the answer can be different for everyone. The best hiking boots … Read more
This is our ultimate guide to choosing the best hiking boots for women. In this article, we cover everything that you need to know to make a good choice. You will also find our top picks of what we think are the best hiking boots you can get right now. Hiking Shoes vs. Hiking Boots: … Read more
It’s not easy having wide feet. I know, because I have had them my whole life. There are certain brands of shoes that will just never fit my feet. The same is true for hiking boots and hiking shoes. If you do have wide feet there are only so many options that are going to … Read more
If you have ever been on a trail and thought, “why am I wearing these big clunky hiking boots” or “I miss my trainers,” you may want to invest in a pair of trail running shoes for hiking! Here is an ultimate guide to trail runners to help make your next hike faster, lighter, and … Read more