From scaling distant mountains to trekking local terrain—few things rival the exhilaration of hiking. Don't let improper hiking shoes dampen that excitement. Good hiking boots or shoes offer traction, support, and cushion to keep you comfortable and on your feet in any conditions. Don’t forget to change out your hiking shoes or boots every 500-1,000 miles or when they become visibly worn, whichever comes first!
Hiking shoes and boots are essential to blazing trails and exploring nature. Obviously, a good pair will keep you safe and comfortable. But they will also support you throughout your entire movement cycle, helping you to hike with proper form. So how do you know if you’ve found the right hiking shoes or hiking boots for you? Try ’em on! Wear the socks you plan to wear during hikes, and be sure to try on both shoes or boots. Your feet should feel secure, but your toes should have plenty of breathing room. Your feet swell when you hike, and neglecting to leave adequate room can result in painful blisters later on. Don’t be afraid to walk around the store a bit to see if the shoes/boots rub, slide, or generally don’t feel “right” on your feet. Do your heels stay put? Are your arches happy? Do the soles get good traction?
There are a variety of styles, materials, and features to choose from when it comes to hiking shoes and hiking boots. Select a pair that meets your individual needs, whether you want a mid-height waterproof boot or a lightweight trail shoe for backpacking.
How well do you know your feet? Understanding their size, shape, and unique movement pattern is crucial to outfitting them with proper footwear. Before buying your next pair of hiking shoes or hiking boots, figure out if you have a low, neutral, or high arch, which will help you determine your gait pattern: overpronation, neutral pronation, or underpronation. The more you know about your feet, the better equipped you’ll be to keep them happy and healthy with the perfect pair of hiking shoes or boots!
Don’t settle for an ill-fitting hiking shoe or try to force the next size up or down to work for your foot’s unique shape or width. Our catalog features a huge selection of the best hikers for your individual feet. We carry wide hiking shoes and boots as well as narrow hiking shoes and boots—all in a variety of hard-to-find sizes that will help you reach your peak. Looking to pick up the pace? We also carry trail running shoes!
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