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What features should I look for when buying hiking boots?
1. Consider the terrain and get good traction
Find hiking boots that offer foot protection and have good traction. Since you’ll be walking on potentially rough, steep, muddy, and wet terrain, shoes that are tailored for hours of hiking should be able to adapt to different environments and surfaces.
2. Waterproof is ideal
Your hiking shoes should be waterproof to keep feet warm and comfortable for the duration of your walk.
3. Flexibility and ankle support are both important
If you plan on walking on rough and uneven terrain, extra ankle support is good idea. Day hiking boots are more suitable for long-distance hiking and a variety of terrain that need more ankle support and stability. Casual hiking shoes are ideal for walking over terrain where ankle support isn’t as important.
4. Choose the right fit
Find hiking boots or shoes made with materials for durability, stability, and comfort like rubber bumpers, a contoured footbed, and high traction outsoles.
Be sure to also shop for suitable camping, hiking, and thermal socks to wear with your hiking boots or shoes.
