There are so many kinds of shoes and boots designed for hiking - how does one decide on what to buy or even begin to choose a style?

There are basically two different kinds of footwear designed for hiking.

You need to consider the distance you will be traveling, the terrain you will be walking or climbing,  and the environment - what kind of protection will you need from the elements?

A hike along a smooth trail would be considered a “light hike”.  The best footwear for this type of hiking is a pair of day hikers - like the shoes shown above.

They are designed in the style of a sneaker, but are built a bit more rugged to handle a mild hike.

For more uneven trails, longer hikes, or if you will be carrying a heavy pack, a pair of hiking boots is a must.

They offer more support for the ankle and some have a steel shank for more foot support.

A lightweight boot is great for long day trips or short backpacking ones.

Another thing to consider is the environment you will be hiking in.  If your feet will be getting wet, you will want a pair of waterproof boots or shoes.

Some have a membrane lining such as Gore-tex that keeps the water out, and it dries pretty quickly.

A stiffer boot will offer more support on a rugged terrain.

For a rocky or slippery terrain, you will want a pair of boots that have a deep tread for gripping.

It is always best to try on the shoes or boots that you will be using for hiking.

Buying them later in the day when the foot is more swollen is best for finding the correct fit.

Bring the socks you will be wearing with them.

As far as sizes go - all shoes are made differently and going by a size is not the best deciding factor.

Try them on, twist, stand on your toes, and back on your heels to see how they feel.

And don’t forget - you will need to break them in before you head out in them for a hike.

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