We get asked all the time what hiking boots we recommend and while there are definitely boots we prefer it all depends on your feet! In this blog post we will go over what to consider when shopping for hiking boots, what hiking boots we have tried, and what hiking boots we love and wear regularly.
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What to Consider
Hiking boots can easily get expensive and it’s never fun to realize how uncomfortable your feet are miles from the car. We suggest considering the following:
- Your feet will swell when you’re hiking + your toes will slide forward a little going down hill
- The size and height of your foot arch, or are you flat footed
- Shoe width will vary amongst brands; try on multiple or ask for advice at an outfitter or sporting goods store
- Where do you plan to hike the most? What is the terrain and/or trail conditions typically like?
- What type of hikes do you plan to do? Will you need extra support?
- What are the materials of the hiking boot? Softer midsoles might not last on jagged rocky trials. Leather uppers might get really hot.
- Do the boots have an expected break-in time?
Lauren’s Hiking Boots
We recommend going to REI or an outdoor outfitter to have them size your feet. This is what I did AFTER painfully wearing Oboz for one too many hikes. My feet would throb during and after every hike. For a while I thought I just needed to break them in but eventually I knew something wasn’t right so I went to REI. That is where they measured my feet and the REI employee told me I didn’t have the right arch to wear Oboz.
Columbia Women’s Newton Ridge
These were my first pair of hiking boots! I bought these because of the price. They were a great first pair of boots. Pro tip: make sure you get the right size. After months of wearing these shoes I realized my toes always hurt and that they were a half size too small.
Pros:
- On the cheaper side
- Hold up well on rough terrain
- Comfortable
- Waterproof
Cons:
- Not lightweight
- The leather makes these hot in the summer. They aren’t super breathable compared to other boots
After my Columbia boots wore out I tried Oboz and as I said before they just aren’t right for my feet. But I know a lot of people that enjoy them. The REI employee recommended that I try Salmon, so I did!
Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid
They are currently not on REI’s or Salomon’s website, but here is the link to their GORE-TEX boots that I have and love! I definitely recommend these ones for when you know your foot could get wet (but not submerged) in water. The Gore-Tex are also breathable relative to the protection they offer, and they offer protection on overgrown trails or mud.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Extremely comfortable
- Durable
- Great ankle support & breathable
- No break in time
Cons:
- Hard to find
- More expensive
Merrell Moab 3 Hiking Shoes
Pros:
- Durable
- Comfortable + great support
- Little to no break in time
Cons:
- Not as lightweight or breathable as Salomon
Salomon X Ultra 4 Low Hiking Shoes
After I tried a low pair of boots I decided to try low Salomon boots! I still like the mid boots, but I have been hiking in the low ones more as of recently. I will wear the mid boots when I want more ankle support on my hike.
Pros:
- Light weight + breathable
- Durable
- Comfortable
- No break in time
Unique things:
- The shoe laces are different than most boots. It takes a little to get used to and if not tied correctly it can cause the shoe to be loose. The way the shoe laces are created make it so you can’t trip over your shoelaces which I really like!
Cons:
- The shoe laces are not for everyone
- Easier to get small rocks or sand in the boot
Other Outdoor Shoes I Love
When I don’t need to wear a hiking boot I love to wear these two shoes below. The Merrell Bravada shoes have more support than the Trail Gloves. I wouldn’t wear the Trail Gloves on a hike with sharp rocks, but I love how lightweight they are!
Owen’s Hiking Boots
I used to only hike in Nike Trail running shoes. When I was younger I loved that they were lightweight and low cut. However, as I expanded my hikes throughout the state and more in the Superstitions I realized I needed more underfoot protection and stability. The trail shoes would get eaten up by hard desert rock. My first pair of boots were Salomon and I have been wearing them ever since! I’ve loved the Salomons so much that I’ll buy boots before I need them, because they go in and out of stock frequently.
X Ultra 4 Mid Hiking Boots
Pros:
- Lightweight & breathable
- Durable
- Comfortable
- More narrow than other brands
- No break in time
Cons:
- Not always in stock
- Ankle rubbing if you don’t like that feeling
Salomon X Ultra 4 Low Hiking Shoes
Pros:
- Lightweight & breathable
- Durable
- Comfortable
- More narrow than other brands
- They look good!
Cons:
- Not always in stock
- Easier to get small rocks or sand in the boot
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