Who could resist the call of hiking in the mountain during a hot summer day? However, the fun will not last long once blisters and sweets get in the way. Fortunately, you can kick these two annoyances in the ass by finding the perfect hiking boots.
So what kind of shoes to wear for hiking? Read my guideline below for more information.
How many types of hiking boots are there?
There are no one-size-fits-all hiking boots. Other than the shape of your feet, your shoe size and shoe-making materials, you need to factor in the types of hiking boots as well.
Depending on your hiking trips, there are four types of boots.
• Hiking boots for short distance: These items work best when you want to start a journey with short walking distance. The prominent feature is low-cut design with extra flex in the midsole. With proper day hiking boots, you will never have to worry about discomfort or blisters on the way.
• Backpacking boots: If a quick trip isn’t your cup of tea, chances are you need a good pair of backpacking boots for mid-distance or backpacking trips over a few days. Shoes with short break-in time are the ideal option for backpackers.
• Backpacking boots for long distance: If you embark on a long trail, good hiking boots are like trusted friends. Hiking boots for long distance often come with superb ankle support. They also offer stiff midsole, so that you feel secure and comfortable wearing them on a long trip.
• Trail runners: Boots for trail runners aren’t for hiking, but many backpackers love them nevertheless. The thing is these types are extremely lightweight and suitable for different trails. What’s more, trail runners tend to dry faster than other kinds.
Top best hiking shoes to wear
Are you tired of finding proper hiking shoes? Below are my top picked items for the utmost comfort during your hiking journey.
Let’s take a look.
Merrel Moab 2 Vent – Best day hiking boots for men
For short distance hiking trips, all you need is a pair that doesn’t weigh you down. Comfort is the number one factor for day hiking trips. With Merrel Moab 2 Vent, you don’t have to worry about this matter because the pair is super lightweight.
It is so flexible that you can switch from pavements to dusty trails easily. The construction of Merrel is perfect. Designed with suede leather and mesh uppers, the boots are well-ventilated and comfortable.
It weighs only 1 lb. 15 oz. Plus, the boots are stable thanks to EVA midsoles. Just for you know, Moab is an abbreviation of Mother-of-all-boots. That is enough to see the confidence of Merrel in their products.
Merrel is a US-based company, famous for outdoor clothes for both men and women. They promise to deliver durable and well-design footwear for an active lifestyle.
The company adopts different technologies, such as M Select™ and GORE-TEX® to create perfect hiking boots. If you are looking for an entrusted companion on your journey to discover the world, Merrel hiking boots are my recommendation.
La Sportiva Trango TRK GTX - Best backpacking boots for women
The feet shape is probably the only barrier between you and your perfect hiking boots. If you have narrow feet, then the La Sportiva Trango TRK GTX should be on your shopping list. The Trango meets all the requirements needed for the best backpacking boots for women.
First of all, it features waterproof Gore-Tex® polyester uppers. If that isn’t enough, then you may like the fact that the uppers are abrasion-resistant too. The midsoles are made of EVA, famous for dual-density.
The Vibram® Mulaz outsoles come with advanced edging platforms and rear lugs, providing utmost comfort on the way.
The only drawback is the Trango isn’t suitable for wide-feet women.
But don’t worry, you can find more information on the best-hiking boots for your shoe sizes in this article.
La Sportiva is an Italian company founded in 1928. Started as a small factory for farmers’ boots and clogs, the company quickly gained experiences and expanded its business into mountain gear and clothes.
Talking about La Sportiva, we talk about a well-known supplier in Europe and North America for footwear regardless of terrains.
La Sportiva Nucleo High GTX - Best long distance backpacking boots for both men and women
As for the best long-distance backpacking boots, I again entrust La Sportiva for some reasons.
The Nucle High GTX was the best-seller item in 2017 of La Sportiva, received 2017 Gear of the Year award. Until now, the pair is still hunted down by hiking enthusiasts for the same reasons.
The boots provide you with protective yet comfortable nubuck leather uppers. Thanks to nano-cell inserts, your footwear is extremely ventilated. The rubber outsoles come with extra Impact Brake System, offers added traction and grip on the way.
The Nucle High GTX is suitable for both men and women. The price is affordable compared to all the benefit you receive.
La Sportiva is one of my go-to brands when I need well-rounded, sturdy boots for long trails.
Vasque Breeze III Mid GTX – Best trail runners for both men and women
It is safe to say the Vasque Breeze is a legendary pair of hiking boots for both men and women. They have minimal break-in time. The design is brilliant, offering perfect ankle height with sturdy nubuck leather uppers.
The Vibram Nano outsoles feature Impact Brake System that allows you to walk on any terrains with perfect traction and grip. You can find both male and female versions of this item.
Lightweights, durability, flexibility, and affordability are the four traits you can find in the Vasque Breeze III Mid GTX or any footwear from Vasque.
Vasque is the only footwear specialist in the list. They have built up their empire around footwear, mountain, and hiking boots for over 50 years. Their products are famous for the durability and suppleness in any trekking conditions.
The bottom line
The four hiking boots above are the ultimate answer to your question “What kind of shoes to wear hiking.” I am confident you will find your bestie after reading this article.
