What makes a good hiking boot?

If you haven’t done a lot of hiking you may not worry too much about what type of hiking boots to use. Many people opt for comfortable sneakers or regular shoes since they have those already. I have messed up my feet pretty bad using either “regular shoes” or bad hiking boots. I also had to learn how to properly secure the boot as well.

One of the issues I’ve personally experienced is stepping on a pointy rock with a light sneaker. A bruise on the bottom of the foot doesn’t quickly heal and every step just adds to the pain until walking is pretty much unbearable. Because of this I tend to stick with a hiking boot or shoe with a thick and stiff midsole. With the right boot, you can literally balance on the top of a jagged rock and have no worry of bruising your foot. This of course makes the boot much less flexible but I prefer this to an injury that is made worse by having to finish the hike.

Another issue I have had to contend with is a twisted ankle, and since I do rock hopping, crawling up steep embankments, balancing on fallen logs and hiking very uneven terrain, the possibility of a twisted ankle is pretty high. I also have stepped in a gopher or woodchuck hole which is always scary.

Keeping my feet dry is always a challenge, thick socks help somewhat but having a boot that lets moisture out while keeping water out is a fancy trick to pull off. Gortex is known for exactly this characteristic and even though it has its limitations, I do tend to gravitate to a boot with moisture control.

Aside from ankle support, I still need enough flexibility especially in the ankle so I can maneuver the trail. This is in direct contradiction to having ankle support so it has been tricky to find a balance between the two priorities.

I tend to gravitate to a boot rated for at least freezing temperatures, getting to below freezing is another ball game, talk about thick and heavy! So I tend to stick with a boot that is rated for at least freezing temperatures.

I haven’t found sandals that are functional for me, they don’t offer ankle support, and I can’t use them in muddy or cold environments. I also find it annoying every time a small rock wriggles its way between my foot and the sandals. They are handy in warm weather for air ventilation and allowing feet to dry after wading through water. For me a waterproof boot does the trick just as well plus offers all the other benefits a sandal can’t.

A good hiking boot will have slip resistant rubber outsole including a tread pattern and texture that helps grip on slippery surfaces. This isn’t a guarantee to never slip, but it makes a difference on ice, algae, small gravel or smooth wet rocks. I still always step with caution when I know things are slippery, and ensure to always have one foot steadily planted while trying to secure the next step. As long as I ensure to have at least one foot steadily planted, I can largely avoid falls or strains.

Like any hobby, having the right gear can make a big difference in avoiding injury, reducing fatigue over time and going the distance. Serious hikers typically require footwear that is durable, supportive, and suited for varying terrains. Here are the key types of footwear that are most effective for serious hiking:

1. Hiking Boots are sturdy, high-cut footwear designed for rugged terrain and multi-day hikes, providing excellent ankle support and protection. Built with durable materials and stiff soles, they offer superior stability, grip, and comfort when carrying heavy loads or tackling rough trails.

• Best For: Rugged terrain, multi-day hikes, and carrying heavy loads.
• Features: High ankle support, stiff midsoles, deep lugs for traction, durable materials like leather or synthetic blends.
• Benefits: Offers excellent protection, stability, and durability. The ankle support is crucial for preventing injuries on uneven terrain.

2. Hiking Shoes are low-cut, durable footwear designed for day hikes and moderate trails, offering a balance of comfort, support, and flexibility. They provide good traction and protection for uneven terrain while being lighter and more breathable than traditional hiking boots.

• Best For: Day hikes and less challenging terrain.
• Features: Low-cut design with moderate stiffness, lighter than boots, often more breathable.
• Benefits: Lightweight, flexible, and comfortable for faster-paced hikes or when carrying a lighter load.

3. Trail Running Shoes are lightweight, low-cut footwear designed for running on rugged and uneven terrain. They offer enhanced traction, stability, and protection through features like durable soles, reinforced toe caps, and flexible yet supportive midsoles. These shoes prioritize speed and agility while providing enough cushioning for comfort on rough trails.

• Best For: Fast-paced hiking, easy to moderate trails, or for those who prioritize speed.
• Features: Lightweight, low-cut, with flexible midsoles and strong grip, often made from breathable materials.
• Benefits: Perfect for those who prefer a lighter, more agile option with enough traction for most trails.

4. Approach Shoes are specialized footwear designed for activities that involve both hiking and rock climbing or scrambling. They are particularly useful for "approaching" a climb or technical section, which is where their name comes from.

• Best For: Mixed terrain, including trails and rocky or technical sections.
• Features: Sticky rubber soles for rock scrambling, climbing-style laces for secure fit, durable construction.
• Benefits: Versatile option, combining the comfort of hiking shoes with features suitable for technical rock approaches.

5. Mountaineering Boots are heavy-duty, insulated footwear designed for extreme alpine conditions, including ice, snow, and high-altitude trekking. They offer stiff soles for crampon compatibility, maximum warmth, and protection against harsh weather, making them ideal for technical climbs and glacier travel.

• Best For: Harsh conditions, high-altitude trekking, and glacier travel.
• Features: Insulated, stiff midsoles, crampon compatibility, and extremely durable.
• Benefits: Designed for cold, rough environments where you need maximum foot protection, support, and warmth.

6. Sandals or Minimalist Shoes are lightweight, open footwear designed for breathability and comfort, often used for casual hikes or water-based activities. They provide minimal foot protection but offer good ventilation and grip, making them suitable for easy trails or hot-weather hiking.

• Best For: Water crossings, casual trail walking in hot climates.
• Features: Open or minimalist design with grip, often lightweight.
• Benefits: Breathable and comfortable for water-related hikes or low-intensity outings.

Key Considerations for hikers include the environment you will be hiking in, what type of support, grip or breathability you need, the fit of the boot and the weight. Remember to choose a hiking shoe/boot for the type of terrain you will be in or a well rounded boot for any type of path you might encounter. Choosing the right footwear depends on the type of hike, the terrain, and personal preferences regarding comfort and protection.