Hiking Shoes

How much does a typical pair of hiking shoes cost? A good pair can cost anywhere from $80 to $130. That's rather expensive for only a pair of shoe, right? But while it's true that hiking shoes are expensive, every hiker knows that they are a necessity.

Buying a good pair of hiking shoes takes more than just getting a pair that you like. It's not like buying a pair of Manolos where everything is about appearance with nothing to do at all with the sturdiness or the "solid" feel of the soles. When you buy a pair of hiking shoes, you need to consider several factors, among them the kind of hiking you'll be doing.

What's Hiking Shoes Should I get?

The terrain and distance you'll typically cover and the amount of protection from the elements are all factors in buying shoes for hiking. Hiking shoes are bought for a purpose and that purpose is to withstand as much rough backcountry hiking and trekking as they can in order to protect your feet.

A smooth trail for instance, typical in most light hiking, requires little more than a pair of what people call "day hikers." These are a slightly more rugged version of your everyday sneakers used for running or walking.

However, for longer trips, you may need something sturdier. Uneven trails or hikes often mean that you will be carrying extra weight on your back. So you are better off with a higher, stiffer pair of hiking shoes than mere day hikers.

Your hiking shoes should also contain a hard plastic or steel shank for better protection against jagged surfaces and keep the boot from twisting. Not only that, but these added features will give your feet and ankles more stability.

If you're only out on a short backpacking trip or long day hikes, you can probably do with lightweight boots constructed of nylon or other synthetics.

Does brand matter?

The rule is that you get the durability you pay for. So the more expensive the hiking shoes are, the better suited these shoes are for rugged terrain and backcountry trails. However, there is a far more important thing than brand or price, and that is finding a shoe that fits.

Aim for comfort when trying on hiking shoes. Also, make sure that the pair has all the features you want. For instance, the trail is someplace where there's intermittent rain. That means you may get your feet wet from time to time. This may cause foot blisters if you're not careful. So be careful to look for a pair of hiking shoes that keeps water out and dries quickly.

If, on the other hand, you're going to hike a lot of slick or rocky trails, choose a boot with a stiff sole and a deep Vibram tread. These will help improve your foot grip on slippery surfaces.

How can I be sure of a good fit?

Try these tips for help:

* Go shopping late in the day, or after you've walked a considerable distance. That's when your feet are most likely to be swollen – the way they'll be after a few miles on the trail.
* Wear the same socks while trying on hiking shoes or boots that you plan to wear while hiking.
* Don't get caught up in numerical sizes. These differ greatly from manufacturer to manufacturer and even from style to style within the same company's name. It's not unusual for hiking shoes to run a full size larger than dress shoes, for example.