Anyone who has decided to dedicate themselves to hiking or wants to practice long walks in the mountains, in the countryside, and surrounded by nature, will need a pair of hiking shoes, also known as mountain shoes.
These shoes are often called “hiking shoes” and are specially designed for this activity type. It is not enough to wear normal shoes and set out. Hiking shoes are a simple tool for those who have decided to practice hiking, which is often seen exclusively as a leisure activity, but which, in reality, requires appropriate clothing and equipment.
Hiking is a real sport based on walking for miles and miles if done seriously. In any case, it is a motor activity that can have the purpose of leisure and study or, in any case, to test oneself. As you can easily guess, hiking shoes are the main element that characterizes a hiker’s outfit.
These must offer the possibility of covering kilometers of walking on terrains that can be rough. These unpaved paths and mountain paths must protect the feet from stones, water, and mud, offering protection for the ankle. Long walks can cause inflammation, sprains, and blisters, which can be avoided by choosing suitable footwear.
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What materials are the hiking shoes made of?
The upper part of a hiking shoe, i.e., the upper, is typically made of a mix of materials: for example, leather, suede, mesh (a mesh fabric), and synthetic materials such as nylon and polyester.
Shoes made entirely of leather or hide are not very common, given that although they are generally very durable, resistant to shocks, abrasions, and even water, they must be “run in,” in the sense that they must wear them for a period before becoming comfortable for those who use them.
For this reason, a mix of leather and other elements is preferred, making the shoe resistant but light.
The real innovation in hiking shoes and mountaineering shoes is that of materials. In this context, new technologies allow the use of increasingly innovative fabrics. The prince of materials when it comes to hiking shoes is Gore-Tex.
This synthetic fabric was patented in 1976 and guaranteed high breathability and waterproofness. Made of a material called “polytetrafluoroethylene, “when it comes in the form of fabric, it is formed by a series of overlapping membranes, each of which has about 9 billion tiny holes for every square inch.
Waterproofing and breathability are two fundamental elements for shoes in the mountains or traveling long distances. Gore-Tex allows you not to make your foot sweat and prevents it from getting wet when crossing streams, streams, or being surprised by the rain.
It is also a very light and flexible material, two other fundamental characteristics to consider when choosing your hiking shoe. Considering the whole structure and the materials indicated, the hiking shoe is made from a mix of elements.
For example, the sole is made of hard rubber. Vibram rubber soles, a material created specifically for soles used in the mountains, are highly recommended among the various existing types.
Special features that distinguish hiking shoes from other similar products
If you are not an expert, exchanging normal sports or walking shoes for hiking shoes is easy. It is good to know their distinctive elements if we are looking for the best hiking shoes for our activities. First of all, you have to consider the sole.
The lower part of the shoe must be well structured: as we have said, the soles of hiking shoes are made of rubber, they must be hard enough so as not to wear out too quickly, they must have flexibility, guarantee adherence to the ground and be provided with deep grooves.
Hiking shoes exist at various heights. The low models are used for easy and comfortable trails, while the high ones are preferred to feel more steps or complex, such as mountain paths. The medium (mid) or high shoe offers greater protection to the ankle and excellent stability on more complicated or slippery terrain.
Another element that is often overlooked but must be considered when choosing the best hiking shoes is the tongue. This part under the shoelaces must prevent external factors, such as dirt, sand, or stones, from getting inside when you walk.
The shoelaces or strings must be long and resistant: an incorrect lacing would affect how you walk, causing problems. The shoe’s inner sole must be comfortable, anatomic, and breathable and must be firm, avoiding moving, and removable.
Finally, hiking shoes generally have padding that is often made of foam and keeps the foot comfortable and protects it from the shocks to which it will be subjected.
Advantages and Disadvantages of hiking shoes
As we have already said, hiking shoes are specific footwear for tackling more or less demanding hikes and routes, so they have a reasonably precise function. Moreover, the best hiking shoes provide a whole series of advantages to those who use them, so regular sports shoes or sneakers can hardly replace them.
First, they are excellent but simultaneously comfortable and guarantee elastic movement. Above all, they are non-slip, allowing you to travel on the slippery ground without slipping and falling. Their sole guarantees are absorbing shocks and vibrations while protecting joints and cartilage.
Another distinct advantage of hiking shoes is ankle support. In the high and medium models, the hiking shoe wraps the ankle and avoids bumps and distortions, which, given the type of activity, are a danger that should not underestimate.
Among the disadvantages of hiking shoes, we can think, for example, of the cost. Compared to a standard pair of sports shoes, hiking shoes have slightly higher prices due to the materials they are created, so you must choose them carefully and according to the use you want to make of them.
If you prefer mountain boots, these will be uncomfortable on more accessible paths, on which a low hiking shoe model would be more efficient. Furthermore, due to the materials they are made, many hiking shoes can be hot in the summer season, we think above all of the high models in leather, and they are not very versatile.
How to Choose Hiking Shoes
To choose hiking shoes, you will need to consider other elements in addition to prices. First, it is the use you want to make of it. High hiking shoes are authentic boots that protect the foot and ankle but are suitable for use, especially in winter and on mountain or snow-covered trails.
On the other hand, the medium hiking shoes are a little lower, protect the ankle while still leaving more freedom, and are more versatile than the first ones.
Finally, low hiking shoes do not protect the ankle and are recommended on slightly rough terrain but are helpful for long walks, especially in the summer season: the best choice for a holiday, with city tours and non-demanding excursions.
The best way to choose hiking shoes would be to try them on. After selecting the type of shoe that is right for us, we will wear these with thick socks must also be considered. Where possible, by wearing them, you will have to simulate the descent or the ascent to verify how they fit in all circumstances.
The Best Hiking Shoes
Below you will find the most exciting offers on the market, carefully analyzed to help you find the right hiking shoes.
- Durable suede leather and mesh upper
- 00% recycled laces, lining and webbing
- Protective toe cap
- ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY: The Newton Ridge Plus Waterproof Amped Hiking Boot features a...
- DURABLE HIKING BOOT: This women's boot is inspired by classic mountaineering style. A...
- ALL TERRAIN TRACTION: Our signature Omni-GRIP non-marking traction rubber outsole provides...
- Pigskin leather and mesh upper
- Traditional lace closure
- Bellows tongue keeps out debris
- ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY: Columbia Men's Newton Ridge Plus II Waterproof Hiking Boot features...
- HANDY FEATURES: Treacherous days out on the trail are comfortable and worry-free with this...
- ADJUSTABLE FEATURES: The Newton Ridge Plus II Waterproof Hiking Boot features a lace-up...
- Lightweight Build: Weighing approximately 9.7oz, these lightweight hiking shoes for women...
- Wear-Resistant Upper: Build with oxford cloth and seamless TPU, our women’s hiking shoes...
- Convenient Style: Designed with a cord lacing system that ensures a fast and perfect fit....
- ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY: The Crestwood Waterproof Hiking Shoe features our Omni-TECH...
- DURABLE HIKING SHOE: The perfect combination of high function and performance designed...
- ALL TERRAIN TRACTION: Our signature Omni-GRIP non-marking traction rubber outsole provides...
- Made in the USA or Imported
- Rubber sole
- Block Heel
- AGGRESSIVE TRAIL SHOES: Trail excursions are no match for the Women’s Hatana Breathe...
- SPORTY AND NIMBLE. A lightweight and low profile shoe that makes for a nimble all-terrain...
- LACE UP STABILITY: Breathable open cell mesh with synthetic overlays and TPU Midfoot...
- NIMBLE HIKER: The perfect combination of high function and performance, this all-purpose...
- SUEDE LEATHER UPPER: This nimble lace-up integrates a combination upper, featuring...
- ALL-DAY COMFORT: Equipped with our TechLite midsole, this shoe delivers long lasting...
- 100% Leather
- Made in the USA or Imported
- Rubber sole
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