Choosing the right footwear for hiking is crucial. Your feet carry your entire body weight and require durable, grippy shoes that protect them from rocks and other trail debris. Walk around the store on non-carpeted surfaces when trying on boots or shoes to assess their grip factor. Also, try them on with the socks you plan to wear when hiking.
Price
The price of hiking footwear is a major factor for most hikers, especially when purchasing shoes for backpacking. A new pair of boots or shoes can cost a couple of hundred dollars or more, and depending on the environment they will be worn in, the wear and tear they endure can be significant. To reduce the risk of buying footwear that needs to be more comfortable or durable, it is best to try on multiple pairs in different stores and compare features to decide what type of hiking shoe or boot will work for you. A common feature most hikers look for in their footwear is a good fit. A tighter fit reduces blisters and allows your foot to move in the shoe naturally.
Another important feature of hiking footwear is the cushioning and support it provides. Most hiking shoes have a layer of thick foam in the midsole to reduce shock and impact from walking. This layer is often augmented with thermoplastic polyurethane, or TPU, which provides a firmer base underfoot and doesn’t compress as easily as EVA.
Delivery
Good hiking boots or shoes will serve you well on your adventures, but buying fit ones is important. The proper fit for your feet is more important than you might think because improper footwear can lead to blisters and other foot problems. Another great way to find the right hiking footwear is to shop during sales. Many brands and retailers, like Columbia Sportswear, have solid deals on their products during the commercial holiday season in late November and December, as well as in early spring and summer. These sales are a great time to find some of the best deals on hiking footwear, as they can be 40-70% off regular prices. Some retailers also offer specials that allow you to stack discounts on top of each other.
Other ways to find good deals on hiking footwear include looking for clearance items online or at your local outdoor gear shop. Many hiking and backpacking shops will match sale prices you find online, which allows you to try the shoes on in person and keeps your money in the community.
Returns
Buying hiking footwear is a big investment; you want to ensure you’re getting a good fit. Too small or too large footwear can lead to various unpleasant ailments, including blisters and hematomas (a buildup of blood under the nails). The best way to avoid these problems is by visiting outdoor footwear retailers with generous return and exchange policies. Toward the end of summer and winter, these stores want to make room for next season’s gear, so they’ll put old boots on clearance.
This is your chance to snag some high-quality footwear at half the retail price. Be sure to test out a pair of boots or shoes with a couple of thick socks you’ll wear on the trail. Also, try stepping on unstable surfaces, such as gravel or concrete, to see how the shoe or boot grips. Online stores have industry-leading returns policies and an extensive selection of hiking footwear. Many of the brands they carry are renowned for their craftsmanship and quality. They are lightweight and breathable but still rugged enough to handle long trails, or collections, which feature stiff constructions and heavy soles that can take you on demanding terrain.
Customer Service
Choosing durable hiking footwear is different from buying a pair of jeans or sneakers. Your feet must be properly sized for the footwear you select, and a shoe or boot that is too small can cause blisters and even a hematoma, which is blood under your fingernails from pressure on the sides of your foot. The best place to shop for hiking shoes and boots is at outdoor retailers or local hiking stores, where staff will guide you through the options. You can also try on the footwear on non-carpeted surfaces, which can help you judge how well the bottom of the shoe or boot grips the trail or rocky surface.
To save money on the footwear you want, sign up for a retailer’s email newsletter or follow them on social media, as they will often run sales and clearance events to clear out inventory before the next season. Some brands reward loyal fans and customers with exclusive discount codes that unlock additional markdowns. These coupons can make a big difference in the price of your hiking boots, shoes or sandals. For example, a code for 30% off can save you quite a bit over the retail price.