Best Hiking shoes

If you are a keen walker and outdoor person the best Hiking shoes will be something you need to consider.

Let me start by saying if you are back packing, planning on doing long hikes say 10 to 20 kilometres or hiking over particularly rough or steep ground then you are better to be looking for Hiking boots rather than shoes. The main features to look for in the best hiking shoes are.

1. Light weight If you are not carrying a backpack or hiking over long distances then a lightweight hiking shoe does give you that comfort without the stress of extra unnecessary weight on your feet.
2. Waterproof. You cannot always guarantee the trails you will be hiking will be dry & likewise with the weather so you do need good waterproof hiking shoes. To this end a shoe with a waterproof but Breathable lining like Gortex will keep your feet dry but also allow moisture or sweat to escape from within cutting down on the chance of blisters.
3. Grip. It is important to have good "Tread "on the soles of your shoes. That extra traction when on a slippery trail or when going uphill even on the best maintained tracks can save you a fall or twisted ankle.
4. These three Factors with the exception of the waterproofing if you are using Vibrams, are your main considerations. Of course it goes without saying, unless you are repeat buying a brand you have used before "Try before you buy" Difficult with mail order maybe but most mail order companies have a return policy to cover this so stick with them.

Now a days there seems to be a range of size factors between brands and the best hiking shoes need to be comfortable as well. Hence the need to try before you buy.

Fast approaching my seventy fifth birthday I have been a walker all my life.

Since our marriage 49 years ago my wife Judy and I have hiked and back packed in a number of different countries as well as all over NZ. During that time I have tried many different brands & types of hiking boots and shoes. The criteria I list is basic but well tested! However I acknowledge

If you are a casual walker then you need to consider price as well. There are currently on the market a number of Brands, invariably made in China or Korea, which for the money, are perfectly adequate for the casual walker. Some of these do have Gortex linings with good strong soles so I would urge you to have an open mind and shop around.

Another option for the best hiking shoe. A couple of years ago I read the Book "Born to Run" by Christopher McDougall. I had just run my first Half marathon, aged 71, and had to admit to a few aches & strains in the training period!

Hoping to continue running I brought myself a pair of Vibrams. I would have to say that since that time I have been able to run freely with no major strains or problems. I do run on shingle roads which took a week or two for my feet to toughen up but after that they have been great.

For casual hiking they are great as well. You do have to get used to some strange looks occasionally from people unaware of the "Revolution" if that is the correct word! But if your not stuck with convention I would urge you to give them a try. These types of hiking shoe are not water proof and nor do they need to be as they dry out very quickly.

Also, surprisingly , they are quite warm to wear. Despite my recommendation for the best hiking shoe of the conventional variety. I am planning another half marathon next month and have been training in heavy frosts and even light snow in my vibrams with no discomfort.

I am not sure why this should be, maybe because I am running the blood is circulating faster. I have not hiked in these conditions so walking may be a different scenario. We usually don't choose to walk in these conditions if we can avoid it so will edit this article if I find any difference!

Meantime find your "best Hiking Shoe"and get out there and enjoy them.