The Best Hiking Boots For You & Your Feet
Hiking is such a fun and difficult sport at times, but the views are usually worth it in the end. Sometimes it can be hard finding what gear you need or is best for you. Most of the time we find out what gear is best for us through trial and error. However, by writing this post, I am hoping to eliminate some of the trial and error process for you. In this article you will read about the best hiking brands within the sport and the best hiking boots for you.
Whether you want boots with ankle support, waterproof boots, boots for flat or wide feet, you will read about all of the best boots for different purposes. Also in this article, you will read about the best hiking boots for women, for wide feet, for flat feet, for ankle support, Salomon hiking boots, best waterproof hiking boots, and more.
This post is all about the best hiking boots.
Best Hiking Boots:
The Debate Between Trail Runners and Hiking Boots
Okay, before I get into specific hiking brands to cure specific foot problems, I wanted to talk about the infamous discussion between trail runners and hiking boots. Which one is better? Truly, I believe it is based on personal opinion and what region you hike in. Many people out west prefer trail runners because of their ultra light-weight-ness (great for backpacking), breathable, how quickly they dry when wet, and how quickly your feet dry in them when wet. People will usually wear their trail runners with gaiters around their ankles and prefer the brands, Salomon, Hoka and Keen Footwear.
Now, growing up in the northeast portion of the US, I prefer hiking boots. I will say, I have never tried out trail runners, so I’m probably not the best person to talk too about this debate. But I’ve hiked A LOT in the northeast. I’ve hiked almost every peak in New York and working on hiking every peak in New Hampshire, and I’ve always used hiking boots. I’ve never had any issues with them. However, I am not an experienced backpacker/thru-hiker, they are more likely to recommend trail runners.
I know a lot of backpackers/thru-hikers prefer trail runners for all the reasons listed above. Which I can understand why. If you are on the trail for multiple rainy days, then yes, I would prefer a pair of shoes that dry quick and are extremely breathable, if I’m going to be wearing them for 10 plus hours a day for multiple days in a row.
Now, if you are just doing single day hikes in the summer, then I think hiking boots might be better. Hiking boots do provide ankle support, which trail runners do not, and I think boots provide more traction. When hiking, you will be fine in either trail runners or hiking boots, it’s really a personal preference as to which one you end up liking more. If you are hiking in the fall/winter, I would recommend hiking boots, trail runners WILL NOT keep your feet warm.
The Best Hiking Boots for Wide Feet
Okay, to start off this list, I will start with the best hiking boots for wide feet. As someone who has basically, flat, and wider feet, I get it. I DON’T want a boot that shoves my toes together and cramps my feet in. After I’ve been hiking for 15 miles, that’s what hurts. Thus, getting wider boots is a solution to this. I recommend Keen Footwear. They specifically make their boots wider for people with wider feet, which is why this is the BEST hiking boot brand for people with wider feet, in my opinion. Here are some other brands I recommend as well:
- Keen Footwear
- Merrell
- Lowa
- Altra (also great running shoes and trail runners)
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The Best Hiking Boots for Flat Feet
Okay, onto the next issue, if you have flat feet, like myself, or you want a better arch support, these hiking shoe brands are who I recommend. Merrell are GREAT when it comes to arch support, another great brand I trust with this is Salomon. Salomon is one of the best outdoor brands in my opinion. They not only sell hiking boots, but almost EVERYTHING you need for MOST outdoor activities, but I will talk more about them later in this article. Another great brand again is, Keen Footwear. Here are some more of the best hiking boots for flat feet:
The Best Hiking Boots for Ankle Support
The boots I use now are Lowa’s and I REALLY like them. I like boots that are a little wider in the feet, have good arch support, have GOOD ankle support, and good traction. These have GREAT ankle support in my opinion. I use to have a pair of Oboz’s and I will say, they are much more narrow in the feet but they did have great ankle support. The biggest thing when it comes to finding good ankle support is, you want boots that come up over your ankles. Don’t get boots that ONLY cover your feet, get boots that come up to your ankles for that ankle support. Here are other more brands that I recommend for good ankle support:
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The Best Waterproof Hiking Boots
Waterproof hiking shoes are also a big debate among hikers. Some people prefer and swear by waterproof boots while others swear by water RESISTANT boots (shoes that dry quickly, aka trail runners). The argument here is people who wear waterproof hiking boots believe their shoes won’t get wet, thus their socks and feet will stay dry for their entire hike. While people who wear water resistant trail runners, believe there’s no way to truly avoid your boots from getting wet when hiking. Thus, when your boots get wet, you want shoes that will dry quickly, so your socks and feet will too. Thus, you won’t spend the whole day with wet feet, only a portion of it.
I really haven’t found any difference. But again, I have never tried trail runners, but I am interested in trying. Honestly, I would find a pair of hiking boots that FIT good, then worry about waterproof versus resistant later in your journey. I will say you want boots that have at least SOME waterproof or resistant elements to them, because there will ALWAYS be mud anywhere you hike in the northeast. And these properties will help with the wet mud. Anyways, if this is a concern for you, I recommend any of these brands for waterproof boots:
And here are the best for water resistant:
The Most Affordable Hiking Boots
Okay, if you are still new into hiking, and you’re not sure you want to make the investment into better quality and more expensive boots, then I HIGHLY recommend these two brands. They will be a cheaper option but will still be great for your feet when hiking.
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The Best Hiking Boots of All-Time
Now, I don’t believe there is one specific hiking boot that is the best of all-time, but there are best hiking brands of all time. I TRULY recommend the brands Salomon, Lowa, Keen, and Merrell. I would recommend Oboz too if I had more narrow feet. However, Lowa, Keen, Merrell, and Oboz are GREAT quality, extremely well made, have great ankle support, arch support, and whatever else you need/are looking for, you will find a pair that best suits you with these brands.
Specifically, I recommend Salomon hiking boots and or trail runners. Even though, I have never worn or purchased a pair of Salomon hiking shoes, I have bought A LOT of ski gear from Salomon. And, I’ve always been extremely HAPPY with my purchases from them. Also, their hiking gear looks like it’s just as high quality as their ski equipment. In addition, MANY of my hiking friends have Salomon boots/trail runners and LOVE them. Seriously, they won’t buy any other hiking shoes. Which is why I HIGHLY recommend Salomon hiking boots and rate it has one of the BEST hiking boot brands of all-time.
And that wraps up our list of the best hiking boots of all time. Thank you so much for reading and I hope you have at least one new brand that you will be able to buy high quality and reliable boots from. Thank you again and go hike!
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