“If I decide to do some thru-hiking, I choose Altra Lone Peak trail runners,” she says. Jennifer West, a positive-movement coach and trainer, is also a fan.
“They’re lightweight and have no break-in time,” attests Chelsea Rizzo, co-founder of women’s hiking brand Hikerkind. If you’re more of a trail runner, Altra’s Lone Peaks are the sneakers to get. Style: Sneaker | Waterproofing: Non-waterproof | Traction: Medium lugs Now I can just plow through and let my feet dry once I get out.” If a wet shoe doesn’t sound ideal to you, that’s okay - we’ve included both waterproof and non-waterproof options on this list. “In the old days, if I was trying to keep my feet dry, I’d be looking for a log or rock to get across a stream. “The idea is you can get the shoe wet - you don’t have to fight to keep your feet dry,” says Hazzard. The industry is trending toward ventilated boots and sneakers that air out quickly after being submerged. Yet not everyone wants a waterproof boot these days.
#BEARPAW HIKING BOOTS FULL#
While they’ll never keep your feet 100 percent dry in the event of full boot submersion, the best waterproof hiking boots will use Gore-Tex or a membrane that’s very similar to it. “Then of course Gore-Tex came out.” An outdoor-gear fixture since the late 1970s, Gore-Tex is a finely woven membrane that locks out moisture while remaining breathable. “Originally, people would oil them or wax them,” says Hazzard. Waterproofing has always been the primary feature of hiking boots. “Sections of rocks on the Appalachian Trail are thin and stacked so you can’t step flat on them, and that’s the case where I’d recommend something beefier, because it shreds shoes quickly.” “If you’re hiking over really rough rocks, a hiking shoe or a more traditional boot would protect your foot,” Hazzard admits. Rather than wearing out in a few months, they’ll last forever and serve you especially well on wet or gravelly terrain. In fact, the best hiking boots are so lightweight and comfortable that they may as well be sneakers - except more durable. That’s not to say boots don’t have their place. “Now it’s the opposite - you can put on a pair of new trail runners and do a long-distance hike.” “In the old days when you bought hiking boots you’d have to wear them around your neighborhood before the hike, to be confident you wouldn’t get blisters,” says Cris Hazzard of. Trail runners are essentially grippier, more hiking-specific sneakers, and they’re built for comfort. Rachel Gross, an assistant professor at the University of Colorado in Denver studying the history of outdoor clothing and gear. “Elite hikers, long-distance hikers - no one is wearing boots above the ankle,” says Dr. Talk to almost any serious hiker or outdoor-gear enthusiast these days, and you’ll hear the same story: stiff and heavy hiking boots are out, flexible and lightweight trail runners are in. Impacting your toes is a very common injury.” And an underrated piece of advice to ensure maximum foot comfort on the trail? “It’s not pretty, but trim your nails before you go. She also suggests using this time to identify any areas that may rub, then taping those up with athletic tape before you hike. “Let the lining and insoles start to conform to your foot,” says Haugan. Speaking of blisters, you should break in your new boots by walking around the house in them for at least a week. Sizing up also makes space for a pair of moisture-wicking wool socks, which will “keep your feet dry and reduce the risk of blisters,” according to Elisabeth Haugan, communications coordinator at Arizona State Parks & Trails. “The best way to do that is to be sure you get footwear that’s at least one size bigger than what you normally wear,” he says. When picking out your pair, Pacific Crest Trail Association communications director Scott Wilkinson advises that “it’s absolutely critical” to maintain circulation in your feet. I consulted seasoned outdoor experts to find the best women’s hiking boots and shoes for all terrain, from sleek sneakers to waterproof boots and everything in between. Hiking footwear is trendier than ever, which can make it difficult to find trail shoes that are as functional as they are fashionable.
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