Choosing hiking shoes [closed]

What and how should I look for when choosing a pair of good hiking shoes?

I need a pair that keeps water out and that I can wear both when hiking and through cities (so I don't need to carry another pair).

I'm not looking for a specific brand (although some examples would be welcome), but rather - how do I test whether it's waterproof (before I buy it), how do I know it will be comfortable (I hiked for a day with a pair I got from a friend - they seemed comfortable at first, but then it got really bad - so bad that I lost a toenail after a few days)?

And also - what else should I look for (besides waterproof and comfortable)?

Best Answer

My general criterion is to look at people who, in their job (i.e. every day during forty years), have the same needs.

For hiking shoes that can be used in city life, I think of soldiers with black leather boots and its associated shoe polish for keeping both nice look and waterproof properties.

Pictures about "Choosing hiking shoes [closed]"

Choosing hiking shoes [closed] - Black Leather Shoe on the Grass

Choosing hiking shoes [closed] - Pair of Black Lace-up Boots on Area Rug

Choosing hiking shoes [closed] - Person Tying Her Shoelaces

Should hiking shoes be looser or tighter?

Hiking boots should fit snug everywhere, tight nowhere and offer room to wiggle your toes. Try them on at the end of the day (after feet swell) and with the socks you plan to wear. Know your size. It's best to have your foot's length, width and arch length measured on a specially calibrated fit device at REI.

Should you size up or down in hiking shoes?

In fact, when it comes to hiking shoes, you should order up a half-size. That said, they shouldn't be too loose anywhere in the shoe except for your toes. If your foot is sliding around inside your shoe even when they're tied tight, that's not a good fit (also a recipe for blisters and skinned feet).

What is the ideal type of shoes to use when hiking or trekking?

Footwear. You need to wear sturdy shoes, and they should provide your foot with support and protection from rocks, as well as give you traction on dry and wet surfaces. Available options are backpacking boots, hiking shoes, trail running shoes, and sandals.

How much room should be at the end of a hiking shoe?

Be aware of how much room there is between the heel and the back end of the shoe again. A small amount of movement is reasonable, but anything bigger than a quarter-inch may be too much. A good rule of thumb is to allow a full thumb's width of space or one-to-two fingers.

How to choose your hiking boots | Salomon How-To

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