Thinking of taking on the great outdoors? The first thing you’re going to need is a good pair ofwalking shoes or hiking boots. Good quality footwear is the most essential part of any walking kit, so choosing the best pair for your needs is of the utmost importance. Luckily for you, we’ve put together this guide to ensure you know what to look for when buying walking boots.
How do I choose hiking shoes?
When choosing a pair of hiking, walking or trekking shoes, you need to think about the kind of walking you’ll be doing. Figure out which kind of socks will you be wearing too, to make sure you get the perfect fit - this will help determine which shoes you’ll need.
Trekking through lowlands, forests and well-maintained walking paths? Then a pair of lightweight walking shoes with a reasonable amount of flexibility should do the trick. In less challenging terrain, a good amount of flexibility will help your foot move more naturally, keeping your feet comfortable for longer.
However, if you’re attempting to go off the beaten path, tackling boggy ground or uneven and rocky paths on higher ground, you’ll be better off with a more robust pair ofmen's hiking bootsorwomen’s hiking boots. These will be slightly more rigid than standard walking shoes, providing ankle support, a more robust sole, and will be altogether more durable.
What to look for when buying walking boots
There are three key things to take into consideration when buying walking boots – foot size, fit and materials. While you may think size and fit are relatively the same, when it comes to buying shoes specifically designed for walking and hiking, there are some key differences.
