Outdoor Footwear
No gear item impacts more upon our comfort and enjoyment of our time on the trails than what we put on our feet. Protecting your feet starts with the very first layer: your socks. An appropriate pair of socks brings many benefits. Not only will they reduce the risk of blisters and cold feet, but also help to ensure your hiking shoes/boots aren’t soaked in sweat just a few miles down the trail.
On tougher trails and rougher terrain, wearing the right hiking boots will also ensure you have the protection, stability, support, and grip you need to progress safely and in comfort. They’ll also last longer, keep your feet dry, and help you avoid trip-ending ailments like athlete’s foot, blisters, and stubbed toes.
Everyday gym shoes might suffice on short, mellow hikes on well-maintained trails. But wearing them anywhere else in the wilds is like bringing a knife to a gunfight, i.e. inadvisable.
Luckily, hiking boots are far more adaptable than people are apt to give them credit for. In some cases, all it takes to turn them from instruments of torture to slipper-like is a little tweak in the way you tie your laces. Acquiring this skill takes in the region of five minutes. The benefits of doing so, however, are likely to serve you well for the remainder of your hiking career.
Popular Hiking Footwear Posts
Best Camp Shoes For Taking The Load Off in 2022
Do your trail-wearied feet a favor with a pair of these super-comfy camp shoes for post-hike R&R and lazy days around the campsite.
Best Hiking Boots for Men and Women: 13 Top Picks Of 2022
We know how important footwear is to your hiking game. To help ensure you have the best hiking boots for your needs, we’ve put together a list of the top 13 models on the market.
Best Hiking Sandals of 2022
Our list of this year’s top hiking sandals has something for everyone, from minimalist open-toe sandals to closed-toe models that perform just like scaled-down trail shoes.
Best Cheap Hiking Boots of 2022
In this guide, we’ll show you our 7 favorite low-cost hiking boots and provide all the info you need to choose the perfect pair for you. From ultralight boots to heavy-duty, waterproof models, our list has it all!
Best Crampons for Hiking & Mountaineering of 2022
When the conditions underfoot get treacherous, never lose your footing again with our guide to the Best Crampons for Mountaineering & Winter Hiking!
How to Tie Hiking Boots
Did you know you should lace your boots differently depending on the situation? We show you 5 techniques to tie your hiking boots for maximum comfort.
Wanting more Footwear Related Articles?
Boots
Best Hiking Boots for Men and Women: 13 Top Picks Of 2022
We know how important footwear is to your hiking game. To help ensure you have the best hiking boots for your needs, we’ve put together a list of the top 13 models on the market.
Best Cheap Hiking Boots of 2022
In this guide, we’ll show you our 7 favorite low-cost hiking boots and provide all the info you need to choose the perfect pair for you. From ultralight boots to heavy-duty, waterproof models, our list has it all!
Best Hiking Boots for Wide Feet [2022 Edition]
Struggling to find hiking boots designed for wider feet? Worry not, in this helpful guide we’ve reviewed all our favorite extra-wide hiking boots for men and women.
How to Break In Hiking Boots
Before rushing out to try your new boots on the trail, you should really consider how to break in your hiking boots at home… Here we break down how.
How Should Hiking Boots Fit
An ill fitting pair of boots can tear you feet to shreds out on the trail, before you buy make sure you know how hiking boots SHOULD fit.
How to Waterproof Hiking Boots
After giving your boots a thorough clean, waterproof them by spraying them over with a waterproofing compound or by applying wax or cream. To ensure their longevity, make sure to make a habit of cleaning and waterproofing them after every half-dozen hikes.
How to Tie Hiking Boots
Did you know you should lace your boots differently depending on the situation? We show you 5 techniques to tie your hiking boots for maximum comfort.
Parts of a Hiking Boot Explained
When looking for a new pair of boots, understanding the “anatomy” of a hiking boot comes in handy – we walk you through all the terms and jargon.
Hanwag Tatra GTX Review: Hiking Boots
Hanwag Tatra GTX hiking boots are made to last, their all leather exterior making them among the most durable in our review, see how well they performed.
Lowa Tibet GTX Review: Hiking Boots
Lowa Tibet GTX are a very stable, and comfortable hiking boot without being overly heavy. Check out how well they fared in our review
Asolo Fugitive GTX Review: Hiking Boots
The Asolo Fugitive GTX is a breathable and flexible hiking boot suitable for minimalist hiking purposes. Find out how it performed in our full review.
…or click here for more boots related articles.
Shoes & Sandals
Best Camping Slippers & Down Booties: The Ultimate Guide
Need some extra heat for your feet on your camping adventures? If so, it’s time to invest in a great pair of camping slippers. In this guide, we review our top 9 picks for this year.
Best Camp Shoes For Taking The Load Off in 2022
Do your trail-wearied feet a favor with a pair of these super-comfy camp shoes for post-hike R&R and lazy days around the campsite.
Best Lightweight Hiking Shoes: Our Top 11 Picks
Looking to lighten the load on your legs on your hiking adventures? We break down 11 of the best hiking shoes at, under, or around the 2 lbs mark to help you find the best option for you.
Best Hiking Sandals of 2022
Our list of this year’s top hiking sandals has something for everyone, from minimalist open-toe sandals to closed-toe models that perform just like scaled-down trail shoes.
Best Trail Running Shoes For Hiking: The Ultimate Guide
If you think trail running shoes are just for ultrarunners, think again! Keep your feet happy while hiking all day long with our recommendations for trail runners for hiking.
…or click here for more shoes or sandals related articles.
Socks
Best Sock Liners to Prevent Blisters and Chafing When Hiking
If your days on the trails are frequently blighted by blisters, it may be time to try sock liners. In this post, we introduce you to our favorites.
Best Cold-Weather Socks for Freezing Winter Hikes
Winter hiking poses enough challenges without having to deal with cold feet. Make sure your feet are kept toasty warm from start to finish with one of the awesome pairs of socks featured in our review.
Best Hiking Socks for Happy Hiker Feet [2022 Edition]
In this guide, we introduce you to 9 pairs of hiking socks for all seasons and every budget. From no-show socks for summer hiking to high-cut crews for colder weather, our list has a sock for every occasion!
How to Prevent & Treat Hiking Blisters
What Causes Hiking Blisters? Blisters are caused by a combination of different factors, all of which you’re likely to encounter during a hike. These are pressure, heat, and moisture. Blisters…
How to Wash Merino Wool Socks
Worried about mangling, shrinking, or shredding your prized and pricey merino socks in the wash? Learn how to do it the safe way in this short, straight-talking guide.
Best Socks for Sweaty Feet [2022 Edition]
Find the ideal socks to keep your feet happy, healthy, and sweat-free out on the trail in this to-the-point buyer’s guide to the best sweat-busting hiking hosiery on the market.
7 Benefits of Wool Socks for Hiking
In this seven-point guide, learn why wool is a wonder-fabric when it comes to the welfare of your feet when getting your wander on in the wilds.
Best Compression Socks for Hiking
Certain threads can be game-changers when it comes to your comfort and welfare in the wilds. Compression socks are just those kinda threads. Learn why and find 5 awesome options to choose from in this honest, straight-talking buyer’s guide.
Best Wool Socks For Happy Hiking Feet
The happiest hiking feet are hiking feet clad in wool. In this post, we aim to convert you to our woolly ways with a guide to why wool’s wonderful and a selection of the top 9 wool hiking socks.
…or click here for more socks related articles.
Ice & Snow
Crampons vs Microspikes: Which Should You Wear on Winter Hikes?
In this simple, straight-talking guide, we contrast and compare crampons and microspikes, and reveal which type of traction device is best for your activity type, whether that be hiking, trail running, or mountaineering.
Best Ice Climbing Boots: How to Choose and Our Top 8 Picks
In this guide, we introduce you to the best boots out there for adventures on the frozen stuff. From lightweight boots for mountaineering and occasional ice climbs to double boots for high-altitude endeavors, our list has something for everyone!
Best Crampons for Hiking & Mountaineering of 2022
When the conditions underfoot get treacherous, never lose your footing again with our guide to the Best Crampons for Mountaineering & Winter Hiking!
SnowShoeing 101: How to Snowshoe
Hiking in winter doesn’t have to be off the cards, but it does require some different skills – learn how to snowshoe with our in-depth guide.
How to Use Crampons Correctly
Icy conditions? Knowing how to use your crampons correctly will make a huge difference – learn how with our guide.
How to Pack Crampons Safely
How are we to ensure our cherished, pricey camping gear, clothing, etc. stay puncture and tear-free while carrying crampons?
In this article, we’ll explain how it’s done with a simple, fuss-free guide.
…or click here for more cold weather footwear related articles.
Check out our full list of outdoors footwear-related articles here or head back to the main apparel page here.