Hiking is an athletic and demanding sport which requires the right shoes. The right shoes can make a huge difference while hiking; do not go unprepared on your next hike. These shoes are for day hiking not backpacking. This article will take a look at the 5 best hiking shoes, what they offer, price range, and where to get them.
1. OBoz Bridger Hiking Shoes Mens
These hiking shoes by OBoz are an excellent solution for the light hiker in any season. These shoes offer impeccable arch and ankle support to ensure the most comfort while on the trail. The bottoms of these hiking shoes are integrated which keeps the foot stable on questionable terrain; the last thing any hiker wants is to get a twisted ankle. These shoes are breathable, however are fully waterproof and cushioned for any long hike. These shoes retail for around $95 and can be found at www.travelcountry.com.
2. Merrell ‘Moab Ventilator’ Hiking Shoe
Merrell has a reputation for building some of the best hiking shoes and hiking equipment. This shoe is no different, it is a lightweight all day hiking shoe. The top is furnished with leather and mesh, which gives it a somewhat water resistant exterior however water will still seep through the mesh. The mesh on the top and side of the shoe allows for excellent breathability, which is great while hiking. The rubber bumped on the front protects the toes and cushions the foot on high impact terrain. This hiking shoe can be found at http://shop.nordstrom.com.
3. Columbia Tagori Hiking Shoe
Columbia offers a great selection of hiking shoes that fit great for a good price. These are the current shoes I use when I hike and I couldn’t be more pleased. These hiking shoes are lightweight which makes them versatile on hot summer days; heavyweight hiking shoes not only drain you of more energy but they are not always the most effective. This shoe has a nylon shank for support on even the most rigid trail. This shoe is a great lightweight hiking shoe, however is not waterproof, so I recommend this shoe for light hikes and nothing overnight. This hiking shoe sells for around $65 and can be found at www.backcountrystore.com.
4. Bean’s Waterproof Hikers, Men’s Low-Cut
L.L. Bean is a fantastic outdoors store that offers a lifetime guarantee on all of their products; these shoes come with that guarantee. These affordable hiking shoes have a special membrane to allow the feet to stay cool even on the hottest days while still keeping the shoe waterproof. These hiking shoes are durable and have support for both the foot and ankle, they also feature gel insoles for maximum comfort. These hiking shoes can be found at www.llbean.com for around $74.
5. Gore-Tex Mountain Treads, Low-Cut
These shoes from L.L. Bean are the most expensive on this list; however provide the most support for even the toughest terrain. These shoes have immense traction support, a stable and rugged traction support for even the most rocky and uneven trails. These shoes are designed to fit nearly perfectly while offering all the support a hiking shoe should. These shoes retail for around $120; however they come with L.L. Beans lifetime warranty which makes this a smart purchase. These hiking shoes can be found at www.llbean.com.
Sources:
www.llbean.com
www.backcountrystore.com
http://shop.nordstrom.com
www.travelcountry.com
