Finding the right hiking shoe is something that you should not rush into unless you enjoy the pain of blisters.Hiking boots are all about the fit. So when shopping for hiking shoes take the time and go to a specialty shop, get fitted by an expert and try on several pairs of shoes until you find ones that feel just right.
I have found that shopping at the end of the day when your feet are tired and a bit swollen helps. Also, try on the shoes with the socks that you plan to wear when hiking. Most good outdoor stores will have a treadmill or incline board so that you can check for heel-slip and toe-bang.
When you are out hiking I find that tightening the laces on steep descents help you get more stability and control, but otherwise loosen them up to allow for foot swell.
Featured Light Hiking Boots – Vasque Mantra
The Vasque Mantra light hiking boots are perfect for hikes during those hot summer days. The breathable mesh in the tongue and forefoot will help keep your feet from overheating while the precise fit ensures that you blisters will not be a problem.
We found that the soft sole makes the Mantra by Vasque more suited for trolling the farmers market or day hiking your favorite trail then for rocky or steep hikes.
The Vasque Mantra is available from Moosejaw for $90.00
Vasque Mantra Specifications
- Weight: 1 lbs. 13 oz. (816gm) men’s 9
Fabrics
- Leather: PU Coated Nubuck
- Midsole: Molded EVA
- Outsole: Vibram Ananasi
- Footbed: Dual Density EVA
- Blur last
Featured Light Hiking Shoes – Montrail Namche Light Hiking Boot
The Montrail Namche hiking shoe has it all with its support, traction, durability, agility and low weight. The only thing that the Montrail Namche isn’t is waterproof, but the synthetic material dries quickly.
The Montrail Namche Hiker has the brain of a trail runner with the body of a hiking boot you can take it anywhere. The Namche’s high-cut ankle gives you excellent lateral support on steep slopes or off-camber jaunts. While the Namche Boot may look like an all out hiking boot, its weight conscious design will have you wondering why your haggard, old trail runners aren’t high cut too.
The Namche’s Integrafit lasts ensure a comfortable fit and have roomy toe boxes with a snug forefoot. This way, when you’re heading down the Bright Angel trail, your toes won’t jam into the front of the shoe, yet the fit will remain snug. These Montrail hiking boots also have lightweight protection plates to bolster torsional rigidity.
Specifications for the Namche Shoe by Montrail
Animal:
- Thru-hiking
- Bushwhacking
- Hot and humid
- Dry and dusty
Comfort:
- Weight-minimizing construction
- Ventilated abrasion-resistant forefoot
- Protection of a boot
- Feel of a running shoe in a mid-height design
Performance:
- Gryptonite GT sticky traction
- Stout ankle support
- Ultrarunning-proven stability and protection