Hiking Shoes for a Beginner

Lmjoe on 26/11/2022 - 10:55
Last edited 26/11/2022 - 13:49

I'm not sure if this is the correct sub-forum to be posted in, but I'm looking at buying my first pair of hiking shoes and with Black Friday sales on now this seems like a good time. They are mainly to be used walking my dog on pavement, so not really for hiking that much. What should I look for and can anyone recommend a good brand/pair for my needs?

Cheers.

EDIT: The reason I thought to buy hiking shoes is for durability. I don't want to buy trainers because most these days are garbage. Should I just stay away from the "well known" trainer brands?

Sports & Outdoors Footwear

Comments

  • Hybroid on 26/11/2022 - 10:59
    +1

    So not hiking shoes then? Standard pavement shoes. Whatever’s comfortable for you. Some people like trainers, some flat skateboarding shoes and some sandals. Different for different people.

  • bobbified on 26/11/2022 - 11:04
    +1

    So not hiking shoes then? Standard pavement shoes.

    OP likes to call it "hiking". Guess it sounds more 'active' than just "walking the dog". LOL

  • try2bhelpful on 26/11/2022 - 11:04

    Not sure where you are located, or what size shoe you are, but I've got a few of the Keen shoes from "Escape2". In their DFO outlets they have sample size 7s in women and, I think 10s in men, that are $50. The ones I've had break in easy and last years.

    Worth a look.

  • Tee Rex Arms on 26/11/2022 - 11:43
    +2

    Hiking shoes and dog walking shoes are two very different things.

  • frondono on 26/11/2022 - 11:45
    +2

    Probably want to look at some trail running shoes.

  • dtc on 26/11/2022 - 12:31

    I can generally wear any type of shoe without an issue but hiking shoes/boots I always have to try on because they do weird things, like high arches or narrow heels etc.

    What you probably want is a soft hiker shoe like the keens or Salomon; that said they don’t offer much more (if anything) over a normal pair of running shoes

  • AndyC1 on 26/11/2022 - 12:40
    +2

    You will regret buying hiking shoes for walking, but if you still want hiking shoes go for it.

    • suchcha on 26/11/2022 - 13:10

      This. Get a pair of skecher. Unless you plan to run too, then get normal running shoes.

  • Cave Fire on 26/11/2022 - 13:42
    +2

    Just did this. Hiking boots are necessary for tough conditions eg rough tracks, mountains or snowy wet weather (waterproofing). A hiking boot limits range of motion so you can get things like sprained ankles easier. They also need to be worn in and are not breathable. The recommendation for beginners and lighter trails is a "light" trail running shoe.

    • bargaino on 26/11/2022 - 14:40

      I've done plenty of hiking in "rough tracks, mountains" without boots. You just need a reasonably stiff but grippy sole, and good fit.

      Wet snow? even then, hiking shoes with gaiters, if not too cold :)

      • Cave Fire on 26/11/2022 - 16:55

        Ok cool, this was an article making general recommendations. In the end, it suggests trail running shoes for most cases.

        • bargaino on 26/11/2022 - 17:49

          Sorry, not quite sure i follow you.
          I started out with traditional leather boots, then got lighter ones that just covered the ankles. But now I favour shoes, with gaiters when needed. Worked fine in the snow, even if I got wet feet sometimes.
          These hiking shoes are still heavier than "trail running shoes", I think.

          • Cave Fire on 26/11/2022 - 18:10

            @bargaino: So the article recommend hiking boots/shoes for medium to rougher cases eg mountains. Or inclement weather. They do point out that boots can get stuck in between rocks and this can cause injuries. So the trail running shoes are a healthy medium that also gives a weight saving.

  • Euphemistic on 26/11/2022 - 15:12

    Not hiking boots. Just walking shoes. Hiking boots are massive overkill for footpaths. Running shoes are probably overkill too.

    • kiitos on 29/11/2022 - 18:06

      Any recommended walking shoes?

  • Enterz on 26/11/2022 - 18:32

    Merrell make excellent hiking shoes and boots and some are half price at Anaconda this weekend.

    • Enterz on 26/11/2022 - 18:33

      I wear them daily, so no need to actually hike in them. Excellent for pavements

  • Nicoletta on 27/11/2022 - 08:08

    Merrell for actual hiking shoes - my husband wears them daily and they last forever.

    ASICS Fuji Trabuco for trail running shoes - regular-style runners that are actually durable. My teenage son trashes regular runners in a matter of weeks, but these last until he outgrows them.

  • rambutann on 27/11/2022 - 11:39

    So I have hiking boots, specifically Scarpa Moraine GTX.
    Mainly used for walking off the pavement.

    The main reason I went for them is the Gore Tex, I hate having wet feet and I often have to walk through mud/puddles.
    They are durable, but the Gore Tex is the main reason I have them. When these are wrecked i'll definitely buy another pair.

    Even if you dont really care too much about the Gore Tex, i'd recommend a pair of shoes that features it because it has to pass stringent quality tests for the manufacturer to be able to put the Gore Tex logo on the product. Adidas do a range of running Gore Tex shoes at a lower price than hiking boots - https://www.adidas.com.au/gore_tex

  • brad1-8tsi on 27/11/2022 - 19:44

    My light duty hiking shoes are medium ankle Colorado. For walking the dog I'd just get a low-cut ankle.

  • 82norm on 28/11/2022 - 13:02

    Thongs.

  • AS2035 on 28/11/2022 - 21:08

    kathmandu.

  • Cave Fire on 29/11/2022 - 14:09

    puma axis xt lasted me 2yrs with three 10k runs every week. The soles split from the upper when I used a leg extension machine at the gym (with heavy weight). So anything mostly rubber/old school like Nike air monarch is durable. Also like shoes with energy return, as they push you forward.

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