Sandals and Sneakers and Boots, Oh My: How To Pick A Hiking Shoe

There are plenty of times in life when you can get away with wearing any old thing on your feet, but when attempting a hike, you want to make sure you have the best. With everything from heavy-duty high-top boots to breezy sandals calling themselves “hiking shoes,” how’s a guy to know what’s what?

Luckily for you, we’ve broken down the three main categories of hiking shoes so you’ll know how to pick the right ones for you.

Sandals:

Hiking sandals, like those made by Keen, are the best shoes to wear if you’ll potentially be crossing streams on your trek. The ventilated silhouette lets water flow through and dries quickly, which means that you won’t be stuck with a soggy stomp—and their gripping sole provides great traction to keep you from slipping on wet rocks.

Sneakers:

Low-top trainers, whether made specifically for hiking or not, are great for intermediate to moderately tough hikes. They’re lightweight and easy to fit into a backpacking bag, which makes them a simple addition to the rest of your camping gear.

Boots:

These are the kicks you’ll want for your most intense hikes. With a high top and sturdy ankle support, these babies can be counted on to keep pebbles and sticks from getting into your shoes. They also offer the best protection against animal and insect bites, making them a must on more off-the-path trails.

With so many options, why not stock up on all the different kinds of hiking shoes available? It might just give you the excuse you need to hit the trail more often.

Keen sandals are a great option for your next hike.