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Hiking Footwear Buying Guide

Your guide to discovering the perfect hiker for your next adventure – from park to peak or anywhere in between.
Plus, learn more about our exclusive technologies that make it easier for everyone to get outside.

2 Min. Read | Buying Guides

A Legacy of Quality Outdoor Footwear

Innovative outdoor footwear is what started it all for us back in 1912 when our founder, L.L., first created the Maine Hunting Shoe. We’ve continued that tradition, crafting quality hiking boots and shoes that allow everyone to get out there while keeping their feet comfortable.

Day Hiking

Super versatile and incredibly comfortable.

Modern day-hiking boots and shoes effortlessly blend the comfort and performance of athletic sneakers with the protective features of classic hiking boots. True jacks of all trades, these hikers won’t hold you back when you’re exploring local trails, bagging peaks, or even heading out on an overnight.

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Multiday Hiking

Reliable support and rugged protection.

When it comes to hauling gear over long distances on technical terrain, no hiking boots do it better than these rugged workhorses. They may need a little more break-in time than their day-hiking counterparts initially, but once they’ve adapted to your feet, you’ll have a trusted boot to take you anywhere. Check out our How to Break In Your Hiking Boots video for a step-by-step guide.

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Trail Running

For moving quickly on technical terrain.

While trail running shoes often lack the protections many hiking boots offer, they more than make up for it in weight savings and nimbleness over rocks and roots. It’s not uncommon for hikers to choose a trail running shoe over a day-hiking boot, especially when trying to cover long distances in a single day.

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Walking

Supreme cushion and unbeatable comfort.

Walking shoes tend to be lighter than most boots; however, they often have less aggressive tread, meaning they won’t fair as well on gnarly terrain. If you’re sticking to dirt roads, paved paths, or non-technical trails, a walking shoe could be the perfect choice.

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Day Hiking

Super versatile and incredibly comfortable.

Shop Men's

Shop Women's

Multiday Hiking

Reliable support and rugged protection.

Shop Men's

Shop Women's

Trail Running

For moving quickly on technical terrain.

Shop Men's

Shop Women's

Walking

Supreme cushion and unbeatable comfort.

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Shop Women's

Our Exclusive Technologies

From lightweight uppers to grippy outsoles and everything in between, our innovative technologies make it easier to get out there in complete comfort.

Uppers

NST (No-Seam Technology)

Ultralight and breathable construction with fewer seams to help reduce irritation and pesky hotspots.

Weather Protection

TEK2.5®

A breathable waterproof membrane that keeps feet dry and comfortable.

TEK2.5 Sport

A lighter, more flexible, and more breathable waterproof membrane with all the protection of TEK2.5.

Insoles

True Performance

This shock-absorbing multi-density foam insole offers high-performance cushioning and support.

True Comfort

Our most cushioned and versatile insole offers excellent shock absorption and a plush, supportive ride for a variety of activities.

True Cushioned

This lightweight, molded EVA footbed offers all-day cushion to ensure a comfortable ride.

Midsoles

Comfort Ride

An EVA midsole with incredible cushion and rebound for reliable comfort all day long.

B-Bound

Our softest EVA midsole offers supreme cushioning and energy return mile after mile.

Outsoles

VertiGrip

A grippy, durable rubber outsole that provides reliable traction on multiple surfaces.

VertiGrip Trail

An enhanced version of VertiGrip made with grippier rubber for better traction on rocks and roots.