You probably don’t know, but how long you’re able to hike depends a whole lot on how good your shoes are. A hiker’s worst nightmare begins with ill-fitting shoes, blisters, pain, and then of course – rain. You can only imagine the frustration and annoyance that comes with wearing the wrong shoes for a hike, why not make sure you don’t have to experience that?
In a Hurry? Here’s Our Top Three
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You landed on this article because you are looking for hiking shoes for beginners like yourself and we have just that. Picking your first pair of hiking shoes can make or break your next or probably the first hike, so we have carefully picked out some of the best hiking shoes for beginners, while also including some of the things we love and hate about them, so you get as much information as you need before making a choice.
Best Hiking Shoes For Beginners
[amazon table=”422″]Columbia Newton Ridge Plus – Best Hiking Shoes for Women
[amazon box=”B073WGGTQ5″]The first of our best hiking shoes for beginners is the Columbia Newton Ridge Plus. This pair looks perfectly stylish with a feminine design for beginner female hikers. They provide great comfort and excellent cushioning with their durable midsole. They are also lightweight, have rubber soles for non-slip movement, mesh tongues for breathability, and are waterproof for those rainy days. They come in different colors and are fit for any terrain including ice and snow.
These shoes are comfortable, easy to walk in, easy to clean, and require little to no breaking in. We advise wearing high socks, otherwise, they might rub against your ankles a little. If your size doesn’t fit right, you can try to go half a size up to get the best fit. These shoes tend to cause toe creasing if the fit isn’t right. They also stop being waterproof and tend to crack after a long time.
Keen Targhee 2 – Best Women’s Hiking Shoes for Beginners
[amazon box=”B00LH3U23E”]The next on our list of the best hiking shoes for beginners are the Keen Targhee 2 hiking shoes for women. These were designed for excellent comfort and grip all day long. Specifically designed for women, they are very stylish and come in a few color variations to pick from. They come with an added arch support for extra comfort, non-marking rubber soles to prevent wear and tear and they are waterproof with a breathable membrane that keeps water out while letting out vapor. They are durable and suitable for most terrains.
These shoes are orthotics friendly, they come with a cushioned collar to keep your ankles comfortable and irritation-free and mesh lining to keep your feet cool in warm weather. They are firm, sturdy, true to size, and provide enough grip for any condition. They can be a little heavy and the ankle opening is quite wide. Also, we recommend wearing hiking socks instead of normal socks for better fit and comfort.
Keen Steens – Best Shoes to Take Backpacking
[amazon box=”B07TH2RL2W”]The third pair of hiking shoes for beginners on our list is the Keen stains for men. They are solid hiking shoes designed for men and like the pair above, they come with non-marking rubber soles and two colors to pick from (black and white). They are casual-looking, true to size, well-constructed with double stitching, super comfortable, and fit for any environment. They come with a removable EVA footbed for feet support and EVA midsole for cushioning extra comfort. They are also mid-waterproof, lightweight, and proven to last for years.
This pair is equipped with the Keen protect feature, which protects the toes by wrapping the soles over them, and lacing these shoes uptight will provide ankle support. If they don’t fit right out of the box, you can try getting some insoles.
Merrell Moab 2 – Best Hiking Boots for Rocky Trails
[amazon box=”B01HFL88XM”]We love the Merrell Moab 2 and we can’t help but have it on our list of the best hiking shoes for beginners. They are stunning, with a great look and excellent comfort for your feet. They are 100% suede leather/mesh and come in different stylish colors that make it hard to pick just one. They have rubber soles, removable insoles and provide extra stability with air cushions in the heels. They protect your toes with a protective rubber toe cap and have pronounced arch support. They are also lightweight, waterproof, and let out moisture to keep your feet dry throughout your hike.
This pair is true to size but if it feels a bit too snug for you, you can go half a size up for a perfect fit. They are ready to go right out of the box. Pair them with thin and thick socks for different temperatures and you should be just fine. The toe box in these shoes could be a little narrow depending on your feet and you should get better laces as these might get weaker with time.
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Nortiv 8
[amazon box=”B07PCJK9KG”]The last of our best hiking shoes for beginners is the Nortiv 8. These shoes are comfortable, solid, well-constructed, and aesthetically pleasing. They come in black and brown color variations. They are equipped with a rubber toe cap, rubber soles, EVA midsole, and flexible insole to provide you with excellent grip, durability, ankle protection, and arch support. They are lightweight, waterproof, and are efficient with absorbing shock and impact. They also prevent slipping and have multi-directional traction.
These shoes reach up to the ankles and have a lace-up closure that can be adjusted if you prefer to. They are designed with high-quality materials to last for years and survive in any terrain and temperature. They are perfect for regular use and rigorous outdoor activities. They might start to let water in after a while and the laces aren’t very impressive.
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Conclusion
You should put in the time and effort into finding the best hiking shoes for beginners. Luckily, we have streamlined your search. Pick any of the shoes reviewed in this article to have an enjoyable, pain-free hike.
