Current Favorites: Outdoor Footwear
Choice of gear, clothing, and footwear can make or break your hiking experience. Improper shoes, poor insulation or lack of breathability could put you in a potentially harrowing situation. I’ve personally been there - it’s not good. And it’s also relatively easy to avoid with some planning.
Every individual will have their own preferences on what works best for their body, feet, and budget - I list some tips below for outlining ways you can avoid making your wallet cry.
If there is one thing you take away from my posts, let it be that what works best for me might be different from what works best for you. Always listen to your body - just because someone says it’s “the best” may not mean it works best for you. Keep this in mind!
Note: This post and the series that will follow on gear is meant to point you in the right direction and provide useful information, so I include corresponding purchase links below; however, I am NOT getting commission if you click through - these are truly what I currently use and wear !
Now, onto the fun stuff!
Descending Wittenberg, Sept. 2021
BEST FooT FORWARD
I love shoes. All types of shoes. But few things bring me more joy than my hiking boots and trail runners (and read on below for the post-hike shoe I reach for!)
What to look out for:
Try them on in person if you can; sizes will vary by brand. Bring or wear the socks you will most likely be wearing. Your feet will swell naturally with movement, so if they are too tight off the bat, you will most likely need to size up.
Ask an associate at your local outdoors shop (I go to REI or Eastern Mountain Sports typically) for their expert guidance! They are there to help you! Ask questions on the footwear but also on the at-home care and anything you should note to preserve them as long as possible.
Once purchased, flaunt them around your home or on short walks before taking them for a spin on a 15 mile hike. Or if you do this, throw a backup pair in your pack should any blisters form and it becomes unbearable. Also understand the return policy where you purchased in case it turns out they just aren’t “the ones.”
These may or may not apply to you based on what you’re looking for, but some things to consider: Are they waterproof? Are they insulated? (if winter hiking.) What activities is this shoe intended for? (Trail runs? Flat road?) How much ankle support do these provide?
Conducting online research and reading reviews is useful, but try to keep an open mind in case you try on a pair you thought you’d love but they end up not fitting right. You never know if your next pair will be a totally unexpected brand that you fall in love with!
Even once you find the perfect pair, I always try to keep the following items in my pack in case a blister or cut forms unexpectedly: extra pair of socks, band aids, moleskin, toe bandages (available @ Walgreens and I cut them to size) antibiotic ointment, gauze and tape. (Yes, I learned this lesson the hard way!)
Tip: If you don’t mind second-hand items, REI has a “garage sale” section in some locations where they resell previously (gently) used gear at lower prices - all with tags indicating the reasons why they were returned. I always browse here and have actually bought two pairs of hiking shoes that I LOVE from this section (one finally just ripped after 3+ years of intense use… RIP.) 
My Keens in action during a hike in the Catskills!
May 2021
KEEN Terradora II Waterproof Mid Hiking Boots
When I wear them: 4-season hikes (but for mild winter temperatures only) during long-distance hikes and anywhere up to 4,000+ feet elevation gain. Through mud, rain, and everything in between (minus heavy snow.)
Overview: These Keens provide sturdy ankle support and are a tried and true staple in my rotation. They dry rather quickly when wet (as expected since waterproof) but I always carry extra socks in case I accidentally get soaked. Available on their website and many (if not most) outdoor stores. The brand strives to create a healthier planet through material sourcing and other initiatives which I love!
Fit: ample room for my wider feet and are mostly true to size or run slightly bigger than your normal size (I’m usually a 9.5 and wear a 9, but the 9.5 also fits since one foot is larger than the other.)
Price: Middle of the road when it comes to hiking footwear, but worth the investment! Certain styles can sometimes be found on sale.
Color selection: in my opinion, colors are better than most other brands I’ve seen! Many neutrals as well as pairs featuring bright colors.
During late fall and Northeastern winter months, I have a pair of (since discontinued) insulated magenta KEEN boots that I wear and love. I can’t find them anywhere online so I may have snagged the last pair in 2020!
La Sportiva trail runners a la Windham High Peak!
Aug. 2021
La Sportiva Trail Running Shoes
When I wear them: 3-season hikes, shorter trails, but also can be worn on longer trails or as a backup pair in my pack (if I don’t need ankle support that I get from my boots.)
Overview: these definitely feel like heavier sneakers in a sense while being much lighter-weight than a boot. They have very good tread for hiking terrain, but could also be worn on flatter trails for a run. While I throw these on for quicker, lower elevation hikes, I’ve also worn these for some of the Catskills and Adirondacks High Peaks hikes (e.g part of the Lower Great Range and Mount Marshall.) Although mine are not water proof, I find they dry pretty fast, but just keep this in mind if it’s raining or you’re going to cross a stream (or you can water proof them as directed on their site.)
Fit: Note these are in European sizes (I wear a size 41.) The pair I own feels a bit narrow on my wider feet, so my advice would be to try these on in person and see which pair feels best for you as there are a few different styles/fits to choose from.
Price: middle of the road - can often get on sale during different times of the year. Most outdoor outfitter stores will carry the brand, but may only sell a few styles.
Color selection: I love the color combinations and the mix of solid neutrals with brighter accents. I believe they have enough of a variety while also offering more neutral colors should that be what you’re looking for.
When I wear them: in the city, sometimes flat/ dry trails; workouts, casual walks, errands, and drives.
Overview: These are my everyday walking and running shoes, for mostly flat terrain - also comfortable for my long drives to the trails! I’m already on my second pair. It should be noted that these are not meant for colder temperatures (or at least in my experience.) They are more for mild and warmer weather as they are not insulated. The brand also has a selection of hiking specific footwear to check out here intended for more rugged terrain! (more $$ than some other brands in this department.)
Fit: I do feel like I’m walking on a cloud in these! They suit my wide feet perfectly and are incredibly lightweight and comfortable. True to size. My partner owns a (men’s) pair and has low arches - he finds them equally as comfortable.
Price: I find these a bit more expensive than traditional trainers, but you can sometimes find older styles on sale. Available to purchase on their site (they offer a 30 day return policy if they don’t work out for you.) The brand also seems to be expanding distribution to more outdoor stores and department stores.
Color selection: mostly neutrals and solid colors. The color of the pair I currently wear is Glacier White. If you’re looking for more fun/ bright color combinations, I would recommend checking out APL instead (another favorite brand of mine as they fit and feel amazing!)
Day after a 20-ish mile ADK High Peaks loop
Aug. 2020
Chaco (post-hike/rest day)
When I wear them: long and short casual walks, in the city/town, or very gentle, short trails; also as backup footwear.
Overview: While I love wearing shoes, I equally love the feeling of taking off my boots or trail runners, stepping out of them shakily, peeling off my socks and letting my feet breathe after a long rugged hike! Since I usually drive to the trailhead (sometimes 2+ hours) I need to allow my feet to heal while also making the drive back home. These are perfectly sturdy for this type of situation or great to strap onto your pack if you’re camping/on a long trek and need a pair of non-covered footwear.
Fit: true to size! Adjustable strap feels good and doesn’t feel too restrictive or tight.
Price: different styles have various price points. Can purchase on their website, Zappos, and selectively at outdoors stores.
Color selection: mostly neutral with a few colors/ patterns in certain styles. Would love to see more fun colors, but perhaps this will be on tap for them in the upcoming season!
Your sock choice matters! Invest in a few great pairs and your feet will thank you for keeping them safe, dry and maybe even blister-free in the long-run (sometimes.) This warrants it’s own post one day, but shown here is the Smartwool brand that I wear frequently.