If you’re in need of new hiking footwear, you might feel daunted by the sheer number of choices available to you! Check out some of these popular hiking boots and hiking shoes for your Birmingham hikes!
Hiking Boots vs. Hiking Shoes
Depending on the kind of hiking that you do, you’ll either need hiking boots or hiking shoes – but what’s the difference? Hiking boots are what you traditionally think of for hiking footwear. They go up to/past the ankles to provide ankle support. Hiking boots are great for rough or choppy terrain, wet hikes, and all-weather hiking. However, hiking boots can be heavier, harder to pack, and harder to style if you’re trying to go from a hike into town for a meal or shopping.
Hiking shoes, on the other hand, are lighter, quick-drying, easy to pack, and don’t require a break-in period. Hiking shoes mostly look like chunky athletic shoes with a larger sole. While hiking shoes are great for casual hikes or easy hikes, they don’t have enough ankle support or traction to get you through a more intense hike.
If you regularly hit the trails and tackle intermediate to difficult hikes, hiking boots are your best choice. If you mostly stick to easy or casual hikes, hiking shoes can save bulk in your bag and money in your wallet.
Best Hiking Boots
Finding the right pair of hiking boots will depend a lot on your personal preferences and the types of hikes you take, but these pairs are well-recommended in many hiking communities:
- Keen Targhee Vent Mid – this ventilated pair of boots is great for hot-weather hiking (which, let’s face it, is most of the year here in the ‘Ham) and will provide solid ankle support and good traction over any surface.
- Vasque Talus Trek UltraDry Hiking Boot – if you need extra ankle support for your hikes, try this pair on for size!
- Ahnu by Teva Montara III Event – these boots have superior traction management and waterproofing, making them an all-around excellent pick for tough hikes.
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Best Hiking Shoes
These hiking shoes are sure to give you the support you need on your next Birmingham hike!
- Merrell Moab 2 Ventilator – these shoes are easy, breathable, and have plenty of grip, so they’re perfect for hikes on hot days.
- Oboz Sawtooth II Low B-Dry Hiking Shoe – if you’re heading out for a hike after a big spring or summer rain, these shoes will help keep your feet dry as you stroll.
- Chaco Z/Cloud 2 Hiking Sandal – while Chacos are sandals and not technically shoes, they are great for hiking around a lot of Birmingham’s easier trails, then heading downtown for a patio brunch.
Have you found your next pair of hiking shoes? Which Birmingham hike will you tackle next?
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