Footwear Buyers Guide

Sandals

• Excellent ventilation
• Low weight
• A growing number of solid hiking sandals are becoming available, just look for adjustable and durable straps.
• Best suited for water activities and water sports (e.g. kayaking or canoeing)

Trail runners

• Beefed up running shoes
• Sturdy soles
• Extra padding and support

Hiking shoes / light boots

• Easily broken in
• Lack ruggedness of heavier boots, but offer good support
• Great for day hikes, but aren’t designed to handle the extra loads associated with backpacking

Cross hikers / mid-weight boots

• For rougher terrain
• Good for weekend trips
• Added support around ankles and heel

Backpacking boots

• Great for rough terrain
• Sturdier materials
• Great shock absorption, water resistance, and support
• Designed to handle pack weight
• Made from denser materials to handle extra load