Hiking footwear is built for traction, stability, and protection on uneven terrain, helping you stay sure-footed whether you're on a casual day trail or a multi-day backcountry trek.
Choosing the right hiking shoe primarily comes down to how rugged your terrain is, how much weight you'll carry, and how much ankle support you want. Start with these two choices and you're most of the way there.
Waterproof footwear (often with a Gore-Tex membrane) keeps feet dry in mud and snow, while non-waterproof options dry faster and run cooler in dry heat. Either way, a waterproofing treatment extends its life when weather resistance fades.
Four types of trail footwear, and the kind of hiker each one is built for.