There are several items to take into consideration when preparing for a hike but one of the most significant factors to consider is choosing the best hiking shoes. Choosing the most appropriate footwear is going to make or break the success of your trip so it is crucial that you match the correct set of hiking shoes with your hike.

A lightweight and flexible shoe is great for a short and easy expedition over a well trodden and easier route but will leave one’s feet hurting and you may slip or twist an ankle if hiking through harsh and unpredictable ground over a prolonged period, yet a sturdy and well supportive set of boots may well be overkill on a light and easy day trip but will provide you with all-day comfort and support on a hike up the side of a mountain.

Below are a few of the questions you need to take into consideration when buying your next pair of hiking shoes: 

What terrain are you going to be hiking on?

Will you be hiking well-worn trails, bushwalking, mountain or gorge walking or coarse unchartered terrain? Will there be steep inclines or mountains, and will you need waterproofing for crossing streams? Are you going to be hiking through rough parched desert, or are you going to be hiking through deep damp rainforest?

Just how long is your expedition?

Will you be organizing a day trip or an overnight hike with camping?

What will the weather do?

Will it be warm, dry and dusty or are you hiking through wet soggy pastures? This would establish whether you will need light and breathable hiking shoes or a set which can keep your feet dry!

Just how much weight are you going to be carrying?

Will you need added support from your hiking shoes for the large backpack as well as other gear you might be carrying or are you travelling light with just a daypack?Heavier, more robust hiking boots will give more support to you when compared with lightweight hiking shoes when you are carrying heavy backpacks jam-packed with all your camping gear.

Do you need good ankle support?

Rough loose terrain or flat easy trails? Hiking shoes with a lack of ankle support can easily leave you with an injury if the terrain is difficult and unpredictable however a highly supportive boot may well be overkill and be unnecessarily heavy if you don’t plan on going off the beaten track.

How often will you use your new hiking shoes?

Do you plan only one or two hikes per year or are you an avid trekker that needs long lasting strength from your hiking shoes or boots? Whilst a great pair of hiking boots will certainly be with you for quite a time whatever your level, it is important for you to consider the amount of use you will get from your new pair before over-spending on a massively durable boot if you are only going to make use of them every six months but on the other hand, if you happen to underspend on a cheaper and less trusty pair then they can deteriorate pretty quickly if you take them out on an overnight trek every weekend.

The answers to these questions will determine which are the best hiking shoes for your needs!