What To Look For
When searching for hiking shoes for light trails or day hikes, opt for flexible shoes that are not stiff or heavy. Lighter hiking shoes are typically made with materials like nylon and suede to encourage breathability. Choose a shoe that fits your foot comfortably and provides ample ankle support. Pick a cross-trainer hiking shoe since these have an ideal weight for light hikes.
Common Pitfalls
The most common mistake people make when buying hiking shoes for light hikes is selecting a pair with little or no ankle support. Since many of the hiking shoes in this category are styled to look like regular sneakers, carefully check the specifications of each shoe to make sure it has good ankle support. Look for hiking shoes that are cut higher on the ankle. This feature will help minimize the amount of dirt and pebbles that can sneak into your shoe during a hike.
Where To Buy
The best place to find hiking shoes for a day hike are at sporting goods stores such as Dick's Sporting Goods, REI or The Great Outdoors. Sporting goods stores carry a wide variety of hiking boots from all of the top brands in the industry. Visit a store before purchasing so that you can try on different pairs and find a pair that fits your specific foot type.
Cost
Hiking shoes for day trips or light hikes typically cost anywhere from $50 to $250. The sizable price range for this category of hiking boots is due to the wide range of quality and features provided. Hiking shoes on the higher end of the price spectrum will typically include technical components like enhanced support for arches and ankles.
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