Are you an adventurous soul yearning to conquer the trails? If you're a beginner in the world of hiking, finding the perfect pair of shoes can be a daunting task. Fear not, we have got you covered! In this article, we will dive into a comprehensive list of the best hiking shoes for beginners, ensuring that your feet are not only protected but also comfortable on every step of your journey. From The North Face and Danner to Columbia and Timberland, we've handpicked the top contenders to make your hiking dreams a reality. Lace up your boots and get ready for an unforgettable adventure!
The North Face Women's VECTIV Exploris Mid FUTURELIGHT Hiking Boots
I purchased these boots specifically for hiking in the eastern sierras. After breaking my foot in March, I had resigned myself to not being able to handle hikes longer than a mile. However, these boots have exceeded my expectations. They are truly amazing for hiking, as I even wore them while hiking through Jordan. They took some getting used to, especially the way they propel you forward, but once I adjusted, I absolutely loved them.
The North Face Women's VECTIV Taraval Hiking Shoes
.99-$125.00
WAS: $125.00*
I absolutely love these shoes for hiking. They are great for trail hikes and provide a perfect fit and size for both hiking and running. In fact, these are the best shoes I've ever had for my hiking trips. They are incredibly comfortable, even after hiking for 12 hours, and they offer excellent grip on all types of terrain.
Danner Men's Bull Run Moc Toe 6'' EH Work Boots
These are the most comfortable shoes I've worn in a long time. They remind me of the high-quality shoes that were more common years ago. I'm glad I made this purchase. First of all, I have a narrow (A/B) width foot, and these boots are able to provide a perfect fit with the right socks, keeping my foot secure.
Danner Men's Trail 2650 GTX Mid 4" Waterproof Hiking Boots
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WAS: $199.99-$219.99*
These boots are excellent for hiking. They are waterproof and provide exceptional comfort for day hikes. I recently hiked in Kentucky and these boots performed admirably. As a novice hiker, I love to explore, and these Trail 2650 Mid 4" GTX hiking boots were the perfect choice due to their waterproof feature.
Columbia Men's Newton Ridge Plus II Waterproof Hiking Boots
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WAS: .99-$100.00*
These shoes are more comfortable than my daily walking shoes. They provide great cushioning and support, allowing me to hike for miles in them. These are truly great hiking boots. They are very comfortable and feel great during a hike.
Columbia Men's Newton Ridge Plus II Suede Waterproof Hiking Boots
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WAS: .99-$100.00*
I purchased these hiking shoes because I frequently visit Colorado and hike in Estes Park. They are perfect for my needs. They are great starter hiking boots and provide excellent comfort. They were also an affordable choice for me.
Columbia Men's Crestwood Mid Waterproof Hiking Boots
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WAS: .99-.99*
Overall, these are great hiking shoes. They are stylish, comfortable, and offer the right amount of support. Although slightly heavier than some of my previous Columbia hiking boots, they are still extremely comfortable for hikes ranging from 3 to 5 miles over moderate terrain.
Columbia Men's Trailstorm Waterproof Hiking Shoes
These are really nice trail shoes. I bought them for my 19-year-old son as beginner trail shoes, and he loves them. The fit and comfort are excellent. When I cleaned them after the first muddy and snowy hike, I noticed that water was beading up on the fabric. Even after the third hike, water no longer beads up.
Columbia Women's Crestwood Waterproof Hiking Shoes
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WAS: .95-.99*
These are cute hiking shoes. They are well-made and holding up nicely, although they are slightly narrow in the toe area. Nevertheless, they are great shoes and have been working well for hiking, especially through snow patches. They provide excellent grip as well.
Columbia Women's Crestwood Hiking Shoes
These hiking shoes are incredibly comfortable! They offer a great fit and the right amount of support. I highly recommend these hiking shoes.
Timberland Women's Courmayeur Valley Chelsea Boots
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WAS: $129.99-$149.99*
These boots are suitable for any occasion. They are versatile enough to wear for hiking, work, and dinners. In fact, they are particularly well-suited for going out at night in cold places like Chicago. I personally own two pairs and find them to be the most comfortable shoes I own. Unlike hiking shoes or fitness shoes, I can walk on concrete for hours without experiencing any pain. I did, however, replace the original insole with a soft memory foam cushioned Birkenstock insole.
Timberland Men's Mt. Maddsen Mid Waterproof Hiking Boots
.99
WAS: $104.99-$114.99*
I purchased these boots for a hiking trip in Sedona and the Grand Canyon, Arizona. From the moment I tried them on, the footbed felt comfortable, and it remained comfortable throughout my hikes. These boots are reasonably priced for beginner hikers like myself. I didn't want to spend too much in case I ended up not enjoying hiking.
HOKA Women's Anacapa Mid Gore-Tex Hiking Boots
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WAS: $184.99*
I'm still unsure about these boots as I need to hike more with them. They are incredibly light, but not the most stylish shoes. However, they fit very comfortably, although they are not as comfortable out of the box specifically for hiking. Nevertheless, I made them my go-to hiking shoes because they provide excellent cushioning and comfort during my long hikes.
adidas Women's Terrex Free Hiker 2 Hiking Shoes
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WAS: $199.99-$200.00*
These hiking shoes from adidas have a nice balance of functionality and colorful style. You have various cute colors to choose from for your upcoming hikes. They are comfortable and stylish, making them great hiking shoes. Even as a beginner hiker, I find these shoes to be perfect. Although they are not waterproof, I have stepped in puddles without getting my feet wet.
Merrell Women's Moab 2 Ventilator Hiking Shoes
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WAS: $109.99*
These hiking shoes from Merrell are great. They have a wide toe box, which is perfect for long hikes. The fit is good, and they are particularly suitable for beginners. These shoes serve as an excellent first pair of hiking shoes. I do recommend breaking them in a little before embarking on a hike.
SOREL Men's Caribou Waterproof Winter Boots
After using leather hiking boots such as Vasque Sundowners and EMS Gore-Tex boots for years during the winter, I decided to purchase the Caribou boots last fall, and I couldn't be happier! If you're planning to use these boots for a long winter hike, it's recommended to get an arch insert.
In conclusion, for beginners looking to embark on their hiking journey, the selection of the best hiking shoes is crucial for a comfortable and enjoyable experience. From The North Face to Danner and Columbia, there are a variety of options to suit different needs and preferences. Whether you're exploring rugged trails or tackling challenging terrains, these top-notch hiking shoes like the North Face Women's VECTIV Exploris Mid and Danner Men's Bull Run Moc Toe are designed to provide the ultimate support, protection, and durability. So lace up your boots, gear up, and get ready to conquer the great outdoors with confidence. Happy hiking!
