When we started to pursue an active lifestyle more seriously, one of the things that invested heavily in were a tent, a backpack and hiking shoes. Oh yeah, and don’t forget to include our iconic backpack carrier, too.

But just like when you go shopping for any item, finding your perfect match can be a challenge. When it came to hiking boots, I wasn’t quite sure what to go for either. Who knew there were so many kinds to choose from? One thing I was dead set on not having though was a high cut pair that covered the ankles; it was too awkward for me.

So, how do you choose the right pair of shoes or boots for you? I read a lot of blogs prior to purchasing a pair and found out how important it is to actually get to know the parts of a shoe first so you know exactly what to look for when you are out shopping.

Another thing to consider when buying would be the type of activities you are planning to use it on. Will you be running a lot on it? Hiking moderately or heavily? Going on alpine trails or just on occasional easy climbs? Our biggest factor to choosing a pair of hiking shoes was to find a breathable kind that will allow us to go wade through waters and then walk on dry land as if nothing happened. For that, we had to choose mesh uppers to allow water to flow back out in case they do get in.

Nothing else mattered from there but after breaking it in and trying it on for a few hikes, we also realized that the fit is very important. We highly suggest giving your toes some wiggle room and that you purchase it (any shoe for that matter) late in the afternoon or in the evening, when they are the largest as the feet tend to swell throughout the day. Surely, you do not want to end up with dead toenails at the end of a tough hike, especially one with a lot of downhill trails.

We never really took shoe care seriously but you should. After all, hiking shoes are not cheap and tend to go upwards from ₱3,000. Surely you do not want to be throwing away your hard-earned money, right?

I know this is a lot to take in which is why I am sharing this very helpful infographic brought to you from our friends over at Walsh Brothers Shoes. Happy shopping!

About the Author

Pam is an outdoors-loving millennial momma who loves to hike, trek and camp in the beaches and mountains with her partner and their 3-year-old daughter. When not exploring the great outdoors, she moonlights as a freelance writer specializing in the travel, parenting, personal finance and digital marketing niches. You can also follow her via social media: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest!