Work Boots

I many construction and industrial areas a Construction Hat and Safety boots are required before you can enter the danger zone. The hard hat is a visible element but the safety boots aren't always obvious because they are made in many different styles. The key element of the safety boots are steel toes and often steel soles for extra support and protection. I always wondered about getting a toe crushed when in a steel toed boots, but if the situation is enough to crush the steel, then not having the protection wouldn't have made it any better.

Men's Hiking Shoes

Hiking shoes come in both men's and women's styles. Other than fit, the biggest difference between the two are the colors and even then it is more of a marketing thing than anything else.

Top name brands of hiking shoes are

• Asolo


• Boreal


• Columbia


• Danner


• Garmont


• Hi-Tec


• Justin


• L.L. Bean


• Merrel


• Montail


• Salomon


• Tecnica

My current favorite pair of boots are my Justin Snake Boots. They just rock for the the type of hiking that I am doing most of the time.

Hiking Shoes and Climbing shoes

Hiking shoes are very different from climbing shoes. I am going to cover hiking shoes first and then climbing shoes second.

Hiking shoes are made as light weight day hikers that give decent support, are light weight and have materials that allow some air circulation while you are hiking to keep your feet cooler. Hiking shoes are an all around good choice for your day hikes in a variety of terrain.

Climbing shoes on the the other hand a quite different. They are purpose built for rock climbers. They are very light weight and their primary function is to give the climber a good grip on the climbing surface. They actually look very different from other types of shoes. Although "wedge shoes" might sound like the kind of shoes you might want for rock climbing, they are very different that what you really need.

Hiking shoes for Urban hiking

When you are hiking, even in town you want the right type of shoe. We aren't talking about evening pumps here, but specially made shoes for hiking.

Hiking shoes come is a variety of styles. On the lighter end of the spectrum are hiking shoes that are made for urban hiking. This kind of hiking is on a combination of concrete and groomed trails. This kind of hiking calls for a light weight shoe with a medium to light tread pattern.

If you end up with a boot or shoe that is overkill for urban hiking you will drag extra weight around, you will get tired sooner and your feet will be hot before they need to be. Get the right boot or hiking shoe for urban trails and you will enjoy your hikes even more.

Waterproof hiking boots and hiking shoes

Hiking boots are can be made with waterproof materials and contraction techniques that also help repel water well. They tend to not breath as well as non-waterproof boots due to the types of materials used so you don't really want these types of boots on o ward summer hike.

Waterproof hiking shoes tend to use a lining inside of the shoe to keep the water away from your foot. The outer materials used to make these lighter weight boots and hiking shoes will get pretty soaked but your feet should still stay dry. There is no protection above the shoe so if you don't snug the laces at the top and get into water above your shoe you will end up with wet feet.

A compliment to all of your other your wet weather hiking gear is a waterproof running GPS watch. A GPS watch is easy to wear and it works way better than a compass when it comes to keeping you safe and found.

Hiking Shoes and Boots

Hiking Boots are larger and heavier duty than hiking shoes. Hiking boots provide a lot of ankle support because they go a few inches above your ankle. This helps keep you from rolling your ankle when you are hiking on rugged terrain. Hiking boots weight more than hiking shoes but are perfect for Backpacking and other heavy duty hiking.

Hiking shoes are lighter weight than hiking boots. They are made with materials that aren't as durable but this makes them easier to break in. They are made for lighter duty hiking like day hiking. Hiking shoes are a popular option for urban or near urban hiking.