Backpackers are no strangers to barking dogs. And, no, we don鈥檛 mean actual . We鈥檙e talking about sore and tired feet after a long day on the trail. Putting in the miles while backpacking, especially during months-long thru-hikes, can take a toll on your feet. All hikers run the risk of foot issues, from hot spots and heel pain to aching Achilles and bacteria buildup. When it comes to hiker foot health, there are many to feeling good again. We鈥檙e here to dig into camp shoes and footwear, specifically.

The idea of bringing camp shoes on a backpacking trip is a somewhat contentious topic. Some backpackers and thru-hikers think they鈥檙e a waste of weight. Others won鈥檛 hit the trail without them. I, myself, am a proud member of the pro camp shoe camp. In my experience, nothing beats the feeling of swapping or trail shoes for a pair of comfy camp shoes after a high-mileage day. I always look forward to slipping my feet into a lightweight, cushioned, and supportive pair of sandals or slip-ons to let my feet breathe, air out, and relax while at camp. My personal favorites include for trails with water crossings, for shorter backpacking trips, and sandals for longer treks where weight is top of mind. Like tents, backpacks, and sleeping bags, every camp shoe serves its unique purpose.

But do camp shoes actually help with foot health and recovery? And are they really worth the extra weight?

We talked with a certified sports medicine podiatrist to settle this debate once and for all.

What Are Camp Shoes?

Camp shoes鈥攎ost commonly sandals, slip-ons, or a true thru-hiker favorite, Crocs鈥攁re lightweight and comfortable footwear commonly worn around the campsite after a day of hiking. Camp shoes are loved for the ventilation and cushion they provide compared to bulkier, more restrictive hiking boots and trail shoes. They give hikers a comfortable alternative to wearing boots and shoes at camp and allow their feet to breathe after a long day on the trail. The ideal camp shoes are lightweight and easy to pack鈥攁nd are a popular choice for backpackers who want the convenience and comfort of an extra pair of shoes without too much added weight.

Benefit or Bust: The Camp-Shoe Conundrum

We won鈥檛 beat around the bush. Sports medicine podiatrist and former president of the American Association of Podiatric Sports Medicine (AAPSM), , says camp shoes aren鈥檛 a luxury item. There are key benefits to wearing them.

鈥淚 think many people will find the benefit of [camp shoes], especially after a long day of hiking,鈥� says Dr. Conenello. 鈥淲hen you鈥檙e in the same shoes all day, it feels good to be able to use less energy to move and have the comfort of a recovery or camp shoe underfoot.鈥�

Dr. Conenello鈥檚 podiatry practice, , is located a stone鈥檚 throw from the New York segment of the Appalachian Trail. He often advises his hiker patients to prioritize foot health when hiking, including examining feet post-hike, moisturizing frequently, and wearing camp shoes.

Dr. Conenello says camp shoes help the feet and toes splay naturally outside of a boot or restrictive shoe. Instead of being crammed into a hiking boot all day, camp shoes give your feet room to expand and air out, all while letting muscles relax. They also help limit bacteria buildup by giving your feet a break from being stuck inside a damp, sweaty boot.

Although he鈥檚 partial for their recovery benefits, Dr. Conenello says anything from cheap flip flops to more elaborate types of shoes like a recovery sandal or a secure slip-on with a back strap will work too. 鈥淛ust make sure that if you鈥檙e planning to walk someplace that鈥檚 a little slippery or where there鈥檚 uneven terrain, bring a camp shoe that can dig in a little bit and hold grip on slick surfaces,鈥� he says.

Another benefit of them is that they can also double as water shoes on trail. That way, hikers won鈥檛 have to get their boots or trail shoes wet during water crossings. Slipping on a pair of quick-drying camp shoes like Crocs, Hydro Mocs, or Xero Z-Trek sandals makes it more comfortable to wade through a creek or river.

鈥淥f course, if you鈥檙e going to make a water crossing, or are walking around water, make sure the camp shoes you wear are waterproof or are vented in some way so that moisture can escape as they dry out,鈥� says Dr. Conenello.

In terms of other basic foot health best practices, Dr. Conenello says it鈥檚 important to use moisturizer or lubricant, like Aquaphor or Vaseline, when hiking鈥攅specially in common areas for abrasion and stress points such as in between the toes and the heel. He says keeping the skin hydrated decreases the risk of developing hot spots that can lead to blisters, corns, and callouses. Despite popular belief, callouses aren鈥檛 a sign of tough feet built for the trail (unless you鈥檙e a barefoot hiker). In reality, Dr. Conenello says they鈥檙e a build up of excessive keratin that can lead to medical issues like plantar hyperkeratosis, which can cause pain and difficulty walking.

He also advises every patient to inspect their feet at the end of each day on the trail. 鈥淭hey should look at the bottom of their feet, look between their toes, and see if there are any kind of wounds or sores starting to form鈥攁nd address them before they become a bigger problem.鈥�

To Camp-Shoe or Not to Camp-Shoe?

Bringing camp shoes could add a pound or two to your backpacking kit. But do the benefits they provide outweigh that extra weight? We鈥檇 say, yes.

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A steep day hike can let you push what鈥檚 possible in a single outing, no overnight gear required. Adding extra exertion affords you much greater bang鈥攊n terms of views earned and calories burned鈥攆or every buck spent in trail time. And fortunately, the diverse landscapes across the country provide no shortage of vertical playgrounds for leveling up your hiking experiences. Before picking one to remember, lace up in the right shoe for the task. Columbia鈥檚 Omni-MAX technology, utilized in the , combines capable traction with advanced cushioning to enhance stability and energy return on the steepest trails. Its Techlite+ midsole provides that stable base thanks to extra-light, responsive foam, plus a unique Navic Fit lace-webbing system to keep your heel securely placed.

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The holy grail of trail shoes? Instantly comfortable, lightweight, grippy, waterproof, and stable. That recipe is now a reality with the Konos TRS OutDry. And you can add reasonably priced ($120) to the list as well. Thanks to innovations in cushioning and traction that join an incredibly comfortable, secure-fitting upper that鈥檚 both waterproof and breathable, Columbia鈥檚 new Konos handles everything from gentle meandering paths to rugged and rocky summits. This is the shoe that will inspire more time on trails for everyone from beginning hikers to trail veterans.

Comfort First

Unlike boots with stiff soles and heavy-duty uppers that can be uncomfortable until well broken in, the Konos TRS OutDry feels great upon first step-in. A soft, seamless interior, plus a padded tongue and heel collar, envelop the foot, while the laces engage the Navic Fit system鈥攊ntegrated webbing that locks down the navicular bone for stability and support. And instead of a firm ride and inflexible sole, this shoe features shock-absorbing, joint-saving midsole cushioning that flexes naturally at the forefoot thanks to strategically placed outsole grooves. This is a wear-all-day kind of shoe with hike-all-day performance.

Lightweight Performance

All that cushy midsole foam is extremely lightweight while both softening impact and providing responsiveness in every step鈥攖here鈥檚 no mush here. Unique dome-shaped cutouts visible on the outsole (located directly under the heel and forefoot) further absorb force and return energy, combining with the cushioning to put a little extra spring in your hiking step. TRS stands for 鈥渢rail speed,鈥� as a nod to the lightweight resilience of that underfoot platform and its surprising energy return.

To deliver secure footing on a range of terrain, the Konos TRS OutDry features a proprietary rubber compound that excels on both wet and dry surfaces. The outsole’s lug shape, depth, and traction pattern underfoot were designed specifically for hiking. And the way it grabs hold of everything from loose, dry dirt to slick, wet rock inspires confidence.

All this tech comes in a seriously lightweight package: a mere 11 ounces per shoe.

Breathable Waterproofing

The mesh upper of the Konos TRS OutDry features TPU overlays with smartly placed cutouts for weight savings; there鈥檚 added armor where you need it and none where you don鈥檛. And the entire upper is protected by OutDry waterproofing鈥攁 bonded construction that blocks water from getting in while allowing internal moisture and excess heat to escape. That means the shoe remains plenty breathable while keeping your feet dry in summer rainstorms and shallow creek crossings or while splashing in puddles mid-hike just for the heck of it.

With its sleek all-black styling, the Konos TRS OutDry is ready to be your go-anywhere, do-anything shoe year round. As Ben Rainey, senior product manager at Columbia, puts it, the Konos TRS OutDry takes the best features of running and hiking footwear and fuses them into a shoe built for performance. 鈥淚t highlights the best technologies Columbia has to offer,鈥� Rainey adds, 鈥渕aking sure you stay cool, dry, and protected for all your outside activities.鈥�

Based in Portland, Oregon, is a global outdoor brand that crafts active lifestyle gear fortified with industry-leading technologies tested in our own backyard. Our apparel, footwear, and accessories reflect our Pacific Northwest heritage and indomitable spirit.

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If you鈥檙e a hiker and you live in the United States, count your blessings. The country lays out a grand buffet of adventurous invitations: slot canyons, icy slopes, granite cliffs, and lush tropical valleys, all with endless views that reward the hard work it took to see them. Despite the added exposure and rigorous approaches, your footing doesn鈥檛 have to falter, thanks to innovations like the Adapt Trax outsole on Columbia鈥檚 terrain-taming , featuring a unique compound that delivers exceptional traction whether the trail is dry or soaking wet.

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From the otherworldly Badlands to the towering Tetons, from ancient Ozark ranges to the time-worn Appalachians, the United States boasts an embarrassment of topographical riches. The best way to savor this diversity? Long day hikes that let you soak it all in. Despite the high mileage, your feet don鈥檛 have to suffer, thanks to footwear innovations like Columbia鈥檚 Omni-MAX technology found in the , which combines adaptive cushioning, enhanced stability, and increased traction for superior performance on variable terrain. On long hikes, your feet need extra cushioning, and the TechLite+ midsole on the Konos TRS provides it with light, responsive foam for stability and energy return over that added distance.

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During the past decade of overseeing gear testing at 国产吃瓜黑料, I鈥檝e had the pleasure of handing off items to amazing athletes who can quickly suss out whether something is well made or not. But if I were to pick my favorite gear testers of all time, the ones who truly put gear through its paces to provide thoughtful and thorough reviews, I would have to choose my kids. I have four of them, and every single day they head out and unintentionally torture test everything they use.

No other piece of gear endures more abuse than their footwear. My kids, bless their hearts, don鈥檛 give a shit about their shoes. They鈥檙e not worried about keeping them clean or making them last. They just want their shoes to protect their feet and stay out of the way, no matter what they鈥檙e doing.

In just one day, my kids will drag their shoes on the pavement while biking to school, beat them up playing soccer for two hours in a dirt field, splash them in puddles at the park, and then leave them outside all afternoon in the scorching New Mexico heat. This summer they鈥檝e added backpacking, camping, and skateboarding to the list of ways to abuse their footwear.

Because of this, I鈥檓 constantly searching for kid鈥檚 shoes that are bulletproof but also allow them to engage with the ground naturally and not interfere with their agile, balanced strides. And I鈥檓 even willing to pay a bit more for a pair that can keep me from worrying about my kids鈥� feet, survive a year鈥檚 worth of abuse, and, if I鈥檓 lucky, be passed down to the next sibling.

After nine years and innumerable pairs of trashed shoes, here are five of my testers鈥� favorites.

Keen Newport H2 Sandals ($60)

These are the ugliest sandals ever made, but we love them because they鈥檝e got enough protection for hiking, scrambling, biking, and wading into the water. They breathe well and require no socks, which is a total lifesaver during the summer because you have one less thing to lose, get filthy, or destroy. My kids love the rubber rand around the front, which prevents stubbed toes and also works as a braking mechanism while they鈥檙e riding bikes and skateboards. After years of use, enough to听 pass pairs down to multiple kids, not one thing鈥攊ncluding the bungee closure, fabric straps, or soles鈥攈as failed or broken.

Altra Youth Lone Peak Running Shoes ($70)

Altra stopped making these shoes (dang it), but if you look you can still find pairs online. With a zero-drop build and ample forefoot width, just like the adult Lone Peaks, these shoes are good for growing feet鈥攁nd the kids love them because they鈥檙e ultra comfy. My son has worn his pair for the past two years, logging hundreds of hours in them, mostly playing soccer and running around at school. They鈥檙e also his go-to shoes for backpacking and hiking because the meaty soles provide great grip and the uppers breathe well on hot days. Other companies that still make zero-drop, wide-forefoot, thin-soled kid鈥檚 shoes include and , although both are more minimal than the Altras.

Chaco Z/1 Sandal ($60)

We鈥檙e about to head out on a four-day camping trip near Taos, New Mexico and these are the only shoes I鈥檓 packing for the kids. That鈥檚 because they鈥檙e robust enough for hiking but also drainable and grippy enough for hanging out in the river. Plus, they鈥檙e easy to hose off when the kids get them muddy and caked with dirt. Chacos will put up with tons of abuse, so nothing my kids can do can really phase them, short of trying to melt them in the campfire. The Chaco footbed is designed with a lot of support, so I don鈥檛 want my kids wearing them every day and losing foot strength, but for camping trips when we have limited space, they perform excellently in multiple scenarios.

Keen Targhee Waterproof Boot ($75)

Keen makes the list twice because they have such a wide variety of well-made kids鈥� shoes. And these boots win my heart because my daughter recently used them for a multi-day backpacking trip and had zero complaints the entire time. No blisters either. She took them directly out of the box, slipped them over merino wool hiking socks, and proceeded to wear them three miles up a rocky trail. The stiffness was just right for supporting the weight of a 15-pound pack but comfortable enough that she didn鈥檛 immediately insist on tearing them off once we reached camp. Keen鈥檚 smart bungee system helped her lock them around her foot without needing to fiddle with laces, and the waterproof membrane kept her feet dry when we waded through parts of the river that had jumped the trail.

Hoka Speedgoat 5 Trail-Running Shoes ($110)

My kids have only worn these shoes a couple times, but they make my list nonetheless, because the Speedgoat is the perfect adventure shoe for kids. It鈥檚 lightweight but comes with huge lugs on the bottom that provide great traction for exploring, and has a solid layer of cushioning that comes in handy when pounding around on rocks up in the mountains. The uppers are made from a reinforced mesh and there’s a toe rand to protect the high-wear front of the shoe. I鈥檓 not going to send my kids to school in these shoes as they鈥檙e too thick and supportive for everyday, all-day use. But when we鈥檙e having fun outside, I鈥檓 sure these will be on their feet for years to come.

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I spent my weekend staring at the ground鈥攐r, specifically, the shoes and feet of a few thousand Appalachian Trail thru-hikers in southern Virginia.

For the first time since my own 2019 trek of the country鈥檚 preeminent footpath, I returned to , a legendary gathering of current hikers, AT alumni, gearheads, vendors, and those merely looking for a smelly good time at the edge of the southern summer. I was hoping not only to get in the mood for my own upcoming attempt of the Continental Divide Trail but also to gather some evidence for a question I think about perhaps a bit too much: What鈥檚 the best thru-hiking shoe for walking a few thousand miles across rugged mountain wilderness?

Damascus, the perennial home of Trail Days, is a perfect place to take such a query. It is nearly 440 miles, or exactly 20 percent, into a northbound stretch of the AT. By the time they reach this point, some hikers have learned the hard way that the shoes in which they left Georgia don鈥檛 work for their feet. Others have hobbled into town on now-threadbare kicks, hoping to replace them at one of Damascus鈥� several outfitters. They鈥檙e worried about stress fractures and chronic blisters, trench foot and bunions鈥攔eally, what the next 80 percent of the AT might do to their soles, toes, and souls. I wanted to know how they felt about their footwear choices so far and what they鈥檇 learned. So, yes, I stared at the ground all weekend, looking for and finding many shoes of interest.

What Are the Best Thru-Hiking Shoes? You May Be Surprised.

Before I introduce my finds, though, two general observations on thru-hiking shoe trends: First, it seems that the great trail-runner hegemony is slowly collapsing. Inspired in part by Ray Jardine鈥檚 foundational backpacking writing, hikers in recent decades have swapped clunky boots for sleek trail runners. They鈥檙e lighter and often cheaper, and they tend to dry faster. But at Trail Days this year, the typical glut of Altras and Hokas seemed to be in a downturn. There were more people in big boots or spindly sandals, both extremes on the continuum of thru-hiking foot protection. (And I was happy to see more of my beloved Topos, a lightweight but rugged compromise that hasn鈥檛 failed me yet.)

Second, you don鈥檛 need to hike with Crocs for camp shoes, as most every thru-hiker this year seemed to do. I did it on my first thru-hike, too, and I鈥檝e regretted it ever since. They鈥檙e heavy and bulky, and you can get similar protection from a pair of tiny sandals or even tying shoelaces around a pair of insoles you no longer need. If you鈥檙e still out there with Crocs, mail that unnecessary pound home the next chance you get. Remember: thru-hiking lighter is usually better.

And now, without further ado, here are the six hikers whose shoes (or lack thereof) caught my downward gaze. Taken together, they affirm that you can hike the AT however you want, so long as you start.

Customized Old-School Altra Olympus

Elena Kennedy, a.k.a. Potato, 27

The weekend鈥檚 real what-are-those-things? moment came on a sidewalk outside one of the two Damascus coffee shops when I realized I could see a hiker鈥檚 socks and shoes at the same time. I chased her for a block (thru-hikers on off-days are easy to catch) and then asked her where her toe box had gone? The delightful Potato鈥攁 long-ass-section hiker, or Lasher, who started the AT in 2017 and might actually reach Maine this year鈥攑atiently explained.

When she decided to head back to the trail this year, there wasn鈥檛 an outfitter in her nearby Pennsylvania town. But for years, she鈥檇 kept a nearly decade-old pair of Altra Olympus 1.5s in her car as casual slip-ons for errands. Her mom had bought them, disliked them, and passed them to Potato, even though they were two sizes too small. In her pre-trail pickle, Potato read about ultramarathon runners who sometimes excise their toe box as their feet swell during a race. So she gave it a shot. Perhaps Potato should’ve been a surgeon, given how clean the cuts and beautiful the curves on her modified discards turned out. She doesn鈥檛 worry about toe blisters, and her shoes dry much faster than her previous kicks. Her Altras have already made it 200 miles, and Potato thinks she鈥檒l amputate the toe box on whatever pair she gets next, even if they fit.

Mismatched Ubiquitous Altra Lone Peak 6

Eddie Thomas, a.k.a. Two Shoes, 43

Signature trail looks are a real thing. I鈥檝e seen people hike from Georgia to Maine dressed like pale grapes, bold butterflies, Mortal Kombat characters, and championship-belt-wielding wrestlers. Two Shoes found his trademark without having to worry about wardrobe malfunctions or unnecessary weight. Given the trail name of the 43-year-old Florida man, you鈥檝e probably guessed what it is: same shoe, different colors.

Two Shoes spent a year testing Altra鈥檚 popular before he struck north from Springer Mountain. When he decided he indeed loved them, he bought three pairs in different colorways during a holiday bonanza. Walking out the door for the AT, he decided to wear two colors at once because, of course, 鈥渋t was a real conversation starter,鈥� he says. Two Shoes made it an astounding 710 miles鈥攁lmost twice what the average Altra gets鈥攐n his first pair by relearning how to walk during his first week, he says. 鈥淢y knees and ankles were just ruined,鈥� he confesses. 鈥淪o now I hover my feet out here, just rolling with the ground.鈥�

Big Ol鈥� German Hiking Boots

Christian Jobst, a.k.a. Sonic, 39

If you gathered together every current AT hiker sporting boots and put them in a (rather short) lineup, Sonic would still stand out. A leggy man from Munich in little purple shorts and a black cycling cap, Sonic sports big black leather boots rising well above his ankle, laces pulled tight a quarter up his shin. The German military issued Sonic two pairs of when he enlisted more than a decade ago, and he fell for their stability and protection. Drawn to the AT by a documentary, he brought the boots for his 2012 thru-hike. 鈥淚鈥檝e had 10 pairs, not a single blister,鈥� he tells me with a grin. 鈥淣ever change a winning team.鈥�

It’s true: waterproof shoes or boots trap in the moisture from sweaty feet, Sonic says. When it鈥檚 hot and he鈥檚 speeding uphill, he takes an hour break each afternoon to let his socks dry. But he doesn鈥檛 worry much about rain storms or crossing rivers. And after a recent full-day downpour, he was the only hiker in a crowded trail shelter without saturated socks or shoes, so he felt pretty content with the five extra pounds strapped to his legs. What鈥檚 more, he expects to go through just two pairs of the $200 boots on the trail, meaning he鈥檒l spend about half of what his trail-runner-wearing peers will.

Barefoot or Ultralight Sandals

Stefan Von Aulock, a.k.a. Feet, 34

Almost as rare as the thru-hiker in military boots? The au naturel walker鈥攖hat is, someone who opts to wear nothing and feel everything as they move through rugged, rocky, and rooty Appalachia. In fact, 34-year-old Chicago native Feet (get it?) says he鈥檚 heard of only two others attempting that feat (got it?) this year. In part, because it hurts and forces hikers to walk slowly. Though he normally moves at 2.5 miles per hour, Feet is now heading to Maine at about half that clip, a relative crawl as he navigates stones and sticks barefoot.

Still, slipping off his tiny sandals that he occasionally wore during the first 100 miles and now uses mostly in camp or town, Feet was quick to extol the philosophical virtues of his decision. 鈥淚t鈥檚 about a connection with the Earth,鈥� he says. 鈥淎nd it鈥檚 a freedom. Now people think they need shoes, and that bothers me.鈥� As he showed me his feet, he said they felt good, no worse for wear than any other hiker’s. A few hours later, though, he鈥檇 forgotten about our interview and told me he was headed back to a hostel for a few days. Feet鈥檚 feet, he admitted, needed rest.

The New Lone Peaks, Already Beat to Hell

Rachel Frisco, a.k.a. Wreck-It Ralph, 26

Wreck-It Ralph was only a few hundred miles into the AT when she learned an important shoe lesson: feet only expand as you keep walking. The 26-year-old Florida native started from Georgia in burgundy . (If you鈥檙e keeping score, that鈥檚 the same color Two Shoes wore on his left foot, just one iteration later.) But by the time she hit Erwin, Tennessee, she had developed a serious blister as her swollen foot rubbed the toe box on her size 8.5s with every step. At an outfitter in that mountain town, she traded up, nabbing a size 9.

The blister is better, but after only 200 miles, Wreck-It Ralph鈥檚 Altras were perhaps the most damaged kicks I saw in Damascus. They were once pink, but beneath cloudy skies, they looked more like wan sandalwood. (鈥淲hat do you mean, they were pink?鈥� I ask her, worried I鈥檇 gone colorblind. She laughs.) The toe box and heel were already tattered, the laces beginning to fray. Suddenly, hiking in heavy boots鈥攐r teaching yourself how to walk anew鈥攄idn鈥檛 seem so hard.

Air Jordans to the Appalachian Trail

Bryce Bianchi, a.k.a. Turtle Hermit, 36

Let鈥檚 get straight to the ask: Michael Jordan, if you鈥檙e reading this, Turtle Hermit wants you to sponsor his thru-hike. Late Sunday morning, in the waning hours of Trail Days, I spotted a hiker wearing all black, a silver cross dangling from his neck. He was digging his hiking poles into the sidewalk and racing through town lugging a monstrous backpack. I was curious about him before I noted his tattered black canvas or the bulky Jordan slides strapped to his bag. But when I saw his footwear, I had to know his deal.

A 36-year-old landscaper from northeast Ohio, Turtle Hermit has been collecting Air Jordans for years. At one point, he even rocked the same pair for a decade. Why, he wondered, should he worry about buying Altras, Topos, Salomons, or Hokas when he had more than a half-dozen of the GOAT shoes on hand? Basketball and long-distance hiking鈥攕ame thing, yeah? So he pulled on his least favorite pair and split. After 440 miles, he鈥檚 confident they鈥檝e still got a few hundred left. And when he needs to swap, he hopes the replacements will be free, as he鈥檚 been sending Michael Jordan’s Facebook account repeated pleas. No response yet, but that never stopped . And no, Turtle Hermit hasn’t seen Air.

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Each spring, eager northbound thru-hikers arrive at the small town of Campo on the United States-Mexico border in Southern California. By now, they鈥檝e likely weighed, tested, and packed each piece of gear they鈥檒l carry with them on the 2,650-mile hike along the Pacific Crest Trail. Each selected item has passed a rigorous evaluation, including the shoes on their feet. That鈥檚 where adidas TERREX found its inspiration for the . Designed for long-distance hikers, tested on the PCT, and stores nationwide, this new hiking shoe is already a favorite of thru-hikers. We tapped adidas TERREX design director Jan Vierjahn and senior product manager Hendrik Enders to learn more about the Free Hiker 2.0鈥檚 development and PCT-worthy features.

国产吃瓜黑料: Why make a hiking shoe designed for thru-hikers?

Jan: Thru-hiking is a fascinating trend in the hiking community, with more and more hikers taking on long-distance trails like the Pacific Crest Trail. Completing these trails takes several months, meaning hikers are living in their boots 24/7. It requires products that can withstand the rigors of extended wear, while providing exceptional comfort and support. Designing such a product offers a unique challenge for us as a performance brand, as we need to craft a product with uncompromised performance, while keeping in mind that young consumers are looking for a sleek and stylish interpretation of a classic hiking boot.听

How did adidas TERREX develop the Free Hiker 2?

Jan: We applied a rigorous development process that included both lab testing and real-world trials on some of the most demanding thru-hiking trails in the U.S. We collaborated with experienced testers, providing them with several prototypes at different development stages. Their feedback was invaluable in identifying areas for improvement and ultimately driving the final performance of the product. For example, tester feedback helped us find the right balance of having enough lugs and rubber in areas where traction is needed and abrasion is high, while being able to reduce rubber and save weight in less critical areas.听

What鈥檚 special about the new sock-like fit?

Hendrik: The snug fit is achieved using our Primeknit technology. It provides a premium level of comfort that elevates the overall experience of wearing the shoe. We recognized the challenge of balancing a snug fit with practical considerations like keeping debris out during hikes. Overall, the new construction allows for a snug fit paired with the flexibility of a knitted material that adjusts to your foot shape, while still providing the functionality and durability hikers need for their adventures.

What sets the adidas TERREX Free Hiker 2.0 apart from other hiking shoes?

Hendrik: The benefit of the Free Hiker 2.0 is its focus on exceptional comfort, particularly for long-distance hikes. The midsole is inspired by our best trail running shoes paired with our BOOST technology. This combination provides hikers with responsive and supportive cushioning for every step. The upper is crafted from a combination of soft, knitted materials and carefully placed overlays that provide both durability and protection. Blending our trail running DNA with high-performance materials offers a really unique and modern proposition for a long-distance hiking shoe.

In addition to thru-hikers, who else could benefit from the Free Hiker 2.0?

Hendrik: Although the Free Hiker 2.0 was designed with thru-hikers in mind, the benefits translate well to other hiking activities. For example, the lightweight construction and responsive cushioning are benefits that day hikers or people on their first backpacking adventure are equally going to appreciate. The carefully engineered and placed layers of added protection and durability are key elements for anyone who is spending time on rugged trails but is looking for a sleek, modern interpretation of an outdoor shoe. And lastly, having a shoe with excellent grip in wet and dry conditions is necessary on any trail, no matter the length or duration of your trip.听

Designed for the outdoors, shoes are built for hiking, trail running, and climbing, with a lightweight design that can handle any terrain. adidas TERREX is on a mission to enable all humans to live a more connected, conscious, and adventurous life. We are adidas TERREX. We are #UnitedBySummits

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Every single morning for the past 11 years, Libby DeLana has walked out her back door at 5:30 no matter the weather, how tired she may be, or even how sick. 鈥淚t鈥檚 not about the miles or the number of steps,鈥� says DeLana, author of the book Do Walk: Navigate earth, mind, and body. Step by step. and co-host of the podcast The Morning Walk. 鈥淭his practice is about fidelity to myself and knowing what it is that creates a sense of well-being in my body, and that includes significant time in the outdoors and putting my eyes to the sun and feeling the breeze on my face.鈥�

DeLana, who lives just north of Boston, Massachusetts, walks through all four seasons and regularly covers eight to ten miles per day. Even when she鈥檚 sick, she says, she鈥檒l get out for a slow, gentle walk around the block just to move and put one foot in front of the other.

鈥淔or me, the walk is like a seated practice of meditation,鈥� says DeLana. 鈥淭he quiet is revealing. Obviously, there鈥檚 the sound of the natural world鈥攖he sound of the waves or the wind or the birds, but there are a lot of messages from the quiet.鈥�

Daily movement has been part of human evolution for thousands of years, and DeLana has found that making movement a nonnegotiable part of her own daily routine is good for mind, body, and spirit. But keeping up that consistency, day after day, in all kinds of weather and trail conditions, requires good gear鈥攅specially shoes.

Lately, DeLana has been wearing the new . 鈥淭hey felt supportive straight out of the box, sort of like a hug,鈥� she says. While she also likes to walk in the HOKA Bondi and Clifton, DeLana explains how in the Trail Code, her feet feel particularly 鈥渃ozy, safe, and just鈥table.鈥�

The Trail Code鈥檚 compression-molded EVA foam midsole features a Swallowtail extension that protrudes slightly off the back of the shoe. DeLana says this midsole shape contributes to her feeling more secure and confident, 鈥渆specially on the icy and crusty winter ground.鈥� Adding to the surefootedness, five-millimeter lugs made of Vibram Megagrip provide traction on surfaces from snow and ice to mud and loose dirt while also being able to grip rock and wet surfaces, like concrete sidewalks after a spring rain.

DeLana regularly walks a loop that switches back and forth from sidewalk to country road (where she likes to listen to the wild turkeys and coyotes and sense the changing morning light), and she marvels at the comfort of the Trail Code. She likes that the Gore-Tex-lined upper is watertight and that the shoe keeps her feet warm and dry without overheating. She鈥檚 considering taking them on trekking in Bhutan this spring.

The Trail Code鈥檚 upper is made from 100 percent recycled ripstop with a gusseted, padded tongue and a high heel collar that enhances stability. Recycled polyester laces wrap easily around metal top hooks to securely, comfortably support the ankles (likely contributing to the gentle 鈥渉ug鈥� DeLana loves so much). The upper is treated with a PVC-free water-repellent coating, and 3D screen-printed overlays add support and structure without adding bulk.

The Trail Code is a lightweight, cushioned, and nimble alternative to a traditional hiking boot and a more supportive, adventure-ready option than walking or running shoes. 鈥淲hen you have the right gear,鈥� says DeLana, 鈥測ou just feel more capable and comfortable. It鈥檚 almost like you get your brave on because you know the gear is going to support you.鈥�

And when you have the right gear鈥攖he right footwear, in particular鈥攜ou can walk or hike where your heart or mind leads you at any given moment. Walk down a trail, a meandering path, or simply a neighborhood sidewalk. Splash through a puddle. Climb a big rock to sit and marvel at the world. On a quiet walk at any time of day, you may be surprised to find the exploration is not only physical, but mental.

鈥淭he outdoors is medicine for me,鈥� DeLana adds. 鈥淚t鈥檚 healing and nurturing and inspiring and creative. My morning walk has become an absolutely nonnegotiable part of my day.鈥�

听empowers a world of athletes to fly over the Earth. With a problem-solving ethos, and a bold approach to footwear and apparel, HOKA empowers all folks to meet their running, walking, fitness and outdoor goals; to feel invited to and welcome in those spaces; and to engage in those activities more easily and more enjoyably than they thought possible.

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Most of the time, my vanity works against me. This is a story about one time that it didn鈥檛.听

A couple years ago, I was looking at photos on the Fjallraven website and realized one of the reasons the pants looked so good on the models was because they were paired with some really nice boots. Lean and purposeful, yet understated and classy, they were made from a leather upper fitted with a sole that reminded me of an athletic shoe. I decided I had to own them, if only so that my Fjallraven pants could look as good on me as they did on those models.听

Digging into a Google image search, I eventually found a photo from the same shoot that gave me a glimpse of a logo on the boots. I spotted the giant red circle that Hanwag emblazons on all its boots.听

I鈥檝e tried a few pairs of Hanwags before, but they鈥檝e never really worked for me. In fact, hiking boots have never really worked for me. I鈥檇 wear them sometimes, sure, but usually just around town, or in bad weather. Anything that called for a lot of miles or exertion had me reaching for my trusty trail runners instead. No pair of boots, I was convinced, could ever match the comfort, agility, support, or light weight of a pair of sneakers.听

The problem was that trail runners look goofy, especially with a full-length pair of pants. And I wanted to look like the guy in those Fjallraven ads.听

I texted a few friends who rep major footwear brands, but the photos they sent back were of brightly colored synthetic boots and leather ones that looked like loves of bread. They just didn鈥檛 get what I was asking for. So I turned to social media, where a request for help eventually led me to a boot brand I鈥檇 only ever heard of in passing: Lowa.听

It turns out that the guy who founded Lowa 99 years ago, , was the brother of the guy who founded Hanwag, Hans Wagner. Hans beat Lorenz to the contracted naming convention by two years. Lowa is still headquartered in the Bavarian Alps, and makes its boots in Germany and Austria. More importantly, the brand鈥檚 website featured exactly what I was after: a pair of leather boots that looked technical and athletic. The logos weren鈥檛 garish, and there was even a brown option with understated gray trim. I pulled out my credit card and tried to order a pair, only to find them sold out in my size, in that color. If I wanted an 11, I鈥檇 have to go with gray and baby vomit green, or black and ugly orange.听

Eventually, Google led me to a third-party reseller that had a brown pair of Lowa Baldos in stock. I spent $270 ordering the last pair available.

When the Baldos arrived a few days later, I slipped a pair of Superfeet Flex insoles into them, put on my favorite Fjallraven pants, and looked in the mirror. It was love at first lace.听

The top two lace loops on the Baldos are made from ball bearings retained in metal loops. A lacing point holds the tongue in a centered position, so it won鈥檛 slip down to the side as you move. This means I can lace up Baldos tighter than any other boot I鈥檝e ever worn, but without any hint of a hot spot. A snug fit forces my foot down into the insole, and draws the upper tight around my ankle, eliminating any potential for play between boot and foot.听

It鈥檚 not a boot鈥檚 tall upper that provides ankles stability鈥攖hose only offer protection from foreign objects and weather intrusion鈥攊t鈥檚 actually up to the insole and foot bed. When your toes to spread out and your foot gets the correct support for your individual arch shape, you get that stability.听

One of the reasons I鈥檝e never been very happy in a real boot is that I haven鈥檛 been able to cinch them down onto my feet tightly enough. Even in boots that match the length and width of my feet, and put the arches in the right places at the right height, my toes would slide forward going downhill.听

I鈥檇 only planned to wear the Baldos for video and photo shoots, and maybe in bad weather. But from the moment I put them on, my other footwear began gathering dust in my closet. From multi-day backcountry hunts to shoveling snow out of my driveway to walking downtown for dinner, these Lowas were the right choice. In addition to comfort and stability, the pronounced heel and aggressively-lugged Vibram soles provided traction everywhere, in every weather. Twenty-two months later, I can count the number of times I鈥檝e worn something else on two hands.听

After what must have been thousands of miles, my original pair of Lowas was starting to look pretty worn out. They鈥檇 get soaked through in high alpine snow storms and river crossings, and salt from winter sidewalks had totally disappeared the angular heat embossing details on the sides. The lugs on the soles were worn bald, and the foam behind the rubber was beginning to show through. With another hunting season rapidly approaching, I desperately needed a new pair of boots. And I didn鈥檛 want to try anything other than another pair of Baldos.听

But it turns out that the pair I ordered almost two years ago was the last pair of brown elevens out there. I鈥檓 so happy in these things that it didn鈥檛 feel like a hard decision to settle on , but those truly bad colors do relegate this new pair to outdoor duty only. While they鈥檒l keep my feet happy in the elk country this fall, I also need secure, comfortable, good looking boots to wear around humans.听

My search is back on. I鈥檓 looking for a boot that鈥檚 as durable and well made as these Baldos, that achieves a similar tech-meets-leather look, and that鈥檚 so comfortable it may as well have been custom made for my feet. Is it too much to ask that they come in brown?听

The post An Ode to the Lowa Baldos, the Best Pair of Hiking Boots I鈥檒l Ever Wear appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.