Men's LifeStyle Blog

Whether it’s a light hike through a nearby path, or an arduous climb through a challenging backcountry wilderness trail, having the right footwear is supremely important.

But when it comes to choosing footwear, you should think about more than functionality. Despite that you’re in the woods, style should still matter.

The Importance of Hiking Shoes

“Your feet are your most important piece of hiking equipment. Keep them happy and you will be even more so. Displease them and you will suffer their bruised and blistered malice,” writes Matt Heid, an avid hiker. “Their fate rests in your hands—and it all starts with a proper fit for your hiking footwear.”

Ask any proficient hiker or outdoorsman about their most important equipment and they’ll surely mention footwear. It may seem like an insignificant element to someone without much hiking experience, but it’s the foundation for everything else. Hiking footwear provides grip for your steps, cushioning for your soles, and support for your ankles. Without these things, you risk discomfort and injury.

What to Think About When Buying

While hiking shoes can be purchased in a litany of styles from a variety of places, there’s a huge disparity between low-end and high-end hiking shoes. Doing adequate research prior to purchase will help you make a smart selection.

As you shop around, here are a few factors to think about:

Sandals vs. Shoes vs. Boots

There are a variety of styles of hiking footwear. How you plan on using the footwear – as well as the environments you hike in – will dictate which is right for you.

• Hiking boots. If you’re carrying 35 pounds or more of gear, hike through rough terrain with snow, mud, and lots of brush, and needs lots of ankle support, a hiking boot is ideal.
  

• Hiking shoes. If you’re a trail runner who only carries a light pack, hiking shoes provide greater flexibility in the sole and are more comfortable than boots.
  
• Hiking sandals. If you hike through well-cleared trails – or river beds, for that matter – hiking sandals are a good option. They keep your feet cool and allow for maximum comfort
  

Get the Right Fit

It doesn’t matter if you’re purchasing a pair of loafers for the office or a pair of boots for the woods – having the right fit is paramount. In terms of hiking, the wrong fit will result in blisters, discomfort, and unenjoyable experiences in the great outdoors. A good fit will suit you well for years.

“Buy the right shoe size, even if this means paying a bit more and purchasing your shoes at a brick and mortar shop vs. going the tax free/lowest price online route,” men’s fashion expert Antonio Centeno writes. “Actually, this isn’t a bad deal, especially if you support a local small business that can really give you solid guidance as to what styles are available and show you how to take care of your purchase.

Think About Style

You want to feel motivated to go hiking. While there’s nothing wrong with a bland pair of comfortable hiking boots, they probably aren’t going to get you excited about going. If you want to look good while on the trail – and be safe and comfortable – there are plenty of colorful products and unique styles on the market. Shop around for something that catches your eye.

Don’t Forget About Socks

As much time as you spend looking for the right shoe, don’t forget about the importance of hiking socks. The right pair of hiking socks can make or break your shoe experience.

“Designed to prioritize comfort, warmth, and breathability, these are usually high ankle to mid-calf height can be worn with a pair of sturdy hiking boots,” hiker Amber King writes.

It’s always a good idea to bring along at least two pairs of socks on a hike, just in case you need to swap them out halfway through.

Adding it All Up

As you can see, hiking footwear is diverse and unique. As you search for the perfect pair for your needs, think about both functionality and style. Comfort is the number one priority – but there’s nothing wrong with looking good!

Baby Boomers started the trend back in the Sixties, when they invaded Army Navy Surplus stores to stock up on navy pea jackets, watch caps, and camouflage pants. The more militant/hippie elements went so far as to prowl around with a grim expression while wearing a Che Guevara style military beret – a sure sign of rebellion and defiance of the bourgeoisie status quo. And the Beatles, with their faux officer hats, riding crops, and colorful epaulets, added fuel to the military fashion fire.

Since then fashionistas the world over have worked and reworked the military fashion angle to death. And guess what? It’s never gone out of style, and doesn’t look to be going out of style any time soon. Beetle Bailey is definitely a fashion icon.

Ever since Ralph Lauren did his own take on the military pea coat back in the Sixties, the major fashion houses in the United States and in Europe have used militaria as a way to both make a statement and to make clothes practical and durable as well as chic. The swagger that goes with military themed outfits is ubiquitous. At the latest Paris Fashion Week there were so many faux uniforms up on the walkway that patrons got hand cramps from continuously saluting pearl wearing admirals and sultry generals covered in the Croix de Guerre.

The fact of the matter is that today you can’t throw a stone at a fashionable soiree without hitting someone wearing Tom Ford’s aviator sunglasses or sporting cargo pants (first invented by the Navy during World War Two for sailor to load up on food and supplies quickly when their ship was torpedoed and sinking.)

Military jewelry is hot this season, as well. Platinum dog tags are everywhere, and silver collar bars denoting rank are de rigueur at every continental cocktail party. Sleeve stripes made of electrum, often encrusted with jewels, are to be seen in mosh pits and on university campuses worldwide.

Military tattoos are standard issue for both men and women; with Army bulldogs and Navy fouled anchors a favorite theme. And of course the military minded haute couture are reclining these days in nothing but leather bound campaign chairs – first designed for Napoleon back in the 1800s.  

A special niche of the military theme fashion is being called Loden Green, after the ribbed sweaters that British commandos wore on their deadly raids in Norway and Brittany. The original sweaters were one hundred percent wool, with the sheep lanolin left in to provide natural waterproofing and wicking features to keep the commandos warm and dry during beachfront operations. Along with the sweater there was always an aluminum dagger in a leather sheath. Today’s fashionistas have taken the Loden Green look, using synthetic fibers to mimic the original organic wool, for ribbed blouses, shirts, and even trousers – all in the dull green of the original. And the leather dagger sheath is now an elongated black silk purse. This striking combination is to be seen in major fashion hot spots such as London, New York, and Paris. No doubt it will soon spread to the bumpkins in LA and Barcelona.