Boots and hiking shoes

Discover our selection of hiking shoes for different types of terrain. Are you looking for waterproof hiking shoes that feel stable and have good grip? A lightweight hiking boot? Maybe combined with good insoles ?

Although we at RunningXpert are specialists in running and top-quality running shoes, you can also find excellent hiking shoes with us. Whether you need them for everyday use, dedicated hiking, or for scouting, sports, or other leisure activities, it's worth taking a closer look at this category. Learn more about choosing the right hiking shoe and get inspiration from our guides and product descriptions. If you have any questions, feel free to contact our customer service.
You will find waterproof hiking shoes, wide hiking shoes, and discounted hiking shoes at RunningXpert today - and tomorrow you can have them in your hands. Ready to slip into your new hiking shoes and head out.

What are hiking shoes?

Hiking shoes are designed to provide support and comfort during hiking. Ideally, they are made with materials that make them durable and breathable, so your feet don't overheat or get wet on long hikes, and they have the right balance between stability and lightness. At RunningXpert, you can find hiking shoes from various renowned brands with Gore-Tex membranes for optimal waterproofing and breathability and protection against water and mud. By definition, hiking shoes are exposed to a bit of everything - they must also withstand it all. If you have questions, our competent customer service is ready to help, advise, and guide you.

Design and function of hiking shoes

Materials are crucial for both design and functionality of hiking shoes. Choosing the right materials is essential as it can affect the shoe's durability, breathability, and weather protection. Materials like Gore-Tex membrane can ensure water resistance along with good breathability.

Shock absorption is also an essential factor in a good hiking shoe. When you walk on uneven terrain or mountains, your feet endure more stress than usual, so the shoes must have the right shock absorption to reduce the risk of injuries.

Weight versus stability is also something worth considering when choosing hiking shoes. A heavier shoe can provide better stability on steep areas, but on the other hand, a heavy shoe or hiking boot can also compromise your comfort in the long run.

Hiking shoes for different terrains

The terrain you typically use your hiking shoes in will likely influence your choice of hiking shoes. At RunningXpert, we have hiking shoes for various types of terrain. In our selection, you'll find a range of lightweight shoes with good breathability for summer use in lighter terrain - for example, for park walks. If you're looking for something more robust for tougher terrain - like rocks, we have other types of hiking shoes that will perform better in terrains like mountains and surfaces that can be slippery or filled with natural obstacles. For hilly areas, we also have medium-sized shoes with good grip. No matter what terrain you want to explore, there are good options for finding hiking-friendly footwear with us that will be a great choice to assist you on your upcoming adventure.

Hiking shoes are typically equipped with a padded sole and a breathable upper to ensure good ventilation. Many hiking shoes are also water-resistant or waterproof with goretex membrane, making them ideal for wet terrain and rainy days.

Hiking shoes can vary in shock absorption and can provide good protection against impact and stress during hiking in different terrains. Some hiking shoes have extra shock absorption in the sole or heel to provide additional protection and comfort.

It is important to choose a hiking shoe that fits well to your foot and provides adequate support to achieve the best comfort during your hikes. 

You can also look at our range of trail shoes, which can be a good alternative to a hiking shoe.

How do I choose the right hiking shoe?

When selecting the right hiking shoe, it's important to consider size and fit. The shoe should fit well on your foot and provide good ankle support to best avoid injuries during your hike. Additionally, it might be a good idea to think about how socks also play a significant role in your overall experience of wearing the hiking shoe or boot.

Another factor to consider is the shock absorption in the hiking shoe. If you plan longer hikes or are walking on uneven terrain, it may be necessary to have extra protection against impact for your feet and joints. Pay attention to the midsole of the shoe and ensure it has adequate padding.

Weight of hiking shoes

Weight plays a crucial role when hiking. The heavier the shoe, the more energy you need to lift it with every movement. But lightweight design can also mean fewer features and less durability. Therefore, it is important to find an optimal balance between weight and the other features you need. Just like with running shoes, the best hiking shoe will be an entirely individual assessment.

When choosing hiking shoes, the weight will vary depending on the design and materials. A lighter shoe gives you more freedom during your hike and reduces the risk of sore feet or stiff joints the next day, while a heavier shoe typically has more extra features like added stability in the terrain or better shock absorption. It's about finding the right combination of functionality and comfort for your specific purpose with guidance from our experts at RunningXpert.

Size and fit of hiking shoes and boots

Finding the right size is of crucial importance when it comes to hiking shoes. Incorrect sizes can lead to discomfort and injuries during the hike. Be aware of the differences in fit between different brands, as they can vary greatly. Feel free to check our size guide under each hiking shoe.

When choosing hiking shoes, consider what type best suits your foot. It depends on both the terrain and your individual needs, so look around or contact our customer service before deciding on the pair that will hopefully be the perfect match.

Hiking shoes and shock absorption

The importance of shock absorption for your body's health:

Having the right degree of shock absorption in your hiking shoes can be crucial for protecting the body against injuries. Lack of or inadequate shock absorption can lead to stress injuries, muscle pain, and increased risk of joint injuries.

Various shock absorption technologies and their benefits/key features:

There are different technologies to help absorb the hard impacts from terrain during hiking. Some of these include:

EVA foam soles:

• Lightweight and good for milder terrain

Air-cushion:

• Offers extra comfort with air-filled cushions

Rock Plate:

• Protects the foot from sharp objects like rocks

How to choose the right degree of shock absorption for your needs:

It's important to choose the right degree of shock absorption based on both your primary choice of terrain and your personal preferences.

Consider the following when choosing your new hiking shoes:

• Terrain (rocky surface versus soft gravel)
• Your individual foot needs (high arch versus flat)
• Running style / walking method

Buy hiking shoes at RunningXpert

If you want to get the most out of your next hike, good hiking shoes are a must-have. At RunningXpert, you'll find a wide selection of hiking shoes from the best brands for all types of terrain. Whether you're walking on forest trails or mountain paths, we can help you find the right shoes for your specific needs.

Assortment and brands

We offer a broad assortment of hiking shoes for all types of terrain. Whether you're looking for shoes for soft surfaces or hard rocks, we have the perfect model for you. Our selection includes top brands like Salomon ,  Merrell and ASICS , so you can be sure to get quality shoes with good durability. In our range, you'll find everything from lightweight shoes with good breathability and flexibility to more robust models with unique grip technology in the outsole.

Price guarantee and offers

We offer good prices on our hiking shoes, so you can get the best gear without breaking the bank. You can easily compare our price with our competitors' prices on the same item. Besides this, we have regular sales with big discounts on selected models, so keep an eye on our website for great offers. And if you purchase over a certain amount, we provide free shipping - an extra saving in your pocket!

Hiking as a supplement or replacement for running

Hiking can be a great way to start your running training, especially if you're a beginner or have experienced injuries from previous training. It allows the body to get used to the load and strengthen the muscles in the legs.

If you're already an experienced runner, hiking can still have its place as a supplement to your training. It can help increase your endurance and strengthen the stabilizing muscles in your feet, ankles, and knees, reducing the risk of injuries during running training.

Hiking as a start to running training

Advantages of starting with hiking before you begin running:

Hiking can be an excellent way to prepare the body for the more intense activity of running training. With hiking, you can strengthen the muscles and reduce the risk of injuries before you start running. The benefits of hiking are many:

• Reduces strain on knees and ankles
• Increases endurance in leg muscles
• Improves fitness without unnecessary stress on the body's joints

How can you adjust your training plan from hiking to running?

It's crucial, when transitioning from hiking-level to jogging/trail running, to do it gradually so that your body has time to adapt to the increased intensity.

Transition period:

• A suggestion can be to combine short-term jogging with hikes under 20 minutes per session. But it will, of course, be very individual what is optimal.

Work your way up:

• Gradually increase both duration and intensity of your jogging over time to build endurance and strength.

Below are suggestions for exercises and techniques for hikers wanting to train for a marathon:

Interval training:

• Alternate fast walking/light jog and long walks.

Core training:

• Focus on abs, back, glutes, and thigh muscles.

Personal trainer:

• Consider a personal trainer to tailor a program for your goals and starting point.

How can hiking support my running training?

Nature walks can strengthen muscles and joints, valuable for runners. By integrating interval training on varied terrains like hills or uneven ground, intensity and variety increase. For effective comfort during both walking and training, it's important to match footwear to the specific terrain. Investing in hiking shoes with good support and grip will protect feet from injury while enhancing your experience of nature's varied terrains. At RunningXpert, you'll find a wide range of quality hiking shoes for all terrains. Get ready for your next adventure alone or with your family! And if you wish, many of our hiking shoes can double as trail running shoes . 

FAQ

What are the benefits of using hiking shoes?

Hiking shoes have several advantages for trail running. They are more robust and durable than regular running shoes, making them ideal for handling uneven surfaces and rocks. Most hiking shoes are also waterproof or water-resistant, perfect for wet or muddy conditions. Additionally, hiking shoes often provide more support and stability than traditional running shoes, reducing injury and fatigue risk. Finally, they can offer better grip on slippery or steep surfaces, enhancing your running experience and performance. For many, a trail running shoe fulfills the need for a hiking shoe.

Are hiking shoes comfortable?

Yes, hiking shoes are known for comfort. They are designed to support and protect feet during long walks, generally featuring cushioned soles and breathable uppers for ventilation. Many are also water-resistant or waterproof, ideal for wet terrain and rainy days. It’s important to choose a hiking shoe that fits well and provides enough support for the best comfort on hikes. At RunningXpert, find a wide range of hiking shoes from brands like Salomon, HOKA One One and New Balance .

Are hiking shoes shock-absorbing?

Yes, hiking shoes typically absorb shock well, offering protection against impacts during varied terrain hiking. Some even have extra cushioning in the sole or heel for added protection and comfort. It's key to choose the right hiking shoes for the terrain and personal needs and preferences.

Can you change the insoles in hiking shoes?

Yes, insoles in hiking shoes can be replaced. It may be necessary if worn or damaged, or to customize for personal needs. Choosing the right insoles for foot type and needs, and having them properly fitted, ensures optimal comfort and support during hikes. At RunningXpert, we offer a large selection of insoles and other accessories - for example hiking poles - to fit your needs and shoes. Consider which socks suit you best, whether compression or wool. We have a wide selection for any occasion. A good backpack is also great for longer walks.

What colors do hiking shoes come in?

Hiking shoes are often associated with muted earth tones like brown, green, and gray, but variations of these and other colors are possible. Colors depend on the brand and model of the shoes. At RunningXpert, we offer a range from various brands, hoping you find a color that matches your style and preference.