5 affordable hiking shoes you’ll want in your closet
Historically, one major barrier to people of color not indulging in outdoor activities is the expense of equipment and travel cost to various locations. The cost alone has detered generations from camping in the summer, buying kayaks/canoes along a river bank, climbing rocks with the appropiate materials and countless other outdoor activities that are not typically geared toward black and brown audiences.
With this, it’s no surprise that the most popular outdoor retailers are also very high in pricing but i’ll let you in on a secret…you don’t need to spend a ton to have quality materials! Despite what the big name outdoor magazines and affiliate influencers are telling you, there are brands who make less expensive gear that doesn’t compromise the quality and integrity of a product.
When I first began to frequently hike, I realized quickly after a few tumbles and falls that I needed to invest in the right shoes. Hiking shoes can range anywhere from $20-$300+, depending on the brand and materials used to create the sole. There are hundreds of outdoor brands to select from but for my beginners or for those who are balling on a budget, here are some hiking shoes that are safe, secure, comfortable and of course affordable.
I take a group hiking once a month, and I’m always asked about recommendations for good hiking shoes. The right shoe gear can make a huge difference in your hiking experience. Always choose comfortability and fit over anything else. While normal athletic shoes can certainly do the trick for shorter local hikes, if you’re planning to expand your trekking reach, you’ll want to invest in durable footwear.
Be sure to look at the bottom of the shoe to check the rubber, thickness, grooves and potential traction. Examine the width of the sole of the shoe to identify the best fit for your arch type.
Hiking shoes:
Last longer than typical athletic shoes
Has stronger grip protection, rubber soles are more sturdy
Provides durability in different environments (rocks, mud, slippery slopes)
Helps to avoid blisters
Other popular hiking brands:
Merrell Moab 2 Ventilator
Merrell Moab 2 Waterproof
Columbia Vitesse OutDry
Columbia Fairbanks Low
Merrell MQM Flex
Vasque Juxt
Adidas Terrex AX3
Columbia Vitesse Mid Outdry
Let me know which brand you end up choosing.
To expanding your footwork,
Carrie
2 Replies to “5 affordable hiking shoes you’ll want in your closet”
How did you know I was looking for some hiking shoes!? This is so helpful!
How did you know I was looking for some hiking shoes!? This is so helpful!
Thank you! Hope they are a great fit 🙂