What are good hiking shoes?

I do a lot of walking in my job and I like a low top canvas and leather hiking shoe as light as possible while yet with enough structure to keep my feet supported. I dont like military style water-proof hiking boots because, at the end of a day, youll be dog tired just from their weight. Ive never really had a brand of choice, I usually go up to Cabelas and try em all until one pair feels right. Then I decide on whether their price is worth it or should I look around on line.
When Im out in the field, I usually keep a light pack with MANY extra socks and a pair of tennis sneakers or deck shoes if I need to go climbing over rocks. I also keep a low pair of slip on gum galoshes (as a throw away)for any extensive water trekking like what youd see in the last miles toward Katahdin.

Ive never gone over 100$ for any shoe(except for a pair of well worn in and polished cowboy boots) and I usually always am in a pair of low top Doc Martins for business and general field work. Ive actually hiked many days in just a pair of Doc Martin low top lace shoes with a gum tread. These are my "go-to" shoe and my wife always does my buying (she knows the sizes and keeps me looking dressy and fit for the work days.
.The really expensive hiking boots that Beans sells are just marketing hype IMHO.
Spend the bulk of your entire budget on a good pack frame, bag , and bedroll.

Gonna hike many miles per day? MAke sure you put a destination to either Spruce Knob (W Va) or to Mt Mitchell or Klingmans.

Hi Megan,

While I would hesitate to go against Farmerman's advice, I would suggest ankle-high hiking shoes that are well walked in. In my experience (limited as it is to European hiking trails) these provide the best comfort per price. Note that it is imperative to walk them in beforehand, to avoid blisters. Before the hike you could harden your feet by treating them with camphor spirits for a week or two, so as to reduce the risk of blistering. Carry a blister lancet and plasters just in case.

a low hiking shoe that I prefer is about ankle high but no higher. I like the canvas leather combo because its lighter for long walking. Above the ankle is just too high for me (like ice skating foot gear)

I guess everybody has their own preferences .

Hi Farmerman,
OK, I understood "low" as "loafer"-high. And, while in my youth I would have religiously stuck to leather for hiking boots, I have come around to the leather-canvas type, provided the canvas is well-impregnated. (For my snow boots, I accept only leather though...)

I usually wear Muck Boots with felt sox in deep snow. (Cept when Im driving or walking in snow shoes)

I would suggest an EVA midsole and ESS shank is incredible for such a light shoe, making this a great choice for backpacking with light & medium loads. It also boasts some features that are unique to Keen's brand, such as the wrap-around toe box & a well-designed lacing system, which allows for a lot of adjustability in the tightness, especially around the collar and heel cup.

Hi Megan,

I would like to suggest to wear Boots as Boots are made for different terrains so while hiking or any outdoor activity you should wear boots, There are plenty of Boots varieties are available online you can also get a discount voucher for shoe shopping.

Ultra marathon runners (100+ mile runs) swear by the best footwear ever - the plain human foot. Asa barefootist myself I'm inclined to agree. Once calloused up, nothing's better than the human foot.

Yet your link is titled ballet flats?

I would like to suggest to wear Boots.

Any shoes which are ankle-high and lightweight are suggested for the hiking trips. But again it depends on the individual preferences, foot type etc.