Hiking Shoes

When to use?

Hiking shoes are low cut footwear that are designed to be used in the wilderness. They have a stiffer sole than a running shoe. This prevents rocks and other debris from poking through the sole. They are lighter weight than hiking boots, because they are lower cut and built with lighter weight materials. They should not be used when carrying heavy loads because they do not have the necessary ankle support. If you are traveling over rough terrain this lack of support coupled with heavy weight could cause you to roll an ankle.

Components

Sole - Hiking shoe soles are composed of rubber designed to be tactile allowing for a good hold that won't degrade quickly. The tread pattern has a lot of deep lugs to allow good grip in mud and dirt.
Shank - Hiking shoes have a shank that is thinner than a backpacking boot. The length and material this is made of changes depending on each shoe.
Rand - The rand is a thin layer of rubber that covers the toe. This rubber offers abrasion resistance for the shoe.
Upper - Materials that the shoe is made out of vary depending on the model; however, leather, synthetic and vegan friendly models all exist.
Waterproof Membranes - Some hiking shoes have waterproof/breathable membranes that work to keep out water while allowing your feet's perspiration to escape. To keep this working properly the shoe must be kept clean.
Tongue - The tongue on hiking shoes is usually attached directly to the body of the shoe, which helps in keeping dirt and debris out.