Barefoot Shoes

How long will you be on the trail?

• Hiking shoes: day hikes or ultralight backpacking
• Hiking boots: multi-day treks with heavier loads

What upper is right for you?

• Leather: water- and abrasion-resistant, durable
• Synthetic: lightweight, break in easily, dry faster

Look at the lugs

• Deep, thick lugs improve grip
• Wider lug spaces sheds mud and offer good traction

Check crampon compatibility
Mountaineering and winter hiking may call for crampons. Narrow your search for boots with crampon compatibility.

Where do you plan to run?

• Road or track: Lighter shoes for speed, more cushioned shoes for distance
• Gravel paths: Hybrid shoes, designed for both road and trail

Cushion comes down to "feel" vs. "float"

• Minimal and barefoot cushioning: little to no padding, more groundfeel
• Moderate cushioning: more traditional ride
• Maximum cushioning: softest, bounciest ride

What kind of support do you need?
Depending on your gait, you may need a stability shoe. But most runners will fare well with a neutral shoe.

Make sure the shoe fits.
No breaking in periods, period! Your shoe should fit well from the get go.