Finding the right pair of hiking shoes is essential for a comfortable and safe outdoor experience. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or new to the trails, choosing the right footwear is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. Hiking shoes need to offer comfort, durability, support, and traction to handle different terrains. But where can you get hiking shoes? In this article, we will explore various places to purchase hiking shoes, the factors to consider when shopping, and some of the top brands to look for.
1. Local Outdoor Retailers
Local outdoor retailers are great places to buy hiking shoes because they often have knowledgeable staff who can help you choose the best pair for your needs. Many of these stores offer expert advice, so you can try on different shoes and get personalized recommendations based on the type of hiking you plan to do.
Benefits:
Expert Assistance: Staff can help you find the best fit and shoe type for your needs.
Hands-on Experience: You can try on different shoes and feel the fit before buying.
Immediate Purchase: You can get your shoes on the spot and start using them right away.
Popular Local Outdoor Retailers:
REI: Known for its extensive selection of hiking gear, REI carries many top hiking shoe brands like Merrell, Salomon, and Keen. The staff are experienced in fitting outdoor gear and can offer guidance on shoe features.
The North Face: This retailer specializes in outdoor clothing and gear, and they offer a variety of hiking shoes for different types of hiking.
Cabela’s: Cabela’s is a go-to store for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a wide range of hiking shoes from well-known brands.
Local retailers often have sales or membership discounts, so it’s worth checking if there are any special promotions.
2. National Sporting Goods Stores
National sporting goods chains are another great option for purchasing hiking shoes. These stores generally carry a wide range of sports equipment, including hiking footwear, and they tend to have competitive prices.
Benefits:
Wide Variety: Sporting goods stores typically carry many different brands, so you’ll have many options to choose from.
Affordable Prices: Larger chains can often offer good deals, and they may have seasonal sales.
Convenience: There are many of these stores nationwide, making them easy to find.
Popular National Sporting Goods Stores:
Dick’s Sporting Goods: Dick’s has a solid selection of hiking shoes, including brands like Columbia, Merrell, and Nike. The store staff can also help you find the right fit.
Academy Sports + Outdoors: Known for low prices, Academy offers a variety of hiking shoes suitable for different hiking conditions, including options for trail running.
Sports Authority: Although not as widely available anymore, Sports Authority used to be a big name in outdoor sports gear and still carries hiking shoes from various manufacturers.
3. Online Retailers
In recent years, online shopping has become increasingly popular for buying hiking shoes. The advantage of shopping online is that you can browse a huge variety of shoes from different brands, read customer reviews, and often find better prices than in stores.
Benefits:
Wide Selection: You can explore thousands of options and brands without leaving your home.
Customer Reviews: Online shopping allows you to read honest feedback from people who have already purchased the shoes.
Convenience: You can shop from anywhere at any time, and often with free shipping.
Popular Online Retailers:
Amazon: Amazon has one of the largest selections of hiking shoes online, with a broad range of prices and options. You can also find detailed reviews that will help you make an informed decision.
Backcountry: Backcountry specializes in outdoor gear and offers a wide selection of hiking shoes and boots. They also provide expert advice and carry many well-known brands.
Zappos: Zappos is famous for its excellent customer service and easy return policies. They carry a large collection of hiking shoes, from entry-level to high-performance models.
Moosejaw: Moosejaw carries a variety of hiking shoes and often has promotions and sales. Their website also provides great product descriptions and user reviews.
When shopping online, make sure to check the return policies, especially if you’re trying a brand or style you’re not familiar with.
4. Specialty Hiking and Outdoor Gear Websites
Several websites specialize in hiking and outdoor gear, making them great places to find high-quality hiking shoes. These websites focus solely on outdoor equipment and often carry a curated selection of the best shoes for hiking and outdoor adventures.
Benefits:
Expert Curated Selection: These websites often carry only the best-performing shoes for outdoor use.
Specialist Knowledge: Staff at these sites are often outdoor enthusiasts and experts in the field, providing useful recommendations.
Popular Specialty Websites:
REI.com: REI’s online store offers an extensive selection of hiking shoes, just like their physical stores, with detailed product descriptions and customer reviews.
Campsaver: Campsaver focuses on outdoor gear, including hiking shoes, and often has expert advice on the best options for various outdoor activities.
Hiker’s Paradise: This site specializes in hiking footwear and apparel, providing in-depth information and great product choices for hiking shoes.
These websites often offer detailed product descriptions, so you can read about the materials, features, and performance of each pair of shoes.
5. Shoe Stores with Outdoor Selections
Some traditional shoe stores now offer hiking shoes as part of their selection. While these stores are not focused exclusively on outdoor gear, they often have a wide range of hiking shoes from different brands. This can be a convenient option if you’re looking for hiking shoes as part of your everyday footwear shopping.
Benefits:
Accessible Locations: Shoe stores are commonly located in shopping malls, making them easy to find.
Good for Everyday and Hiking Footwear: Many shoe stores now offer specialized hiking shoes as part of their regular selection.
Popular Shoe Stores:
Foot Locker: Some Foot Locker locations carry hiking shoes alongside their usual athletic footwear.
DSW: Designer Shoe Warehouse offers a selection of outdoor shoes, including hiking boots and trail shoes.
Famous Footwear: Famous Footwear carries a variety of footwear brands, including hiking shoes from top brands like Merrell and Columbia.
These stores may not have the same level of expertise as outdoor-specific retailers, but they can be a good option for convenience and variety.
6. Secondhand and Discount Stores
If you’re on a tight budget or looking for a great deal, secondhand stores and discount outlets can be great places to find hiking shoes. These stores often carry high-quality shoes at a fraction of the price, although selection can vary.
Benefits:
Affordability: You can find great deals on quality shoes if you’re willing to shop around.
Eco-friendly: Buying secondhand reduces waste and is a more sustainable option.
Popular Secondhand and Discount Stores:
Goodwill: Goodwill and other thrift stores sometimes carry gently used outdoor gear, including hiking shoes.
Outlet Malls: Many brands like Merrell, Columbia, and North Face have outlet stores where you can find discounted hiking shoes.
REI Garage Sales: REI often holds garage sales where you can buy returned or gently used outdoor gear, including hiking shoes.
Secondhand stores can be hit or miss, so it’s important to inspect the shoes carefully before purchasing to make sure they are in good condition.
7. Outdoor Gear Rental Stores
In some areas, you can also rent hiking shoes from outdoor gear rental stores. Renting shoes may be a good option if you’re only going on a short-term hiking trip and don’t want to invest in a pair of shoes that you might only use once.
Benefits:
Cost-Effective: Renting shoes can be much cheaper than buying a new pair, especially if you’re only hiking for a few days.
Convenient for Travelers: Renting shoes while on vacation or traveling to a new area can save you from needing to pack your own hiking footwear.
Popular Outdoor Gear Rental Services:
REI Rentals: Many REI stores offer rental gear, including hiking shoes, so you can try before you buy.
Local Outdoor Gear Shops: Many outdoor gear shops located near national parks and hiking destinations offer rental options.
Renting shoes gives you a chance to try them on for size and comfort without the commitment of a full purchase.
Conclusion
There are many places where you can buy hiking shoes, both online and in person. Whether you choose a local outdoor retailer, a national sporting goods store, or an online specialty site, it’s important to take the time to consider the factors that will influence your choice of shoes. By trying on different pairs, checking customer reviews, and considering your specific hiking needs, you can find the perfect pair of shoes to keep you comfortable and safe on your adventures.
Remember to prioritize fit, comfort, support, and durability when selecting hiking shoes, and you’ll be ready to hit the trails with confidence. Happy hiking!
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