Best Hiking Boots for Beginners: From a PA with Plantar Fasciitis
Are you looking for the best hiking boots for beginners? There are SOOOOO many different hiking boot brands. There’s no way for everyone to know and understand all of them, but I’m here to narrow it down for you after a decade of hiking experience and working in the medical field.
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BEST HIKING BOOTS FOR BEGINNERS
I’m going to break down the best hiking boots into a few different categories. The best BUDGET hiking boots for beginners, the best SPLURGE hiking boots for beginners, the CUTEST hiking boots, and LOW-CUT hiking shoes for beginners. We all may fit into a different category, so I want to give you options. I will say, I personally will not buy hiking boots unless they are CUTE and COMFORTABLE. Because you can be an outdoorsy gal or guy AND look fashionable on the trail- why not? It’s fun!
By trade, I am a Physician Assistant. I have worked in Primay Care, Sports Medicine, Urgent Care, Emergency Medicine, and Rural/Wilderness Medicine. In my training, I developed plantar fasciitis from long days standing in the operating room. It still flares up from time to time and I probably will deal with it my whole life. For this reason, good footwear is important to me. If you struggle with any knee/ankle/foot problems, I got you!
BEST BUDGET HIKING BOOTS FOR BEGINNERS
If you’re thinking about starting to hike, I’m so happy for you! Hiking is amazing, and good for you mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. There is a cool program for medical providers called PARK PRESCRIPTION, encouraging providers to “prescribe” time outdoors. So that’s what I want to do for you!
Keep in mind, you don’t need the best gear to start hiking. I was in college when I started hiking, and it was years before I upgraded my gear. Now that I’m in a career and my days of being a poor student are behind me, it’s differentl. If you’re there, I totally get it. Hang in there!
YOU DON’T HAVE TO HAVE THE BEST GEAR TO START GETTING OUT THERE.
Keen Terradora
These boots are special to me- they were my FIRST hiking boots. My first upgrade. I think they are some of the best hiking boots for beginners! First, they’re waterproof! Second, they are LIGHT. It’s not fun to have big bulky boots that weigh you down. Even though they’re light, they’re still supportive to your feet. On top of that, they’re cute! I like the shape and the colors they offer. For $50-80, they’re great for beginners!
Have Heel Pain?
Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis include pain anywhere from the heel to the ball of your foot. Usually worse in the morning and evening, better with motion, but worse with extended standing or walking.
If this sounds like you, you MAY have plantar fasciitis. I suggest getting supportive hiking boots and trying this affordable night splint. Always consult your personal medical provider!
COLUMBIA NEWTON RIDGE
Aren’t these the CUTEST HIKING BOOTS? The brown boot, red laces look is IN these days. I think these are some of the best hiking boots for beginners because of the look, the price, and the great reviews. I have not owned a pair myself, but I know many who have them and love them. They’re a more affordable alternative to another boot we will discuss soon! I highly recommend!
COMPARISON
Columbia Newton Ridge
PRICE: $75
RATING: 4.3 stars
PROS: Look, price, good traction
CONS: Slightly heavier shoe, limits ankle mobility
Keen Terradora
PRICE: $85
RATING: 4.3 stars
PROS:Light, supportive sole, flexible
CONS: Limited supply
THE BEST SPLURGE HIKING BOOTS FOR BEGINNERS
If you have the finances for it and you want to start out with a quality pair of supportive shoes that will last you years, that’s great too! Let’s go over some of the best investment or splurge hiking boots for beginners.
DANNER MOUNTAIN 600
By far these are my FAVORITE hiking boots, but they are pricedabove $200. Whether you’re a beginner or you’ve been hiking for a bit and you’re looking to upgrade, these are the bomb. First, I love the look. I love the mid-brown leather and the red laces. I used to not like red, but it stands out with landscapes so well. Also, the Vibram sole is very comfortable, flexible, and still supportive. They don’t feel too big or bulky either. If you want a little more ankle mobility, don’t wrap the laces up to the highest level. I willl say my ONE con is the laces sometimes come undone. But 10/10 would recommend these to anyone.
THE DANNER MOUNTAIN 600 ARE MY FAVORITE BOOT TO DATE.
These are my dream hiking boots. Like I said, I’m a bit vain in that my boots need to be cute, haha. This line of shoes has such fun colors. I also love the thick heel, and the kind of hybrid between a low cut and high boot- it’s almost sock-like at the top. they run about $150-200 as well and are very highly rated.
These are amazing hiking boots for people with heel pain, foot pain, ankle pain, etc. They have such a thick sole which gives you a nice bounce when you walk as well as protection from rocks and other trail obstacles. They are very highly rated- I don’t know anyone who had Hokas who didn’t like them! The downside- the price. These babies are $240.. yikes!
This is one of the best hiking boots for beginners too! A boot to me needs to be cute and comfortable. I personally haven’t worn Merrell, but I’d love to try them out. Many people love them. They say these boots are agile enough to run, do light scrambling, and obviously hiking too. Definitely a strong option for a good hiking shoe. These are priced at $160.
Need Hiking Ideas for your New Boots?
Here’s a list of some of the Best Hikes in Phoenix-
Read my blog post: Best Hikes in Phoenix for Visitors & Locals
COMPARISON
Danner Mountain 600
PRICE: $210
RATING: 4.6 stars
PROS: Look, support, duability
CONS: Price, laces come loose
Adidas Free hiker
PRICE: $200
RATING: 4.4 stars
PROS: Comfortable, flexible, non-restrictive
CONS: Price
PRICE: $240
RATING: 4.7 stars
PROS: Very supportive base, style
CONS: Some people like thinner soles
PRICE: $160
RATING: 4.4 stars
PROS: Agile, multi-purpose
CONS: Fit doesn’t work for everyone
Cutest Hiking Boots
I am all about the looks with hiking boots. There is one particular brand that I feel has the cutest hiking boots I have seen. It makes it so much fun!
Inkkas is a handcrafted, unique brand using talented seamstresses in Mexico. They plant 1 tree per shoe purchased. I love how unique the patterns are. I got the Aurora Vegan (yes, many of their products are Vegan) Trekk Boots because I was headed up to Alaska- so fun to match your environment! They’re comfortable, have great traction, and the looks are amazing. They are priced at $139 which I think is fair for the unique look! I also wear my Joggers with scrubs at work.
Cute Hiking Outfits
After you get cute boots, you have to complete the outfit!
Read my blog post: Cute Hiking Outfits for Summer
BEST HIKING SOCKS
You’ve got good boots, but you need good socks! I never realized how much socks made a difference until I tried different ones. They need to be soft, not too sweaty but not too light. Let’s go over some of my favorites!
DARN TOUGH
PRICE: $15-20 each
MERRELL
PRICE: $17 for 4
Smartwool
PRICE: $25 each
FINAL THOUGHTS ABOUT THE BEST HIKING BOOTS FOR BEGINNERS
There are so many amazing options out there for hiking boots. You can’t go wrong! You can splurge if you like high quality, or you can go with an affordable option. Just get out there! 🙂
