Footwear
It is vital to keep your feet happy. Blistered or frozen feet will limit your ability to get to where you are trying to get to.
Hiking Footwear
Selecting the right footwear for hiking if vital to prevent/limit blisters and injury. It is recommended that you go to REI and try on different shoe and sock combinations and walk around the store for at least an hour.
See more about this on Hiking Footwear Page.
Sock Recommendation
Smartwool
Mountaineer Max or
Hike Classic
Shoes vs Boots
For the most part, Trail Runners will work fine for most of our Hiking and Backpacking Outings. On Winter Outings, waterproof insulated boots are needed. There are a few outings in the spring and fall where a waterproof hiking boot might be desirable.
See our Hiking Footwear Page and Winter Footwear Page for more details on footwear.
Shoe Examples
Trail Runner
Lighter and more comfortable than heavier boots
Hiking Boots
Merrel Moab 2 Mid Ventilator (This NON waterproof version - is also good for canoeing)
Snow Footgear
Proper footgear if vital for comfort and to protect your toes from frostbite.
See more about this on See our Winter Footwear Boots Page and Winter Footwear Socks Page
Wool Mountaineering Socks
Ideally pack 2 pairs per day on snow
If your boots aren't waterproof, you'll want more pairs of dry socks to change into
See our Winter Footwear Socks Page for more information
Snow Boots
Waterproof, Insulated Boots are needed for snow travels.
See our Winter Footwear Boots Page for more information
Snow Gaiters
Required for deep snow!
Keeps snow out of boots
This is huge when making snow shelters and breaking a trail through the snow - otherwise your boots will fill up with snow and soak your feet
See our Gaiters Page for more information
Canoe Footwear
Canoeing footwear needs to protect your feet when out of the canoe and needs to drain and dry out so your feet don't fall apart (immersion foot syndrome).
See more about this on Canoe Footwear Page.
Water Boots
Boots must ALLOW for drainage
Acceptable options:
Water shoes - type that allows for easy draining
Merrel Moab 2 Mid Ventilator (NOT the waterproof version)
Merrell AllOut Blaze shoes (mesh lined shoes)
Army Jungle Boots are designed to drain
Dry Camp Shoes
Wear these in camp - allows feet to dry out
Sandals that allow you to wear wool socks (NO Flip-Flops!)
Crocs (fastest drying shoes available)
Cycling Shoes
For shorter trips, walking shoes will be fine for cycling. But for longer rides, dedicated cycling shoes have huge benefits over shoes made for walking.
See more about this on Cycling Footwear Page.
Cycling Shoe Styles
Mountain Bike Shoes vs Road Bike Shoes vs Casual Bike Shoes
Road Bike Shoes
Maximum pedaling efficiency
Awful to walk in
Mountain Bike Shoes
Two types: Cleats and Non Cleats
Cleated Mountain Bike Shoes
Great option for those that will be doing a lot of riding and some walking or running
Non-Cleated Mountain Bike Shoes
Great option for those that will be doing a lot of riding and a lot of walking or running
Casual Bike Shoes
Made for people who bike to work and will mostly be walking on pavement and office floors