With the Philippines’ breathtaking landscapes and lush mountains, hiking has become a favorite outdoor activity for many Filipinos seeking adventure and a healthy lifestyle. Whether you’re scaling the heights of Mt. Pulag or exploring nearby nature trails, having the right pair of hiking shoes can make all the difference. Choosing trusted, durable hiking shoes ensures comfort and safety on every trek and helps you enjoy every step of your journey.
When choosing hiking shoes, a lot of things have to be considered. Hiking shoes have varying features built for different circumstances on the trail. To help you pick the right one, this article breaks down the main things to consider before buying a pair namely type, trail, material, and size. We also included a top 10 list of the best hiking shoes that you can purchase online.
Quick List - Top Hiking Shoes
Merrell
Comfortable Waterproof Hiking Shoes with Reliable Traction
Merrell
Durable Waterproof Mid-Height Hiking Shoes with Enhanced Support
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
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As a recreational activity, hiking offers much more benefits than most people realize. Before we dive right into the buying guide, here some of the benefits that you can get out of hiking.
Hiking is a highly physical activity that engages different parts of your body. Depending on how rigorous it is, it can shed body fat while strengthening your body at the same time. Among the health benefits it offers are reduced risk of heart disease, stronger bones and muscles as well as improved balance, flexibility, and coordination.
As with any other exercise, hiking is a good cardio workout. It lowers blood pressure and cholesterol level, and improves blood circulation in your body. Also, it trains your heart as well, lowering the risk of developing heart disease in the future.
From walking, climbing, and leaping, hiking enhances your cardiovascular endurance. By walking for hours straight, your heart rate picks up and then adjusts accordingly in order for you to keep going. Basically, hiking raises your heart rate, which consequently forces your circulatory system to be in active mode during hikes.
Since walking for long distances requires the use of muscles, hiking is also a good leg workout. Carrying your own weight plus a backpack if you are bringing one, can significantly boost your bone density as well as muscle strength. For those who think running is too hard and walking too easy, hiking might be a good balance between the two.
Because it targets your bones and muscles, hiking also reduces the risk of having arthritis and osteoporosis. Aside from that, it is also ideal for those who want to keep their leg muscles toned. And while having strong bones is something not as visually obvious as the other benefits, it is definitely something that you will feel has improved and will benefit you greatly in the long-run.
Hiking improves your sense of balance. By traversing on rocky, uneven terrains without slipping or falling, your body eventually gets more coordinated without you even realizing it. Doing leaps and reaching out with your arms when hiking increases your flexibility, too.
Hiking beginners usually struggle with this during their first hikes. However, as with most things, balance, flexibility, and coordination improve with time and practice. With this in mind, it is ideal to begin with easy trails before progressing to more challenging ones.
Aside from physical health, hiking also benefits your mental health. According to a study done by researchers from Stanford University, going for a hike calms anxiety and lowers the risk of depression. The adrenaline release you get from hiking allows you to loosen up and destress, especially if you have a busy work schedule and rarely have the time to go out.
Also, the endorphins you let out when you are on a hike supply you with a calm and happy feeling that combats stress and depression. It might not be the case for all, but hiking, for many, is in a sense therapeutic especially for those who seek solace in nature.
Sometimes people need a break from their city lives and hiking is a great recreational activity to fulfill that purpose. Aside from that, hiking is known to stimulate creativity as you have fewer distractions on the trail. In fact, it might even help you reflect on your life as your mind subconsciously wanders when it is surrounded by nature.
An underrated benefit of hiking is that it lets you appreciate nature firsthand. Hikers willingly traverse long and difficult terrains in order to arrive at the peak and soak in the breathtaking view from the mountaintop. Beyond being an outdoor activity, hiking is an experience that allows you to appreciate the beauty of nature and see the value of the environment.
If the benefits mentioned above sounded interesting to you, perhaps it is time for you to give hiking a try. To get you started, here are 10 great hiking shoes that you can purchase online before you plan that hiking trip.
Hiking shoes have different types that vary depending on their use. Some are ideal for day hikes, others for backpacking, and some are used for specific terrains. Before you buy a pair, it is essential to know first what type of hiking shoes would be ideal for every situation.
Light hiking shoes are low-cut, lightweight, and flexible shoes ideal for well-maintained trails. Their low-cut style gives your ankle more flexibility, but they also provide less ankle support making them more vulnerable to injuries. These are perfect for short day hikes because they have a lighter and more comfortable feel.
These type of hiking shoes, especially those made out of synthetic materials, are inferior to other hiking shoes in terms of durability. Still, they are great for short and infrequent hikes over easy terrain.
Hiking boots can either be mid-cut or high cut. Mid-cut hiking boots are more durable than short ankle boots. On the other hand, high-cut hiking boots are heavier but provide more ankle support. Ankle support is ideal especially if you will be carrying something heavy while hiking.
Since they protect the area around your ankles, hiking boots reduce the risk of injuries while also prevent dirt and rocks from entering your shoes. Overall, hiking boots are perfect for long hikes in rocky, uneven terrains.
These are the heaviest and most durable type of hiking shoes. They usually reach well-above your ankles and provide excellent ankle support especially for carrying heavier loads. Since they are rigid, heavy, and made from stiff materials, expect them to be less flexible and comfortable than other hiking shoes. They are perfect though for long, challenging hikes that last more than 3 days.
In tropical countries such as the Philippines, local hikers prefer breathable shoes with minimal padding thus backpacking boots are not very popular. For instance, the warmth that these shoes provide is not an issue when hiking within the country due to our already hot climate.
Outsoles are the bottom part of the shoes that touches the ground. They are usually made of rubber and vary widely depending on their functions. Hiking-wise, outsoles that have good traction are essential for steep and uneven trails. With today's hiking shoes, Vibram soles are the most common rubber outsole. These are rubber outsoles created with lugs that provide grip.
Shoes with soft rubber outsoles are the lightest and most flexible outsoles for hiking. They are more comfortable because of their soft quality but would wear out faster too. For light and easy trails, opt for outsoles made primarily of soft rubber for increased comfort.
Hard outsoles, on the other hand, offer stability and durability as they are stiffer and less prone to early wear and tear. They also protect your feet from the protruding feeling of stones and debris underneath, especially if you are traversing through rocky terrains. Expect them to be heavy though, so you might want to reconsider if you prefer lighter shoes.
Lugs refer to the indentations and grooves found on the outsole that allow your shoes to have grip. Generally, lugs with wider gaps offer better traction on uneven surfaces and can shed mud more easily. On the other hand, deeper lugs with tighter gaps have less grip, but can disperse water with ease.
Meanwhile, heel brakes are added features on the arch part of the outsoles that prevents slippage. If you have plans to hike on wet and slippery trails, look for shoes with huge heel brakes that would prevent you from slipping down. Heel brakes are essential for hikes that include steep descents especially on muddy and slippery terrains.
The material from which hiking shoes are made play a huge role in their performance. Each material gives you different benefits and advantages. Among these are durability, waterproofness, breathability, lightness, and comfort.
The leather used in most hiking shoes falls under two categories: full-grain leather and split-grain leather. Full-grain leather is extremely durable and can usually last for a couple of years. Often the choice of expert hikers, it is naturally capable of repelling water and can provide stability & support for rigorous hikes. They are, however, heavy and less breathable than other materials.
Meanwhile, split-grain leather is mixed with synthetic materials such as nylon mesh. This hybrid is less durable and not waterproof; however, it is significantly lighter and much more breathable.
Synthetic materials in hiking shoes include materials such as polyester, nylon mesh, and synthetic leather. They are suitable if you're new to hiking and just go on light trails. Recent technology has allowed them to be quick-drying, extremely soft, waterproof, and lightweight.
Hiking shoes made of synthetic materials usually have waterproof features. However, they are much less breathable, and your feet can get sweaty after long hikes. They are significantly cheaper than leather and require less break-in time, but they also tend to absorb water and wear off easy than other materials.
No one likes to feel like their feet are being suffocated and in the same way, no one likes to feel as if their shoes are going to come off with every step. To prevent either one of these from happening, pick the right size of shoes for your hikes. This task can get tricky, so we have broken down the things you should consider when choosing the right size for your hiking shoes.
Provide your toes enough room to wiggle at the front part of your shoes. This is important because toes are usually pushed forward during descent and having no extra room will probably hurt your toes, especially if the trail is steep. Make sure, however, that the extra space is not enough to make your feet move from their place with every step.
Before making a purchase, make sure to get this part right by checking that your toes are not crammed and there is actually allowance for movement. According to this article, you should have around a thumb’s width of space between your longest toe and the end of the insole. You will thank yourself later for it when you eventually encounter tough descents while on a hike.
Extremely tight shoes result in painful blisters that may lead to an infection. It is the same case for loose-fitting ones since your foot is slipping back and forth inside your shoes. It is important to pick shoes that fit just right to prevent any kind of discomfort when hiking. Also consider the socks you would be using too, as their thickness can affect the fit and overall feel of the shoes.
Also, in shoes, there is this thing called break-in time, which refers to the short period of discomfort caused by new shoes. Recently purchased hiking shoes, particularly those made of leather, usually require break-in time. So it is necessary to walk in them for a couple of weeks after purchase to allow them to loosen up and conform to your feet.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | Details | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Material | Weight | Waterproof | |||||
1 | Merrell Moab 3 Waterproof Bracken Shoes | ![]() | Reliable Waterproof Hiking Shoes with Durable Comfort | Waterproof full-grain leather, 100% recycled microfiber | 510 g | Yes | |
2 | Merrell Accentor 3 Waterproof-Black Mens Hiking Shoes | ![]() | Comfortable Waterproof Hiking Shoes with Reliable Traction | Waterproof suede leather and mesh, Lightweight EVA foam | 393 g | Yes | |
3 | Sandugo Rinjani Mid-Cut Hiking Shoes | ![]() | Durable Mid-Cut Hiking Shoes Built for Trekking Adventures | Breathable synthetic fabric, Rugged rubber for traction | unknown | Yes | |
4 | Merrell Crosslander 3 Mid Hiking Shoes | ![]() | Durable Waterproof Mid-Height Hiking Shoes with Enhanced Support | Suede leather and breathable mesh, Lightweight EVA foam with molded nylon arch shank, Merrell Air Cushion | 450 g | Yes | |
5 | Decathlon Quechua Hiking Shoes|NH150 | ![]() | Reliable Waterproof Mid-Height Hiking Shoes for Occasional Walks | Synthetic nubuck leather, Lightweight EVA foam | 730 g | Yes | |
6 | Sandugo Sembrano Low Cut Hiking Shoes | ![]() | Versatile Low-Cut Hiking Shoes for Day Hikes and Outdoor Activities | Durable synthetic fabric, Lightweight EVA foam | 420 g | Yes | |
7 | Camel Crown Women's Outdoor Hiking Shoes | ![]() | Durable and Comfortable Women's Hiking Shoes with Reliable Traction | High-quality leather and synthetic , Shock-absorbing EVA foam | 480 g | Yes | |
8 | Salomon Ultra 5 GTX Hiking Shoes | ![]() | Exceptional Lightweight Waterproof Hiking Shoes with Superior Traction | Synthetic/textile with Matryx® technology, EnergyCell foam, OrthoLite® insole | 380 g | Yes | |
9 | Adidas Terrex AX4 GORE-TEX Hiking Shoes | ![]() | Breathable Waterproof Hiking Shoes with Reliable Grip for Women | Breathable synthetic mesh, Lightweight EVA foam, Standard cushioning | 379 g | Yes | |
10 | Merrell Hydro Runner Triple Black Womens Hydro Hiking Shoes | ![]() | Lightweight and Flexible Women's Hydro Hiking Shoes with Sustainable Design | EVA shell and breathable mesh, Lightweight high rebound EVA foam | 210 g | Yes |
Waterproof membrane and a pigskin leather and mesh upper keep feet dry and protected
100% recycled mesh lining enhances comfort and sustainability
Merrell Air Cushion in the heel absorbs shock and adds stability
Kinetic Fit™ ADVANCED removable contoured insole with reinforced heel cushioning provides medium support
Vibram® TC5+ rubber outsole with 5mm lugs provides excellent traction on varied terrains
Material | Waterproof full-grain leather, 100% recycled microfiber |
---|---|
Weight | 510 g |
Waterproof | Yes |
Material | Waterproof suede leather and mesh, Lightweight EVA foam |
---|---|
Weight | 393 g |
Waterproof | Yes |
Material | Breathable synthetic fabric, Rugged rubber for traction |
---|---|
Weight | unknown |
Waterproof | Yes |
Material | Suede leather and breathable mesh, Lightweight EVA foam with molded nylon arch shank, Merrell Air Cushion |
---|---|
Weight | 450 g |
Waterproof | Yes |
Material | Synthetic nubuck leather, Lightweight EVA foam |
---|---|
Weight | 730 g |
Waterproof | Yes |
Material | Durable synthetic fabric, Lightweight EVA foam |
---|---|
Weight | 420 g |
Waterproof | Yes |
Material | High-quality leather and synthetic , Shock-absorbing EVA foam |
---|---|
Weight | 480 g |
Waterproof | Yes |
Material | Synthetic/textile with Matryx® technology, EnergyCell foam, OrthoLite® insole |
---|---|
Weight | 380 g |
Waterproof | Yes |
Material | Breathable synthetic mesh, Lightweight EVA foam, Standard cushioning |
---|---|
Weight | 379 g |
Waterproof | Yes |
Material | EVA shell and breathable mesh, Lightweight high rebound EVA foam |
---|---|
Weight | 210 g |
Waterproof | Yes |
Don't know what else to bring? Check out the article links below to see more of our recommended hiking essentials and outdoor equipment that you might find interesting.
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
No. 1: Merrell|Moab 3 Waterproof Bracken Shoes
No. 2: Merrell|Accentor 3 Waterproof-Black Mens Hiking Shoes
No. 3: Sandugo|Rinjani Mid-Cut Hiking Shoes
No. 4: Merrell|Crosslander 3 Mid Hiking Shoes
No. 5: Decathlon|Quechua Hiking Shoes|NH150
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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