Hiking means climbing steep slopes and dealing with the graveled, slippery and uneven hilly terrains.
Not all boots can be worn for climbing and walking in such terrains! The boots need to have sturdy outsole that provide the maximum traction to be enable to hold a great grip in the stoned slopes so that you do not slip off and face injuries.
The outsoles need to have tread cut in them and also have separate heel area in order to hold the support and grip and sustain the hiking grounds!
Speaking of wedged sole boots, they are not really great for hiking and the reason is that neither do have marked heels to give you support while you descend the hills and nor do they have deep lugs or treads in them to hold good grip in hilly terrains.
Moreover, they are generally heavy in weight because of their thick soles. But there are a few exceptions to wedged sole boots that can be worn for hiking and I am going to mention about them in this article.
Also, this article will tell you the best kind of soles that are fit for hiking and the pros and cons of wearing wedged sole boots for hiking…
What kind of sole is good for hiking?
The various kinds of outsoles that are considered the best for hiking are as follows:
1. The vulcanized rubber outsoles:
These are the most used material in the outsole of hiking boots as they are very durable and also has the right amount of rigidness and flexibility required for the climbing activities.
They are also resistant to slip, punctures, cuts, oils and have low temperature properties.
2. The lug pattern outsole:
Lugs are like bumps or ridges on the outsole. The hiking boots need to have deep and thick lugs so that they can offer the best grip while climbing.
Also, the wide spaced lugs will help to shed off dirt and mud that gets easily accumulated while hiking.
3. The heel brake outsole:
This means that the heel area of the outsoles has to be a separate piece from that of the arch and the rest of the part of the outsole.
This helps to reduce your chances of slipping off while you climb and descend steep slopes.
4. The cleat-less arch area of the outsole:
The arch area of hiking boots is supposed to be cleat-less in order to mark a difference for the heel area. This helps to provide you the stopping power while you are climbing down the steep mountains.
5. The polyurethane outsoles:
These materials are very lightweight as well as durable. They are further divided into two types: the dual-density PU and the PU outsoles.
While PU is lightweight and can be used all along the midsole, wedges and the rest of the outsole, the dual-density PU on the other hand is a combination of lightweight midsole and wedges and tougher and heavy outsole.
PU is an elastomeric polymer that is very tough at low temperatures, waterproof, resistant to UV and cracks and also absorb shock just like the EVA.
Pros and cons of wearing wedge sole for hiking
Pros of wearing wedged sole for hiking:
√ Wedged sole boots are very comfortable to wear and the tedious job of hiking obviously deserves some comfort to your feet
√ Wedged sole boots are well cushioned which will be of great advantage for you while hiking as stepping on hard rocks won’t cause you pain with a well cushioned insole
√ Wedged sole boots will give your feet ample room to breathe and move your toes for a relaxed hiking
Cons of wearing wedged sole for hiking:
⊗ Wedged soles do not have cleat-less arches and defined heel area
⊗ The absence of a defined heel area will make you devoid of getting any support to hold on the steep ground while you will descend the cliffs
⊗ Wedged sole boots do not have deep lugs in them to offer you the necessary traction in mountainous terrains
⊗ Wedged sole boots are quite heavy and this will cause you trouble while climbing and descending the slopes as they will add extra weight to your feet
⊗ Wedged sole boots will increase your chances of slipping off
See also: Benefits of Wedge Sole Work Boots
Comparison of wedge sole and other soles for hiking:
So, now you know that a hiking outsole has to have a separately defined heel area and a cleat-less arch area in order to enable you to hold your balance, grip and to provide you support while climbing and descending hills. Also, the presence of lugs is utmost necessary for a great traction in the slopy areas.
While some wedged sole boots might have the lugs, but they will definitely not have the heels which makes them unsuitable for hiking activities.
Recommended wedge sole for hiking
Here’s a list of the top 3 wedged sole boots that can be considered for hiking:
1. Danner men’s mountain 600 4.5” hiking boot
- Danner Dry waterproof protection. Cushioning open-cell OrthoLite footbed.
- Vibram SPE midsole for maximum rebound, comfort and support. Nylon shank.
- TPU heel frame to enhance support and stability.
- Vibram Fuga outsole with Megagrip technology offers superior grip on wet and dry surfaces
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Though this is a wedged sole boot, yet it is so designed that it becomes perfect for hiking with the much-needed comfort and traction.
Despite being wedged sole, this boot has TPU heel frame that helps to provide that traction and support while you descend down the hills.
Also, the outsole is made of Vibram Fuga with mega grip technology that provides the maximum grip on wet and slippery surfaces.
Also, you need a boot that is waterproof for hiking because rain in the hills cannot be predicted.
This boot fulfills this criterion as well by being waterproof. And the well-deserved comfort is provided by the open cell ortholite footbed.
Check Price and Reviews on Amazon2. Keen utility men’s Cincinnati 6” soft toe waterproof work boot
- Soft toe caps help safeguard against minor impact that meet or exceed ASTM F2892 EH standards.
- KEEN.DRY is a waterproof, breathable membrane liner that lets vapor out without letting water in for keeping your feet dry and comfortable.
- Oil- and slip-resistant, non-marking, siped, rubber outsoles for improved traction
- Electrical Hazard (EH)-rated footwear
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
If you want something comfortable while hiking, then look further and get these gems that will deliver you the utmost comfort with the air-infused PU midsole and the pillowtop cushioned insoles.
These boots are also extremely lightweight which will give you a great delight while hiking.
As for the outsole, they are oil and slip resistant and are non-marking to provide you the maximum traction in slippery and slopy terrains. And over the top, they are EH rated and waterproof too!
Check Price and Reviews on Amazon3. Carhartt men’s 6” waterproof wedge soft toe work boot
- Cushion comfort insole.
- Storm Defender waterproof breathable protection.
- Heel measures approximately 1.5
- Boot opening measures approximately 9 around
- Goodyear welt construction with Carhartt Rubber outsole
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
These ankle high boots are just perfect to save your ankle from any twists and sprains while you hike the hilly terrains.
The rubberized outsole holds good grip and the goodyear welt construction ensures the durability of these boots. To give you protection while hiking, these boots have soft toe caps and are also EH rated.
Comfort is ensured with the cushioned insoles and they are even built to reduce foot fatigue. Last but not the least, the storm defender waterproof lining allows breathability for an all-day dry experience in the wet climate.
Check Price and Reviews on AmazonLet’s call it a day!
Though the above mentioned wedged sole boots are good for hiking, yet I suggest you choose the boots that are especially designed for hiking if you are willing to keep aside the comfort.
But, in case comfort is your first priority, you can definitely go for the wedged sole boots that are recommended by our experts above.
Wit that note, let’s bid farewell for the day with a hope to meet soon!
Till then, take care, keep walking and keep hiking!
