I review hiking boots for a living — and this is what I look for when buying a new pair

Most people don’t actually notice that their hiking shoes are uncomfortable until they’re halfway through a planned hike and end up limping back to the car with blisters. Sure, you could look at the best ways to break in your new hiking shoes, but it’s better to get the comfort right from the off.

I have put together a list of three things I always think about when I’m looking for new walking shoes. These ensure that my shoes are as comfortable as possible before I’ve even started breaking them in, so I can enjoy my hikes without worrying about blisters or bad posture.

Keen Leiki Waterproof Hiking Shoes: $160 at REI

The Keen Leiki Waterproof Hiking Shoes are excellent women's all-terrain sneakers, offering great support. Waterproof and styled like tennis shoes, they suit year-round walking. Their sturdy outsole offers good grip, but they lack ankle support. However, the stiff soles mean they are perfect for tackling tougher terrain and giving you support exactly when you need it.

View Deal

Knowing your terrain

Making sure your shoe has the right sole for the terrain you're tackling is essential. Most of the time, we want our shoes to be flexible, making sure we have the right amount of movement so our feet are comfortable. But there are times when stiff walking shoes are actually better.

For rockier terrain, when your steps need to be more calculated because the ground isn’t as secure, stiff soles can help you maintain good posture and balance, meaning you’re less likely to trip on the ground.

My go-to stiff shoes are the Keen Leiki hiking shoes, as they have 4mm lugs that offer great grip on the ground for muddy terrain to avoid slipping. You can choose shoes for the terrain you walk on most regularly (which is what I do), or you could splash out and purchase multiple pairs.

It needs to be supportive

I have super high arches on my feet from years of ballet training, so if I’m out walking with the wrong level of support, I will feel the effects. It can cause pain in your legs and back because you alter your posture to compensate for the aching. So, it’s best to get the correct arch support from the get-go.

The best way to do this is to visit a store and try on a bunch of shoes to see which style feels the best. Brands like Keen offer a lot of arch support, and Icebug has great arch support, too. If you have flatter feet, you can turn to brands like Salomon or Merrell, which have a whole bunch of options to choose from.

Flatter-footed hikers should look for something with a sturdier midsole. This will ensure that every step is completely stable and also help to prevent your feet rolling inwards.

A wide toe box

A wide toe box has become essential when I’m shopping for shoes. This wasn’t something I used to look for in my shoes, and I would always end up with crushed toes on my descent down a mountain.

It’s not as much of a problem if you’re walking on mainly flat terrain, but when you start tackling slopes, you’ll notice your toes becoming crushed if the box isn’t wide enough. Having a wide toe box has totally changed my walks, and I’m able to walk for longer without any discomfort.

These are just a few tips to get you started with looking for new hiking shoes, but I think they are the most important when picking out the shoes that will accompany you on every adventure.

Follow Tom's Guide on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our up-to-date news, analysis, and reviews in your feeds.

More from Tom's Guide

• I've run more than 1,700 miles this year — and these are the running shoes I’ve enjoyed most
• How to warm up for a run — 5 running coach-approved exercises
• Yoga for runners: This six-move routine boosts flexibility and builds stronger muscles