Hiking has become one of the most popular, comprehensive and accessible outdoor activities, a way to disconnect from the pace and noise of everyday life, exploring landscapes that change with each season. Walking along mountain paths not only improves endurance and strengthens joints and muscles, but also releases mental tension and promotes concentration. In addition to the pleasure of tranquility, silence and unbeatable views.
But to be able to enjoy this experience without complications, you need to have the right equipment. Inside the equipment, footwear is one of the essential elements: it is what guarantees grip, stability, protection from humidity and comfort for hours. Therefore, taking advantage of Amazon’s Black Friday week, we analyze six models of boots and sneakers – three for women and three for men – which stand out for their performance, durability and interesting discounts.
What to look for when choosing footwear
When choosing trekking footwear it is essential to consider aspects such as:
- Traction on wet surfaces.
- Stability on uneven terrain.
- Waterproof against rain and puddles.
- The cushioning capacity on long walks.
- The comfort that footwear offers you with every step.
Each type of route requires different characteristics and the choice of an adequate technical model can make the difference in terms of comfort and safety.
To make your choice easier, from El País Escaparate we present these six models, divided between options for women and men.
Women’s trekking boots and shoes
Columbia Newton Ridge Plus waterproof
Boots highly regarded for their balance between performance and comfort. They incorporate the Omni-TECH membrane, waterproof and breathable, which keeps feet dry even in wet conditions. Its TechLite midsole offers cushioning, support and shock absorption, while the Omni-Grip outsole ensures traction on wet rock, dirt or gravel. Their design combines leather and durable synthetic material, making them an ideal option for medium difficulty trails and regular hikes.
Salomon X Ultra Pioneer Gore-Tex outdoor shoes
Designed for those who prefer the lightness of a shoe without sacrificing grip. This model stands out for its grippy sole with marked studs that improve control on descents and on wet surfaces, as well as a cushioned midsole that promotes a softer step. Their structure wraps the foot well and guarantees lateral stability, which makes them particularly suitable for fast routes, medium mountain trails or mixed terrain where agility is fundamental.
The North Face Riccio Gore-Tex
Designed for technical use, these shoes incorporate a Gore-Tex membrane, which guarantees total waterproofness while maintaining the breathability of the foot. The Vibram XS Trek sole offers excellent grip on slippery terrain and great durability. The upper combines durable mesh with nubuck and synthetic reinforcements, while the EVA midsole provides effective cushioning. They are a great choice for wetland hikes, forest trails or hikes with varying climates.
Men’s trekking boots and shoes
Columbia PEAKFREAK II MID OUTDRY
Robust and complete. These hiking boots are designed for challenging trails and wet terrain. The upper combines seamless mesh and synthetic reinforcements, ensuring durability and ventilation. The OutDry membrane keeps feet dry without sacrificing breathability. The fit is firm and is achieved thanks to the Navic Fit system, while the Techlite midsole offers good cushioning. The Adapt Trax sole guarantees traction on mud, rock and dirt. Its medium shank provides good ankle support while allowing freedom of movement.
NORTIV 8 snow boots
Ideal for cold climates or routes with persistent humidity. These boots feature 200g of thermal insulation, a reinforced toe and a fully waterproof bottom. The non-slip outsole offers safety on icy or wet surfaces and the removable insole facilitates ventilation and maintenance. They are perfect for winter hikes, wetland walks or cold weather hikes.
Columbia Transverse Hike waterproof
A very versatile option that combines waterproofness, good support and lightness. Like other models of the brand, it integrates Omni-TECH, TechLite midsole and Omni-Grip outsole, forming a balanced whole for different routes. Its structure with reinforcements and resistant materials make it a durable shoe suitable for changes in terrain and climate. Ideal for hikers looking for versatile footwear for different types of routes.
Having good trekking shoes is essential to fully enjoy any route, be it short or challenging. The six models we have compiled stand out for their durability, protection and grip in various conditions. Taking advantage of Amazon’s Black Friday offers is an excellent opportunity to purchase quality technical footwear at a more affordable price. With the right choice, every journey will be more comfortable, safe and satisfying, allowing you to better connect with the road and nature.
Frequently asked questions about hiking shoes
How to choose between boot and trekking shoe if I do various routes?
If you do short or fast routes, a technical shoe is usually lighter, more flexible and comfortable. For rocky terrain, long trails or wet conditions, a boot offers more ankle protection, greater stability and better water insulation. The decision should be based on the type of terrain and your walking stability: if you tend to twist your ankle, a boot is better; If speed and comfort prevail, shoe.
How often should I renew my hiking shoes or boots?
It depends on use, but in general quality trekking shoes maintain their performance between 600 and 1,000 km travelled. If you notice loss of grip, wear to the outsole, decreased cushioning, or that the waterproofing is no longer responding, it’s time to replace them. In models equipped with a waterproof membrane, deterioration is usually noticed first on very humid routes or if the footwear does not dry properly.
Does waterproofing affect the breathability of the foot during the journey?
Modern membranes, like Gore-Tex or Omni-TECH, balance waterproofness and breathability well, but no system is perfect. It is normal that on very long routes or in high temperatures the foot generates more heat inside a waterproof boot. To minimize this, wear breathable technical socks and avoid cotton fabrics.
(Remember, if you’re an Amazon Prime member, all purchases come with free shipping. Amazon offers a free, no-obligation 30-day trial.)
*All purchase prices included in this article are as of November 21, 2025.
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