1. Activities you plan to participate in
Choose the type of shoe based on the intensity, terrain, and trail conditions of your activities. When your activities are diverse, it means you’ll need different shoes to match various scenarios—don’t expect one pair to do it all. I currently own one pair each of mountaineering boots, hiking shoes, trekking shoes, stream-crossing shoes, climbing shoes, and beach shoes, yet I still can't think of any single pair that could replace them all. You can't wear trekking shoes to climb a snowy mountain or go rock climbing.
The most commonly asked question on forums about hiking shoes is usually related to hiking low-altitude mountains or doing trekking and camping activities. In such cases, you might consider lightweight hiking shoes or trekking shoes. Whether to choose high-top or low-top depends on your trail conditions. Generally, the more complex and rugged the terrain, the more you’ll benefit from the protection of high-top shoes.
Whether to buy shoes with a Vibram sole has also been a widely debated topic. First, it’s important to understand that there’s always a trade-off between slip resistance and durability. All outdoor shoes aim to strike a balance between the two. Typically, hiking shoes prioritize durability and foot support, so they may be less slip-resistant. Some trekking shoes don’t use Vibram soles and instead focus more on being slip-resistant while maintaining reasonable durability. But keep in mind, this is only relative—their soles are generally less durable than the Vibram soles on hiking shoes. If you often hike in northern mountainous areas, Vibram soles are undoubtedly a great choice. If you prefer trekking through southern landscapes, you might want to prioritize slip resistance.
Some also ask whether GTX is good—that leads us to the next question.
2. Budget
If your budget allows, GTX waterproof and breathable fabric is definitely your top choice.
In terms of price range, based on current domestic brands:
Over 2000 RMB: SCRPA, ZAMBERLAN;
1000–2000 RMB: ASOLO, MONTRAIL, AKU, VASQUE, TREKSTA, LASPORTIVA, LOWA, etc.;
600–1200 RMB: GARMONT, HB, SALEWA, CAMPLINE, COLEMAN, PITORPAN, etc.;
Below 600 RMB: GONNA, UPLANDER, Cedar, Sherpa, Xiyao, KATANA.
One reminder when setting your budget: don’t expect to get high-quality shoes for a very low price. With a budget over 1000 RMB, the quality of the shoes will generally be better. If you’re only spending two or three hundred, treat them as entry-level shoes. Hoping they’ll last a lifetime while staying waterproof and breathable isn’t very realistic.
3. Style, material, craftsmanship, and quality
In terms of style, there are many options available. Some people prefer hiking shoes with rubber toe caps to protect against rocks and wear, while others like full-grain leather styles or those with stylish stitched panels. There are plenty of choices—just pick the style you like.
For materials, suede is usually harder to clean but more fashionable. It works well for city casual wear besides outdoor trekking. Smooth leather is easier to clean. NUBUK is currently considered one of the better leather materials for shoes.
It’s hard to judge the quality of craftsmanship just by looking at the shoe’s appearance—you’ll have to check small details like how neatly the shoe upper is glued or how straight the stitching on the tongue is.
Compared to other outdoor gear, shoes are more prone to quality issues. This is related to how intensively they’re used and their overall build quality. The best indicator of quality is the shoe’s repair rate. If you’re unsure, you can ask staff at an outdoor shop (but avoid asking if the shop carries fewer than four outdoor shoe brands). A good salesperson will explain the differences between brands.
4. Trying on shoes
This is the most crucial step when buying shoes. Only you can determine whether a shoe is comfortable and fits well. So, start by selecting a few models you like, then try them on one by one until you find a pair that feels comfortable. If you're torn between style and fit, always go with fit.
Walk around in the shoes, and if there's a test platform, try walking under simulated outdoor conditions.
Also, many outdoor shoes in China follow European or American designs, which may not perfectly suit the shape of Asian feet (European feet are typically narrower, have lower insteps, and less heel slope compared to Asian feet). It’s recommended to try on shoes with thick socks, and make sure there’s about 1 cm of space inside the shoe (your feet will swell during long walks). A simple way to test is to see if you can insert a finger. Feet tend to be slightly larger in the afternoon or evening, so factor that in when shopping.
5. Breaking in and maintenance
After buying new shoes, make sure to break them in before engaging in intense activities to avoid discomfort or blisters. Flying Eagle tip: When wearing new shoes, try wearing two pairs of socks—one thin inner layer and one thick outer pair. This reduces friction between your foot and the shoe, minimizing the chance of blisters.
After each trip, maintain your shoes, especially high-end GTX models. Use a soft brush to clean off dirt, then apply a shoe care product. Developing this habit will extend the life of your shoes.
10 Tips for Buying a Good Pair of Shoes
1. Ask experts. When you enter a mountaineering gear store to buy shoes, ask for assistance from the most knowledgeable salesperson, or choose a store where experienced mountaineers work. If none are available, book an appointment to meet one.
3 Don’t be misled by size numbers—whether UK, European, or US sizes (which also differ by gender). Size can vary depending on the shoe factory’s standards and design. It’s best to try on several adjacent sizes.
4 Buy shoes in the evening. At night, your feet slightly swell, just like when you’ve been walking up a mountain.
5 Take your time trying them on—don’t rush your decision. Set aside two half-days to find a good pair of shoes, and try as many different brands and styles as possible.
6 Bring your own socks, preferably the ones you’d wear with hiking boots.
7 After lacing up, wiggle your toes to see if they can touch the front. While new shoes may slightly expand in width and thickness over time, they will never get longer. Shoes that are too short often pinch your toes and nails.
8 Walk around in the shoes when trying them on. This helps the leather or fabric become more flexible and also reveals any subtle discomfort.
9 Buy shoes suited to their intended purpose, but don’t expect one pair to do everything. Likewise, don’t buy a specialized pair of shoes just for one special trip.
10 Go with how the shoes feel—choose the most comfortable pair, and use that as your benchmark for testing all others. Only you know which shoes are the best fit for you.