Best Hiking Boots for Hitting the Trails in Ontario, Canada

Choosing the best hiking boots is no easy feat. There are endless choices for hiking shoes on the market. Finding the best pair is really important, so I’ve tested many hiking shoes over the years to showcase the best ones for hiking in Ontario, Canada.

After all, you’re going to walk for miles and miles on your own two feet. A great pair of hiking boots will keep you comfortable, sturdy, and safe as you navigate those uneven forest trails.

What to Look For in the Best Hiking Boots

I recommend choosing a pair of hiking shoes from a renowned outdoors brand that’s proven many years of successful products. These might include, but are not limited to, Columbia hiking boots, Merrell hiking boots, Keen hiking boots, the North Face, Timberland, and Salomon.

You might even consider some lesser known brands like Vasque, Oboz, Ariat, La Sportiva, and others. You don’t necessarily need to choose a trusted name that has a huge marketing budget.

Best Hiking Shoes in Ontario

Hiking in Ontario is unlike hiking other places in the world. We have all four seasons here, though our trails aren’t as intense as other places in the world. We don’t really have mountains and the terrain isn’t too treacherous (save for some tree roots and rocks that you may trip over if you’re not paying attention).

We have a muddy season throughout the spring where waterproof boots are particularly effective. This is why I always choose a waterproof hiking shoe. You will encounter some muck and puddles on the way, especially during wet weather and snow thaw.

Our winter hiking season is wonderful, but you need to be prepared. I generally use my regular hiking boots throughout the winter season with microspikes attached to the bottom to ensure that I don’t slip and fall. Check out my article about winter hiking tips for more details.

Vegan Hiking Boots

Personally, I follow a vegan lifestyle, which means no animal products in my food, clothing, or footwear. This makes finding an appropriate pair of hiking boots a little more challenging as many of them are made with leather.

In my list of top hiking boots, these ones are made purely with synthetic materials and do not contain any leather or animal products. However, this doesn’t mean that they lack in durability or quality – quite the opposite, actually!

Without further ado, here are my favourite hiking boots that I personally wear on my hikes and adventures. I’ve had some of these hiking shoes for many years, and I continue to wear them to this date.

Best Waterproof and Lightweight Hiking Boots

My newest acquired pair of hiking boots are among the most stylish ones that I own, and they also happen to be super lightweight and durable, too! I’ve been raving about my Columbia Konos TRS OutDry Shoes ever since I got them (here is the mens version of the shoe).

So far, I’ve hiked with these shoes throughout Ontario and I brought them with me on a recent trip to Utah. They’ve taken me through the puddles on the salt flats near Salt Lake City and across the dry terrain of the Southern Utah national parks (Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park).

There’s so much amazing technology behind these hiking shoes. Columbia’s Omni-MAX combines adaptive cushioning, enhanced stability, and increased traction across various terrains. OutDry has an impenetrable waterproof-breathable membrane with an outer shell to keep your feet dry in wet weather.

The unique lace-webbing system keeps your heel in place for a more secure fit when hiking and walking. The midsole is made from an extra-light responsive foam for lasting comfort on your hiking trips.

Best Waterproof Mid-Rise Hiking Boots

If you’re looking for the best waterproof hiking boots for men or women, I’ve relied on a pair of Merrell hiking boots for many years. I’ve worn these boots while volunteering in Kenya (which involved running for my life from a wild buffalo), adventuring in Iceland, and hiking in New Zealand.

I also wear them regularly on my hikes around Ontario, naturally. The specific pair of Merrell hiking boots that I own are the Merrell Women’s Capra Mid Sport Gore-Tex Hiking Shoe.

As these are a number of years old, they don’t make this specific shoe anymore. However, I’ve found one that is comparable for you: the Merrell Siren 4 Mid Gore-Tex Trail Shoes.

These mid-rise hiking shoes have so many amazing features. They’re flexible, tear-resistant, and flexible. They have a Gore-Tex waterproof membrane for lightweight and invisible protection against the elements.

Even though they’re waterproof, they fit and function like a regular hiking boot. The mesh upper component is waterproof, so your feet will stay nice and dry.

Best Lightweight Trail Running Shoes

These are some of the most lightweight hiking shoes on the market! Introducing the Women’s Facet 75 Alpha OutDry Shoe and the Men’s Facet 75 Alpha OutDry Shoe by Columbia Sportswear.

While I admit that I am not much of a trail runner myself, I wear these shoes when I’m looking to feel light on my feet. You don’t need to necessarily be running in trail runners. These are perfect during the hotter hiking seasons because these shoes are ultra breathable.

At the same time, they’re tough and waterproof. These are perfect for hiking in the rain and even the snow. They also have a great grip on the trails so you’ll notice superb traction across all varieties of terrain.

Important Tips When Buying New Hiking Shoes

If you’re unsure of your size, it’s worth going into a sporting goods store near you to get properly fitted for a pair of hiking boots. You might be able to use sizing charts online to purchase your shoes.

I’ve bought my last few pairs of hiking boots online without any difficulty because I know my size and it seems to be pretty consistent across brands. Wear an appropriate pair of socks when trying on shoes for the first time to see how they feel.

I’ve also heard that trying hiking boots on at the end of the day is helpful because your feet swell throughout the day. If the hiking shoes fit your feet at the end of the day, chances are that they’re the optimal size for you.

Insoles and Shoe Inserts for Hiking

If you need extra support, you may want to consider buying insoles or shoe inserts. These offer extra support and stability when hitting the trails. Insoles and shoe inserts for hiking shoes are different from the cushioning insoles that you’ll find at the drugstore.

Also, if you have the following conditions, you will want to consider a pair of insoles: plantar fasciitis, supination (excessive rolling out) or overpronation (excessive rolling in), or structural misalignment that can lead to pain in the feet, ankles, knees, hips, or back.

Breaking in a New Pair of Hiking Boots

When you buy a brand new pair of hiking boots, it isn’t a good idea to immediately embark on a long distance hike in them. Instead, you’ll want to break them in slowly to ensure that you don’t end up with aching feet and a ton of blisters.

You’ll first want to wear your new hiking shoes in the house. Wear them with the pair of socks that you intend to wear while hiking, and make sure that these socks aren’t too thin. Next, take these new hiking shoes on a spin around the neighbourhood. Walk around your local park or streets for a short jaunt.

Once you’ve worn them on a few short occasions, wear your new hiking boots on a shorter hike first. When it comes to breaking in new hiking boots, slow and steady wins the race! If you’re still having some issues, you may want to try lacing your hiking shoes up differently. Here are a few different methods and techniques for lacing hiking boots.

More Hiking Tips and Guides

Looking for more great hiking trips beyond the best hiking shoes? Here are some more informative articles to check out.

• How to Avoid Ticks While Hiking
• The Best Hiking Apps
• The Best Gifts for Hikers: A Hiking Gift Guide
• Best Hiking and Outdoorsy Movies
• Best Hiking Books About Ontario

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