Hiking soles

Hiking soles are arguably the most important part of your walking shoes. Hiking can put a lot of stress on your feet, including sore spots, blisters and, in some cases, plantar fasciitis. Even with a good hiking boot, hiking insoles can make a world of difference to your feet. They provide crucial support, stability and cushioning, reducing the impact on your feet, heels, ankles and legs. A good hiking sole also prevents slips, helps you keep your balance on uneven and slippery surfaces and offers comfort during longer hikes. You could even say they're your foot's sole mate. So, what are hiking soles and how can you choose the right one?

There are three key types of hiking soles: the outsole, midsole and insole

• Outsole: This is the part of leather hiking boots or shoes that touch the ground. It is typically made from rubber and lined with lugs in a pattern which determines stability, traction, and grip during hiking. The outsole also helps distribute your weight across the foot to keep you balanced and avoid pressure points that could cause discomfort.

• Midsole: It sits between the outsole and the insole and is usually made from firm, foam and soft rubber. It provides the main cushioning for a low hiking shoe or boot, protecting your feet from rocks and debris and absorbing shocks on tough trails. Whether you have high arches or flat feet, a midsole will provide the necessary comfort and support you need. The midsole also dictates the weight of the shoe. Light hiking shoes have a lighter midsole, while mountain shoes and snow boots use heavier material for greater warmth and stability. It can also help control temperature, as breathable materials increase airflow and eliminate sweat.

• Insole: This is the footbed, the part of the shoe your foot is in direct contact with. It adds additional support and cushioning to the midsole and helps your feet to feel less clammy. Insoles in hiking boots are designed for active hikers and provide excellent impact absorption to reduce foot pain.

Men’s and women’s hiking boots are only as good as its sole. Whether traversing wet, muddy and slippery surfaces or navigating steep terrain, hiking soles should provide excellent grip, traction and cushioning. Soles should also be durable, ensuring they last through extensive use and challenging conditions.

The outer sole of a hiking shoe needs to have excellent grip and traction to keep you stable on your feet. They work together to help prevent you from slipping and sliding and ensure you have control over every step of your hike. Men’s and women’s hiking shoes from Columbia Sportswear feature soles with traction technologies like Adapt Trax™, which offer superior grip and traction in wet and slippery conditions. For those rocky trails, Omni-Grip soles deliver traction for all terrains, gripping onto loose dirt, rock and gravel for enhanced stability. Look for hiking soles with deep lugs in a multidirectional pattern for better contact with the ground and help you stay agile, even on wet trails.

Uncomfortable hiking shoes, sore feet and blisters can ruin your hike. Comfortable hiking shoes with a supportive and cushioned midsole make all the difference. You can stay focused on your hike rather than constantly thinking about your feet. A cushioned Techlite™midsole paired with a good pair of hiking socks will absorb shock and reduce strain on your feet and joints. Together, they provide long-lasting, lightweight comfort and support. Some shoes may also come with pads for extra comfort to cushion your steps and reduce stress on your body.

A good lug pattern will also help with even weight distribution so pressure is put on several lugs at once. This helps you to balance yourself and improve stability, especially when hiking on steep inclines or uneven surfaces. Meanwhile, our innovative Navic Fit™ lacing system ensures that your heels will fit securely, so even on challenging or faster hikes, your foot won't slip in your shoe.

The lugs of all-terrain hiking shoes are the raised bumps that form a pattern on the bottom of the outer sole. They come in all depths and pattern combinations depending on the type of terrain they're most suitable for. Thick, wide, deep lugs are ideal for mountain hiking shoes for improved grip, while widely spaced lugs provide good traction and are designed to shed mud more easily.

Shop our extensive range of hiking clothes for women and men and footwear, including waterproof shoes for men. You’ll find various models, allowing you to find the perfect style, shape and performance level for your needs. Choosing the right hiking item for the conditions makes all the difference to your comfort, safety and enjoyment.

• Hiking jacket
• Hiking sandals for men
• Hiking boot size
• Choose hiking shoes
• Type of hiking
• Choose a type of shoe for hiking
• Hiking tips