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What are the different types of soles available for hiking boots?

When buying outdoor footwear, how much consideration do you give to the various types of hiking boot soles? The sole comprises three layers and is an important part of a hiking boot, providing crucial durability, stability and traction. The soles also provide essential support and cushioning to your toes and feet. They help you avoid developing blisters and plantar fasciitis, which can cause pain to the base of your foot, heel and arch.

Columbia Sportswear® hiking boots feature advanced outsole traction technologies for superior grip and midsole cushioning technologies for enhanced comfort. As one of the leading outdoor brands, our range of men's and women's hiking clothes and hiking jacket already feature waterproofing and performance technologies, so it’s natural we’d adapt them to our footwear. So wherever your adventures take you in the great outdoors, our soles have your back, even on mud-covered trails.

Let's explore the different types of soles and what you should look for when choosing your next all-terrain shoes.

What are hiking soles?

Leather hiking boots and walking shoes are divided into the upper and the sole. The upper section is the shoe part you can see that covers the top and sides of your foot. The soles are the underside of your footwear and consist of three layers to improve safety, comfort and performance. These are:

  • The insole is the footbed of a trekking shoe that your foot touches within the shoe.

  • The midsole acts as the filler between the outsole and the insole.

  • The outsole is the outside part on the bottom of men’s and women's hiking boots that touches the ground.

Why is the outsole of a hiking boot important?

The outsole makes direct contact with the ground and gives your boots the protection, durability and grip you need. To cut a long trail short, it’s the difference between keeping you safe and avoiding slipping or falling. Outsoles are typically made from specialised rubber, which will dictate how stiff or flexible the sole is. A heavy outsole may provide more durability, but it can make hiking feel harder and more tiring on longer trails. It is lined with lugs, the bumps on the bottom of the shoe. The pattern of the lugs determines the stability, durability, grip and traction while trail walking and are designed to suit different terrains. Our men’s and women’s hiking shoes are built with innovative outsole technologies:

  • Adapt Trax™ is an advanced traction system that combines a rubber compound, a slip-resistant material and a specific lug shape. It grips the ground while you go uphill and acts as a brake when you go downhill. It provides superb traction in dry and wet conditions to keep you safe on the trail.

  • Omni-Grip™ is engineered with specially formulated compounds and treads to deliver exceptional all-terrain traction. It provides superb traction on gravel, loose dirt, and rock in wet and dry conditions. It is ideal for mountain shoes, where grip is essential while navigating uneven and rocky terrain.

How does the midsole improve comfort and support?

Sandwiched between the outsole and insole. It is the main cushioning layer of a hiking shoe and is essential for absorbing impact each time your foot hits the ground. It absorbs shock and supports the foot, making it essential for comfortable hiking shoes, especially on long or challenging hikes. Our Techlite+™ midsole uses single-density foam to deliver a responsive underfoot cushioning experience and high energy return, helping to reduce the impact on your feet during long hikes. And when you don a pair of hiking socks, it increases comfort and stability even more, especially for light hiking shoes.

The midsole is also responsible for the weight of your hiking shoes. For example, fast hiking shoes typically have a lighter midsole for agile movement. Meanwhile, mountain hiking shoes and snow boots use a more weighty insulating foam for increased warmth and stability.

What role does the insole play in hiking boots?

The insole is the part of a boot your foot sits on. It is a thin layer that adds additional support and cushioning to the midsole. Allowing moisture to pass through can also help prevent your feet from getting clammy and sweaty. It's designed to prevent any give in the shoe that can make it move and cause rubbing. Our insoles are designed to enhance the cushioning provided by the midsole. Every step you take is supported and cushioned, making your hikes easier and more enjoyable.

When choosing your next pair of boots, consider the style that fits your needs. Whether tackling a big mountain trail or walking a forest path, having the right boots is essential. Now that you’ve got to grips with the soles of your footwear, check out our extensive range of waterproof shoes for men and hiking sandals for men.