Conquering the Trails: A Guide to New Balance Hiking Shoes
The great outdoors beckons, promising adventures from gentle nature walks to challenging mountain treks. But before you embark on your next hiking expedition, there’s one crucial piece of equipment to consider: your footwear. Hiking shoes are more than just comfortable walking shoes; they’re your partners in navigating uneven terrain, protecting your feet from injury, and ensuring a safe and enjoyable journey. And when it comes to trusted hiking shoe brands, New Balance consistently ranks among the top contenders.
New Balance has a rich history, dating back to 1906, when it began as a small arch support company in Boston. Today, the brand is known for its innovative and high-quality athletic footwear, including a wide range of hiking shoes designed to meet the needs of every adventurer. From beginner hikers to seasoned mountaineers, New Balance offers a shoe for every skill level and terrain.
This article will serve as your comprehensive guide to New Balance hiking shoes. We’ll explore the features that make them stand out, delve into their various models, and provide tips on finding the perfect pair for your next outdoor escapade.
What Makes New Balance Hiking Shoes Special?
New Balance hiking shoes aren’t just another pair of boots on the market. They’re designed with a focus on comfort, stability, and durability, all essential elements for a successful and enjoyable hiking experience.
1. Comfort and Fit
New Balance is renowned for its commitment to comfort, and their hiking shoes are no exception. They use a variety of technologies to ensure a comfortable fit and support for your feet, even on the most demanding trails.
- Abzorb Cushioning: This innovative midsole technology offers exceptional cushioning, reducing impact on your joints and providing a comfortable ride on uneven terrain.
- VIBRAM Outsoles: Many New Balance hiking shoes feature Vibram outsoles, known for their exceptional grip and durability. These outsoles provide superior traction on various surfaces, from slick rocks to muddy trails.
- Adjustable Fit Systems: New Balance offers adjustable fit systems, such as their Boa Closure System, which allows for precise and customizable fit. This ensures a secure lockdown and prevents the shoe from slipping during your hike.
2. Stability and Support
For a safe and enjoyable hike, stability is paramount. New Balance hiking shoes are built to provide excellent stability and support, keeping your feet secure and preventing injuries.
- Midfoot Support: New Balance incorporates midfoot support features in their hiking shoes to provide stability and control. These features help to minimize foot fatigue and prevent rolling ankles.
- Toe Protection: Many models are equipped with reinforced toe boxes to protect your toes from stubbing and other potential injuries.
- Heel Counter: The heel counter provides extra support and stability around the heel, helping to prevent slippage and providing a secure fit.
3. Durability and Weather Resistance
Hiking shoes are subjected to a lot of wear and tear, so durability is essential. New Balance uses high-quality materials and construction techniques to create hiking shoes that can withstand the rigors of the trail.
- Durable Upper Materials: New Balance employs durable materials like leather, mesh, and synthetic fabrics for the uppers of their hiking shoes. These materials are resistant to abrasion and tearing, ensuring your shoes last for many miles.
- Weather Resistance: Many New Balance hiking shoes are designed with water-resistant or waterproof features, protecting your feet from the elements. This is particularly important for hiking in wet conditions or during unpredictable weather.
Types of New Balance Hiking Shoes
New Balance offers a vast collection of hiking shoes, each designed with specific features and functionalities to suit different hiking styles and terrains. Let’s explore the different types of New Balance hiking shoes available:
1. Trail Running Shoes
These shoes are designed for hikers who prefer a faster pace and want a lightweight, flexible option. Trail running shoes offer excellent cushioning and grip on trails, making them ideal for day hikes or casual trail running.
- Key Features: Lightweight design, breathable upper, aggressive outsoles for grip, excellent cushioning.
- Popular Models: New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro, New Balance 890v11, New Balance Summit Unknown.
2. Day Hiking Boots
Day hiking boots are designed for longer trips on moderate trails. They offer more support and protection than trail running shoes, while still maintaining a lightweight and comfortable feel. These boots are versatile and suitable for a range of hiking activities.
- Key Features: Moderate weight, durable uppers, good ankle support, waterproof options available.
- Popular Models: New Balance 877v2, New Balance 660v2, New Balance 1080v12.
3. Backpacking Boots
Backpacking boots are built for multi-day trips and heavy loads. They offer the most support and protection, with features like stiff midsoles and robust construction. Backpacking boots are designed to withstand the demands of carrying heavy gear over rugged terrain.
- Key Features: Heavy-duty construction, waterproof options, high ankle support, durable outsoles, stiffer midsoles for stability.
- Popular Models: New Balance MW880, New Balance 877v2, New Balance 1080v12.
4. Approach Shoes
Approach shoes are a hybrid between hiking shoes and climbing shoes. They offer flexibility and grip for technical approaches to climbing routes, while still providing comfort and protection for hiking.
- Key Features: Sticky rubber outsoles for climbing, durable uppers for hiking, flexibility for agility.
- Popular Models: New Balance Summit Unknown, New Balance 890v11, New Balance 1080v12.
Choosing the Right New Balance Hiking Shoes
With so many excellent options available, finding the perfect New Balance hiking shoes can feel overwhelming. Fear not! Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you make the right choice:
1. Consider Your Hiking Style and Terrain
The first step is to assess your hiking style and the type of terrain you’ll be tackling.
- Day Hiking: If you’re primarily focused on day hikes on moderate trails, a pair of day hiking boots or trail running shoes will suffice.
- Backpacking: For multi-day trips with heavy loads, opt for backpacking boots with maximum support and protection.
- Technical Terrain: If you’re hiking in rugged, mountainous areas, approach shoes with exceptional grip and flexibility will be beneficial.
2. Think About Your Foot Type and Gait
Your foot type and gait play a crucial role in selecting the right shoe.
- Foot Arch: If you have high arches, consider shoes with extra cushioning and arch support. Low arches may benefit from shoes with a supportive midsole.
- Gait: Your gait (how your foot strikes the ground) affects the amount of support and cushioning you need. Overpronation (your foot rolls inward) requires a shoe with good stability features, while underpronation (your foot rolls outward) may require a shoe with more flexibility.
3. Fit and Comfort are Paramount
The most critical factor is a comfortable fit. When trying on hiking shoes, remember to wear the socks you plan to hike in.
- Toe Room: Ensure you have enough toe room (about a thumb’s width between your longest toe and the end of the shoe).
- Heel Lock: The heel should be snug and secure, preventing slippage during your hike.
- Midfoot Support: The midfoot should feel supported without feeling constricted.
4. Test Drive Your Shoes
Before committing to a pair of hiking shoes, take them for a test drive. Walk around your local store or on a short trail to get a feel for how they perform.
- Walk on Different Surfaces: Try walking on both flat and uneven surfaces to assess the shoe’s grip and stability.
- Pay Attention