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Christina Utz

Christina Utz is a professional writer, mountain addict, and hiking enthusiast. She successfully finished a rock climbing class and a wilderness survival course, and by the age of 24, she hiked more than 1800 miles and finished over 260 different trails! Her expertise in hiking and outdoors helped numerous people to fulfill their adventurous spirit! E-mail: [email protected]

Hiking Shoes vs Hiking Sandals (When to Use Each of Them)

using hiking sandals vs hiking shoes

Picking between hiking sandals and hiking shoes for an outdoor adventure hinges on a few key factors. Consider how much protection and support your feet need. Are you hiking for a few hours or a few days? Will the terrain…

Xero Z-Trail EV Review (Still a Good Sandal in 2026?)

closeup of Xero Z-Trail EV sandals review

Is the Xero Z-Trail EV still the king of lightweight sandals in 2026? With the barefoot movement growing stronger this year, hikers are constantly looking for the perfect balance between protection and ground feel. To see if the Z-Trail EV…

11 Best Hiking Sandals of 2026 (Reviewed & Compared)

closeup of Teva Universal, considered one of the best hiking sandals on the market

Hiking in the summer feels like pure bliss, but only if your feet are happy. With dozens of new models flooding the market this year, finding the perfect balance between support and freedom is a real challenge. To help you…

Hunting Boots vs Hiking Boots (What’s the Difference?)

side by side comparison of hiking boots vs hunting boots

Loving the great outdoors? I’ve spent tons of time out there, hunting and hiking. Each adventure taught me a lot about the gear needed. Hunting boots and hiking boots have different needs. While both offer excellent support and great traction…

Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX Review (Tested & Reviewed in 2026)

salomon x ultra 4 Gtx Review

Since its release, the X Ultra 4 has redefined what a hiking shoe can be. But with the hiking market evolving rapidly this year, does this hybrid trail-shoe still hold the crown? Update: Salomon has since replaced the X Ultra…

Keen Targhee III Mid Waterproof Review (2026 Test Results)

Keen Targhee III Waterproof Mid hiking boots

With the ‘wide toe box’ trend exploding in the hiking world this year, it is worth revisiting the boot that started it all. The Keen Targhee III has been a staple for years, but does it still hold up against…

8 Best Hiking Insoles of 2026 (Ranked & Reviewed)

superfeet trailblazer, considered the best insoles for hiking boots

Climbing that tough, steep mountain taught me just how crucial comfy, supportive insoles are. After struggling with inadequate support for my high arches, I decided it was time to research and find the best insoles for hiking. The stock insoles…

Are Timberlands Good for Hiking? (The Complete Guide)

a pair of good timberland boots for hiking

Timberlands for hiking? That’s a question I’ve heard often. As a hiker with plenty of trails under my belt, my team and I put together a detailed guide on it. Timberlands are well-known for their tough and rugged construction and…

Are Duck Boots Good for Hiking? (Based on Our Experience)

L.L. Bean Duck boots

Duck boots are among the top choices for keeping your feet cozy in chilly or damp weather. What’s neat about duck boots is they mix the best bits from hiking shoes and boots. The design sports the shaft of a…