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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]

8 Best Barefoot Hiking Boots (2026 Zero-Drop & Minimalist)

a pair of Vivobarefoot Tracker Forest Esc shoe, our nr.1 product and selected as the best barefoot hiking boots

Choosing the right hiking footwear is important, especially when it comes to barefoot hiking shoes. These minimalist boots allow your feet to move naturally and feel the terrain more clearly. In this article, I’ll go over the top barefoot hiking…

5 Best Hiking Boots for Wide Feet (2026 Buying Guide)

best hiking boots for wide feet

In 2026, finding a true wide-width hiking boot that doesn’t compromise on technical features remains a challenge. We have spent the last few seasons re-testing the industry’s most acclaimed wide models to see which ones actually deliver on their promise…

How to Stretch Toe Box of Hiking Boots? (9 Easy Ways & Tips)

visiting a cobbler to stretch the toe room of my hiking boots

Over the years, a nifty trick for stretching the toe box of hiking boots came in handy. Sometimes, despite getting the best fit, extra room is needed. In fact, many times, you’ll have the proper fit for hiking boots in…

9 Best Lightweight Hiking Boots For 2026 (Based on Our Tests)

the best lightweight hiking boots

When the 2026 hiking season arrives and weather decides which trails are accessible, it’s time to think about the best lightweight hiking boots for our adventures. If you have wide feet like me, finding comfortable lightweight hiking footwear can be…

How to Make Hiking Boots More Comfortable (10 Easy Ways)

making my merrell hiking boots more comfortable

Curious about ways to make your hiking boots comfy? You’re in good company. Nothing spoils a good hike like sore feet or nasty blisters, especially on those long trails. I’ve struggled a few times with my own hiking footwear being…

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

a pair of Mountain Warehouse snow boots

Whether you’re a pro on the trails or just getting started in the world of hiking, snow travel, and winter sports, there’s a good chance you’ve been torn between picking snow boots and hiking boots. While the two boot styles…

7 Best Hiking Boots for Plantar Fasciitis (Ranked in 2026)

best hiking boots for plantar fasciitis

Navigating the trails with plantar fasciitis requires more than just a standard boot; it demands a precise combination of targeted heel cushioning and rigid arch support to prevent strain on the plantar fascia ligament. In 2026, hiking footwear technology has…

7 Best Microspikes for Hiking in 2026 (Reviewed and Ranked)

microspikes for hiking in winter

In 2026, microspikes have become standard winter safety gear for everyone from trail runners to casual walkers. Our team has spent another season testing these devices across black ice, packed snow, and thawing mud to see which models retain their…

Hiking Boots vs Hiking Shoes (Side-By-Side Comparison)

hiking boots and hiking shoes

With tons of hiking boots and shoes out there, folks often ask what I like to wear and why. I say every type has its ups and downs—it all boils down to what feels right and comfy. However, the debate…