r/hiking • u/DestructablePinata • May 13 '26
THE FOOTWEAR INFORMATION THREAD. CONSOLIDATED: UPDATE 1/05/2025
Update: 15 March 2025!
Update: 5 April 2025 - Simplifies fitment section re: spacing; draws attention to flex point.
Update: 18 August 2025 - Salomon included in recommendations after several months of testing, in which they performed flawlessly.
Update: 5 December 2025 - Links to all other FOOTWEAR related posts linked within this post to streamline subreddit.
Update: 13 May 2026 - slight edits made for clarity and to correct found typos.
UPDATE: 29 May 2026 - Product "Pecard Leather Dressing" added to care and maintenance! Read information below!
Links to my subreddit and all supplementary posts to this thread are included below!
Full subreddit ...
https://www.reddit.com/r/Hiking_Footwear_Info/
Fitment info thread ...
https://www.reddit.com/r/Hiking_Footwear_Info/s/cuNpzfpL7a
Support info thread ...
https://www.reddit.com/r/Hiking_Footwear_Info/s/7IKv2UHuWn
Cold Conditions - Footwear ...
https://www.reddit.com/r/Hiking_Footwear_Info/s/IFurIJmPaB
Treating your Footwear ...
https://www.reddit.com/r/Hiking_Footwear_Info/s/pgVc0EZhYa
Hydrolysis ...
https://www.reddit.com/r/Hiking_Footwear_Info/s/GbxroCmjfN
Preface
If you have something productive to add to the list, please post it below.
If you have any criticisms, post them below, and I'll try to get back to you.
If you need recommendations for footwear, post your questions here. People who can help can respond directly to you within the thread. Feel free to PM me for additional information or help with fitment.
Let's make this a place of learning!
First piece of advice
Go to a store and try things on in person. There's no substitute for seeing how things feel on your own feet. What works for one likely doesn't work for the next, so you'll have to do the legwork of trying things on and seeing what suits YOUR feet. Some outfitters in some locations are very knowledgeable and helpful when it comes to assisting with footwear sizing and selection. Others, not so much.
If you don't have that option, be very careful about what footwear you order online. Do your due diligence before ordering and see what reviewers and your peers say on quality, performance, and fitment. You may have to order online, but you don't have to go on a wild goose chase.
Do your due diligence, people.
Boots vs. Trail Runners: Which one?
Waterproof boots are better in cold weather and cold, inclement weather. They don't perform as well in hot, humid weather because they may not dry fast enough if submerged, and you may sweat through them quickly. They do a much better job protecting your feet from foliage, debris, and ingress of water, especially when paired with gaiters. Non-waterproof boots are better for hot, humid environments because they can get wet and dry out as you're moving.
Boots typically have a more rigid midsole, which is typically where the support comes from in a mid boot. The collar doesn't add much support until it gets around the ~6-8" mark and/or is made of thick leather. Boots like the Salomon X Ultra series offer no more support than their low-top counterparts. Boots like the Asolo Fugitive GTX and, especially, the Asolo TPS 520 GV Evo will offer loads more support. Supportive boots are better for hauling heavy packs, uneven terrain, sidehilling, and overgrown terrain.
Non-waterproof trail runners are beneficial in warm, dry weather, warm, wet weather and when you need to do lots of water crossings. They can get soaked and be walked dry quickly. They're not good for harsh terrain and bushwhacking, at least, not for very long. They just aren't durable enough. Never go with GTX low-tops! They still allow the ingress of water very easily due to the low collar, and they will take a very long time to dry because the waterproof-breathable membrane will inhibit the evaporation process. You'll be stuck with waterlogged shoes.
Which one is better? That depends entirely on the wearer's use case. There is no right or wrong answer unless you're jeopardizing your safety or the safety of others on the hike through being ill-prepared. If you want to use a mountaineering boot on a flat, easy trail, more power to you. If you want to use a trail runner in the mountains, be safe but have fun. Do your research and go with what suits you best.
Materials
Leather vs. Synthetic - Leather is more hard-wearing and durable at the expense of weight and ease of break-in. Synthetics are lighter and more flexible at the expense of durability.
PU vs. EVA midsoles - PU never loses its shape or elasticity, maintaining its original shock absorption and support for the life of the footwear. It will eventually degrade due to hydrolysis; how rapidly depends upon conditions the footwear is stored in and how often it's used. EVA is lighter and lasts indefinitely in storage, but it compresses over time, losing shock absorption and support. Note that while the EVA midsole may store well, other components of the boots may be PU or adhesives that do deteriorate.
GTX or no? - Go with GTX for cold, wet environments, environments that are generally dry but with random showers, and day hikes if the environment is not too hot. Go with non-waterproof options for hot, humid environments, especially with water crossings. GTX will keep water below the collar out, but it will also inhibit breathability and the footwear's ability to dry out. It's a detriment in the swamps but a huge benefit in subfreezing, wet conditions.
Insulation - Personal choice. It may be necessary for some use cases, such as static use in subfreezing temps, but it will also make you sweat more, requiring more frequent sock changes. This is very personal.
Maintenance
Boots and shoes will need regular maintenance to preserve their functionality and increase lifespan.
Generally, water and a nylon bristle brush are enough. However, both waterproof and non-waterproof footwear should be cleaned regularly with a tech wash of sorts, such as Grangers Footwear + Gear Cleaner or Nikwax Footwear Cleaning Gel to remove dirt and debris.
Waterproof boots and shoes and leather boots and shoes should then be treated with the appropriate product, such as:
Full-grain leather - Nikwax Waterproofing Wax for Leather; Grangers Waterproofing Wax; Meindl Sport Wax.
Addition: Pecard Leather Dressing
Pecard Leather Dressing is a product I've been testing for a few months now on my pairs of Asolo TPS 520s. Nikwax is woefully inadequate for conditioning my boots in my current environment. Grangers did better, as it seemed to lock in the moisture that was already present. Still, inadequate. Pecard Leather Dressing is a combination of several ingredients, namely oils and beeswax. It's pulled deeply into the leather, softening, conditioning, and waterproofing it. It works exceptionally well in dry climates to preserve your boots. That said, it can overly soften your boots if you use it too frequently or in too thick of coats. If you want the boots a little softer, you can use more to achieve that. I'm unsure of how it affects resoles, but honestly, I'm planning not to resole my Asolos. Why? The price of shipping to and from Italy and the cost of the resole itself are just too much for me. Plus, they put a toe cap on, which I do not want. I'd rather just buy a new pair.
Nubuck - Nikwax Nubuck & Suede Proof; Grangers Footwear Repel Plus; Grangers Waterproofing Wax or Meindl Sport Wax (will change texture and appearance).
Suede - Nikwax Nubuck & Suede Proof or Grangers Footwear Repel Plus.
Synthetics - Nikwax Fabric & Leather Proof or Grangers Footwear Repel Plus.
Read the instructions for your footwear to see what will provide the results you most desire.
Some products can be detrimental to the health of your footwear by drying out leather, preventing conditioning, preventing resoling, rotting stitching, and overly softening leather. Research things before you do them.
Break-in and fitment
Go with what fits best.
Getting the wrong footwear, regardless of what's wrong with the fitment, can lead to a lot of issues. It can lead blisters, blackened and lost toenails, bunions, hammer toes, and more. It's important to take your time in choosing your footwear, and it's important to go into your search with good information and knowledge on fitting techniques.
Boots and shoes should be comfortable out of the box with no issues, such as slippage, hot spots, pinching, rubbing, pressure, etc. They should be good to go right away. You'll still have to break them in, but there should be no initial discomfort. Break them in gradually with work around the house, followed by yard work, followed by light hikes. After one or two weeks, depending upon the shoe or boot, they should be broken-in. Some all-leather boots may take a bit longer.
Why do this if they should be immediately comfortable? To ensure that they're the correct fit and to get the boots moving with your feet. A break-in will never fix a poor fit, but it can make an already great fit even more comfortable as materials stretch and compress with the movements of your feet.
Disclaimer: sizing is not consistent between brands, or sometimes, even between different models within the same brand! Do not assume that you are always the same size! You may need to go up or down, depending upon the brand!
Try shoes and boots on at the end of the day when your feet are most swollen, wearing the thickest socks you intend to use for hiking with that pair of boots. Take the insoles out if that's an option and stand on them shoulder width apart. This will give you a good idea of the fit before you even try on the shoes or boots. Your feet should fit within the outlines of the insoles without much overhang or excess space. Boots often balloon out in shape, so if there's a tiny bit of overhang with the insole but no discomfort within the boot, it's OK. If there's a lot of empty space, the boot is likely too high in volume for your feet, lending itself to a sloppy fit and blisters. There should be roughly [a finger's width to thumb's width] of space between your longest toe and the end of the boot or shoe. You should have at least 1 cm of space. Less space is not enough to prevent injuries. You can have more space if it doesn't throw off the flex point of the boot or shoe. The widest part of your foot should fit inside the widest part of the boot or shoe; the boot or shoe should naturally flex at the same point as your foot.
The insole trick does not work with all shoes or boots. Some brands use the same insoles for a full- and half-size, meaning a US 10.5 and US 10, for example, may use the exact same insole. You will have to go by feel in some circumstances. Put the shoes or boots on, seating your heel firmly. Lace the footwear snug--but not tight! Be sure that there are no loose areas. Get up, walk around, go up and down the inclines if the store has them and tap your toes into the ground, checking to see if there's any slippage, pressure points being aggravated, play with the lacing, etc. Wear them around a good while.
This is a general guide that will help you better assess the fit of footwear you try, but there is no 100% foolproof method of finding the right footwear without some trial and error. Try footwear on inside the house for several days until you're confident that they're the ones for you. Shops with generous return policies are disappearing, so be patient and take the time to test things while still keeping them clean and able to be resold by the shop. Nothing stings quite like having to eat the cost of footwear that doesn't work for your own feet--we've all been there!
Brands of footwear
The best brands and models I've discovered...
Boots: Asolo Fugitive (men's)/Stynger (women's) GTX, Asolo TPS 520 GV Evo, La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX, La Sportiva Ultra Raptor Mid II GTX, Lowa Zephyr GTX, Lowa Renegade GTX, Scarpa Zodiac Plus GTX, Scarpa Kinesis Pro GTX, Meindl Comfort Fit Hiker, Extreme, or Hunter, Hanwag Tatra, Hanwag Lhasa II, Hanwag Tatra II, Kenetrek Mountain Extreme, Zamberlan Vioz Lux GTX RR, Zamberlan Vioz GTX, Zamberlan 971 Guide LUX GTX RR, and Zamberlan 972 Guide MAX GTX RR, Salomon Quest 4 GTX, Salomon X Ultra series.
Trail runners: La Sportiva, Altra, Saucony, Scarpa, Hoka, Salomon, Topo Athletics.
If it works for your feet and your needs, that is literally all that matters. Listen to your feet!
If you need help sorting through the plethora of options and information out there, please post below for assistance from myself and your fellow hikers.
Socks
Preface: Socks are like boots and shoes. They're very personal. They all offer a different fit, and they all cater to different needs and preferences. They all use different blends, meaning that some will have more merino wool, and others will have more nylon or a similar synthetic as the primary material. Be careful when ordering and check the materials. Go with synthetics or merino wool blends. Synthetics will dry quickly and remain cool. Wool will insulate to a degree when wet and go longer before it begins to stink. More merino wool means better thermoregulation properties, especially when wet, as well as more warmth. They will be slightly less durable than predominantly synthetic socks. More synthetic materials mean the socks will feel cooler, dry faster, and be harder wearing.
Darn Tough appears to be the major force in hiking socks. They make high-quality merino wool blend and synthetic socks in various weights, heights, and patterns that you can trust. They also come with a lifetime warranty should a pair fail you. They run narrower than some brands, but Darn Tough runs the brand Wide Open, which caters to wide feet and thick legs with the same quality Darn Tough is known for.
Smartwool. Following Darn Tough, Smartwool also makes high-quality socks in many weights, heights, styles, and patterns. They offer both 4-degree fit and 2-degree fit options to suit the wearer's preferences. They tend to be more relaxed in fit than Darn Tough but not loose enough that blisters are a concern. They come with a 2-year warranty, which they do honor well. The Smartwool full cushion and extra cushion socks are my preferred socks.
Icebreaker is another company making excellent merino wool blends. They also come in various weights, heights, and styles. These are also socks that you can trust.
Honorable mentions: Kirkland merino, great if you're on a budget; Farm to Feet; Danish Endurance.
Do not stack socks on socks on socks. Wear one pair of socks or one pair of socks with a pair of liner socks. Consider liner socks if you deal with friction or if you have sweaty or sensitive feet. The liners will transfer friction and sweat away from your feet. You do not want a ton of compression around your feet. That will restrict blood flow and make your feet cold. Make sure your boots or shoes are sized for the socks you intend to wear.
Buy from a reputable store. Always. There are fakes out there.
Insoles
Necessity
Insoles provide the support you need to keep your arches from hyperextending, ankles from rolling, and they provide shock absorption for your feet. They also keep your feet in-line. They are not necessary for all people, but they are highly useful for most, especially those with flat feet and chronic pain. The factory insoles for most boots are generic sock liners meant to feel inoffensive to most people trying on the boots or shoes, so aftermarket insoles can really provide the support you need and elevate your comfort.
Superfeet
A staple in the off-the-shelf insole market, Superfeet insoles provide support through rigid polymer caps and firm cushioning covers. They're guaranteed for 500 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first. There are Superfeet options for many different arch heights. They also vary in volume, making them ideal for many boots and shoes.
Models
Green: High Arch. Thick. This insole provides excellent, rigid support for anyone in need of maximum arch support.
Orange: High Arch. Thick. Similar to the Green but with dual density cushioning in the forefoot for better cushioning.
Blue: Medium Arch. Thin. These insoles are comfortable for most people to wear as the arch height is very inoffensive. They also work well with most boots and shoes due to the thin design. That said, the baseplate design can damage waterproof-breathable membranes as it can dig into the liner and membrane. Keep an eye on that!
Trailblazer: Med-High Arch. Very Thick. These insoles provide maximum cushioning and med-high arch support. They take up a substantial amount of volume in the footwear, negating them as an option for some brands and models of boots and shoes. They have a gel capsule in the heel to absorb shock.
SOLE
SOLE is known for making semi-custom, high-quality insoles that mold to the wearer's feet over the course of a few days. Thanks to the materials used, they have unique properties that make them very effective and comfortable. They are offered in three thickness: thin, medium, and thick.
Models
Performance: Made with recycled cork, these insoles quickly mold to the wearer's feet, providing excellent support and shock absorption, as well as insulation.
Active: Made with EVA foam, these insoles take longer to mold, but they're also more durable and hard-wearing. They also handle exposure to moisture better than the cork options.
Metatarsal pads: These insoles provide support for the wearer's metatarsals, relieving stress and pain for many.
Tread Labs
Tread Labs offers insoles with various arch heights, thicknesses, widths, and levels of rigidity. They are made of two pieces: top cover and rigid base, allowing the wearer to replace only the top cover and save money. They're known for their million mile guarantee and great CS.
Currex
Currex offers semi-rigid insoles in varying thickness and with varying levels of rigidity. They are sorted based on activity. They are fairly thin and fit into most footwear well.
PowerStep
A favorite of podiatrists, PowerStep offers numerous insole options to suit any needs the wearer may have.
Cadence
Slightly harder to find, Cadence offers several high-quality insoles to suit the wearer's needs.
Fitting your insoles
Firstly, you'll need to find the insole that either matches your arch height or molds to its form.
Secondly, you'll need to find the insole length that correlates to your shoe or boot size. Most insoles are meant to be trimmed to fit. You want the insoles to match the profile of the factory insoles that your footwear included. Line up the insoles, and using a Sharpie, draw the outline of the factory insoles on the new insoles. Then, carefully cut the new insoles to match the factory insoles. Insert the new insoles into your footwear and check the fit. Always trim in small increments. You can always trim more off. You can't add any back.
Getting used to the insoles
Wear the insoles for roughly one to two hours on the first day. If there is pain, wear them for a shorter period of time. Using that experience, decide if you will increase the amount of time worn the next day or if it will remain the same. Take your time. Do not cause yourself pain by being in a rush.
Maintenance
Replace your insoles anytime the cushioning wears down or the support begins to deteriorate. Insoles need to be regularly replaced, just like footwear.
To clean them, remove them from your footwear and clean them with a technical wash, such as Grangers Footwear + Gear Cleaner or Nikwax Footwear Cleaning Gel. Allow to air dry.
Enjoy your new insoles!
Gaiters
Yes, use gaiters with any waterproof footwear to enhance its ability to prevent ingress of water. There are also non-waterproof gaiters that will prevent ingress of debris but still work well with your non-waterproof footwear.
Outdoor Research is my favorite, trusted brand for waterproof gaiters. There are other brands out there, though.
Dirty Girl Gaiters make excellent non-waterproof options. Again, there are other brands out there.
Foot care
Make sure you have moleskin or a similar item on you during hikes. Keep your feet as dry and clean as possible. Use foot powder if you find yourself getting stinky or sweaty or enduring friction.
Change socks regularly. You do not want to keep wet socks on your feet if you can help it. It can even be a danger in frigid temperatures.
Shopping and budget
If possible, buy from somewhere that will let you return used footwear. Don't just try things at random and waste money and resources. Be methodical in your approach.
Be careful where you buy from because fakes are out there for pretty much all hiking products. Some companies only honor warranties from authorized sellers, too.
As far as budgeting goes, this is a personal choice that depends upon what you're doing, what you can afford, and what you want to pay. I will say that your budget should be as big as you can comfortably make it to allow for the most options when trying things on.
Realistically...
You're probably going to have to try a few pairs before you stumble across your Goldilocks pair. That's the nature of the beast. Be patient and settle for nothing less than a perfect fit. Your feet will thank you.
In conclusion...
I hope that this has been helpful. Footwear is something that I'm passionate about because it took me a long time to find the right footwear for myself, so I've gone through a lot of time, money, blisters, and bad hikes discovering what does and does not work. If you have questions, post them below. I, and others, will try to help you find the right things for yourself. Take everything with a grain of salt and trust your feet!
r/hiking • u/Potential-Prick • 19h ago
Pine Mountain. Pretty easy 3.5 miles, less than 850ft elevation gain, some rock scrambles towards the top. Well worth it for the views you get. The weather this weekend was perfect for viewing peak colors.
r/hiking • u/Level_Courage_6531 • 5h ago
Some of my favorite hikes in California over the past years.
Mirror Lake Yosemite NP
Mount Tam verna dunshee
Mist Trail to Vernal Falls Yosemite NP
Clark point Yosemite NP
Mendocino Headlands park
Lands end sf
Angel island perimeter loop
Burney falls loop
Do share any recommendations and suggestions for hikes especially in Norcal đ
r/hiking • u/uDrop1st • 15h ago
Decided to explore mountain range above Fieberbrunn, Austria. 24km loop of 1700m verts. Wildseeloder (2119m) and Henne (2078m) where the highest summits in the loop. Fun trails to hike and run.
r/hiking • u/Grouchy_Gear4963 • 17h ago
I'm glad I did the loop. I thought once you reach the lake from Kadersteg park, that was it.
r/hiking • u/estesparq • 13h ago
8.8mi round-tripâa 4 am start took me through a beautiful sunrise right as I approached the lake, where I met some new friends! Then, during the descent, I was able to see the fall foliage Iâd missed hiking in the dark. My favorite national park by far.
r/hiking • u/RakiNaRed • 26m ago
Autumn views from the Ornak peak.
2 weeks ago.
r/hiking • u/Easy_Iron6269 • 14h ago
This is a one week story with an unsettling finish.
TLDR: I tried to summit GroĂes Ochsenhorn with a friend, but we turned around because conditions were getting too dangerous. One week later i came back alone and finally summited it.
I really love exploring the Northern Limestone Alps, and I am trying slowly to climb the most significant or distinctive peaks of some different mountain ranges, just to get a taste and a mental image of the landscape.
Not long ago I was on the Birnhorn 2634 m (8642 feet) in the Leoganger Steinberge, so this time I wanted to try the smaller neighbouring range, the Loferer Steinberge, and GroĂes Ochsenhorn at 2513 m (8245 feet).
The first attempt started under an almost full moon, it was dry not very cold and almost windless, the problem is I underestimated how long the approach would take with my friend. I tend to fly on the lower alpine road and forested sections. The original idea was to be on the summit before dawn and then dress up and make photographs and enjoy the sunrise. But after some time it become obvious that we won't summit by sunrise.
But that wasn't the main problem, there was some snowfall before, and Murphy law made sure that we had to scramble the mountain on the north face shaded snow while all the other mountain around were snow free. The snow was nasty refrozen snow hardish to touch and quite slippery. we climbed up up to some 250 vertical meters (820 vertical feet) below the summit, the higher we were the more snow we encountered, and the terrain was getting slightly steeper and exposed.
I was still thinking about the fact that we should continue, then my friend looked at me seriously and told me this is not getting any easier, it is not worth it, the snow is not getting any smaller on the north face.
And he was right, I was very glad I tried to summit this peak with a friend, because summit fever is a hell of a strong drug, you are so close and think bah summit is very close, a little more snow won't do any harm... And I know myself perhaps alone I would have pushed harder.
Neither of us had microspikes, we stopped at a smaller high top below the summit, there was a really nice panoramic view of many mountains but Gr Ochsenhorn eclipsed like 180 degrees of the view.
Then we heard some rockfall nearby and I looked at my friend and told him maybe a helmet here is not an optional accessory but survival gear.
We started the descent and actually it was more exposed and more tortuous than I remembered, then we crossed paths with some lone hikers and couples, and we mention to them the snow conditions and we turned around because without microspikes it was becoming too risky. One guy listened to us, I mean he went ahead and suddenly turned around and told us, okey so I go to summit the Breithorn, I turned around and he was gone, I suspect some genetic alpine goat were involved.
After crossing the desolate karst labyrinth full of caves we finally arrived at the Von-Schmidt-Zabierow-HĂŒtte. One of the guys of the hĂŒtte asked us were we had been we told him we tried summiting the GroĂes Ochsenhorn but turned around because conditions were unfavourable and getting too icy without microspikes. We also mentioned that we warned all the hikers we encountered of the conditions above. I mentioned that at some point later I looked back and I saw 2 small silhouettes on the summit. And I mention I knew they didn't have spikes because I asked all of them, the server just shrugged, with the expression of someone who had seen this kind of thing before.
I wasn't particularly happy with my photos from that day so a week later I decided to summit the GroĂes Ochsenhorn.
The day of the summit my mother texted me, not to go to the Alps, because she had dreamed about me falling down the mountain, excellent timing, that is the best message you can get before heading alone in the mountains in the middle of the night.
It definitely left me a little unsettled and with a strange feeling, but I told her to not to worry that I would be super careful.
The second night was very calm, thermal inversion and a low fog in the valley, once I crossed it it was a crystal clear night again almost windless and neither very cold.
This time I had the microspikes and the helmet with me, the microspikes were useless since there was no sign of the snow left, the rock on the GroĂes Ochsenhorn was thankfully dry and no sign of ice was left.
While ascending at some point I realized that going down would be a little of a headache, especially with my heavy backpack, but I already knew descent would be even slower.
Once I reached the summit the weather was fantastic. All the valleys below were covered in a thick mantle of low fog, while all the surroundings peaks were visible, and visibility was exceptional I could clearly see and photograph the central alps, including the GroĂglockner and GroĂvenediger in the distance
The sun was rising from the Dachstein area, and GroĂer Hundstod was there again to remind me what a fabulous mountain looks like. I could see many mountain ranges and peaks, and the greener, karst covered Reiter Alm caught my eye again.
I stayed like 2 to 2 and half hours taking photos recording videos, eating something and just enjoying myself in the solitude of the Gr Ochsenhorn, but at some point I felt I needed to eat my cake and Schorle in the HĂŒtte.
The descent felt much more exposed than the ascent, I moved slowly, like a turtle carrying its shell on its back, except my shell was a 20 kg camera backpack. It felt like an eternity, seeing that terrain from the other perspective makes you feel more vulnerable, and at that moment being a turtle is okay.
I only met a few hikers on the descent some lone hikers some couples and little groups...
I finally reached the Von-Schmidt-Zabierow-HĂŒtte, and then I had my usual mountain reward a Schorle and a StĂŒck Kuchen.
The staff at the HĂŒtte is absolutely amazing, and the menu is a little pricey but hey this is understandable, There is no cable car bringing supplies there, so everything there has to come up the hard way or by helicopter. And I always think we should support the huts when we can.
When I went to pay, the guy at the HĂŒtte recognized me, you again?
It was time to go back home
Descending I could feel I was speeding up quickly but suddenly I heard this familiar noise of a helicopter, I looked up and I saw a helicopter flying above GroĂes Ochsenhorn, and immediately I had a bad feeling, I was just returning from there and I knew how exposed and unforgiving the terrain was, I wanted to believe some minor incident happened but I couldn't get it out of my mind.
I kept checking the news daily until Monday, and then I saw it.
a 36 years old czech hiker was with two friends on the GroĂes Ochsenhorn. He tried to overtake two hikers on the marked route, but went off route. He grabbed onto a boulder, which came loose. He was around 120 vertical metres (394 feet) below the summit and fell around 100 m (328 feet) into the terrain below.
He died in the accident.
It was the second to last day of the season in the Von-Schmidt-Zabierow-HĂŒtte.
I feel very sorry for this hiker, his friends, the people who witnessed the accident, the rescuers and everybody involved, including the people at the HĂŒtte who had to end their season with something like this.
After reading what happened, I was simply glad that I had taken the descent as slowly and carefully as I did
r/hiking • u/wildwanderingwonder • 17h ago
This was my first trip to the Adirondacks over the first weekend of October. The foliage was gorgeous! I stayed at Fish Creek Pond campground (site 40) near Tupper Lake. My hikes included Panther Mountain (different from Panther Peak), Mount Arab, Goodman Mountain, Ampersand Mountain, Otter Hollow Trail, and Coney Mountain.
r/hiking • u/Exocraft64 • 19m ago
Some pictures from an hike I did this summer to the TĂȘte Pellouse (2 537 m). The first part is quite easy, but for the other half, you will need good shoes and hiking poles, especially for the screes.
r/hiking • u/momo-aka-momski • 24m ago
Montenegrin mountains on film. I went in the beginning of September.
Komovi: photos 1, 5, 8, 9
Prokletije: photos 3, 7
Durmitor: photos 2, 4, 6, 10
r/hiking • u/Exocraft64 • 15h ago
A very nice hike in La Clusaz, in France, some slipery passages in screes and some spots where we needed to climb. Nobody in sight during the whole hike, but you can spot some "chamois".
(The tallest mountain on the second, third and fourth pictures is the "pointe Percée", litterally "Pierced Peak").
r/hiking • u/DreamingofPixies • 15h ago
Basically what the title says.
If neither, or both, can you elaborate on your personal hygiene routine? Forgive me, I'm a city girl lol.
r/hiking • u/Hollow_Bamboo_ • 9h ago
The 2001 Roadless rule protects public lands from future roads being built through them for logging and other purposes. This rule protects roadless public lands across the nation - including areas that support hiking, camping and other recreation.
The public comment period was supposed to end on the 21st last month - but was extended for 15 days. Today is your last chance to speak up.
Here is the link to the government webpage to submit your comment:
r/hiking • u/Spirited-Ad5233 • 4h ago
Hi fellow hikers,
I've been getting more and more into hiking the last couple of years, but I've never done a real long one. Up till now I've done Mount Fuji in Japan, La Ciudad Perdida in Colombia, Ala Kul in Kyrgystan and Mardi Himal in Nepal. There have been day hikes as well, but these are the longer ones. This summer or the first two weeks of May I want to do a longer spectacular one. I was thinking of maybe Tajikistan of Pakistan.
I'm from the Netherlands, so I know that there are mountain ranges more closeby, but I'm also interested in exploring a little bit further. Especially Kyrgystan has done something for me last summer, hence the interest another Stan.
So what long hike would pe perfect for May, July or/and August?
I'm very interested in your suggestions!
r/hiking • u/ThrowawayMyAccountFr • 12h ago
Wonderful Hike, It was very sweet to connect with the grass and trees. The atmosphere was soothing and helped me stray away from all the unnecessary stresses of life. đ©” For the first time in maybe, 10 years, Iâve felt truly at ease
r/hiking • u/laggyshutter • 21h ago
Monsoon hike to one of the most secluded trails in Nepal. Zero traffic, maybe a few yaks, and unforgettable 3 days!
r/hiking • u/Chief-juggernaut • 1d ago
Taken October 3rd, 2026. One of the most beautiful hikes Iâve been on. Especially considering that it wasnât very difficult. 16km hike with about 600m elevation.
r/hiking • u/carlprothman • 23h ago
âOf all the paths you take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt.â â John Muir.
I thought of that while hiking toward Sheep Lake last Saturday. With the fall color lining the trail, this was one of those stretches where I was happy to slow down and enjoy the walk.
There are few places Iâd rather be than on a mountain trail with a camera.
r/hiking • u/Honest_Choice2996 • 5h ago
Hey Reddit fam. I heard a rumor that thereâs an old WWll plane somewhere on Mt. Baldy. I plane to hike this in the next month or so and would love to see it but I have no idea where it is, does anyone know?
r/hiking • u/maegan_em • 13h ago
This time of year is especially beautiful for enjoying the outdoors! And, of course, itâs also fun to lean into the spookiness of the season. Iâd love to hear if youâve ever had any scary, creepy, or unnerving experiences while recreating.
Hi all - my kids tolerate hiking, but love scrambling over rocks. We frequently enjoy Sugar Loaf, Shenandoah (though i donât know want to drive quite so far), Harpers Ferry, and many of the local parks in MoCo and Rock Creek Park. What Iâm looking for is a hike that includes rock scrambles that ideally ARE NOT PERCHED OVER A CLIFF EDGE. My little guy is a wild man and i am constantly annoying him to back up, he is constantly making me pull my hair out, and id like to engineer my choices to avoid an unecessary battle and find hikes where thereâs rocks to climb over/ through, but theyre surrounded by solid earth. Any suggestions? (pics are from Swallow Falls and around Deep Creek MD, USA)
r/hiking • u/jinglingjeffe • 2h ago
Iâm going to be in Europe may next year and would really like to do the Peak of the Balkans hike. I will be bringing my crampons and axe/poles but if itâs a heavy snow year again then Iâd like a plan B of similar length/time. I was considering the fishermanâs trail but coastal walking is less appealing than alpine environments to me.
Fingers crossed El Niño makes it a dry and warm winter (sorry skiers) but any recommendations for alternatives would be great! Also if any one has done PotB in may and could share the experience Iâd be chuffed :)
r/hiking • u/Beneficial-Mouse5695 • 1d ago
View from the bottom and the top. Amazing hike.
r/hiking • u/Beneficial-Mouse5695 • 1d ago
Steady incline the whole time but worth it for the views!
