Hiking Footwear for Hawaii Hiking

Through error and trial, I've come to discover the kind of footwear I prefer to hike safely and comfortably in Hawaii. I am a strong advocate of trail running shoes, specifically New Balance brand. What I like about New Balance is the wide widths available to me. Here in Hawaii, many local males who grew up here come to have what are known as "luau [wide] feet." I'm not sure where, how and why the term originated, but let it be known that my feet are wide-4E!

When I first started hiking, I wore traditional hiking boots. Being prone to ankle sprains, I liked the idea of the high tops of the boots. However, being a cheapskate, or frugal (as my wife likes to correct me), I bought some low-end (read: inexpensive) hiking boots. While my ankles were fine, my feet hurt. So I can't say for sure whether the pain was a result of the boots or the cheapness of the manufacturing boots. In any case, I swore off boots.

My next experiment was with high top cleated football shoes, specifically Nike Land Sharks. Tractionwise, these worked wonderfully on the slick, muddy trails that are typical in the mountains and forests of Hawaii. But over the long haul, these cleated shoes killed my feet. Consider that they are made for an activity that takes place in a one hundred yard, flat-surfaced rectangle for a short period of time; however, I was using them for multi-mile, multi-hour treks in uneven, undulating terrain. The end result: plantar faciitis, a debilitating and painful malady that I wouldn't wish on anyone.

Then I discovered trail running shoes. I was about skeptical at first, thinking that I'd be beset with ankle sprains. On the contrary, I found that not only did my ankles get stronger, I was free of the foot pains that I had suffered from the boots and cleated football shoes. And to be able to hike painfree was a joy for me.

I will admit that there are a plethora of brands and models of trail running shoes on the market today. If you are looking for some, go here. And if you prefer to stick with your tried and true hiking boots, by all means stick to them. But if you're on your way to Hawaii and making your packing list and wondering what kind of footwear to stick into your suitcase or carry bag, throw in your trail runners if you have them.

They work for me and I can vouch that they'll work for you. Happy hiking.