Hello, I’m not a very intense hiker, but I used to hike moderately to hard trails for an hour, two to three times a week. I’m in my late 30s and suffer from hypermobility in my knees and ankles, which makes them shaky and unsteady, especially on downhill paths. I live in California where hiking is my preferred form of exercise, but knee pain has recently disrupted my routine. I currently use Lem’s Trailheads, which are great except they don’t reduce joint impact effectively. Could anyone recommend a good pair of hiking shoes that are affordable and could help with my condition?
I have similar challenges with my knees and hips, and I’ve had a good experience with Oboz Sawtooth shoes. They work well for me during the summer, although everyone’s experience can vary depending on individual needs.
Investing in good-quality hiking shoes is crucial, regardless of your hiking intensity. Hoka shoes are excellent for cushioning and might suit your needs.
@Denali
Thank you! I prefer shoes with a lower cut as high boots tend to irritate my ankles. Appreciate your suggestion!
From my personal experience, using kinesiology tape has significantly improved how my knee feels during hikes, increasing my mileage and reducing pain and swelling.
Military-style boots like those from Bates and Belleville are durable and offer good ankle support when tightly laced, though they are heavier. I personally use McCrae Footwear’s all-weather Panama boot. It’s heavy but the firm sole and stiff leather provide excellent ankle support, although it may be less comfortable for sensitive knees.