The Backpacker's Shoe Guide

What's this all about?

Finding the right shoes for backpacking - especially long-distance backpacking - can be a frustrating, confusing, and expensive project. Shoes are unique to everyone, so the best fit for you may not be the best fit for someone else.

The Backpacker's Shoe Guide is a comprehensive guide by a physical therapist to help you select the right shoes at the right time, so you can hike more miles with fewer injuries.

This will likely be helpful if you are...

🤔 Not sure where to start when shopping for shoes

🚶‍♀️In the middle of a thru-hike and aren't happy with your current fit

😰 Experiencing foot pain or had a recent injury leading you to find a better fit

💵 On a budget and want to make a wise first selection

🥱 Tired of spending hours looking at blog posts and YouTube videos with conflicting advice

You'll learn:

🥾 The most important features of a shoe affecting your feet

✅ How to find your best fit

🤔 The seven most common mistakes people make when buying/replacing shoes

👟 Lacing techniques to solve common fit problems

While finding the right shoes can take a lot of trial and error, I hope this guide helps you find the right fit, faster. Cheers!

Rebecca Salstrand, PT, DPT
"Tennessee Pickle"
JMT '17, CT '20, AT '22