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![Boots, Socks, Clothing and Gear for Hikers 1 Kitayamazaki Cliffs, Northern Japan. Beth Reiber photo.](https://www.gonomad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Kitayamazaki-Cliffs.-Courtesy-of-Iwate-Prefecture-1.jpg)
By Max Hartshorne
GoNOMAD Editor
I’m getting prepared for an epic week hiking in Northern Japan. For this, I have enlisted the aid of my staff and we have sought out as many different hiking boots we can as well as socks and a lot of other equipment that a hiker will find useful.
I’ve been advised to bring along two pairs of hiking boots, so I’ll be ready for my daily 10 km hikes. Here are some of the boots I’m considering taking with me.
Darn Tough and Darn Good Socks from Vermont
So what do you get when you pay as much as $25 for a pair of socks? These heavy, well-made socks are made of Lycra, Merino, Nylon, Spandex, Wool and are made in Northfield, Vermont.Â
True Seamless construction provides a smooth performance fit; no slipping, no bunching, and no blisters, and sewn from fine gauge Merino wool which is naturally antimicrobial and antibacterial. And these are guaranteed for life! WOW.
Darn Tough Hiker Boot Sock Full Cushion $25
The Sock Guy’s Stylish Hiking Socks
The Sock Guy takes a different approach than its competitors in the north. Their hiking socks have brighter and flashier designs, plus Easy-Fit Cuff, Stretch-to-Fit Sizing System and they say that their TURBOwool Deluxe Wool Blend is 5x stronger than Merino Wool alone. These cost a little less and aren’t as thick, and don’t have that lifetime guarantee.Â
SockGuy, Hiker, Wool Crew Sock, Sporty and Stylish, 6 Inches – $13.22
Telic Recovery Boots Make Your Feet Feel Better After Wearing Ski Boots
There is nothing to compare to the feeling of taking off a pair of downhill ski boots. They are so heavy and so tight, it’s just a joy to feel them come off…and these Recovery boots from Telic fit the bill to give your feet some sweet comfort. These soft fleece-lined boots have a side zipper and will easily slip on, providing a true ‘Apres Ski’ experience!
Telic Apres Ski Recovery Boots $139
These Low Hiking Ecco Shoes are Waterproof![Boots, Socks, Clothing and Gear for Hikers 9 ir?t=gc0a7 20&l=am2&o=1&a=B07V9PR2C9](//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=gc0a7-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B07V9PR2C9)
These interesting looking low hikers remind me of the nose of a bull terrier. That funny high cover, it’s stylish and helps make these low boots waterproof. These Ecco Exohikes have a very tough rubber sole with a Vibram grip, and they are breathable as well as waterproof. Some people prefer the low hiking boot style, these are a great choice.
For many people, narrow shoe width leaves our toes feeling pinched. These Eccos don’t have this problem.
Ecco Outdoor Men’s Exohike Low GORE-TEX Waterproof Hiking Shoe, CAYOTE $183
![Boots, Socks, Clothing and Gear for Hikers 11 41z7OkjZtnS. SL250](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41z7OkjZtnS._SL250_.jpg)
Lowa’s Sturdy Renegades Provide Ankle Support
The Renegade’s nubuck leather upper securely holds the foot in place, reducing strain on the toes during downhill sections. Its Monowrap midsole technology reduces overall boot weight while providing extra cushioning and lateral stability.
As someone with a wide foot, these haven’t pinched at all, and don’t feel as heavy as a boot this size might. Darn good so far.
They have a rugged Vibram outsole and thick, non-slip rubber lugs. This makes these boots ideal for hiking, light backpacking, and other outdoor activities where you need traction and grip. This shoe is built on gender-specific, men’s and women’s lasts, for optimal fit and comfort.
Lowa Men’s Renegade GTX Mid Hiking Boot,Sepia/Sepia $235
Solomon Hiking Boots Offer Great Grip
These Solomons are also great for those of us with wide feet, and the GTX, shown below, comes in astor gray/Black/Green Sulphur colors. The popular X Ultra 3 Wide Mid GTX offers the lightweight precision and foothold you need for technical ascents and descents, with a wider fit. Utilizing Descent Control Technology, this shoe hugs your feet comfortably for more confidence to attack the downhills.
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