Perhaps the most important item on this list.
Get to a shop. Try them on. Walk around a bit. And, most vitally, break them in.
Wear your walking shoes inside the house and wear the socks and insoles you'll be wearing on the trail. You'll thank yourself later.
Depending on the terrain, it's important to choose between walking shoes or walking boots.
While many assume hiking boots provide significantly more ankle support than shoes, research suggests the difference is minimal.
However, boots do offer added protection from rocks and rough terrain. Many hikers prefer sturdy boots in colder, wetter months for warmth and durability, switching to lightweight trail shoes in drier, warmer conditions.
Of course, if the weather surprises with snow in June, the boots make a quick return