Selecting the proper shoe can be a daunting task. There are so many different styles of shoes offering a variety of support, cushion and feel. With the vast options, it is imperative that you select the right shoe for your running style. Let the experts at Any Mountain guide you into the best shoe for YOU!
Before you can select a shoe, you need to understand the biomechanics of your specific foot. Your arch type and mechanics (pronation vs. supination) play a key role in determining what shoe will work for you. Our Master Fit certified technicians are expertly trained to measure your feet and match you with the best possible shoe.
Here at Any Mountain we offer the best selection of hiking, running, water shoes and flip flops. No matter what adventure you are looking to take on, whether you are embarking on a hike up Mount Diablo or heading to the beach, our passionate employees are eager to help you along the way. At the stores you’ll find the latest footwear from KEEN, New Balance, North Face, Merrell, Olukai, Reef, Salomon, Teva, Vibram and more.
Hiking Basics:
Your feet are the most important thing when you are hiking; you need to keep your feet supported and comfortable throughout your journey. Choose a hiking shoe based off fit and terrain. It is important to understand how you are going to use the shoe and select a style that matches the trail and conditions.
Terrain – The trail itself plays a role in selecting the shoe with the right outsole. A stiffer sole with either a full shank or a three quarter shank provides additional support and stability on rocky and uneven surfaces. The lugs are also correlated to the terrain; the more aggressive the lugs the more aggressive the trail surface.
Environment – If you are entering a wet climate, waterproofing is a must. Waterproof boots tend not to be as breathable as non-waterproof options, but wet feet are prone to blisters, swelling and other injuries. Non-waterproof options are a great choice in dry conditions; typically the shoe will breathe more allowing perspiration and moisture to evaporate, helping to keep your foot dry.
Weight – Knowing the amount of weight you will be carrying is important when selecting a shoe. Some backpacking shoes are designed for hikers carry upwards of 70 pounds. These boots will be full length, offer additional ankle support and be very stiff. Other hiking boots will be designed as day hikers for quick trips when carrying minimal weight.
Distance – For short quick hikes, a light weight hiking shoe is the best option. Day hikers are perfect for flat even trails. However longer hikes can require additional support and a more aggressive shoe.
Running Basics:
What are the different classifications for running shoes and what are their characteristics?
Traditional – basic athletic shoe with an average of 12mm drop from the heel to the ball of the foot, shaped like a shoe, EVA cushion for added padding, ample support
Lightweight – 4-12mm drop, shaped like a shoe, minimal cushion, torsional structure to the shoe
Minimalist – 0-4mm drop, shaped like a foot, minimal cushion, little to no torsional structure
Barefoot – 0mm drop, shaped like a foot, no added cushion
Before you look anywhere else, come stop by one of our 8 convenient locations and let us show you what sets Any Mountain apart from the competition. We’ve proudly served the Bay Area since 1973; whether this is your first visit to our stores, or you’re a lifelong customer we pledge to provide you with highest level of service and best selection of footwear. Our expert staff will take the time to properly measure your feet using Brannock devises and select the shoes that match your specific needs. We stand behind our work and offer a Fit Guarantee on all footwear. Any Mountain is the Bay Area’s leading hiking and trail running stores.
