Jadsez

The two hiking shoes that saved me from the East to the West and North to the South!

Angel’s Landing, National Park Utah, Hellroaring Trail, Yellowstone Montana, Grand Teton Wyoming, Texas Hill Country and even Florida Everglades. All owned pairs of Adidas shoes were torn after a couple of days in Lost Maples– and so were my weak ankles. R.I.P. 

The views were worth the huge drop-offs and narrow ledges, for the fearless souls not afraid of heights. The cardio you put in is a grind your feet will resent you for if you don’t wear the right gear. Thinking about the terrain: it was narrow, there were cliff walls (might’ve slipped eight times…i’m not counting) and rocky dirt terrain. I get asked multiple times by non-experienced hikers for the best hiking shoes recommendations and my answer is always the same, “Not cloth Adidas.” Having pleasant and suitable hiking shoes that can double as fashion in downtown is a literal game changer.

I’ve been an Avid hiker since 2017 when I took a spontaneous road trip across the northern states and hiked around 20 miles altogether If you want to learn the hard way with blisters on your feet after a couple of hours go right ahead, but I have researched and experienced some fantastic alternatives for shoes that could take you over 1,000 miles. The Hoka One One Kaha GORE-TEX® Hiking Shoes are the way to go.

With excellent strength and support, The HOKA ONE ONE® Women's Kaha GORE-TEX® Hiking Shoes provide the grit and grip for the wet and dry conditions hiking trails WILL definitely take you on. After a long foreboding first experience trail without any prep in the northern states, I ordered a pair of the Hoka’s for the unpredictable Texas Hill Country during the Fall and they did not disappoint.

Now, the kind of shoe you may be looking for definitely depends on the type of hiking shoes that meets YOUR needs. It is honestly a personal preference as everyone can argue mine. However, for someone who likes to wear supportive and Water-Resistant shoes with a lacing system for my weak ankles, the Hoka’s were a perfect fit. 

Mind you I emphasized “Water-Resistant” as these are not waterproof. Tailoring your hiking shoes to the type of terrain and climate is important but the Hoka’s are perfect for the following:

Backpacking

Desert Peaks

Inclined and Narrow hikes

Off-trail cross-country hiking

Luckily, I've realized my Floridian blood would take over sooner than expected. After being homesick I decided to head back home to Florida and bought suited shoes for the next challenge: The Everglades National Park. Hiking shoes for water activities definitely means Water-Proof shoes. Florida is known for its hot and rainy days and if a certain hike requires water encounter, walking up streams, and a possible mud pit, then I would recommend some On Women's Cloudrock Waterproof Hiking Boots. They are lightweight, quick drying, water-proof, and windproof hiking shoes.  

These Cloudrock shoes have a unique build with two types of mesh in the mid and forefoot of the shoe that helped with my rolling ankles. The high collar wasn’t tight like other shoes that cut off your circulation but quite snug, and the cuff held my breathable socks up while my clumsiness took over near the Hammock Trail (yep, I rolled my ankles on my own foot too. How embarassing.)

Altogether, these are my personal recommendations from a 25 year-old clumsy intermediate hiker. Yet, when looking for hiking shoes remember they come in all forms, shapes, colors, and styles that best suit your price range, level of experience, gender, and performance speed. Even two for one kind of weathering shoes. Heck, if you want some sandal-like hiking shoes for the more liberal hikers there are many options to fit your needs! Let those toes breathe.

Until the next adventure,

I never thought I had a favorite color. Infinite choices relying in multiple hues —that is, until I looked into his eyes of nectar: The color of the rich earth bathed by Spring rain.

Infinite choices relying in multiple hues Those that promise the warmth of a new season. The color of the rich earth bathed by Spring rain; Overlooked pigments of Russet, chocolate, overlooked like an overbought latte.

Those that promise the warmth of a new season Just as Autumn trees dust their leaves and dress in riots of golden flecks Overlooked pigments of Russet, chocolate, overlooked like an overbought latte.

Unlike Icarus plunging to the sea, Downpour frolics into the ocean’s dress. Your name is whispered through each drop you see Soothing the wrinkles along Her blue hems.

I saw your fiery sienna eyes, Through the North’s drizzling cries of longing. While writing you stories on mountains high, Tears only telling me the prolonging.

This morning the rain sang words, solemn, Missing our gazes, our youth, our years. Fallen leaves miss your steps. “Oh, it’s Autumn.” Your favorite. I think, wiping my tears.

In the rain one falls and bids you adieu Raindrops fall through the earth to get to you.

Saudade (Soh-dah-duh) is Portuguese originated meaning: a deep emotional state of melancholic longing for a person or thing that is absent. In English, “the love that remains”.

Icaro was the name I gave my dearest dog—my companion, who passed away after 14 years over the summer.

Find an ocean or a beach-it counts.

Where the shores are long and cool

and the ocean gleams like a raindrop.

Or where the shores bite and growl,

threatening any outsiders as it's overshadowed by the sky.

Take a deep breath as you sit yourself in the soft sand.

Bend your knees to your chest, resting your arms and chin.

Or hold your breath as Her alliance with the wind assaults your locks,

testing your bravery and showing Her formidable side.

Listen to Her musical hum, Her salty whispers peppering your cheeks.

Smile at Her words. Then, watch the languid waves creep and tickle your toes

before running away like giggling children full of thrills.

Or cower at Her crashing tunes. Her merciless litigious movements

-that make still water morph into mountains of angry waves.

Grin at Her mischief, then gaze along Her royal blue evening gown.

Find comfort in your surroundings, see dusk kissing Her good -

night with his golden eyes.

Now, close your eyes briefly. Listen to the wind's lullaby,

his voice soothing your troubles.

Gasp at Her treachery, remember Her dark midnight prowess.

Find refuge from afar if you wish to watch. You'll see dusk revel

at Her tenacity with golden eyes.

Close your eyes, you'll hear wind's cry of kinship; his voice Her vexation.

Then slowly open your eyes--they'll feel dewy, and let Her glass waves take your breath away.

Stay for a few minutes or so--stay the whole night if you please!

it's your choice.

Either way, Her mystic him will rinse your blues away and leave

you blissful on the shore.