The Best Shoes for Hiking & Rafting

Salomon Techamphibian 2

Selected for "Outside Magazine's" Buyer's Guide Summer '09, the Salomon Techamphibian 2s are a cross between sandals and shoes designed for water. The shoe features a lot of mesh designed to let water in and out without letting in debris. The uppers feature a bamboo lining to fight odor. A Contragrip sole provides traction. The shoes feature a heel strap and Quicklace system for quickly getting the perfect fit. "Outside" praised the shoes for its quick-drying uppers and lacing system. Reviewers on Backcountry.com and Moosejaw found that the shoes offered plenty of support for hiking. The Techamphibian 2s come in men's and women's varieties.

Keen Cimarron

The Keen Cimarron also earned a spot in "Outside's" Buying Guide Summer '09. It scored a 4.5 on the magazine's online review section, based upon 41 reviews. The shoes combine breathable, mesh uppers and rugged outsoles with a multidirectional traction pattern that provides grip. "Outside" found the EVA exterior extremely durable and the mesh upper to provide support while keeping debris out. The shoes include elastic lacing for quick fitting. The Cimarrons come in both men's and women's varieties.

5.10 Canyoneer

For more heavy hiking through water and wet rock, consider a good canyoneering shoe. The 5.10 Canyoneer, a serious shoe designed specifically for canyoneering, provides maximum traction in rivers and on wet, slippery rocks. The Canyoneer 2 has undergone an upgrade from the previous Canyoneer with a lightweight, ergonomic upper designed to provide support and durability. The new version also features enhanced traction and a sleeker adjustment system. The shoe combines synthetic leather with mesh and neoprene. If you have any questions about the shoe, consider that Zion Rock and Mountain Guides and Zion Adventure Company outfits its patrons with Canyoneers for Utah's Zion Narrows hike, a premier canyoneering route.