My favorite hiking shoes

New Balance MT10v2 Minimus Trail Running Shoes

Being a photographer in the Southwestern United States I find it very important to not only wear comfortable shoes while hiking but shoes that demonstrate a good grip on rocky surfaces as I am often standing on the edges of cliffs taking my shots.

Having been in martial arts for years I have gotten used to and enjoy wearing minimal soled shoes. This may also come from having to have worn combat boots for twenty years while in the USAF. I like to feel the earth beneath my feet which gives me better control and balance. Pictured above are my favorite shoes for hiking. The New Balance MT10v2 Minimus Trail Running Shoes. They come in a few color choices black/blue, black/silver or blue/silver and are available at REI for $109.95 (and other stores). I love how these feel on my feet, extremely comfortable!

Another shoe I have worn in the past is the Merrell Barefoot True Glove with Vibram soles but I find it to be a very tight fit no matter what size I try (they tend to run a size small) and not as comfortable as the New balance MT10v2's. Perhaps that is how they got the name True Glove, I just need a little bit of moving room for my feet and not be so constrictive.

I have also tried La Sportiva Trail Running shoes similar to the C-Lite 2.0 that do not have the Vibram soles but have a very good sole for stability and grip on rocks and boulders.

Note these three pairs of shoes are very light and breathable therefore if there is any kind of precipitation your feet will get wet. Also, it is very important to point out that they do not grip well on wet surfaces. Beware the Vibram soles tend to be quite slick on wet surfaces.

I am in no way saying these are the best shoes so run out and purchase them this is only my opinion and what I like when I'm out hiking and climbing up on rocky surfaces to photograph the landscapes of the Southwest.