Identify the terrain that you'll be hiking on. Terrain plays an important part in what shoe you select. Obtain topographical maps of the area, or consult trail guide books or websites, to help you determine how steep the terrain will be on your route. This will help determine whether you need a shoe with high ankle support or features such as a steel or nylon shank. Both help provide stability on uneven rocky terrain. Climbing may be easier with low ankle support, but wearing low-ankle shoes can increase your chances of rolling an ankle and becoming injured on the trail.
Identify the foliage in the region. Low hard stock brush can scuff, rip and ruin leather hiking shoes, so an alternate material that will not rip or scuff as easily would be ideal. Rip-stop or Ballistic Nylon material are both good options in regions with more than average ground cover and hard stock shrubs. Shoes with leather uppers may be better for desert treks, where cactus plants can puncture some man-made materials.
Check the forecast, as well as the average weather, for the region for the time of your trip. This will help determine if you'll need a waterproof or Gore-Tex cased shoe and whether you'd need a shoe with additional insulation to keep you comfortable in extremely cold temperatures. Also keep ventilation in mind. More ventilation is better if you're likely to encounter high temperatures.
Determine what kind of activities you'll do on the trip. You may choose to hike, climb, run, backpack, bike or kayak. Merrell makes shoes to suit each activity. Talk to a sales representative about your activity, and he can recommend shoes to match.
Determine if you'll need high arch support or other features to meet your specific orthopedic needs. If you have a special foot condition, consult your doctor about selecting the appropriate shoes.
