elizabethadventuresblogI get asked all the time what I wear when I’m hiking, so here I am giving you a full rundown of my go-to footwear for the outdoors. Finding the right shoes can be hard, but is also so important! Getting blisters from poor-fitting shoes or having wet feet because your shoes aren’t waterproof is a major roadblock when you’re on the trail. I have multiple shoes I wear on the trail throughout the year and I’ll break down when and why I wear each shoe.
Part of the Leave No Trace principles is being prepared, which means having the proper gear for where and what you are doing. One you decide what shoes to buy, try wearing them around the house and see how they feel. If you purchase through REI you can test them on trail and still return them if they don’t end up working out. Whether you’re on the hunt for the perfect hiking boot and a comfy shoes to wear around camp, these are my go-to shoe recommendations.
Hiking Boots
I love wearing hiking boots on trail! Hiking boots tend to have a wider toe space, allowing my feet more room. In return I rarely blister with hiking boots on. I also love the added ankle support hiking boots provide. Because they sit higher over the ankle I feel more stable on trail. Rolling an ankle on trail is never something you want to have happen so wearing hiking boots will help.
I usually only wear my hiking boots if I’m backpacking, hiking over rockier terrain or in the desert. I prefer the added stability when I’m carrying a heavy pack so I don’t roll my ankle. When I know the trail is going to have a lot of boulders or uneven terrain I’ll choose my boots as well. Wearing hiking boots wouldn’t seem like the first choice for someone, but I prefer having the added height and thickness of the boot should I ever cross paths with a poisonous reptile.
Some cons to hiking boots are the weight and the breathability. Many hikers don’t like wearing them because they find they don’t allow their feet to breath well and they blister more. I notice they don’t breath quite as well, but because of the added spaces they provide I rarely blister. I can’t notice a drastic enough difference in breathability. They do weigh more than trail runners, but sometimes the added weight is necessary to provide much needed foot and ankle support.
Keen Targhee III
I’ve been wearing KEEN boots for as long as I can remember! My parents bought me a pair before my first ever backpacking trip when I was in college. My first pair lasted me almost 10 years before the glue in the toe finally started to come apart.
When it was time to replace my boots, I knew I was going to stick with my KEEN’s. I now wear the Targhee III mid-waterproof boot. It’s so important to have waterproof boots while out backpacking but also living in the PNW. I hike year-round and sometimes I find myself trekking through giant mud puddles and pooled water on the trail. With waterproof boots I don’t have to worry about my feet getting wet. I have truly put my boots to the test and so far I haven’t had any issues with water leaking into my boots.
As I mentioned above, I absolutely love how much space my toes have in these boots. My feet feel so comfortable in these shoes, even after miles on trail. I did need to break them in for a few hikes, but they didn’t take long.
Danner Mountain 600
The Danner Mountain 600 hiking boots are one of the more popular shoes for the trail. Danner boots are on the higher end of prices when it comes to boots. I personally do not own any Danner boots nor have I hiked in them but I’ve know plenty of people who wear and love them.
Salomon Cross Hike Mid Gore-Tex
The Salomon Cross Hike is a great trail shoe because it has ample traction on the bottom. Not only does it have high ankle support but it is waterproof and ready for any terrain. I have not hiked in these specific boots myself but love my Salomon shoes I do own.
I recommend these hiking boots over the others by Salomon because they for one are the most fashionable shoe, but also because they don’t go too high or too low on the ankles.
Hooka Anacapa Mid Gore-Tex
Hooka is an extremely popular shoe brand on the trail. They are known for their comfort and this soles. These Anacapa Boots are a great options because they provide the popular Hooka comfort with the stability of a hiking boot.
Trail Runners
I don’t love wearing my hiking boots if the trail doesn’t really require a heavier boot. So what do I wear if I’m not wearing my boots? Trail runners of course! Why trail runners though over regular tennis shoes? Trail runners provide extra traction, which is necessary on trail. When hiking on slippery rock, over stumps and down loose scree, shoes with traction are a must.
Trail runners come in waterproof and non waterproof options. Both are great for the trail and what you pick depends on your needs. I prefer to always have waterproof hiking shoes because I live in the PNW where trails are wet and muddy over half the year. If you live in a dryer climate, waterproof shoes may not be necessary.
One thing to note when purchasing trail runner that are also waterproof, they will run small. I usually have to size up an entire shoes size just with waterproof shoes.
Merrell Moab Speed Gore-Tex
I absolutely love the Merrell Moab Speed shoes. They are one of the comfiest shoe I’ve worn on trail, provide ample traction and are waterproof. The Moab’s have a thicker sole that makes my feet feel like I have ample cushion under them.
I have taken these shoes through thick mud and water puddles and never ended up with wet socks. They have amazing traction as well that has allowed me to walk across logs and safely maneuver over wet rocks on trail.
Salomon Speedcross 5
These shoes are similar to the Salomon trail runners I wore, but my specific line is no longer in production. The Speedcross is an amazing trail shoe because it has added traction compared to my previous Salomon shoes.
The Speedcross is a waterproof trail runner, so it’s a great option for wet and muddy trails. Salomon shoes breath well, allowing your feet to stay cool. I chose the Merrel’s over these only because the Salomon doesn’t have as this of a sole, which many people like because it allows them to be extra lightweight.
Altra Lone Peak 6
Altra is one of the most popular brands for trail shoes, especially with long distance hikers. I personally have not worn Altra, but everyone I know that does raves about them. The Lone Peak 6 trail runners are an amazing shoes if you’re looking for something that isn’t waterproof. They will provide slightly more breathability than the waterproof shoes listed above.
The Lone Peak’s have a this sole, providing extra cushion from the never ending rocks and sticks you have to walk over on the trail. These shoes also have great traction to prevent you from slipping.
Winter Hiking Boots
I use to wear my KEEN hiking boots while snowshoeing without any major problem. The reason I started to wear another shoe in the winter was because I always have cold feet, even in the summer. Hiking with cold toes in winter is just miserable. So, what shoe do I wear now?
My specific winter hiking shoes are not available, but they are Columbia Omni-Heat boots. Just like regular hiking boots, winter boots should be waterproof. Winter shoes are constantly trekking through snow or wet trails for hours and need to stay dry. Below I’ll share three great alternatives to the shoes I wear in the winter.
Merrell Thermo Kiruna Mid Shell
The Merrell Thermo Kiruna boots are an amazing options for winter hiking. I love my Merrell trail runners so I know they make comfortable shoes. These boots help trap in the heat your foot produces and in turn keeps you feet warm on trail.
They have great traction for wearing on the trails without snowshoes as well. They are perfect for winter waterfall chasing or strapping snowshoes on over.
Salomon X Ultra 4 Thinsulate Climasalomon
The Salomon X Ultra 4 are built with Salomon’s proprietary 3M Thinsulate, helping keep your feet warm on the trail all winter. They are completely waterproof with the tong attach to the side to help prevent moisture and debris from entering the boots. These winter boots also have great traction and a sock liner designed to keep you warm.
Oboz Sphinx Mid Insulate
These Oboz Sphinx boots are designed to keep your feet warm on trail. They are waterproof boots but also insulated to retain heat. The soles of the Sphinx are designed for icy sidewalks and trails. They do not have as large or traction on the sole, but they are built for ice.
Sandals
I have multiple types of sandals for various purposed. Being able to wear sandals in the summer while adventuring is a must for me. I love having my feet breathe and so many of my summer activities require water friendly shoes.
Summer sandals range from water shoes to hard sole hiking shoes. Below I’ll share everything I use and why they are beneficial to me.
Teva Original Universal
I love my Teva Original Sandals! I first purchased them for kayaking years ago and now use them out on the paddle board too. These are great shoes because they aren’t heavy but the ankle strap makes them feel sturdy. Having a shoes trapped on helps prevent them from getting lost on the water.
I usually take them off once I’m on the water too. They are perfect because they are easy to walk in while carrying the heavy weight of my water gear but easily removable with the velcro strap. Not to mention they always have fun new strap patterns!
Chaco Z/Cloud 2
Chacos are my go-to sandal for every day shoes around town but also for travel. I love that they have a this sole so I can wear them on short trails/viewpoints without having to put on a sock and shoe. These are my favorite sandal because the straps are completely adjustable to the wearers foot. This allows for the best fit for each person wearing them.
There are two main Chaco sandal strap options. The Chaco Z/2 sandals have a toe strap for added stability. I used to wear the Z/Cloud but realized I actually don’t love the feeling of the toe strap, but they are great shoes! Chacos always have fun strap patterns to pick from too!
Chaco Z/1
The Chaco Z/1 is technically built the same as the Z/Cloud, only these don’t have a strap over the large toe. They have the same sturdy sole, adjustable strap and countless strap colors and options. I have multiples of these shoes and love them because I can wear them with socks around camp on a cold night too.
Birkenstock Arizona Essential EVA
The Birkenstock Arizona sandals are one of my most worn pair of shoes. I often wear them in the car to the trailhead year-round so my feet can breathe but I can wear my hiking socks. They are extremely comfortable and easy to slide on and off. Taking your hiking shoes off after a long day and sliding your feet into these is one of the best feelings.
The bonus to these is that they are easy to clean with their waterproof foam, making them the perfect shoe for the beach or pool. You’ll quickly find yourself wearing these shoes all over the place!
Columbia Sandal
I purchased these Columbia Sandals a few summers ago to replace taking my heavy Chaco’s on backpacking trips. I prefer to have a shoe I can strap on my foot for river crossings but it also needs to be lightweight since every ounce counts. These shoes are amazing because they have a sturdy sole but are extremely lightweight.
They are designed for the water so I can walk through rivers without worrying. They are quick drying so I can wear them around camp in the evenings without my feet begin cold and wet. Plus they don’t have a toe strap so I can wear these sandals with my socks on if it’s a colder night.
Camp Shoes
Teva ReEMBER Slip-On
The Teva ReEMBER is such a great shoe for camp! The back heel is designed to be stepped on, turning the shoe into a full slide if desired. I will often wear them with the heel down as a slide and then quickly put the heel up if I’m going to be walking a bit.
These shoes don’t have a sturdy rubber sole but they are great for around town and camp. There is no arch support inside so they fit more like a house slipper, which is cozy while at camp. They also come in a lot of color options and patterns.
Keen Howser Slip-On
I absolutely love my Keen Howser shoes because they are a sturdy sole for whatever camp terrain I find myself on and are warm. They keep my feet toasty as the temperatures cool off at night. I personally find them to be the comfiest in terms of arch support out of all my camp shoes. I also love how easy they are to slide on and off while also having a back to keep them on my feet.
Birkenstock Arizona Essential EVA
These Birkenstock Arizona sandals are the same shoe I mentioned above. They are returning in the camp shoes section because I wear them all the time around camp! I love how easy they are to slide on and off as I climb in and out of the tent. Because they are waterproof I can give them a quick clean when I get home and they look like new.
Shoe Accessories
There is one shoe accessory I find myself using year round- gaiters! In the summer, I prefer lightweight, low cut gaiters to help keep rocks and loose debris out of my shoes on trail. In the winter I wear waterproof, tall gaiters to keep my lower legs dry from the constant snow contact.
Lightweight Gaiters
Waterproof Gaiters
Being well-prepared with the proper shoes will make your outdoor experience that much better. There are so many to choose from and it can often be daunting. I’ve spent years trying out shoes and learning about popular brands from other hikers. I hope this list helps you find what you’re looking for and gets you outside adventuring more. If you have any favorite shoes for the trail, I would love to know in the comments!
Happy Hiking,
Elizabeth
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