- Tag: Shoe Guides
A Guide to the Best Shoes for Hiking
Tired of wearing heavy, old hiking boots up the trail? For many, the best outdoor shoes for day hiking are trail running shoes. They feel lighter on the trail, and if you have the right shoes for the job, you can still get the traction and support that traditional hiking boots also provide, along with comfort.
Here’s your guide to Altra's best shoes for hiking, suitable for day hikes and even more. These breathable, lightweight, and flexible hiking shoes give heavy and stodgy boots a run for their money. Read on to learn about the most comfortable hiking shoes for men and women.
Why Trail Runner Shoes Make Great Hiking Shoes
There’s one obvious benefit to wearing trail runner shoes on a hike instead of a traditional boot. They’re so much lighter! Your feet probably feel less sore just thinking about it.
But there’s much more. Thanks to Altra trail running shoes being made with breathable material, your feet won’t feel so hot and stuffy throughout the day, because your shoes won’t trap as much moisture. Plus, there’s the inevitable moment when your feet get wet from crossing a stream or hiking in a summer rain shower. Which dries faster: your trail running shoes, or your heavy leather hiking boots?
What a minute, you might ask. If I take trail running shoes on a long day hike, won’t I miss out on grip and support? This is a reasonable question. But advanced technology on high-performing trail shoes, like our MaxTrac™ outsoles at Altra, can grip as dependably as hiking shoes. If you’re already a trail runner, you know this from experience.
Hiking Shoe Features to Look Out For
What features do you need your shoes to have when you head out on a hike? Durability, weather resistance, and stability are all keys. With trail running shoes that are made for tough conditions, like our ALL-WTHR waterproof shoe models, you’re well-equipped for hiking with your pack on. You can ditch the boots if you'd like.
Here’s another factor. You know that feeling when you take your boots off after a long day? Maybe it could be described as relief? Perhaps you wiggle your toes a little bit. They’re probably sore from being squeezed together and bunched up.
Here’s another factor that the most comfortable hiking shoes bring that traditional boots don’t: a roomy toe box that allows your toes to splay. When your feet start to swell with the exertion and activity, they won’t feel so scrunched and compressed. Wide toe box hiking shoes can help you go out all day, more comfortable than ever.
If you’re concerned about stability and comfort, the key is to find a trail shoe with high cushioning. These keep you upright and balanced, and reduce impact on your feet and joints throughout the day. Then you’re matching hiking boots on every level.
The Best Shoes for Hiking by Adventure Type
Whatever your activity, step up your outdoor adventure with the best shoes for hiking. First, there’s our Lone Peak Family. This lightweight, tough-as-nails trail shoe is ready for anything. The standard Lone Peak 9 is a formidable trail runner that many adventurers favor for day hikes and even thru hikes. And you can step up the durability with ALL-WTHR, Waterproof, and Alpine models. There’s even an Altra Lone Peak hiking shoe, with the high ankle you find on a traditional boot.
If you’re looking for more options, consider the Altra Olympus. This flagship family features our highest cushioning, so it’s a great option for backpack-hauling treks with added weight.
Going out in the offseason, when you might face severe weather conditions? Check out our ALL-WTHR lineup, your ticket to all-weather shoes that are flexible and breathable.
The best shoes for hiking are not only as effective as boots. They may also be a marked improvement.
