Hiking Shoes and Boots
Hiking Shoes and Boots
  • Tag: Shoe Guides

Hiking Shoes and Boots

There is nothing like getting out there and experiencing nature first-hand on a scenic hike-but knowing a great hike starts from the ground up is important. Ensuring you have the right hiking shoe for your next adventure is crucial to enjoying and completing all your trail excursions.

Let's find the perfect shoe for your hike!

 

HOW TO FIND THE PERFECT SHOE

When searching for the right hiking shoe for your next excursion, the number of options can often be overwhelming. It is important to understand what to look for in your shoe based on what type of trail you are exploring and what you want out of your next hiking shoe. If you are looking to explore all day on technical terrain, you will want to find an agile hiking shoe that this ready to keep up. If you are planning on a more leisurely outdoor adventure, a hooking boot with added ankle support may be the right fit for you.

 

Here is our breakdown of the best hiking shoes and hiking boots for each type of hike;


For more leisurely hikes, try the Lone Peak Hiker


For the more challenging routes, try the Olympus 5 Hike Low GTX.


For all-day excursions, try the Olympus 5 Hike Mid GTX

HIKING MEETS ALTRA COMFORT.

One of the most important features to consider when choosing hiking shoes or boots is comfort. Comfort that keeps up, lasts all day, and keeps you going through any terrain is ideal for most hikers. Altra makes comfort the priority in all hiking shoes and boots with multiple levels of cushion and our signature FootShapeTM construction for wherever your next adventure takes you. Taking on more technical terrain? Try something with a little more cushion underfoot. Looking to move quickly through the trails? Try out an option with a little less cushion that still offers all-day comfort.

 

HIKING FOR ALL FEET.

Flat feet? Wide feet? Altra’s variety of hiking shoes and boots are made for all feet. With wide size options in many of our shoes, you will find our signature comfort fits any foot while offering the room you need to spread out comfortably on all terrain. 

 


FAQ’S

 

WHAT TYPE OF FOOTWEAR IS BEST FOR HIKING?

Footwear that is designed for both performance and comfort is best for your hiking adventure.

 

IS IT OKAY TO WEAR RUNNING SHOES FOR HIKING?

Running shoes are great for hiking if they are designed for the terrain. Trail running shoes are equipped with a grippy outsole for traction on the trails and can make a great hiking shoe.

 

ARE HIKING SHOES OKAY FOR WALKING?

Yes! Even though hiking shoes are designed for more rugged terrain, they can be great for a casual stroll as well.

 

ARE ZERO DROP SHOES GOOD FOR HIKING?

Yes! Zero drop shoes, which Altra refers to as Balanced Cushioning provide a more stable platform for your feet to move naturally with each step of your hike. 

You might also like...

The Importance of a Roomy Toe Box
  • Tag: Foot Comfort & Health

The Importance of a Roomy Toe Box

Did you know that the widest part of our feet should be our toes? Many sources would say it’s the ball of the foot, the width from the first metatarsal...
Read More
A Breakdown on Zero-to-Low Drop Footwear
  • Tag: Foot Comfort & Health

A Breakdown on Zero-to-Low Drop Footwear

WHAT IS HEEL TO TOE DROP IN A SHOE? A popular discussion topic amongst movement professionals and runners alike is the heel to toe drop or the offset in a...
Read More
What Are Rocker Bottom Shoes?
  • Tag: Shoe Guides

What Are Rocker Bottom Shoes?

Have you ever run with shoes that might make you feel at first like you’re almost falling forward, or at least leaning a bit over your toes? Those are rocker...
Read More
A Guide to the Best Shoes for Hiking
  • 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...
Read More
How Many Miles Do Trail Running Shoes Last?
  • Tag: Shoe Guides

How Many Miles Do Trail Running Shoes Last?

Similar to road running shoes, trail shoes generally begin to drop in performance in the range of 300 to 500 miles of use. Of course, if those shoes have gotten...
Read More
What Is a Neutral Running Shoe?
  • Tag: Shoe Guides

What Is a Neutral Running Shoe?

What is a neutral running shoe? And how can a running shoe be "neutral"? The word neutral in this context has nothing to do with running shoe colors or brands....
Read More
Trail Running Shoe Parts Explained
  • Tag: Shoe Guides

Trail Running Shoe Parts Explained

What Are the Parts of a Shoe Used for Trail Running?  People think of road racing shoes having a lot of technology and expertise behind them. The same goes for...
Read More
Unpacking Trail Running Benefits
  • Tag: Shoe Guides
  • Tag: Training Tips

Unpacking Trail Running Benefits

What Are the Benefits of Trail Running?  If you’re moving on your legs, and you’re out in nature, and not on a road or a sidewalk, well guess what? You’re...
Read More
What Is Ultra Running?
  • Tag: Shoe Guides

What Is Ultra Running?

It definitely sounds intense—but what is ultra running, exactly? You’ve heard of a marathon. You might even know the number: 26.2. That’s the exact distance (in miles) of a marathon,...
Read More
What's the Difference Between Road and Trail Running Shoes?
  • Tag: Shoe Guides

What's the Difference Between Road and Trail Running Shoes?

You might be wondering if you really need a different pair of shoes to run on the trails instead of the roads. The truth is that you absolutely do. Roads...
Read More
Altra Olympus vs Lone Peak: Which Trail Shoe Fits You Best?
  • Tag: Shoe Guides

Altra Olympus vs Lone Peak: Which Trail Shoe Fits You Best?

When it comes to trail running shoes for men and women, Altra’s most discussed models are its Lone Peak and Olympus lines. And for good reason: these shoes are packed with features to...
Read More
Can You Wear Running Shoes for Hiking?
  • Tag: Shoe Guides

Can You Wear Running Shoes for Hiking?

As you’ve gotten ready to go out for a hike, have you wondered if your hiking boots are really necessary? Perhaps your men’s or women’s trail running shoes, which you wear on...
Read More
Can I Put Shoes in the Washing Machine?
  • Tag: Shoe Guides

Can I Put Shoes in the Washing Machine?

Dirty trail shoes can be a sore sight around the house. To clean them off, it’s tempting to just throw them in the washing machine. It sounds like a great...
Read More
How Should Trail Running Shoes Fit?
  • Tag: Shoe Guides

How Should Trail Running Shoes Fit?

With every step, trail runners encounter the unexpected. That’s why it’s so important that your trail running shoes fit you perfectly. This means proper cushioning, room for natural toe splay, and a...
Read More
What Are Carbon-Plated Running Shoes?
  • Tag: Shoe Guides
  • Tag: Training Tips

What Are Carbon-Plated Running Shoes?

They’re light, fast, and exciting. But what’s really behind the rise of carbon-plated running shoes? From elite racers to weekend warriors, more runners are lacing up in plated models, chasing...
Read More