I Asked Athletes Which Shoes They Swear By For Their Most Intense Hikes

Something happens when you go off the grid on a hike. Your mind quiets, your breath deepens, and you feel calm, energized, and happy...that is, until you get blisters. Yeah, clocking miles while scaling mountains on uneven ground in uncomfortable shoes is a less than ideal situation.

Hiking requires some a lot of quality gear to get you through. Comfortable footwear is absolutely necessary to carry you and all your baggage to your final destination (and back). The wrong hiking shoes can completely ruin your experience, since they can cause blisters or just not be supportive enough.

“I recommend that people invest in a shoe that’s designed for hiking specifically, since features such as weight, waterproof ability, traction, and durability are all important and will make a huge difference out on the trails,” says podiatrist Nelya Lobkova, DPM. The right hiking shoes can help improve stability, add more comfort to your walks, and even prevent injuries.

Below are the 12 best hiking shoes to help you hit the trails with the utmost comfort and support, according to outdoor gear experts, athletes, and customer reviews.