If you’re at all an outdoor person—and this may be especially true if you live in a place like L.A.)—you’ve gone on your fair share of hikes. But there's a big difference between going for a casual walk through your local park and climbing over boulders to reach a mountain’s crest boils—not all hikes are made equally, and the same is true of the shoes you pick out for such an activity.
The common idea for hiking is that sneakers work best, and seeing as we wear sneakers for all other forms of exercise, why wouldn’t they be ideal for hiking as well? Actually, according to Stacy Taniguchi, Ph.D., a professor of recreation management at Brigham Young University, wearing sneakers on a hike may be putting you in unnecessary danger. Extreme conditions like dry, dusty trails, or muddy grounds make it that much more likely that you’ll slip and fall, especially along inclines. The fact is sneakers just provide enough traction.
The best shoes you really should be wearing on a hike? Heavy-duty, high-top hiking boots. Some details to look out for when purchasing the correct shoes are thick soles, heavy treads, ample support, and waterproof material, depending on which type of terrain you’ll be exploring.
Go on to shop the hiking boots that are tough enough for any terrain, and keep reading to shop our selection of luxury "hiking-inspired" boots—because we know you're a fashion girl at heart.
Shop the best shoes for hiking
Available in sizes 6 to 11.
Available in sizes 6 to 11.
Available in sizes 6 to 11.
Shop "hiking-inspired" boots from our favorite luxury labels
Influenced by streetwear, these boots will add an element of toughness to your looks.Available in sizes IT35 to IT41.
We have a feeling that Veronika Heilbrunner, our Street Style Star of the Year, would pair these shearling-trimmed boots effortlessly with a floral frock.Available in sizes IT35 to IT42.
Somewhere between a hiking boot and a combat boot.Available in sizes 6.5 to 10.
Pair them with an utility-style coat for an on-trend look.Available in sizes IT35 to IT42.
Contrast laces and silver eyelets and hooks are what make this pair authentically "hiking-inspired."Available in sizes IT35 to IT41.
The subtle heel gives you just the right amount of height.Available in sizes 5 to 10.5.
We could see the street style set wearing these on repeat.Available in sizes IT35 to IT41.
With brogue wing-tip detailing and stacked heel, these boots have a menswear feel to them.Available in sizes IT35 to IT41.
From the ski slopes to the street, this pair will be your winter go-to.Available in sizes IT35 to IT41.
Get the hiking vibe in a bright color that'll make your whole look pop.Available in sizes 6 to 10.Going on a hiking trip? Here's what one editor packed.
-
We Did the Research: These Are the 25 Best Pairs of Chelsea Boots, Hands DownThey're so back.
-
Not Skinny Jeans, Not Leggings—Everyone With Good Taste Is Wearing Boots With This Fall Staple InsteadThe chicest outfit formula of the season.
-
Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton Agree: This Boot Trend Is Made for Skinny JeansAre you on the same page?
-
I Walk Over 5 Miles a Day Working in Manhattan—Here's an Editor-Approved City Girl's Guide to Fall ShoesPlus, how I'd style them.
-
Forget What You've Heard—Ankle Boots Are Still In, and This Expensive-Looking (But Just $50) Pair Is ProofGrab them before they're gone.
-
Wearing a Preppy Cardigan With This Controversial Boot Trend Makes It Look 10x CoolerYou won't believe it.
-
I'm Building the Boho-Chic Closet of My Dreams—31 Fall Finds From Free People and Anthropologie That Fit the BillLet's talk about micro shorts and Western boots.
-
Jeans, Who? It Girls Everywhere Are Wearing Boots With This Anti-Denim Trend Right NowIt will also be a fashion person's go-to uniform this winter, too.
