Over the last decade, super shoes like Nike鈥檚 Vaporfly have revolutionized distance running. With thick foam and stiff plates, they return enough of the energy produced by the human body to measurably improve performance. Now, a brand better known for comfortable and unassuming boots wants to apply those same merits to your next hike. Can super shoes really make your time outdoors more comfortable? I鈥檝e spent the last two weeks wearing Merrell鈥檚 zany new SpeedArc Surge to find out.

If I were to write a description of my ideal hiking footwear, it鈥檇 start from the bottom: big, grippy traction lugs, a soft foam outsole, a full-length plate, a supportive mid-sole, a moderate drop of about 8 millimeters, and an upper that prioritizes breathability, all wrapped up in the lightest weight possible. In short, a good pair of trail runners.

The lugs on a great pair of trail runners provide sure grip on loose scree and wet slippery rocks, allowing me to move confidently, no matter the terrain. The soft foam above those lugs should absorb pressure from uneven, pointy rocks鈥攁nd add a bounce to my step. The plate needs to spread out impact and stabilize the shoe. And the firmer foam between that plate and my foot must support the shape of my feet, helping to spread the load of my weight evenly. The breathable uppers on a well-designed pair of trail runners hold my feet down and protect them from scrapes and pokes, providing the least possible barrier while heat and moisture escape. Each gram saved minimizes the energy each step requires, maximizing the miles I cover.

That description applies to the 鈥攐nly extrapolated to maximalism. Think of Merrell’s new shoe as a blown-up diagram of your favorite trail runner. You can see each component on the outside, large and clearly delineated.

Describing the three visible layers that make up the sole, Merrell鈥檚 design director, Ian Cobb explains, 鈥淭he top piece adapts to your foot for immediate cushioning, while the bottom layer adapts to the terrain. The plate acts like a strut bar that brings everything together to push you forward.鈥�

One of the innovations in Nike鈥檚 original super shoe was in employing something called supercritical foam to boost energy return to new levels. The material is created by infusing a chemical at its supercritical point鈥攚here it鈥檚 both a fluid and gas鈥攊nto a polymer to create a foam with a unique micocellular structure. This is all a nerdy way of saying that new technologies are enabling footwear designers to take foams to hitherto impossible levels of performance: they can tailor specific properties, like cushioning or bounciness, with incredible fidelity, all while reducing weight.

The SpeedArc uses supercritical foam too, for both of the exposed layers in the sole. Merrell says its tailored this material to optimize cushion and propulsion, forming it into 鈥渃oil-like shapes,鈥� designed to work just like springs.

In its lab testing, compared to the brand鈥檚 previous hiking shoes, Cobb says this enables the SpeedArc to deliver, 鈥渄ouble the energy return.鈥�

It鈥檚 these foam 鈥渃oils鈥濃�攁nd the way the two layers of them are mounted to the central nylon plate鈥攖hat give the SpeedArc its distinct marshmallow sandwich look, as well as its performance. Its also the prominent separation of the two sole halves, both visually and in terms of performance along with the full-length, full-width plate that distinguishes the SpeedArc from other maxi shoes, like those popularized by Hoka.

While less radical in appearance, the SpeedArc’s uppers are just as innovative. Made from a woven polymer reinforced with Kevlar threads (the yellow lines running across the shoe), the material is incredibly open and very resistant to abrasion. That thin body is then secured with a two-dial BOA lace system. BOA has been replacing laces with wires since 2001, but this is the first time I鈥檝e seen footwear equipped with not one, but two of its dials, which allow you to independently adjust tightness over the forefoot and ankle. This works with polymer overlays that wrap the arch to eliminate hotspots. Together with the seamless upper, that maximizes comfort, and allows you to really cinch your foot down onto the SpeedArc鈥檚 soles. This detail helps eliminate the movement between shoe and foot that can cause blisters and fosters a feeling of security that helps the shoes feel reassuringly stable on the trail, despite the height created by the foam coils.

Despite the marshmallow appearance, wearing the doesn鈥檛 feel squishy or bouncy at all, just stable and comfortable. Walking along a trail in the SpeedArc reminded me of strolling barefoot across a carpeted room. The experience is utterly unremarkable, until you realize you鈥檙e walking across an uneven surface as if it, too, was flat carpet.

Without a laboratory (I write this from an austere cabin bordering Glacier National Park), I can鈥檛 speak to numbers, but putting some effort into pace on the trail, the shoes do deliver a tangible feeling of propulsion with every stride.

The only negative here comes from the tread. It doesn鈥檛 offer as much grip as many of my trail runners. That appears to be true on both loose dirt, slippery rocks, and even bare metal. While stepping on my truck鈥檚 rock sliders to climb onto its roof and wipe dust off of its solar panels this morning鈥攁 task I perform several times a week鈥擨 slipped.

Aside from that, the SpeedArcs have proven comfortable throughout daily tasks, like carrying heavy furniture into a new guest house, hiking the dogs on mountain trails, and mowing the yard. I鈥檝e reached for these shoes over my usual hiking boots for those tasks thanks to their comfort and stability, but that鈥檚 created its own problems. Each and every time I pull them on, my wife rolls her eyes. Reviewing Merrell鈥檚 website, we can鈥檛 decide if black and purple marshmallows might stand out less than black and white, or white and gold ones.

In 2025, if you want to win a marathon, you almost need to wear a super shoe. But hiking for me is an opposite endeavor, one that turns miles into relaxation and enjoyment instead of records and medals. Do you need a super shoe to enjoy your next hike? Absolutely not. But I鈥檒l be wearing these SpeedArcs through the rest of my miles on trails this summer. My wife will just be walking a few paces ahead, wearing subtle looking trail runners, pretending that she doesn鈥檛 know me.

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When you don鈥檛 know what the day is going to bring, you need a single shoe that can do it all. For years, the TERREX Skychaser line has filled that role perfectly. Leave the house in a pair of Skychasers, and you鈥檙e pretty much guaranteed to be ready for anything. Do the buds want to rent bikes and tool around town? Walk to that good noodle joint three neighborhoods over? Go for a big hike before happy hour? With the Skychasers on, no need to miss out. When plans change, you鈥檙e up for it.

A more versatile shoe didn鈥檛 seem possible. But now, thanks to some clever updates, adidas TERREX has managed to pull it off with the Skychaser AX5 GTX. Like its predecessor (the Skychaser AX4 GTX), the new AX5 is waterproof and breathable (thank you Gore-Tex). It鈥檚 also more durable, thanks to abrasion-resistant overlays that defy scrapes from rocks and vegetation.

鈥淚t鈥檚 the perfect shoe for those looking to take their hiking experience to the next level,鈥� says Tom Louage, a global senior product director of outdoor footwear at adidas TERREX. 听

But the durability upgrades are just the start. The AX5 also features a fan-favorite compound of sticky Continental Rubber. Between that and the burly, 4mm lugs, the Skychaser AX5 is ultra-grippy in both wet and dry conditions. The sole is also slightly stiffer than past versions. A rigid stability plate embedded in the midsole steadies footsteps on rocky terrain and protects feet against sharp stones and gravel. The enhanced stiffness also improves rebound, which means you can go further without feeling the miles. And thanks to the Lightmotion midsole鈥攁 springy layer of cushion directly underfoot鈥攜ou鈥檒l be able to handle the extra distance without excessive fatigue.

The comfy fit and smooth ride remain similar to that of the AX4, but with key upgrades鈥攑articularly to the shoe鈥檚 internal construction. 鈥淭he Skychaser AX5 features two foam pods integrated on both sides of the heel lining to provide a locked-down feeling,鈥� explains Louage. That鈥檚 a brand-new feature for a Gore-Tex hiking shoe. The AX5 also offers slightly more stack height (22.5/33.6 mm) than its predecessor鈥攊n other words, extra cushioning to protect your feet whether you鈥檙e pounding pavement or navigating rocky singletrack.

Finally, the look. The AX5 pairs hiking-boot performance with street-shoe style. The 2025 Skychaser AX5 pares down the chunky accents for a design that鈥檚 much sleeker and subtler. The result is a dialed-in shoe built to handle everything from city jaunts to serious hiking. In other words, it鈥檚 up for anything you are.

is a global leader in the outdoor sporting goods industry. With the mission to enable all humans to live a more connected, conscious, and adventurous life, adidas TERREX combines high-performance technologies with fashion-forward designs to weather the forces of nature and inspire every human being to find their own summits.

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Summer is here. In the southern Appalachian Mountains, that means triple-digit temperatures, humidity that does crazy things to my hair, and the constant search for cool swimming holes to battle the heat. It鈥檚 a season that demands a certain kind of footwear. Instead of a clunky, full-leather boot, I need summer hiking shoes that breathe like Wim Hof and can handle constant stream crossings and maybe even the occasional cold plunge into a deep, backcountry pool.

I鈥檝e been on a perpetual hunt for the perfect summer hiking shoe for the last decade, and this spring I committed to finding my match, testing several pairs of highly rated hikers designed for hot temperatures and intentionally leaving sandals out of my search. I spent the last month wearing these hiking shoes on backpacking trips, day hikes, waterfall hunts, and a few speed treks. Throughout the process, I found four contenders that rose above the rest, each designed for a specific situation and now on my regular rotation throughout the summer.

My 4 Favorite Summer Hiking Shoes

Best Overall Summer Hiker: Astral Nosobo听

This is it. The Astral Nosobo. Hands down, it鈥檚 my favorite summer hiking shoe, and the shoe that I reach for on most occasions, whether I鈥檓 traipsing around town for coffee or heading into the mountains for an eight-mile suffer fest. Astral is known for making water-centric footwear, and is often the shoe of choice for kayakers and paddle boarders that are constantly in and out of the water. I鈥檝e worn several models over the last decade and love them for river-based adventures. I usually wouldn鈥檛 choose them as my hiking shoes though, as they lack the support and cushion I desperately need. But the Nosobo is a true hiking shoe (with a skate-shoe aesthetic) that just happens to be comfortable around the water.

Watch: Astral Nosobo Review

The Nosobo is built on a zero-drop platform, which I鈥檓 typically hesitant to wear because I need as much cushion as possible under my feet, but Astral鈥檚 take on zero drop isn鈥檛 about minimalism. They simply created a level footbed with 20mm of cushion under the entire foot. The result is a smooth, comfortable ride that doesn鈥檛 make me feel like I鈥檓 wearing heels, which is a downside of all of the max cushion running shoes I鈥檓 addicted to.

Beneath that cushion is Astral鈥檚 proprietary G.15 rubber outsole, which was designed to handle river rocks and is the grippiest sole I鈥檝e ever tested. The upper is made from 85 percent recycled nylon and is super breathable and quick to dry, even if you decide to take these shoes for a swim like I did. Astral adopted a wider toe box for the Nosobo, which I like, but they kept their signature locking heel and secure mid foot design. Put it all together and you have a really secure shoe that doesn鈥檛 slip regardless of the situation, but also a wide, stable platform in uneven terrain.

Astral offers replaceable footbeds for the Nosobo, so if you wear them for several months and notice some of the spring and cushion has dissipated, you can slip in a brand new midsole and enjoy that new-shoe bounce again. I haven鈥檛 reached that point yet after two months, but I like the idea of replacing the midsole as opposed to buying a new pair of shoes.

I鈥檝e worn the Nosobo on hikes, rafting trips, date nights, and even to do some deep water solo adventures at the . These shoes perform really well in a variety of situations, but they鈥檝e become my go-to footwear for the summer for one simple reason: They鈥檙e comfortable. The Nosobo is the kind of shoe that I forget to take off when I get home at the end of the day and put my feet up to watch a game. They鈥檙e so comfortable, I literally forget I鈥檓 wearing them, and that鈥檚 the highest compliment I can give a pair of shoes.

Best for Backpacking: Teva Grandview Max Vent听

At first glance, the Grandview Max Vent looks like your standard bulky hiking boot, but this shoe was built for summer. Yes, the high-top style offers plenty of support for hikers carrying a heavy pack, and Teva鈥檚 Universal Heel Lock System doubles down on that support by keeping your foot in place even on steep terrain. But instead of a burly build, the Grandview Max Vent has a super breathable mesh upper that鈥檚 built on top of a plush, max-cushion midsole to provide bounce even when you hit double digit miles on the trail.

The mesh material means these shoes aren鈥檛 waterproof, but they do dry pretty quickly if they happen to get wet. I wore the Grandview Max Vent on an overnight backpacking trip and several longer day hikes in Pisgah National Forest, and was really impressed with the wide toe box and supple cushion underfoot, both of which combined for a very comfortable long-haul boot. I don鈥檛 typically love high-top hikers, but the mesh construction kept me from feeling claustrophobic in the summer heat. These boots are breezy and comfortable enough that they鈥檝e become my top choice for backpacking trips.

Best for Swimming Hole Hikes: Hoka Hopara听

Hikes in the southern Appalachians are a wet affair because the mountains are full of rivers and streams, and the trails often cross these bodies of water. While I like the idea of a hiking sandal, I need the full protection of a shoe because there鈥檚 nothing worse than kicking a rock or root while wearing an open-toe shoe. The Hopara gives you the freedom of a sandal but the protection of a shoe with an upper that fully covers the toes but plenty of cutouts to help drain water. It鈥檚 not a revolutionary design, but it works when you鈥檙e in and out of water while covering longer miles.

They were comfortable out of the box, much like the brand鈥檚 running shoes, and I didn鈥檛 have any issues with hot spots while hiking without socks. Hoka gave the sandal its signature plush midsole as well as a super grippy outsole with aggressive lugs so it can handle the trail regardless of how technical the terrain becomes. I wore the Hopara on several hikes while hunting waterfalls and swimming holes, and I was impressed with how secure they felt thanks to the lace system that cinches down easily. Also cool: They didn鈥檛 weigh me down while swimming in rivers. The Hopara has been my go-to shoe for waterfall and swimming hole adventures so far this summer.

Best for Fast Hikes: Merrell Speed Arc Surge BOA听

There鈥檚 no getting around that the Speed Arc Surge BOA is expensive. But Merrell loaded this shoe with all kinds of cutting edge tech, all designed to help you move fast on the trail. The most notable features are the midsole with a nylon plate sandwiched between two layers of foam designed to maximize energy return, and the two-point BOA fit system that allows you to dial in the fit (literally, there are dials) on the fly.

You might expect all of that foam underfoot to give you a soft, max cushion ride, but that鈥檚 not the case with the Speed Arc Surge BOA. Sure, it鈥檚 a comfortable shoe, but it鈥檚 more springy than plush, which is exactly what you want if you鈥檙e trying to cover a lot of miles fast. The BOA fit system works beautifully, giving you a secure fit that you can micro adjust without creating any hot spots.

But what I love most about this shoe is the sock-like upper, which slips on easily and molds snugly around the top of your foot. The best word I can use to describe the feeling is 鈥渃ozy.鈥� Fun fact: Merrell uses threads of Kevlar in that upper to maximize durability. But be warned: The Speed Arc Surge BOA does not have an understated design, so people will notice your kicks. Several other hikers commented on the look of my shoes as we passed along the trail during my testing period. My daughter says they look like 鈥渕oon boots.鈥� Fair enough.

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Backpackers are no strangers to barking dogs. And, no, we don鈥檛 mean actual . We鈥檙e talking about sore and tired feet after a long day on the trail. Putting in the miles while backpacking, especially during months-long thru-hikes, can take a toll on your feet. All hikers run the risk of foot issues, from hot spots and heel pain to aching Achilles and bacteria buildup. When it comes to hiker foot health, there are many to feeling good again. We鈥檙e here to dig into camp shoes and footwear, specifically.

The idea of bringing camp shoes on a backpacking trip is a somewhat contentious topic. Some backpackers and thru-hikers think they鈥檙e a waste of weight. Others won鈥檛 hit the trail without them. I, myself, am a proud member of the pro camp shoe camp. In my experience, nothing beats the feeling of swapping or trail shoes for a pair of comfy camp shoes after a high-mileage day. I always look forward to slipping my feet into a lightweight, cushioned, and supportive pair of sandals or slip-ons to let my feet breathe, air out, and relax while at camp. My personal favorites include for trails with water crossings, The North Face Base Camp Mules for shorter backpacking trips, and Xero Z-Trek EV sandals for longer treks where weight is top of mind. Like tents, backpacks, and sleeping bags, every camp shoe serves its unique purpose.

But do camp shoes actually help with foot health and recovery? And are they really worth the extra weight?

We talked with a certified sports medicine podiatrist to settle this debate once and for all.

What Are Camp Shoes?

Camp shoes鈥攎ost commonly sandals, slip-ons, or a true thru-hiker favorite, Crocs鈥攁re lightweight and comfortable footwear commonly worn around the campsite after a day of hiking. Camp shoes are loved for the ventilation and cushion they provide compared to bulkier, more restrictive hiking boots and trail shoes. They give hikers a comfortable alternative to wearing boots and shoes at camp and allow their feet to breathe after a long day on the trail. The ideal camp shoes are lightweight and easy to pack鈥攁nd are a popular choice for backpackers who want the convenience and comfort of an extra pair of shoes without too much added weight.

Benefit or Bust: The Camp-Shoe Conundrum

We won鈥檛 beat around the bush. Sports medicine podiatrist and former president of the American Association of Podiatric Sports Medicine (AAPSM), , says camp shoes aren鈥檛 a luxury item. There are key benefits to wearing them.

鈥淚 think many people will find the benefit of [camp shoes], especially after a long day of hiking,鈥� says Dr. Conenello. 鈥淲hen you鈥檙e in the same shoes all day, it feels good to be able to use less energy to move and have the comfort of a recovery or camp shoe underfoot.鈥�

Dr. Conenello鈥檚 podiatry practice, , is located a stone鈥檚 throw from the New York segment of the Appalachian Trail. He often advises his hiker patients to prioritize foot health when hiking, including examining feet post-hike, moisturizing frequently, and wearing camp shoes.

Dr. Conenello says camp shoes help the feet and toes splay naturally outside of a boot or restrictive shoe. Instead of being crammed into a hiking boot all day, camp shoes give your feet room to expand and air out, all while letting muscles relax. They also help limit bacteria buildup by giving your feet a break from being stuck inside a damp, sweaty boot.

Although he鈥檚 partial for their recovery benefits, Dr. Conenello says anything from cheap flip flops to more elaborate types of shoes like a recovery sandal or a secure slip-on with a back strap will work too. 鈥淛ust make sure that if you鈥檙e planning to walk someplace that鈥檚 a little slippery or where there鈥檚 uneven terrain, bring a camp shoe that can dig in a little bit and hold grip on slick surfaces,鈥� he says.

Another benefit of them is that they can also double as water shoes on trail. That way, hikers won鈥檛 have to get their boots or trail shoes wet during water crossings. Slipping on a pair of quick-drying camp shoes like Crocs, Hydro Mocs, or Xero Z-Trek sandals makes it more comfortable to wade through a creek or river.

鈥淥f course, if you鈥檙e going to make a water crossing, or are walking around water, make sure the camp shoes you wear are waterproof or are vented in some way so that moisture can escape as they dry out,鈥� says Dr. Conenello.

In terms of other basic foot health best practices, Dr. Conenello says it鈥檚 important to use moisturizer or lubricant, like Aquaphor or Vaseline, when hiking鈥攅specially in common areas for abrasion and stress points such as in between the toes and the heel. He says keeping the skin hydrated decreases the risk of developing hot spots that can lead to blisters, corns, and callouses. Despite popular belief, callouses aren鈥檛 a sign of tough feet built for the trail (unless you鈥檙e a barefoot hiker). In reality, Dr. Conenello says they鈥檙e a build up of excessive keratin that can lead to medical issues like plantar hyperkeratosis, which can cause pain and difficulty walking.

He also advises every patient to inspect their feet at the end of each day on the trail. 鈥淭hey should look at the bottom of their feet, look between their toes, and see if there are any kind of wounds or sores starting to form鈥攁nd address them before they become a bigger problem.鈥�

To Camp-Shoe or Not to Camp-Shoe?

Bringing camp shoes could add a pound or two to your backpacking kit. But do the benefits they provide outweigh that extra weight? We鈥檇 say, yes.

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A steep day hike can let you push what鈥檚 possible in a single outing, no overnight gear required. Adding extra exertion affords you much greater bang鈥攊n terms of views earned and calories burned鈥攆or every buck spent in trail time. And fortunately, the diverse landscapes across the country provide no shortage of vertical playgrounds for leveling up your hiking experiences. Before picking one to remember, lace up in the right shoe for the task. Columbia鈥檚 Omni-MAX technology, utilized in the , combines capable traction with advanced cushioning to enhance stability and energy return on the steepest trails. Its Techlite+ midsole provides that stable base thanks to extra-light, responsive foam, plus a unique Navic Fit lace-webbing system to keep your heel securely placed.

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The holy grail of trail shoes? Instantly comfortable, lightweight, grippy, waterproof, and stable. That recipe is now a reality with the Konos TRS OutDry. And you can add reasonably priced ($120) to the list as well. Thanks to innovations in cushioning and traction that join an incredibly comfortable, secure-fitting upper that鈥檚 both waterproof and breathable, Columbia鈥檚 new Konos handles everything from gentle meandering paths to rugged and rocky summits. This is the shoe that will inspire more time on trails for everyone from beginning hikers to trail veterans.

Comfort First

Unlike boots with stiff soles and heavy-duty uppers that can be uncomfortable until well broken in, the Konos TRS OutDry feels great upon first step-in. A soft, seamless interior, plus a padded tongue and heel collar, envelop the foot, while the laces engage the Navic Fit system鈥攊ntegrated webbing that locks down the navicular bone for stability and support. And instead of a firm ride and inflexible sole, this shoe features shock-absorbing, joint-saving midsole cushioning that flexes naturally at the forefoot thanks to strategically placed outsole grooves. This is a wear-all-day kind of shoe with hike-all-day performance.

Lightweight Performance

All that cushy midsole foam is extremely lightweight while both softening impact and providing responsiveness in every step鈥攖here鈥檚 no mush here. Unique dome-shaped cutouts visible on the outsole (located directly under the heel and forefoot) further absorb force and return energy, combining with the cushioning to put a little extra spring in your hiking step. TRS stands for 鈥渢rail speed,鈥� as a nod to the lightweight resilience of that underfoot platform and its surprising energy return.

To deliver secure footing on a range of terrain, the Konos TRS OutDry features a proprietary rubber compound that excels on both wet and dry surfaces. The outsole’s lug shape, depth, and traction pattern underfoot were designed specifically for hiking. And the way it grabs hold of everything from loose, dry dirt to slick, wet rock inspires confidence.

All this tech comes in a seriously lightweight package: a mere 11 ounces per shoe.

Breathable Waterproofing

The mesh upper of the Konos TRS OutDry features TPU overlays with smartly placed cutouts for weight savings; there鈥檚 added armor where you need it and none where you don鈥檛. And the entire upper is protected by OutDry waterproofing鈥攁 bonded construction that blocks water from getting in while allowing internal moisture and excess heat to escape. That means the shoe remains plenty breathable while keeping your feet dry in summer rainstorms and shallow creek crossings or while splashing in puddles mid-hike just for the heck of it.

With its sleek all-black styling, the Konos TRS OutDry is ready to be your go-anywhere, do-anything shoe year round. As Ben Rainey, senior product manager at Columbia, puts it, the Konos TRS OutDry takes the best features of running and hiking footwear and fuses them into a shoe built for performance. 鈥淚t highlights the best technologies Columbia has to offer,鈥� Rainey adds, 鈥渕aking sure you stay cool, dry, and protected for all your outside activities.鈥�

Based in Portland, Oregon, is a global outdoor brand that crafts active lifestyle gear fortified with industry-leading technologies tested in our own backyard. Our apparel, footwear, and accessories reflect our Pacific Northwest heritage and indomitable spirit.

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If you鈥檙e a hiker and you live in the United States, count your blessings. The country lays out a grand buffet of adventurous invitations: slot canyons, icy slopes, granite cliffs, and lush tropical valleys, all with endless views that reward the hard work it took to see them. Despite the added exposure and rigorous approaches, your footing doesn鈥檛 have to falter, thanks to innovations like the Adapt Trax outsole on Columbia鈥檚 terrain-taming , featuring a unique compound that delivers exceptional traction whether the trail is dry or soaking wet.

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From the otherworldly Badlands to the towering Tetons, from ancient Ozark ranges to the time-worn Appalachians, the United States boasts an embarrassment of topographical riches. The best way to savor this diversity? Long day hikes that let you soak it all in. Despite the high mileage, your feet don鈥檛 have to suffer, thanks to footwear innovations like Columbia鈥檚 Omni-MAX technology found in the , which combines adaptive cushioning, enhanced stability, and increased traction for superior performance on variable terrain. On long hikes, your feet need extra cushioning, and the TechLite+ midsole on the Konos TRS provides it with light, responsive foam for stability and energy return over that added distance.

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During the past decade of overseeing gear testing at 国产吃瓜黑料, I鈥檝e had the pleasure of handing off items to amazing athletes who can quickly suss out whether something is well made or not. But if I were to pick my favorite gear testers of all time, the ones who truly put gear through its paces to provide thoughtful and thorough reviews, I would have to choose my kids. I have four of them, and every single day they head out and unintentionally torture test everything they use.

No other piece of gear endures more abuse than their footwear. My kids, bless their hearts, don鈥檛 give a shit about their shoes. They鈥檙e not worried about keeping them clean or making them last. They just want their shoes to protect their feet and stay out of the way, no matter what they鈥檙e doing.

In just one day, my kids will drag their shoes on the pavement while biking to school, beat them up playing soccer for two hours in a dirt field, splash them in puddles at the park, and then leave them outside all afternoon in the scorching New Mexico heat. This summer they鈥檝e added backpacking, camping, and skateboarding to the list of ways to abuse their footwear.

Because of this, I鈥檓 constantly searching for kid鈥檚 shoes that are bulletproof but also allow them to engage with the ground naturally and not interfere with their agile, balanced strides. And I鈥檓 even willing to pay a bit more for a pair that can keep me from worrying about my kids鈥� feet, survive a year鈥檚 worth of abuse, and, if I鈥檓 lucky, be passed down to the next sibling.

After nine years and innumerable pairs of trashed shoes, here are five of my testers鈥� favorites.

Keen Newport H2 Sandals ($60)

These are the ugliest sandals ever made, but we love them because they鈥檝e got enough protection for hiking, scrambling, biking, and wading into the water. They breathe well and require no socks, which is a total lifesaver during the summer because you have one less thing to lose, get filthy, or destroy. My kids love the rubber rand around the front, which prevents stubbed toes and also works as a braking mechanism while they鈥檙e riding bikes and skateboards. After years of use, enough to听 pass pairs down to multiple kids, not one thing鈥攊ncluding the bungee closure, fabric straps, or soles鈥攈as failed or broken.

Altra Youth Lone Peak Running Shoes ($70)

Altra stopped making these shoes (dang it), but if you look you can still find pairs online. With a zero-drop build and ample forefoot width, just like the adult Lone Peaks, these shoes are good for growing feet鈥攁nd the kids love them because they鈥檙e ultra comfy. My son has worn his pair for the past two years, logging hundreds of hours in them, mostly playing soccer and running around at school. They鈥檙e also his go-to shoes for backpacking and hiking because the meaty soles provide great grip and the uppers breathe well on hot days. Other companies that still make zero-drop, wide-forefoot, thin-soled kid鈥檚 shoes include and , although both are more minimal than the Altras.

Chaco Z/1 Sandal ($60)

We鈥檙e about to head out on a four-day camping trip near Taos, New Mexico and these are the only shoes I鈥檓 packing for the kids. That鈥檚 because they鈥檙e robust enough for hiking but also drainable and grippy enough for hanging out in the river. Plus, they鈥檙e easy to hose off when the kids get them muddy and caked with dirt. Chacos will put up with tons of abuse, so nothing my kids can do can really phase them, short of trying to melt them in the campfire. The Chaco footbed is designed with a lot of support, so I don鈥檛 want my kids wearing them every day and losing foot strength, but for camping trips when we have limited space, they perform excellently in multiple scenarios.

Keen Targhee Waterproof Boot ($75)

Keen makes the list twice because they have such a wide variety of well-made kids鈥� shoes. And these boots win my heart because my daughter recently used them for a multi-day backpacking trip and had zero complaints the entire time. No blisters either. She took them directly out of the box, slipped them over merino wool hiking socks, and proceeded to wear them three miles up a rocky trail. The stiffness was just right for supporting the weight of a 15-pound pack but comfortable enough that she didn鈥檛 immediately insist on tearing them off once we reached camp. Keen鈥檚 smart bungee system helped her lock them around her foot without needing to fiddle with laces, and the waterproof membrane kept her feet dry when we waded through parts of the river that had jumped the trail.

Hoka Speedgoat 5 Trail-Running Shoes ($110)

My kids have only worn these shoes a couple times, but they make my list nonetheless, because the Speedgoat is the perfect adventure shoe for kids. It鈥檚 lightweight but comes with huge lugs on the bottom that provide great traction for exploring, and has a solid layer of cushioning that comes in handy when pounding around on rocks up in the mountains. The uppers are made from a reinforced mesh and there’s a toe rand to protect the high-wear front of the shoe. I鈥檓 not going to send my kids to school in these shoes as they鈥檙e too thick and supportive for everyday, all-day use. But when we鈥檙e having fun outside, I鈥檓 sure these will be on their feet for years to come.

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I spent my weekend staring at the ground鈥攐r, specifically, the shoes and feet of a few thousand Appalachian Trail thru-hikers in southern Virginia.

For the first time since my own 2019 trek of the country鈥檚 preeminent footpath, I returned to , a legendary gathering of current hikers, AT alumni, gearheads, vendors, and those merely looking for a smelly good time at the edge of the southern summer. I was hoping not only to get in the mood for my own upcoming attempt of the Continental Divide Trail but also to gather some evidence for a question I think about perhaps a bit too much: What鈥檚 the best thru-hiking shoe for walking a few thousand miles across rugged mountain wilderness?

Damascus, the perennial home of Trail Days, is a perfect place to take such a query. It is nearly 440 miles, or exactly 20 percent, into a northbound stretch of the AT. By the time they reach this point, some hikers have learned the hard way that the shoes in which they left Georgia don鈥檛 work for their feet. Others have hobbled into town on now-threadbare kicks, hoping to replace them at one of Damascus鈥� several outfitters. They鈥檙e worried about stress fractures and chronic blisters, trench foot and bunions鈥攔eally, what the next 80 percent of the AT might do to their soles, toes, and souls. I wanted to know how they felt about their footwear choices so far and what they鈥檇 learned. So, yes, I stared at the ground all weekend, looking for and finding many shoes of interest.

What Are the Best Thru-Hiking Shoes? You May Be Surprised.

Before I introduce my finds, though, two general observations on thru-hiking shoe trends: First, it seems that the great trail-runner hegemony is slowly collapsing. Inspired in part by Ray Jardine鈥檚 foundational backpacking writing, hikers in recent decades have swapped clunky boots for sleek trail runners. They鈥檙e lighter and often cheaper, and they tend to dry faster. But at Trail Days this year, the typical glut of Altras and Hokas seemed to be in a downturn. There were more people in big boots or spindly sandals, both extremes on the continuum of thru-hiking foot protection. (And I was happy to see more of my beloved Topos, a lightweight but rugged compromise that hasn鈥檛 failed me yet.)

Second, you don鈥檛 need to hike with Crocs for camp shoes, as most every thru-hiker this year seemed to do. I did it on my first thru-hike, too, and I鈥檝e regretted it ever since. They鈥檙e heavy and bulky, and you can get similar protection from a pair of tiny sandals or even tying shoelaces around a pair of insoles you no longer need. If you鈥檙e still out there with Crocs, mail that unnecessary pound home the next chance you get. Remember: thru-hiking lighter is usually better.

And now, without further ado, here are the six hikers whose shoes (or lack thereof) caught my downward gaze. Taken together, they affirm that you can hike the AT however you want, so long as you start.

Customized Old-School Altra Olympus

Elena Kennedy, a.k.a. Potato, 27

The weekend鈥檚 real what-are-those-things? moment came on a sidewalk outside one of the two Damascus coffee shops when I realized I could see a hiker鈥檚 socks and shoes at the same time. I chased her for a block (thru-hikers on off-days are easy to catch) and then asked her where her toe box had gone? The delightful Potato鈥攁 long-ass-section hiker, or Lasher, who started the AT in 2017 and might actually reach Maine this year鈥攑atiently explained.

When she decided to head back to the trail this year, there wasn鈥檛 an outfitter in her nearby Pennsylvania town. But for years, she鈥檇 kept a nearly decade-old pair of Altra Olympus 1.5s in her car as casual slip-ons for errands. Her mom had bought them, disliked them, and passed them to Potato, even though they were two sizes too small. In her pre-trail pickle, Potato read about ultramarathon runners who sometimes excise their toe box as their feet swell during a race. So she gave it a shot. Perhaps Potato should’ve been a surgeon, given how clean the cuts and beautiful the curves on her modified discards turned out. She doesn鈥檛 worry about toe blisters, and her shoes dry much faster than her previous kicks. Her Altras have already made it 200 miles, and Potato thinks she鈥檒l amputate the toe box on whatever pair she gets next, even if they fit.

Mismatched Ubiquitous Altra Lone Peak 6

Eddie Thomas, a.k.a. Two Shoes, 43

Signature trail looks are a real thing. I鈥檝e seen people hike from Georgia to Maine dressed like pale grapes, bold butterflies, Mortal Kombat characters, and championship-belt-wielding wrestlers. Two Shoes found his trademark without having to worry about wardrobe malfunctions or unnecessary weight. Given the trail name of the 43-year-old Florida man, you鈥檝e probably guessed what it is: same shoe, different colors.

Two Shoes spent a year testing Altra鈥檚 popular before he struck north from Springer Mountain. When he decided he indeed loved them, he bought three pairs in different colorways during a holiday bonanza. Walking out the door for the AT, he decided to wear two colors at once because, of course, 鈥渋t was a real conversation starter,鈥� he says. Two Shoes made it an astounding 710 miles鈥攁lmost twice what the average Altra gets鈥攐n his first pair by relearning how to walk during his first week, he says. 鈥淢y knees and ankles were just ruined,鈥� he confesses. 鈥淪o now I hover my feet out here, just rolling with the ground.鈥�

Big Ol鈥� German Hiking Boots

Christian Jobst, a.k.a. Sonic, 39

If you gathered together every current AT hiker sporting boots and put them in a (rather short) lineup, Sonic would still stand out. A leggy man from Munich in little purple shorts and a black cycling cap, Sonic sports big black leather boots rising well above his ankle, laces pulled tight a quarter up his shin. The German military issued Sonic two pairs of when he enlisted more than a decade ago, and he fell for their stability and protection. Drawn to the AT by a documentary, he brought the boots for his 2012 thru-hike. 鈥淚鈥檝e had 10 pairs, not a single blister,鈥� he tells me with a grin. 鈥淣ever change a winning team.鈥�

It’s true: waterproof shoes or boots trap in the moisture from sweaty feet, Sonic says. When it鈥檚 hot and he鈥檚 speeding uphill, he takes an hour break each afternoon to let his socks dry. But he doesn鈥檛 worry much about rain storms or crossing rivers. And after a recent full-day downpour, he was the only hiker in a crowded trail shelter without saturated socks or shoes, so he felt pretty content with the five extra pounds strapped to his legs. What鈥檚 more, he expects to go through just two pairs of the $200 boots on the trail, meaning he鈥檒l spend about half of what his trail-runner-wearing peers will.

Barefoot or Ultralight Sandals

Stefan Von Aulock, a.k.a. Feet, 34

Almost as rare as the thru-hiker in military boots? The au naturel walker鈥攖hat is, someone who opts to wear nothing and feel everything as they move through rugged, rocky, and rooty Appalachia. In fact, 34-year-old Chicago native Feet (get it?) says he鈥檚 heard of only two others attempting that feat (got it?) this year. In part, because it hurts and forces hikers to walk slowly. Though he normally moves at 2.5 miles per hour, Feet is now heading to Maine at about half that clip, a relative crawl as he navigates stones and sticks barefoot.

Still, slipping off his tiny sandals that he occasionally wore during the first 100 miles and now uses mostly in camp or town, Feet was quick to extol the philosophical virtues of his decision. 鈥淚t鈥檚 about a connection with the Earth,鈥� he says. 鈥淎nd it鈥檚 a freedom. Now people think they need shoes, and that bothers me.鈥� As he showed me his feet, he said they felt good, no worse for wear than any other hiker’s. A few hours later, though, he鈥檇 forgotten about our interview and told me he was headed back to a hostel for a few days. Feet鈥檚 feet, he admitted, needed rest.

The New Lone Peaks, Already Beat to Hell

Rachel Frisco, a.k.a. Wreck-It Ralph, 26

Wreck-It Ralph was only a few hundred miles into the AT when she learned an important shoe lesson: feet only expand as you keep walking. The 26-year-old Florida native started from Georgia in burgundy . (If you鈥檙e keeping score, that鈥檚 the same color Two Shoes wore on his left foot, just one iteration later.) But by the time she hit Erwin, Tennessee, she had developed a serious blister as her swollen foot rubbed the toe box on her size 8.5s with every step. At an outfitter in that mountain town, she traded up, nabbing a size 9.

The blister is better, but after only 200 miles, Wreck-It Ralph鈥檚 Altras were perhaps the most damaged kicks I saw in Damascus. They were once pink, but beneath cloudy skies, they looked more like wan sandalwood. (鈥淲hat do you mean, they were pink?鈥� I ask her, worried I鈥檇 gone colorblind. She laughs.) The toe box and heel were already tattered, the laces beginning to fray. Suddenly, hiking in heavy boots鈥攐r teaching yourself how to walk anew鈥攄idn鈥檛 seem so hard.

Air Jordans to the Appalachian Trail

Bryce Bianchi, a.k.a. Turtle Hermit, 36

Let鈥檚 get straight to the ask: Michael Jordan, if you鈥檙e reading this, Turtle Hermit wants you to sponsor his thru-hike. Late Sunday morning, in the waning hours of Trail Days, I spotted a hiker wearing all black, a silver cross dangling from his neck. He was digging his hiking poles into the sidewalk and racing through town lugging a monstrous backpack. I was curious about him before I noted his tattered black canvas or the bulky Jordan slides strapped to his bag. But when I saw his footwear, I had to know his deal.

A 36-year-old landscaper from northeast Ohio, Turtle Hermit has been collecting Air Jordans for years. At one point, he even rocked the same pair for a decade. Why, he wondered, should he worry about buying Altras, Topos, Salomons, or Hokas when he had more than a half-dozen of the GOAT shoes on hand? Basketball and long-distance hiking鈥攕ame thing, yeah? So he pulled on his least favorite pair and split. After 440 miles, he鈥檚 confident they鈥檝e still got a few hundred left. And when he needs to swap, he hopes the replacements will be free, as he鈥檚 been sending Michael Jordan’s Facebook account repeated pleas. No response yet, but that never stopped . And no, Turtle Hermit hasn’t seen Air.

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