Finding the Best Shoes to Hit the Trail and Tips to Stay Safe While Hiking

I was gifted product for this post, but all opinions are always my own. 

Whether you love hiking, running the trails or just getting outdoors, having the right gear is so important. This is why I really dug deep into what wanted for trail running shoes and hiking boots. Here is what I learned, found and ordered for shoes to hit the trails and get my hike on.

What You Want From a Good Trail Running Shoe

When looking for a running shoe for trails you want good cushioning, good traction, good support and good protection. When trying out trail shoes you also might want to consider sizing up a half size so the toe box has a little wiggle room. You should want a snug fit in the midfoot and heel, but space in the toe box area. This can help elevate toe pain and (and toenail loss) in the long run because of the ample space, especially on downhill runs.

The traction is also key so you don’t slip and slide on loose dirt and rocks. If you look at road running shoes compared to trail running shoes you will notice that the tread on the bottom is different to allow for this traction.

For a trail shoe you also want good support and good protection for you foot. This can help prevent rolled ankles and other injuries.

I found some great options from adidas. They check all the boxes of what I was looking for.

What You Want From a Hiking Boot

Finding the right hiking boot is similar to what you would look for in a trail running shoe. You want a hiking boot with a good tread for the terrain you are tackling. You want good ankle support for the terrain too. Hiking boots come in various different heights.

You will want to try out the hiking boots with the right socks to make sure nothing is rubbing and may cause a blister. You also want space in the toe box so your toes are not bumping the front of the boot. This is key to help prevent blisters on your toes and toe nail issues.

Hitting the trails can be so much fun when you have the right shoes, but the wrong shoes could make the experience miserable very quickly. No one likes blisters.

I feel so fortunate living near Lake Tahoe with all the trails that exist in the forrest and around the lake. I find trail running and hiking gives me so much peace of mind. I love having the perfect shoe and not have to worry about discomfort while hitting the trails.

Tips to Stay Safe On the Trails

When you are heading outdoors, you want to make sure to follow these tips to help stay safe.

• Don’t depend on your phone, you might not have cell service. If you need a trail map, print one out and bring it with you.
• Let someone know where you plan to be and the route you are taking.
• Know the terrain and be prepared. You might want to think about hiking polls if it is really steep or rocky.
• Search videos online of the trail you are doing if you aren’t familiar with it, so you have an idea of terrain ahead of time.
• Stick to a trail. It is easy to get lost when you venture off a trail.

Good luck and have fun hitting those trails!