Hiking Boots, Shoes or Trail Runners? What do I need in 2024?
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What are the best hiking boots or hiking shoes for Colorado?
Hiking Boots vs. Hiking Shoes vs. Trail Runners
This age old dilemma nags many new hiking enthusiasts when investing in the most important gear - your hiking footwear.
The right or wrong pair of hiking shoes will make or break your time on the trail.
What is the difference between a hiking boot and a hiking shoe?
Are trail running shoes good for hiking?
What kind of hiking boots for Colorado are best?
There are a lot of questions about this important topic.
We believe that the decision to buy hiking boots or hiking shoes or trail runners for Colorado escapades, the answer really comes down to the types of trails you are tackling, plus the kind of support and weatherproofing YOU need.
Hiking West Maroon Trail to Frigid Air Pass in the Maroon Bells
Is it Better to Have Hiking Boots or Hiking Shoes?
Finding the best hiking shoes for you truly is a decision making process that involves answering the right questions.
We’ll dive into those questions first before we show you our favorites.
With over 50 years combined experience (day hikes, backpacking, domestic and international) we have learned what to look for in quality hiking footwear.
Sometimes we prefer a full hiking boot with Gore-Tex, and sometimes we prefer trekking with super breathable, flexible, lightweight trail running shoes — like when we traversed the Grand Canyon rim to rim.
What we wear on our feet for hiking depends on where, when, and what we are hiking.
We were content in trail runners while hiking the challenging South Kaibab Trail in the Grand Canyon
Table of Contents
In order to know which hiking footwear is ideal for your future hiking adventures, here are some of the key questions to ask yourself:
Where and what kind of hiking trails will you be hiking?
For example, will you be hiking shorter or longer distances? Day hiking or multi-day backpacking?
Are you scrambling mountains and navigating rocky terrain? Will you hikes include stream or creek crossings, mud or loose skree?
What level of difficulty are the hiking trails marked that you are planning to trek?
Here are commonly used labels of difficulty for hiking trails and the types of hiking footwear we’d wear on each:
An easy hiking trail that could be done in tennis shoes.
EASY hiking trails are doable for almost any age and ability who enjoys walking. Mostly level, even ground with very little or noticeable elevation change. This trail may be packed gravel or packed dirt, paved or a boardwalk. You will not be navigating many large rocks or tricky streams. Generally less than 3 miles.
Hiking Footwear: Trail Runners or Tennis Shoes work just fine on easy trails.
MODERATE hikes are generally suitable for novice hikers who want a bit of a challenge. The terrain will involve a moderate incline and may have some steeper sections. Generally 3 to 5 miles.
Hiking Footwear: Trail Running Shoes, Hiking Shoes, Hiking Boots can all typically work on moderate trails in Colorado and beyond.
The Midland Trail in Buena Vista is steeper hike, filled with large rocks to navigate. We all wore hiking boots or hiking shoes on this Colorado trail.
MODERATELY STRENUOUS hikes will generally be challenging for an unconditioned person, aka someone who doesn’t exercise much. The terrain will involve a steady and often steep incline. You’ll hike 5 to 8 miles, requiring about 3 to 5 hours or more on your feet.
For example: Clocking in at 5.5 miles, the steep 2,000’ climb on the Midland Hill Trail is worth the stellar views of the Collegiate Peaks in Buena Vista.
Hiking Footwear: Two of us wore hiking boots with ankle support, while the other two wore hiking shoes with Vibram deep lug soles on moderately strenuous trails.
STRENUOUS hikes may also be dubbed Hard / Challenging / Difficult. Strenuous hikes will challenge most hikers. A difficult hike will generally be longer and steeper, but may also be labeled "strenuous" due to the amount of elevation gain. Generally 7 to 10 miles or more.
Blue Lakes Trail neary Ouray and Ridgway
For example, the Blue Lakes Trail near Ouray is a longer, more challenging day hike that takes you to three mesmerizing turquoise alpine lakes in the majestic Mountain Sneffels Wilderness. You’ll hike 8+ miles and gain 2,700’ in elevation with lots of stream crossings, possibly a snow field, and boulders and large tree roots.
Mount Rosa in Colorado Springs is also a hard hike with a lot of varying terrain to navigate. I was glad to wear my hiking boots and use hiking poles.
Hiking Footwear: Hiking boots (ankle support!) and hiking shoes, both with deep lugs and Gore-Tex waterproofing, were ideal hiking footwear for both the Blue Lakes Trail and Mount Rosa hikes.
HIking from Aspen to Crested Butte via the East Maroon Pass. One friend in hiking boots, the other in hiking shoes.
VERY STRENUOUS hikes are only for well-trained and conditioned hikers who know what they’re getting into. Only well-prepared hikers should attempt very strenuous hikes. The hike will generally be long and steep, and may include rock scrambling, stream crossings, and other challenging terrain. Generally 8 miles and over.
For example, we loved hiking Aspen to Crested Butte via the East Maroon Pass for 16.5 miles gaining over 3000’ to the pass at 11,812’. This hike took us 8 hours.
Hiking Footwear: Three of us wore hiking boots for the ankle support, while one of us wore sturdy hiking shoes - all with Gore-Tex waterproofing and soles made with deep lugs. Hiking poles and gaiters were helpful too.
Backpacking the Maroon Bells Four Pass Loop
Backpacking Maroon Bells Four Pass Loop is another example of a very strenuous hike in Colorado.
It probably goes without saying, but the more strenuous the hiking trail, the more stability and durability you will be looking for in your hiking footwear.
What kind of weather will You be experiencing in your hiking shoes?
Will you be hiking in rain or snow a lot? Then you will definitely want hiking footwear made with Gore-Tex, so your feet stay dry.
If you’re hiking in snow, you’ll want to be able to easily attach gaiters and crampons. You can do this with most any hiking boot, hiking shoe, or trail runners.
Hiking near the Palmer Lake Reservoirs in snow. Crampons and gaiters are super helpful.
Gaiters serve to keep pine needles and small rocks out of your shoes while you're on the trail. Some ultralight hikers and thru-hikers who wear trail-running shoes with gaiters.
Crampons are a necessity to walk and hike on snow and ice. With them, you can cross glaciers and ascend snow slopes. Crampons are becoming more specialized depending on your activity.
Super-lightweight traction devices are made for everyday winter walking. More traditional crampons handle snow and glacier travel, technical hiking (when you bring along an ice axe) and mountaineering.
How fast of a hiker are you?
If you are a fast mover, a hiking shoe or trail runner with more flexibility and give may be better for you. These won’t take as long to break in as hiking boots will.
Do you like to run on trails too? Or do you like to take your time and look around?
If you like to move slow and steady with very sure footing prepared for anything, hiking boots may be best for you since they lace up around the ankle, offering extra support.
Hiking in Colorado National Monument with trail runners
What Types of Hiking Shoes Are There?
There really are so many choices, from ultralight trail shoes to mountaineering boots, but we like to think of hiking footwear in the following categories:
Hiking Shoes
Trail Runners
Day Hiking Boots
Backpacking Boots
Alpine Mountaineering Boots for extreme ice climbing etc.
We will basically be touching on the first four types here, since we are not experienced in the last category. We include Trail Running Shoes because they work great for many avid day hikers not navigating super crazy terrain.
Hiking boots vs Hiking Shoes
All types of hiking boots come up around the ankle, offering more support and stability for navigating large rocks and tree roots. We’ll get into more components down below.
Hiking shoes are softer and more flexible than hiking boots, aren't as tricky to fit, and don't take as much time for your feet to adjust to. They are also a good choice for dry weather and easy going terrain.
Early morning start hiking the Grand Canyon Rim to Rim
Hiking Shoes vs Trail Runners
In a nutshell, hiking shoes and trail running shoes usually flex more easily across the toes and forefoot than hiking boots. It generally takes less time for you feet to adjust to them. While they can be great on moderate trails, you will have reduced stability on rougher and more challenging terrain.
While hiking shoes soles are often Vibram soles, outsoles on trail runners are almost always constructed from a softer rubber, providing sticky traction and durability.
Trail runners are lighter in weight than hiking shoes.
When we were training for the Grand Canyon rim to rim, we delved into the world of hiking shoes vs trail runners.
Spoiler Alert: we ended up going with lightweight trail running shoes so as to have more breathability, more flexibility for logging 24 + miles each day on mostly firm, packed trails.
Let’s break down the components of hiking boot and hiking shoes, as well as how they should fit.
Hiking the West Maroon Pass near Aspen Colorado in hiking boots. Mandie was glad to have hiking boots vs hiking shoes.
Components of a Hiking Boot or Shoe
Here are nine things to consider when choosing hiking footwear:
Weight - Hiking shoes will obviously run lighter than hiking boots. For example, the Salomon X Ultra 3 hiking shoes weigh 20 oz. for the pair, while Asolo Drifter GV Evo Boot weigh in at 4 lbs. Obviously, trail runners will run even lighter. Remember: lighter shoes are not necessarily better shoes, and heavier shoes are not worse shoes. The weight difference can just mean that there are different design priorities.
Stability - The more difficult hiking trails you want to tackle and the more technical the terrain you are going to cover will help you determine how stiff you prefer the outsole of your shoe. The stiffer your hiking boot and the more ankle support (a higher cut shoe) will offer you more stability for navigating huge boulders, scrambling, and tricky stream crossings.
Toe Support - While we mentioned Ankle Support above when talking about stability, what about protecting your toes? When hiking more strenuous trails that involves navigating large rocks, I much prefer my Asolo hiking boots because of their hard, un-moving rubber toes. They have protected me many times while climbing through boulders and tricky, rocky streams. Again, consider what kind of hiking trails you will be one.
Pro Tip: 14 Simple Ways to Protect Your Toes
Cushioning and Comfort - While cushioning improves the overall comfort of hiking shoes, it can add some weight. That’s why you’ll see that trail runners may not have so much cushioning. But for longer, arduous hiking, cushioning and comfort are important. If you don’t care for the insoles that came in your hiking boot, here’s how to choose good insoles.
Sole and Traction - We’ve been long time fans of any outdoor shoe with a Vibram sole. Plus, look for hiking footwear with deep, self cleaning lugs that will grip changing terrain — just like a tire hugs the road. If you plan to climb up large boulders, through skree, and cross large streams, grip and traction are important components. Hiking boots and some hiking shoes will often be made with a Vibram sole or something similar. Trail runners’ outsoles are almost always constructed from rubber, providing excellent traction and durability.
Waterproofing and Breathability - If you plan to cross water or hike in snow, look for waterproof hiking shoes or hiking boots made with Gore-Tex lining. You will be grateful for dry feet, especially on longer hikes. Breathability refers to the boot's ability to let your sweat’s water vapor escape while preventing external water sources from getting inside. If your feet feel clammy after a hike, then your boots probably aren't very breathable. You want waterproof hiking boots that are also breathable. Gore-Tex does both.
Durability - How long are the hiking boots or shoes you are looking at known to last? I’ve heard of one hiker logging 3,000 miles, blister free, in their Asolo hiking boots. That’s a lot of miles. A good pair of hiking boots, depending on how fast you add the miles, can last 2-10 years in our opinion.
Sizing and Overall Fit - You want a full thumb width in your toe. Common practice is to order a hiking boot that is a 1/2 a size larger than your regular size. This will help protect your toes, reduce friction and allow room for swelling. Some hiking boots run narrow and some run wide. If you have narrow or wide feet, look for boots that run similarly.
How easy will these hiking shoes break in? It’s actually more about breaking in your feet. Unless you bought alpine hiking boots made with leather, your hiking shoes or boot materials won’t need much breaking in.
A proper and blister-free breaking in of your feet with new hiking footwear usually takes one to four weeks. This often depends on how well the new boots fit your feet, what they're made from, and whether your feet are used to the mileage you plan to log.
Bottom line: Buy your boots a month or more out from your hiking trip so you can get your feet ready.
Lacing techniques can change everything. Here’s how to tie hiking boots for the perfect fit.
Now let’s get into how hiking boots and shoes should fit, before we share our favorites for 2024.
Get the right fit when it comes to hiking footwear for Colorado trails or wherever you go
How Should Hiking Boots Fit?
I’ve never known anyone to love a pair of boots that didn’t fit right. Let’s face it. My feet and your feet are different. My feet are long and narrow with high arches, while yours may be short and wide and flat.
The difference between horrific blisters and hiking bliss is taking the time to get a great fit. So how should the best hiking shoes feel on your feet?
COHH PRO TIP: Try on hiking shoes and hiking boots towards the end of the day when your feet are swollen from the day’s activities. Never go shopping first thing in the morning for new shoes. You won’t get the right fit that way.
Here’s how to know if a hiking shoe fits well:
Is there a thumb width in the toe box? You will want at least one thumb width extra space to allow for swelling (normal!) and movement while you hike
Do I feel any hot spots when I move in them? Try this: Rub your hands together really fast! Feel that warm friction? If you feel anything like that while moving around in your hiking shoes, that will only worsen and cause blisters in no time! Try a size up or another pair of boots.
Are my feet wide or narrow? Some hiking boots run narrow and some run wide. If you have narrow or wide feet, look for boots that run similarly.
Keep your hiking socks in mind. What kind of hiking socks do you wear? (Never wear cotton!) Aim for wool or wool blend. Thick or thin, try your hiking shoes on with the socks you’ll wear.
Do I prefer extra ankle support? If you like the assuredness of more stability, definitely go for a higher cut hiking boot to provide more ankle support. If you are hiking trails with big rocks and tree roots, you may want a higher ankle hiking boot.
Does the sole flex the way I like? How does the shoe bend while you move in it? You want stability in your hiking boot, but not so stiff you can’t bend your foot.
How do your toes and heels feel? Again, check for hot spots! Practice going up and down stairs or down a ramp to see how your heels and toes feel. It is common to order a hiking boot that is a 1/2 a size larger than your regular size. This will help protect your toes, reduce friction and allow room for swelling.
PRO TIP: Order two different sizes of hiking shoes and send one back if you are ordering online. REI’s return policy is fantastic.
They are not too tight: Having boots that are too tight can cause your toes to get curled up, and likely get smashed as a result.
You will need to go up a 1/2 size or whole size in hiking shoes compared to what you normally wear. This allows for feet swelling while you hike and helps you avoid horrible blisters.
Italian made waterproof Asolos can really log the miles on Colorado hiking trails
Hiking Shoes and Hiking Boots We Love on Colorado Trails
Now that we’ve asked about what kind of hiking you will be doing, and we’ve covered the types of hiking footwear, how they are made, and how they should fit, let’s get moving.
Here are the different trail running shoes, hiking shoes and hiking boots we have used collectively and specific reasons why we like each of them.
PRO TIP: When buying hiking shoes online, consider buying two different sizes at the same time so you see the sizing difference and get the right fit. For example, I’ve bought two sizes with Backcountry.com and then returned one — the have top-notch, responsive customer service.
Training for the Pikes Peak Ascent
Brooks Cascadia Trail Running Shoe
Melody discovered the Brooks Cascadia trail running shoe while training for the Pikes Peak Ascent. Not only did the shoes and Melody survive the coldest Ascent on record, they got her to the top of the mountain without any water seeping in.
Here’s how to hike Pikes Peak, Colorado Springs only fourteener.
Trail running and hiking requires traction, which this shoe excels in. Add in a flexible sole with extra cushioning which creates a stable but comfy hike or trail run.
Get waterproof hiking shoes that keep your feet toasty warm during long winter runs and hikes or soggy spring jaunts. Choose from a variety of colors.
Best part about Brooks Cascadias? Hit up your trail, get that run and hike in, hop in your car and get that coffee without any need to switch out shoes. Yep, they are that comfortable!
Shoe Specs
Classic ankle height, lace-up trail running shoe that’s ready to handle versatile trail conditions
Engineered mesh upper with ample breathability and a generous fit
Cushioning DNA Loft v2 midsole is 20% lighter than the Cascadia 15's
Release Grooves compress to boost stability on uneven terrain
Drainage ports let water escape while running in mud and puddles
TrailTack rubber sole offers traction on both wet and dry surfaces
Ballistic Rock Shield updated with vertical grooves for flexibility
Stride-boosting 8mm drop and trail-gripping 4.5mm lugs
Weighing only 1 lb 7.2 oz for the pair
Fits true to size
Ideal for day hiking and trail running
Let’s Talk.
Pick our brains about hiking trails in Colorado. Book a one hour call with us and get experienced advice.
Salomon X Ultra 4 Low GTX Hiking Shoe
Begun in 1947 as a ski boot company, Salomon was famous for inventing the first ski binding. That zest for making the best ski boot continues with the company’s constant desire to make the outdoors accessible for everyone with their Time to Play campaign.
Put on the Salomon X Ultra 4 and outdoor playtime commences. These low top hiking shoes for women are perfect for the hiker that does not need much ankle stability.
Melody’s Salomon X Ultra 3 Low hiking shoe
Salomon has a unique single-pull lace option allows for cold fingers to quickly take these boots on and off. If your feet are prone to swell during hikes, you can do a one hand release without having to take off your pack.
Gore-Tex waterproofing keeps the water out while allowing air to still flow, keeping sweaty stinky feet at bay. A solid cushioned insole puts a spring your step, taking you up mountain tops and through pine studded trails. These work well for walking the dog on snowy days as well as muddy strolls.
Mud guards and toe caps allow this shoe to endure harsh terrain, giving you miles of adventure.
These are the best hiking shoes according to Melody. My friend Jen has them too.
The men’s version of the GTX, Salomon X Ultra 4 Hiking Shoes, has similar features.
Shoe Specs:
Backed up by waterproof/breathable GORE-TEX® protection
These hiking shoes are light and agile to keep you going on uneven terrain
SensiFit™ cradles the feet from the midsole to the lacing system, providing a secure, snug and virtually customized fit all around your feet
Active Support "mobile wings" help hold your feet in place and accompany their movement, adapting to their shape and volume
ADV-C chassis target articulations on the outer foot to optimize stability while keeping the fronts of the shoes flexible
Contagrip® MA outsoles grabs the wettest and most slippy oterrain, giving you more control, even on descents
Durable outsoles can handle a wide variety of surfaces, balancing the geometry and rubber compound to deliver confidence on wet, dry, hard or loose surfaces
Some say they run a smidge narrow and a tad small
This classic trail running shoe is able to handle versatile trail conditions.
Looking for the High Top Version?
Check out the Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX Hiking Boots, made with Gore tex.
If you’re planning on hiking long trails on more tricky terrain, in all kinds of weather, and climbing some serious elevation with skree and scrambling, then hiking boots like these might be your best bet.
Hiking boots for Colorado - Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX Hiking Boots
NOTE FROM A MOM: “For the longest time, we could not convince our son to wear hiking boots. A big fan of roll out of bed, grab some runners and head out the door, hiking was miserable for him.
Everything changed the day he got his Salomon GoreTex Mid Gore Tex boots. The teen who hated hiking was suddenly willing to hike miles with us.
Not only is this a great hiking option for those who need ankle support, the gore tex waterproofing makes them a great winter boot. He's taken them on long winter hikes, ski days and sledding adventures; his feet toasty warm and dry the entire time.”
La Sportiva are Italian and some of the best boots for hiking in Colorado
La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX Hiking Boots
My friend Kristi just bought these rugged hiking boots for day treks in harsh conditions. I was with her this spring when she broke them in on several Colorado trails.
She’s been so happy with the top-rated La Sportiva Mid GTX Hiking Boots, I ended up investing in a pair of La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX Hiking Boots down below.
Here’s why these are some of the best hiking boots:
Ready to go boots from day one — no breaking in
Rugged hiking shoe for fast and light treks in harsh winter and spring conditions
GORE-TEX lining offers breathable waterproof protection
Lightweight mesh upper for a breathable abrasion-resistance
Comfy Collar keeps scree and debris from entering the boot - no gaiters needed!
Cushy midsole provides shock absorption and stabilization
Durable sole with a lightweight, superior grip
Steep descents made easy with a powerful breaking structure
La Sportiva Trango Trk Hiking Boots
La Sportiva Trango TRK GTX Hiking Boots
What are the best boots for hiking in Colorado?
I pulled these babies on for a hard 8 mile hike on Elk Park Trail on Pikes Peak -- right out of the box.
These are it for me! No breaking in necessary.
I attached my trail runners to my pack just in case hot spots ensued. But I never needed them! I love the collar on this hiking boot - so comfortable AND great support for a very rocky hike.
The Gore Tex worked like a dream -- one foot slipped slightly on a log while crossing a creek and my foot stayed dry. The lugs on this boot are super sturdy and kept me from falling on scree and gave me the grab I needed climbing up steep rocky trail.
I 100% recommend these boots. La Sportiva worked well for my long, narrow feet.
Asolo is another brand of hiking boots from Italy.
Asolo Hiking Boots -Drifter GV Evo
Between my husband and I, we are on our second pair each of Asolo hiking boots. We first tried them during a week long backpacking trip with teenagers in the Colorado Never Summer Wilderness and we were sold from day one.
Asolo hiking boots are known for taking hardly any time to break in, and my current Asolo Drifter GV Evo Boots were no exception.
Note, I ended up buying Asolos online because I couldn’t find this hiking boot locally, even in Colorado Springs. I ended up trying three different sizes through Backcountry.com. They have competitive prices, amazing customer service and their super timely and helpful real-person online chat help me receive my boots in time to break them in for the next big hike.
This hiking boot is made in mind for people who push their boundaries:
Waterproof Gore-Tex lining allows great breathability
Full-grain leather is flexible and durable
TPS midsole enhances propulsion into your stride
Asoflex supports, stabilizes and protects the foot
Vibram outsole grips changing terrain - great lug depth!
Padded collar for comfort on ascent and descent
Great for longer backpacking trips and more difficult, strenuous hikes
Pro Tip: The Asolo Drifter GV Evo Boot now runs a little big in my experience. Also, my feet are on the skinnier side. If your feet also lean toward narrow-fitting shoe brands (ie. like Nike), Asolos may be an excellent fit for you!
We think Asolo makes great hiking boots for women who love to tackle the harder trails.
Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof
Hiking in the fall in Chattanooga is a breeze with the Moab 3 shoes.
Merrell has made many of our friends’ feet happy on the trail, so they must be mentioned here.
A top rated boot, Merrell’s Moab 3 Waterproof Mid Hikers deliver out-of-the-box comfort with durable leather, supportive footbeds and our favorite: Vibram® traction outsoles with awesome lug depth. Melody’s husband, Matt, loves his Merrell Moab 3 Waterproof Shoes.
Made with suede leather and mesh uppers, plus protective rubber toe caps, these are hiking boots for Colorado trails . These are especially great hiking boots for those who mostly head out on day hikes.
More features:
M Select Dry membranes seal out water and let moisture escape so you stay dry when you're on the move.
Bellowed, closed-cell foam tongues keep moisture and debris out
Contoured footbeds with zonal arch and heel support
Merrell Air Cushion in the heels absorbs shock and adds stability
EVA midsoles provide stability and comfort
Molded nylon arch shanks add stability
Vibram Outsoles
These lace-up boots weigh only 2 lbs.
Great for longer backpacking trips and more difficult, strenuous hikes
Keep in mind, these may run a bit wider than other hiking boots
PRO TIP: If you want pure Gore-Tex, try the big sister: Merrell Moab Speed GTX Mid Hiking Boots
Merrell Moab Speed Mid Hiking Boot with Gore Tex
Trail runners are great on easy Colorado hiking trails
HOKA ONE ONE Trail Runners
These trail running shoes offer reliable trail performance and a cushioned ride, comfy from day one. I finally caved and bought some just to see what the Hoka hype was all about.
After 75 miles, I’m a believer. I’d wear these HOKA ONE ONE Speedgoat 4 Trail Running Shoe hiking the Grand Canyon Rim to Rim next time, that’s for sure.
The Hoka Speedgoat 4 Trail Running Shoes feature:
Vibram Megagrip outsole rubber won't slip in wet conditions
Outsole lugs provide tackles tricky trails on the way up and braking on the way down
Lightweight foam midsole gives you a soft, responsive trek
Updated durable mesh upper also offers breathability
Wider forefoot adds stability and greater comfort for long miles
Lightweight at only 18 oz. for the pair
Great for easy to moderate day hiking and trail running
May run a smidge big
Looking for more ankle support and HOKA hiking boots with Gore-tex? Check out HOKA’s NEW! Speedgoat 5 Mid GTX Hiking Boots
A lot of folks pull on the HOKA trail runners for hiking in Colorado too.
TOPO ULTRAVENTURE 3 Trail-Running Shoes
Reviving your trail running and longer hikes? With age comes wisdom—and wider shoes!
The Topo Ultraventure 3 Trail Running Shoe combines style, a spacious toe box, secure heel fit, and killer traction for Colorado's rocky trails. Weighing just over a pound, this ultralight shoe packs a serious punch.
Melody regularly takes on the challenge of the Manitou Incline and Barr Trail in her Topo’s. Running on some of Colorado's toughest trails is made easier with the Topo Ultraventure, turning a grueling workout into a more manageable adventure—well, almost!
Trail running and hiking demand top-notch traction, and this shoe delivers. With a flexible sole and extra cushioning, it provides a stable yet comfy experience for any adventure.
The Topo Ultraventure 3 is your go-to shoe for everything from the gym to the trail, to lunch, and even casual strolls.
If your toes are spreading or bunions are on the horizon, these shoes have got you covered.
With the perfect amount of support and a snug heel fit, the Topo team nailed it with this one!
Shoe Specs:
Recycled mesh uppers designed for comfort and durability
Cushioned platforms with a 35 x 30 mm stack height (5 mm drop) for added protection and comfort
Roomy toe boxes for natural toe alignment and better balance; secure midfoot and heel for agility
Insoles provide extra comfort and lasting resilience
Foam midsoles offer a lighter, softer, and more responsive feel
Vibram soles give great grip on trail
Each pair recycles the equivalent of 3 plastic water bottles
Runs a tad small *Melody wears 1/2 size up from normal running shoe size.
Looking for something more rugged? Check out the Topo Terraventure 4 WP. These waterproof trail running shoes keep your feet toasty during long winter runs and hikes, or even during soggy spring escapades. And yes, they come in a variety of colors!
Can I use Trail Running Shoes for Hiking?
Most certainly! Especially if you’re an avid runner and hiker, why not?
We both wore trail runners during our Grand Canyon Rim to Rim hike, as well as on many shorter summer hikes in Colorado.
What’s the difference between road running shoes and trail running shoes?
Don trail running shoes (over regular tennis shoes) when the going gets wilder—they are especially helpful on steep inclines, technical terrain, or when trails are wet, muddy or covered in snow.
Trail running shoes protect your feet (and stand up to abuse!) in ways that road running shoes don't, and they allow you to run smoothly over varied surfaces.
According to FleetFeet.com, a simple, easy-to-follow guide is this: If you’re on singletrack (only wide enough for one person to run) or you have to look down at the trail to find solid footing, you should probably be running in trail running shoes.
Hiking in Aspen on the Maroon Snowmass Trail
How to Break in Your Hiking Boots
This is a common question we get.
But it’s more about breaking in your hiking feet!
Hiking boots these days are made to be trail ready, so unless you’re buying some all leather alpine hiking boots, they won’t need much breaking in.
What you need to do is break in your hiking feet and getting your feet ready for hiking.
Calluses from hiking are good for you. If you get a pedicure, tell the pedicurist to leave them be!
We suggest walking around your house and up and down a set of stairs in your new boots or shoes, followed by walking around the block.
The next day, take a 2-4 mile walk around the neighborhood. Then, take a short, easy hike to truly break them in before embarking on longer, more difficult trails.
Always listen to your feet - any hot spots? Refer to back to How Hiking Shoes Should Fit above.
Copper Lake seen from the East Maroon Pass in the Maroon Bells Snowmass Wilderness - Hiking Aspen to Crested Butte
What kind of boots do I need for Colorado?
Overall, Melody prefers a low top hiking shoe while Tanya leans toward a hiking boot with full ankle support.
When winter rolls around, we definitely reach for our snow friendly hiking boots or shoes laced with Gore-Tex.
For most of our hiking in Colorado, we both love a good breathable, waterproof hiking boot or trail running shoe with soles made with deep lugs for superb grip.
Crampons and hiking poles make all the difference when taking winter hikes in Colorado
Other Important Hiking Gear to Consider
Gaiters to keep skree and pine needles out - We like Dirty Girl Gaiters in summer, Outdoor Research in the winter.
Crampons for hiking on snow and ice - hike securely and safely
Hiking Poles - we love Black Diamond’s Distance Carbon Z Trekking Poles
The Right Daypack
Hiking Socks - Darn Tough Socks will wick away sweat, keep your feet warm and odor-free
Insoles
We also talk about What to Wear Hiking in Colorado in every season.
What’s Your favorite pair of Hiking Footwear?
Are you Team Hiking Shoe, Hiking Boot, or Trail Running Shoes?
Let us know if you have any questions! We are happy to help!
RELATED: Hiking Daypacks We Love