Introduction
When I first started hiking, I spent way too long stressing over what shoes to buy.
Should I get boots? Trail runners? Waterproof everything?
Honestly — I just wanted something that didn’t give me blisters or make my feet feel like they’d been stomped on after an hour.
If you’re in the same spot, good news: picking beginner hiking shoes doesn’t have to be complicated.
Here’s exactly what you need to know — plus a few picks I personally recommend after digging through way too many reviews (and some painful early mistakes).
Why Hiking Shoes Actually Matter (A Lot)
I thought any old sneakers would do at first.
Big mistake.
Good hiking shoes literally make or break your hike.
A bad pair = sore feet, slips, rolled ankles, and a miserable time.
A good pair = you barely even think about your feet — and that’s exactly what you want.
Main Types of Hiking Shoes for Beginners
Let’s break down your three basic options — and which ones are actually beginner-friendly.
1. Trail Running Shoes
If you’re hiking mostly dry, easy trails, trail running shoes are a fantastic choice.
They’re super lightweight, breathable, and you can even jog a little if you feel like it.
Popular pick:
👉 Salomon Speedcross 5
👉 Check price on Amazon
Available in both men’s and women’s styles.
My take:
I love these because they feel like you’re wearing running shoes, but with way better grip on dirt and loose gravel.
The Speedcross grip is ridiculously good — it’s like having little claws on rocky trails.
Small downside:
They aren’t great if you’re hiking in super wet, swampy areas — not much ankle support either.
2. Hiking Shoes (Low-Cut)
Think of these as the perfect middle ground between running shoes and big boots.
Hiking shoes give you more support and toe protection without feeling like you’re lugging bricks around.
Popular pick:
👉 Merrell Moab 3 Hiking Shoes
👉 Check price on Amazon
Available in both men’s and women’s styles.
My take:
The Merrell Moab 3 is like the “trusty Toyota Corolla” of hiking shoes — super reliable, not flashy, and just works.
If you’re doing general trails — a bit rocky, a bit muddy — these are probably your safest choice.
Bonus:
They come in waterproof and non-waterproof versions depending on what you need.
3. Mid-Height Hiking Boots
These are the classic ankle-support hiking boots you see everywhere.
A bit heavier, but awesome if you’re doing rougher terrain or carrying a backpack.
Popular pick:
👉 Columbia Newton Ridge Plus Waterproof Boot
👉 Check price on Amazon
Available in both men’s and women’s styles.
My take:
If you’re hiking in Ireland (where rain is basically guaranteed 🌧️), these are lifesavers.
They’re comfy, not ridiculously heavy, and you don’t have to panic every time you see a puddle.
Also — they actually look decent enough to wear casually.
Key Features You Should Actually Care About
Here’s what matters way more than the brand name:
| Feature | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Grip (Outsole) | You don’t want to be skating down a wet hill |
| Fit & Comfort | Should feel snug but never tight |
| Weight | Lighter = less tired legs after 2–3 hours |
| Breathability | Keeps your socks (and mood) dry |
| Water Resistance | Optional — but handy in rainy areas or muddy trails |
How to Pick the Right Shoe for You
1. Match Your Shoes to Your Trails
- Dry, chill forest walks? ➔ Trail runners all day.
- Rocky paths or small streams? ➔ Hiking shoes or boots.
- Heavier pack or hilly hikes? ➔ Boots are safer.
2. Comfort > Fancy Features
Don’t get distracted by gimmicks like “ultra-mega-torque” soles or other marketing junk.
If the shoes don’t feel good after 10 minutes walking around the house, they won’t feel better after 10km on a trail.
3. Wear Your Hiking Socks When You Try Them On
I made the mistake of trying on shoes in thin cotton socks once — then my thick wool hiking socks made the shoes feel tight and miserable on my first real hike.
Lesson: Always test hiking shoes with hiking socks.
4. Break Them In Before Your First Big Hike
Even comfy shoes need a few local walks to break in properly.
Don’t wait until you’re 5 miles deep in the woods to realize your new boots rub your ankles raw.
Common Beginner Mistakes (I Made Some Too)
| Mistake | Why It Hurts |
|---|---|
| Buying super stiff mountaineering boots | Way too heavy and overkill for beginner trails |
| Going cheap on no-name brands | Cheap shoes fall apart or destroy your feet |
| Ignoring socks | Socks matter just as much as shoes (seriously!) |
Final Thoughts: The Right Shoes = More Adventures
You don’t need perfect shoes.
You need good enough, comfortable shoes that fit your goals and trails.
If you’re just starting out, I honestly recommend looking at something like the Merrell Moab 3 for hiking shoes or the Salomon Speedcross 5 if you lean toward trails and lighter hikes.
They’re beginner-friendly, affordable, and won’t leave you regretting your first adventure.
Get the basics right, break them in, and hit the trails — you’ll be surprised how quickly you start loving it.
🌲👟 Happy hiking — and if you grab new shoes, let me know how your first trail adventure goes!