Best Hiking Shoes For Hawaii

Haider Waqar
6 min readAug 13, 2023

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If you’re planning to explore the breathtaking trails of Hawaii, finding the best hiking shoes for the island’s unique terrain and climate is essential. The right footwear can make your outdoor adventures not only more enjoyable but also safer.

“Best Hiking Shoes for Hawaii” refers to the ideal footwear options that offer comfort, traction, and durability while navigating through the diverse landscapes of the Hawaiian islands.

As Hawaii boasts a mix of rocky paths, muddy trails, and beautiful beaches, it’s crucial to select hiking shoes that can handle these varying conditions. From lightweight and breathable hiking shoes to water-friendly sandals and supportive mid-cut boots, there are plenty of choices to suit your preferences and hiking style.

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Types Of Hiking Shoes for Hawaii’s Trails

  1. Lightweight Hiking
  2. Shoes Hiking Sandals
  3. Trail-Running Shoes

1. Lightweight Hiking Shoes:

Lightweight hiking shoes are perfect for exploring Hawaii’s diverse trails. They are designed with breathable materials, keeping your feet comfortable in the island’s warm climate.

These shoes offer a good balance between support and agility, allowing you to maneuver easily on rocky and uneven terrains.

2. Hiking Sandals:

Hiking sandals are a great option for water-involved trails in Hawaii, where you might need to cross streams or hike along the shoreline. These sandals offer exceptional comfort and quick-drying capabilities, making them an excellent choice for tropical hikes.

3. Trail-Running Shoes:

Trail-running shoes are a versatile option for Hawaii’s hiking trails. They provide excellent traction and stability, making them suitable for various terrains and elevations. These shoes are ideal for those who prefer a bit more cushioning and support during their hikes.

Best Hiking Shoes For Hawaii ( Lightweight ) :

  1. Best Overall Option: Merrell Men’s Moab 2 Vent Hiking Shoe
  2. Best Budget Option: Columbia Men’s Redmond V2 Waterproof Hiking Shoe
  3. Most Comfortable Option: KEEN Men’s Targhee 3 Mid Height Waterproof Hiking Boot

1. Merrell Men’s Moab 2 Vent Hiking Shoe

This hiking shoe stands out as the best lightweight option for hiking in Hawaii due to its design emphasis on breathability and agility. The combination of performance suede leather and mesh upper ensures proper ventilation, keeping your feet cool and dry amidst the island’s warm temperatures.

Its lightweight construction allows for nimble movements, making it an excellent choice for traversing the rocky paths, sandy beaches, and lush trails that Hawaii has to offer.

2. Columbia Men’s Redmond V2 Waterproof Hiking Shoe

The Columbia Redmond V2 stands out as an excellent lightweight option for hiking in Hawaii due to its combination of durability and comfort.

The shoe’s lightweight build makes it agile and versatile, making it perfect for navigating the rocky trails and sandy beaches of the islands. Additionally, its waterproof feature allows hikers to explore rainforests and wet terrains without worrying about getting their feet wet.

3. KEEN Targhee 3 Mid Height Waterproof Hiking Boot

The KEEN Targhee 3 stands out as a great lightweight option for hiking in Hawaii due to its durable yet lightweight fabric construction. The boot’s mid-cut height and external support shank provide the necessary ankle support and balance for tackling uneven terrains, such as Hawaii’s rocky trails.

Additionally, its waterproof feature allows hikers to explore wet and muddy conditions with ease, making it a reliable companion for various hiking adventures in Hawaii.

Best Hiking Shoes For Hawaii ( Sandals ) :

  1. Best Overall Option: Chaco Men’s Zcloud 2 hiking Sandal
  2. Best Budget Option: KEEN Newport H2 Closed Toe Water Sandals
  3. Most Comfortable Option: Keen Newport H2 Sandals

1. Chaco Men’s Zcloud 2 hiking Sandal

The Chaco Zcloud 2 stands out as a versatile option for hiking in Hawaii due to its outstanding features and performance. The sandals’ adjustable straps and toe loop ensure a secure and personalized fit, providing stability and support during your hikes on the island’s diverse terrains.

The durable high-tensile webbing and polyester jacquard webbing construction contribute to the sandal’s longevity, making it a reliable companion for numerous hikes in Hawaii’s tropical environment.

2. Teva Women’s Hurricane Xlt2 Hiking Sandal

The Teva Women’s Hurricane Xlt2 Hiking Sandal is the perfect companion for embracing the beauty of Hawaii’s trails with confidence and comfort. Crafted with 100% synthetic materials, these sandals are designed to withstand the rigors of outdoor exploration while providing essential support for your hikes in Hawaii’s diverse terrain.

The Teva Women’s Hurricane Xlt2 further enhances your hiking experience with its cushioned heel tab, providing increased comfort during long walks and trails in Hawaii. The injection-molded strap ends enable quick and easy grip and adjustability, ensuring a snug and personalized fit for every stride.

3. Keen Newport H2 Hiking Sandals

The KEEN Men’s Newport H2 Closed Toe Water Sandals are your perfect companion for embracing the thrilling adventures of Hawaii with confidence and versatility.

Crafted with 100% polyester, these water sandals are designed to withstand the active use in and out of the water, making them ideal for exploring Hawaii’s stunning coastline and engaging in various water activities.

The water-resistant upper, featuring washable polyester webbing and a quick-dry lining, ensures your feet stay comfortable and dry during wet adventures, such as wading in streams or enjoying Hawaii’s turquoise waters.

The PFC-free, durable, water repellent coating helps shed water, prolonging the quality and life of the sandal’s material, ensuring they can accompany you on numerous island escapades.

RELATED : “Are Keen Hiking Boots Good?

Best Hiking Shoes For Hawaii ( Trail running )

  1. Best Overall Option: Salomon Men’s XA PRO 3D Gore-TEX Trail Running Shoe
  2. Best Budget Option: Salomon Men’s Speedcross 5 Trail Running Shoe
  3. Most Comfortable Option: ALTRA Men’s AL0A547L Lone Peak 6 Trail Running Shoe

1. Salomon Men’s XA PRO 3D Gore-TEX Trail Running Shoe

The XA PRO 3D is equipped with a high traction Contagrip outsole, ensuring superior grip on both wet and dry surfaces. Tackle slippery rocks and muddy paths with confidence, knowing that your shoes will provide reliable traction, enhancing your overall trail running experience in Hawaii.

The 3D Advanced Chassis enhances the shoe’s performance, providing stability and protection during your trail runs. With this advanced feature, you can confidently navigate Hawaii’s challenging terrains, from the lava fields to the tropical jungles, knowing your feet are well-protected.

2. Salomon Men’s Speedcross 5 Trail Running Shoe

The Salomon Men’s Spdcross 5 Trail Running Shoe is your ultimate companion for conquering the soft, technical trails of Hawaii with confidence and precision. Designed with an aggressive grip, precise foothold, and enhanced protection, these shoes are tailored for trail runners who are ready to embrace the rugged and adventurous terrains of the islands.

Salomon has a rich history of creating innovative outdoor sports gear, including high-performance shoes that cater to adventure seekers worldwide. From running and hiking to skiing and more, Salomon’s shoes, boots, bags, apparel, and accessories help you make Hawaii’s trails your own.

3. ALTRA Men’s AL0A547L Lone Peak 6 Trail Running Shoe

The ALTRA Men’s AL0A547L Lone Peak 6 Trail Running Shoe, crowned as the “Best Trail Shoe” by Runner’s World in 2022, is your key to conquering Hawaii’s captivating trails with exceptional grip and comfort. Crafted with a MaxTrac outsole and a multi-directional TrailClaw lug pattern, these shoes ensure optimal traction, so you can focus on the breathtaking trails that lie ahead.

The Balanced Cushioning platform places the heel and forefoot at the same distance from the ground, promoting low-impact landings. This innovative design supports your feet during prolonged runs, enabling you to go further and explore more of Hawaii’s stunning natural landscapes.

Conclusion

In conclusion, among the best options for hiking in Hawaii, the Salomon Men’s Speedcross 5 Trail Running Shoe stands out as a top choice. With its aggressive grip, precise foothold, and water resistance, these shoes are perfect for conquering the soft, technical trails that Hawaii has to offer. The deep lugs provide excellent traction on wet and dirty terrain, while the quick lace system ensures a fast and secure fit.

Additionally, the Salomon Speedcross 5 falls into the midweight category, striking a good balance between durability and support. Whether you’re exploring volcanic landscapes, sandy beaches, or lush forests, these shoes will keep you confident and stable during your adventure.

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