The Best Hiking Shoes For Hawaii [Complete Guide]

Hiking through Hawaii's tropical rainforest and lava fields is the perfect way to experience the natural beauty and get in shape. It is the best place for hiking because you can hike volcanoes, waterfalls, valleys, and beaches with beautiful lakes, but this also means you need to find the best shoes for Hawaii.

We analyzed and compared 16 hiking shoes before selecting the top 10 best hiking shoes for Hawaii. If you're planning a trip to Hawaii any time soon, here are 10 hiking shoes that will make your trip amazing!

Top 10 Best Hiking Shoes for Hawaii You Need to Know About

Merrell Moab 2 Vent Hiking Shoe – Best Overall

The Merrell Moab 2 Vent Hiking Shoe is currently one of the most popular hiking shoes available, and it's easy to see why. It is comfortable, lightweight, durable, water-resistant, and has good traction. This shoe is suitable for all terrains, weather conditions, and the entire year.

The Vibram outsole provides excellent traction through mud puddles or along forest trails, and the Gore-Tex membrane keeps your feet dry and cool if it rains.

KEEN Targhee II Hiking Shoe - Best Mid-Range

One of the best hiking shoes for Hawaii is the KEEN Targhee II Hiking Shoe. Thanks to the waterproof, breathable membrane and durable water repellent material, your feet will stay dry and comfortable even when it's humid outside.

It has a sturdy design that can withstand a wide range of abuse. An additional benefit of this shoe is its all-terrain tread pattern, which ensures a secure grip on various surfaces, even when wet, which is common in the Hawaiian landscape.

Adidas Outdoor Terrex Ax3 Beta Cw Hiking Boot – Cheaper Choice

The Adidas OutdoorTerrex Ax3 Beta Cw Hiking Boot is another great choice for hiking in Hawaii. This shoe has mesh and synthetic uppers that are breathable but also provide stability and support. The rubber sole is lightweight but sturdy enough to support your weight on any terrain.

You won't have to worry about breaking them in because they're so comfortable right out of the box. The traction on all surfaces was excellent, and there was no discomfort while walking or hiking.

Salewa Mountain Trainer Mid GTX Alpine Trekking Boot

The Salewa Mountain Trainer Mid GTX Alpine Trekking Boot is a best-seller among hiking footwear, and with good reason. It is lightweight, water-resistant, durable, and has an excellent grip on all surfaces.

During long hikes, these shoes' mid-top design will protect you from the elements while ensuring comfort. In addition, the leather is incredibly durable and provides excellent traction when traversing uneven terrain, making it ideal for Hawaii's rugged terrain.

Columbia’s Crestwood Hiking Shoe

If you're looking for a hiking shoe that can handle the demands of Hawaii's terrain and climate, look no further than the Columbia Men's Crestwood Hiking Shoe. The upper is made from a breathable mesh material that allows your feet to breathe easily, even in hot conditions. Additionally, it has a pull loop for easy on and off.

Inside the shoe is a Techlite lightweight midsole that delivers long-lasting comfort, superior comfort, and high energy return. The Omni-Grip non-marking traction outsole grips the ground nicely and provides stability when hiking up the steep inclines of the Koko Crater Trail.

Chaco Zcloud 2 Sport Sandal

If you want to experience hiking the best of both worlds in Hawaii, then the Chaco Zcloud 2 Sport Sandal is your best bet. This sandal is great for hiking but also makes a great transition from hiking to the beach.

The Zcloud 2 is a rugged, comfortable sandal with a toe thong that wraps around your foot and provides excellent traction. In addition, it has a rubber outsole and a comfortable midsole, so you can hike all day long without feeling sore or tired.

Salomon X Ultra 3 GTX Hiking Shoes

If you're looking for a hiking shoe that will get you through any hike, the Salomon X Ultra 3 GTX Hiking Shoes is the shoe for you. These shoes are made specifically for hiking and have many features that make them especially suited for Hawaii.

Slippery terrain like lava rock or sandstone is no problem for them, thanks to the rubber soles on their shoes. In addition, these shoes feature Gore-Tex technology, making them both breathable and waterproof, so your feet stay dry no matter the weather.

Columbia Men's Newton Ridge Plus II Waterproof Hiking Shoe

The Columbia Men's Newton Ridge Plus II Waterproof Hiking Shoe is an affordable, lightweight hiking shoe that combines comfort and durability. These shoes are designed with a lightweight boot design that makes them perfect for long hikes or backpacking trips in Hawaii.

The waterproof construction combined with the Techlite lightweight midsole provides long-lasting comfort, superior cushioning, and high energy return.

Salomon Pathfinder Hiking Shoes

The Salomon Pathfinder Hiking Shoes are perfect for hiking in Hawaii because they have a comfortable design that will allow you to focus on the breathtaking views instead of your feet.

The padded tongue helps prevent rubbing, while the mesh lining gives your foot plenty of room to breathe. In addition, the lacing system allows you to get a custom fit to keep your foot secure during those long hikes through challenging terrain.

Timberland White Ledge Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot

The Timberland White Ledge Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot is the best hiking shoe for Hawaii. This shoe will keep your feet dry and comfortable while exploring Hawaii's trails. The waterproof leather upper keeps water out, while the mesh lining provides ventilation to keep your feet cool.

The Vibram outsole has aggressive lugs that provide traction in any terrain, and the low-profile tread pattern offers superior grip on wet rocks or slippery surfaces. The boot also features a padded collar for added comfort and a padded tongue to protect against rubbing against the top of your foot or shin.

Are Hiking Shoes Necessary for Hawaii?

If you are a true adventurer, then you know that it is always a good idea to plan ahead. The same can be said when hiking in Hawaii. You will want to prepare yourself for any sort of terrain that you may encounter, and that means bringing the right shoes along with you.

The reason for this is that the terrain and weather conditions can be unpredictable in Hawaii. The terrain is often rocky and muddy, and it rains frequently. So if you don’t have hiking shoes with good traction, you won’t have much luck navigating the rocky or muddy terrain.

What to Wear While Hiking in Hawaii?

The most important thing you should consider is the weather. While it might seem like an obvious point, it can be easy to forget that Hawaii is not always warm and sunny. So, when hiking in Hawaii, wear clothing for warm weather but try to bring a jacket or sweatshirt in case it gets chilly.

Types of Hiking Shoes

Several types of hiking shoes are available, so it's important to choose the right one for your needs. Here are some of the most popular hiking shoe styles:

Trail running shoes: These shoes have a stiffer sole than other models and are designed for long-distance runs or hikes with steep terrain. They're made with lots of cushioning, which helps protect against impact when running up or down hills.

Waterproof boots: These boots are durable enough to keep your feet dry while walking through streams or rainstorms, but they don't have as much flexibility as trail running shoes or lightweight hikers.

Lightweight hikers: Also known as trail runners or trail sneakers, these shoes have flexible soles and a low-cut design that lets air flow through easily so your feet don't get too hot during long hikes in hot weather conditions.

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