What is the best hiking shoe for the Appalachian Trail?

Join me on a thrilling journey as I explore various hiking shoes, from Adidas to the lesser-known Topo Athletic Pursuits, on my quest to find the ideal pair for hiking the Appalachian Trail. In this video, I share my experiences with popular brands like Xero Shoes, Merrell, and Altra Lone Peaks, and reveal why I ultimately chose the Topo Athletic Traverse for my adventure.
🚫 Why the Altra's didn't make the cut - find out in this comprehensive review!
🌲 Topo Athletic Traverse: My Secret Weapon for the Appalachian Trail
🥾 Learn from my trials and errors to choose the best shoe for your hiking needs
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[@Beckah82]

YES! GOD, YES! This is how it's done! THANK YOU for showing the whole process! Most of the time people just show what they are wearing and like at the moment and that is not helpful at all. We need THIS, the whole process, with the thoughts and experiences along the way; why you used it, why you stopped using it and what was good, great, not good, and crap.

[@ISuckatHiking]

Glad it was helpful!

[@boldtlev]

I love my Topos! Nice, wide toe box, no heel slippage, and excellent traction. To lighten your pack, and ditch the extra shoes for camp and water crossings. They're extra weight you don't need to carry. For water crossings, just take off your socks and remove the inserts. The shoes themselves drain readily enough, and because the socks and inserts stay dry, you're not squishing around for the next hour on trail. At camp, loosen the laces and remove the inserts. That allows the feet to swell like they need to, while being easy to slide on and off as needed.

[@ISuckatHiking]

I have done a few water crossings in my shoes but if I can keep them dry I will

[@dangerdave138]

excellent content man, thanks for the tips

[@ISuckatHiking]

My pleasure!

[@crstarkey]

Amazing vid man. Thanks for sharing.

[@ISuckatHiking]

Thanks for the compliment and for watching!

[@sheilahenry7279]

I certainly didn’t need to watch the 100th plus video on shoes but enjoyed watching you progress in your videos. Enjoying watching a couple of hikers already started. Looking forward to the Feb starters.

[@ISuckatHiking]

I appreciate that! I just wanted to share my shoe journey and watch out for my foothills trail videos next week!

[@Mrbooozle93]

I have a pair of those exact water shoes I bring to the lake and everything. I love them soooo much. Super secure, thick midsole so you don’t feel rocks, and perfect for water

[@ISuckatHiking]

Totally agree!

[@mdvl04]

Great review. Really liked the sock review for some other options to try.

[@ISuckatHiking]

Glad you liked it!

[@stevenbrewer8788]

Good to know about the new Topo traverse. Thank you:)

[@ISuckatHiking]

I am glad to help!

[@mobilewintercamp7515]

Nice video. Those middle camp/water crossing shoes look nice. Real minimal. I’ve never seen them before. Thanks

[@ISuckatHiking]

Glad you like them!

[@richieatkinson9762]

Great review. Love my Topo’s, I did 1300 kms in them last year, Ultraventure Pros, but I’ll be grabbing some Traverse for my next one. I was using Injinju run socks, but have also moved over to Creepers, excited to try out the new combo 👍👍

[@ISuckatHiking]

Creepers are the best

[@SebastianTalley]

Awesome video!

[@ISuckatHiking]

Thanks!

[@Bohonk212]

Shoe choice will vary by hikers feet. (walk on a beach some time and look at all the differences in bare foot prints) I required a narrow heel and wide toe box. A VERY wide toe box. There is NO shoe that will work for everyone. Only suggestion I can make for the AT is to pass on waterproof. Water will get inside no matter what and waterproofs take forever to dry out. Essentially they will not dry until your next sunny day off trail. So go for whatever fits and can walk-dry quickly.

[@ISuckatHiking]

Every footprint is different. I just shared all I did to find what works for me

[@stephanierzeszutko7415]

I live in my Oofos slides at home, and they have really helped alleviate issues that I used to have with nerve issues in my feet as well as plantar fasciitis. Highly recommend them as a camp shoe when you’re doing big miles! Yes, they’re bulky, but my trick is to use a Velcro loop (I actually use the one that came with my Nemo Tensor) to thread through the tops and hold them together, then clip them to the outside of my pack.

[@ISuckatHiking]

I think I am going to bring them got the Oocandoo's to make it easier to stay on my feet.

[@chaosncheckt9356]

HOKA SpeedGoat 5 were my go to shoes when I did the AT. Went through five pair. Another popular brand is the Ultras because of the large toe box. I started my hike with my normal shoe size - big mistake so I started having issues by the time I reached the NOC. Went with a half size larger and all was good but the damage to my toes was done; yep lost all my toe nails except for the ones on my big toes. Getting a larger size def helped and I didn't have any problems for the remainder of my hike. I wouldn't hike with Gortex models, I think it's just added weight and every time my feet got wet the water was ankle deep. Best of luck on your hike. I'm going to follow along. Best saying I heard on the trail "don't pack your fears".

[@ISuckatHiking]

I haven't tried Hoka just because I love my wide toe box

[@SmokeyDukems]

@@ISuckatHikingI have a smaller toe box so Hokas are perfect for me. If you have a narrow foot go Hoka but if not then don’t get them. For wider feet it will cut the circulation

[@owlley]

thanks great video, I'm going to check out the topos

[@ISuckatHiking]

You should!

[@allenwilson5235]

I have the opposite in Colorado. I switched to Adidas Terrex, because the Continental rubber sole is super sticky on rock. The down side is the sole tread wears down pretty fast.

[@ISuckatHiking]

Mine literally fell apart before 68 miles

[@cwesley2005]

Altra lone peaks definitely wear out quickly but they are so comfortable!

[@ISuckatHiking]

I found Topos more comfortable but every foot is different

[@clydevanwinkle7382]

Wow! The shoe 👞 thing

[@ISuckatHiking]

Most important decision you make!

[@xtaltheo170]

thanks for the tips my gangster

[@ISuckatHiking]

Any time

[@xtaltheo170]

@@ISuckatHiking Hey, I got the traverse shoes, and Im not quite comfortable with them. They feel oddly high on the heel, and I feel like I can pop my ankle in them easily! I didn’t take them outside yet, debating returning them, maybe I don’t know something? Im not a pro hiker.

[@BarryFriedman]

It sounds like we came up with similar solutions. I wore Topo Terraventure 3s with Injinji CoolMax toe socks on the Camino del Norte this past spring and had zero blisters. I was looking forward to the Terraventure 4s, but the fit wasn't right, so I returned them and got the Topo MT-4; they are a great fit for my feet and work great for my walks on local asphalt. The Traverse caught my eye the other day and they look more sturdy for trail hiking. I've ordered them and am looking forward to trying them out.

[@ISuckatHiking]

I really am enjoying them

[@jaanoras716]

can you elaborate on whats different with terraventure 4s? Surprisingly I also walked the norte last year in 3s(and the same socks :), but now I need a new pair and I already have terraventrue 4s in the shopping cart. That said, I don't think they cushion enough for camino, and especially norte with its paved roads. But I digress, I usually hike offroad and I love the superb traction of terraventures while scrambling rocks.

[@BarryFriedman]

@@jaanoras716 The Terraventure 4s seemed to have a wider toe bed than the 3s. I really like the Traverse. The toe bed is just wide enough and the midsoles are more supportive.

[@jaanoras716]

@@BarryFriedman Thanks, the wider toebox does not feel bad thing to me, but lets see. The Traverse sounds like a good all round model, but sadly it is impossible to buy in europe right now.

[@willswalkingwest7267]

People need to figure out the footware thing long before they get on trail. They need to find something that works for THEM, and USE it BEFORE going there. I'm troubled by the hikers I have followed on KZbin over the years who have foot injuries just because they bought what's trendy. It's fun to be part of a community and go somewhere with your new expensive gear so you can fit in. It might be fun but that doesn't always translate into practical. US Soldiers don't wear trendy light tennis shoes while trudging through rough terrain for a reason. Take in all the information you can. Look at what people wear, listen to their experiences. But when you set out, be sure to have the shoes that fit YOUR needs. And something that will keep your feet DRY.

[@ISuckatHiking]

That is what I have been doing all year trying and changing

[@andreasritter5955]

Went from Salomon (wore them for 30 years!) through a 1-year-Altra-phase...until I found Topo Athletic 3 years ago. Life changer!! Trailventure, Terraventure, MTN Racer, Ultraventure models. While I like the Injini socks for 1-day adventures, I never use them for multiple day hikes, since I found it difficult to a tape/band aide on a toe and then put on the sock. Since 2 years I am running/hiking now Silverlight socks. By far the most superior sock I use: odor-free hiking with silver coated threads; a nylon, merino wool, silver yarn, spandex mix! game changing, zero blisters during JMT twice now!

[@notyouraccount9742]

The Olympus is the best. After a 2000 miles hike they were the ones that I kept going back to.

[@ISuckatHiking]

I will look at those!

[@1024Pete]

I had much success on all terrains and all conditions with Lowa Renegade GTX. Never a tear, a leak or a quality issues. I have been using Lowa products for 25 years( not the same shoe of course). Most importantly, now I use custom orthotics as the inner sole. While the Lowa is comfortable, the orthotics made a difference in being less fatigued. Darn Tough socks are the only socks for me. I will check out your suggestions. Would the Topo Transverse work well on hard surfaces? Or that just a soft surface sole? Thanks for your insight. Wishing you peace, good health and good fortune for the New Year. Happy Trails!

[@ISuckatHiking]

I have been doing a lot of road walking with them and they have been great they have a lot of running options. I will check out Lowa never heard of it.

[@PatriotPopp19]

I would do anything to be able to afford hiking the AT . Past like 6 years its been something i feel like i need to do before i die.. But ill never be able to afford it and Its Killing my soul... i hope Yal know you are truely blessed to be able to do it.

[@ISuckatHiking]

Thanks

[@IamFrancoisDillinger]

In 2011 I wore a pair of Teva Omnium Sport sandals. One pair lasted me the entire trail, but they were bald by the time I finished. Never suffered any hotspots or toenail issues.

[@ISuckatHiking]

You got Flintstone feet

[@stevewright2241]

Try the Merrill Nova 3s again but in the wide version. I love mine and I’ve got the toe room I need with the wide version. My Topos were causing me hamstring issues. Bridgedale socks for the win. I’ve got some pairs that are pushing 25 years old and I still wear them about once a week.

[@ISuckatHiking]

Nice thanks for the tips!

[@TM_FL]

Hoka One Stinson is the way to go. Love them.

[@ISuckatHiking]

If they work for you that's great!

[@traildog_adventures]

The way to go for you maybe. Not going to be the way to go for everyone

[@somerandomguy706]

I've never gotten a blister with my wrightsock-altra combo. The first pair of wrightsocks lasted forever just for a hole to form on the ball of both feet on the same day. To me, that's impressive quality. My second pair was the thin coolmesh version and I wore a hole in those pretty quickly. I went back to the thicker cushioned version and haven't had any problems. I'm going to be looking at Topos before my next big hike since my Altras are showing their age and I keep hearing negative reviews about quality and narrowing of the toebox since they got bought out. Regarding camp shoes, I use the Saguaro mesh garden clogs, ~9 oz for the pair. A little bulky, but super comfortable and I kept stubbing my toe walking around camp with everything else. I also don't change out of trail runners for creek crossings.

[@ISuckatHiking]

Very nice!

[@techguy9023]

Sounds familiar. Whatever hiking product spend hundreds trying things that don’t work as advertised. Men’s nylon dress socks under wool hiking socks works for me. You can probably still get three pairs for $6. You won’t be out much to try them.

[@ISuckatHiking]

Try the creepers

[@TheBeardofReason]

It's gettng closer to "go-time"! Best of luck to you. I'll be cheering you on from my desk. The shoe dilemma is just that - a dilemma. I have found the Merrill Edge 3 to be great on well maintained trails with few rocks, but when it comes to dessert hiking with tons of rocks the sole just doesn't cut it. There is no support and your feet pay for it. On the otherhand, I love keen for dessert and rough trail hiking because they have a steel shank that protects the bottoms of my feet. BUT.... they suck when it comes to surfaces such as slick granite after a dew or rain. It's like walking on ice. I'm willing to bet you change shoe type along the way depending on what the trail looks like as you go. In fact, I would reccomend it. One thing to consider is access to replacements on or near the trail should you have a defective shoe. I like the Fitkicks. I think I will try those out. Scott

[@ISuckatHiking]

Thanks for the info

[@dcl97]

One thing I'd mention about the Topo's is that they really aren't the same thing as a Lone Peaks. The Lone Peak is a barefoot shoe, the wide toe box is part of that, but they also have less cushion, no arch support, and a very flexible midsole. The Topo's are a more traditional hiker with a wide toe box. If your looking for just a wide toe box, great, but if you want something with a lot of ground feel and the ability to engage your toes for stability they don't offer that.

[@ISuckatHiking]

They have several models that do offer that in running shoes

[@KrizAkoni]

Injinji has an all wool variant that’s been working well for me.

[@ISuckatHiking]

Yery nice!

[@kbc1883]

Those are my favorite... along with Creepers.

[@chuckeve7193]

I love my Topos

[@ISuckatHiking]

They are amazing!

[@olddad67]

Topo hands-down are the best all-around shoe I have come across quality is top notch durability top notch worth the money definitely good video bro glad to see somebody else agrees with me. I threw my ultras in the trash also complete waste of money

[@ISuckatHiking]

Topo is top of the line right now

[@elvarwinston]

Im going to germany this summer for 2 weeks and im going to do a mix of city walking and hiking in the alps. i did go for the "Timberland everstride 6 motion" locally im just used to wearing work boots for short hikes but my timbs seem to be sturdy and they are really comfortable. Have you checked them out at all?

[@ISuckatHiking]

No I haven't

[@gregmortonoutdoors]

I'm a topo fan, myself. However, I found it difficult to replace them on trail. Most outfitters carry Altra and Hoka but Topo is limited. I hope that has changed in the last year. The Altra Olympus was my back up and served me well once I was in the rocky terrain of PA and farther north. I do recommend gaiters if you don't have them already.

[@ISuckatHiking]

My wife will be my outfitter!

[@HuskyMike]

Did you notice any pressure on the arch of your foot when switching to the Topos? I tried Mtn Racers, and Ultraflys and, while I got used to it, it seemed the arch was quite a bit higher than the Lone Peaks. Been wanting to try the Pursuits or Traverse.

[@ISuckatHiking]

I have flat feet and no problem

[@RedCatt423]

Might want to look into insoles. It helps to know you have the best fit for your feet, whether you start with them or not.

[@ISuckatHiking]

Thanks for the tip!

[@andymytys]

The whole point of the ultralight movement was to lighten the pack load, making it easier to walk the trail and put in big mile days, not to mention lesson stress on the body and reduce the risk of injury. Going with a light pack allowed one to leave the boots at home and hike in trail runners. Lightweight trail runners, in turn, are comfortable and breathable and eliminate the need for camp shoes. Lots of NOBOs have camp shoes in GA. Not so many north of NY.

[@ISuckatHiking]

I am trying to get as light as possible

[@andymytys]

@@ISuckatHiking yeah, I watched your summer “what’s in my pack” video. I was surprised that it got to 15 lbs as there wasn’t a lot of extra in there. Most of the extra I saw was practical. Like your Rapide pad - that’s 10 oz more than my Therm-A-Rest NeoAir women’s pad but I also have a Rapide and know how comfortable it is. Are you going to do a “what’s in my pack” video before hitting the AT?

[@ISuckatHiking]

@@andymytys Yes, absolutely it will have all my winter set up being that I'm leaving in February. Still hope to be a 15 lb

[@stanthemanhikes2965]

Which style of Fitkicks Shoe is that? Those peak my interest thanks for sharing!

[@ISuckatHiking]

I found them on Amazon but burnt them in the 🔥

[@richeiler881]

I switched from Altras in 2021 ago on our AT hike VASTLY better traction on wet rocks.. I used the MTN racer..

[@ISuckatHiking]

Nice!

[@One-Legged-Wayne]

Whats your view on the LEMS Trailhead. (For someone with a prosthetic the company is very customizable for the customer)

[@ISuckatHiking]

I have never used them but they're expensive so you will love them 😂

[@One-Legged-Wayne]

@@ISuckatHiking 😂

[@One-Legged-Wayne]

@@ISuckatHiking I have some of their Boulder boots and they are extremely comfortable

[@chriskelly6559]

Merrill Moab low/mid.......700 miles on the A.T. then 2 years as garden shoes.

[@ISuckatHiking]

Glad that worked for you!

[@michaelboguski4743]

I wear Topo Maps hiking... Since all shoes are manufactured in Asia, I adopted Asian Foot Wrapping.... I Wrap my Feet in Topo Maps, and I'm Good to Go !

[@ISuckatHiking]

Interesting

[@kbc1883]

🤣

[@kaspersergej]

Thanks for keeping it short and consise and staying away from the never-ending bla bla other yt'er do. >> Subbscribed

[@ISuckatHiking]

Thanks for the sub!

[@jeffg3895]

Did you get the same size Topo as you did Altra? Wondering if there’s a size difference?

[@ISuckatHiking]

I did

[@philandminiphil]

Have you tried vaseline (petroleum jelly) on your feet? I lather my feet with vaseline, then wear darn tough merino wool socks. 192 miles over 11 days on Coast to Coast (UK) no blisters. Happy days!

[@ISuckatHiking]

Never tried that!

[@PapaSnurp]

Bedrock Sandals best camp and water crossing shoe out there

[@ISuckatHiking]

I will take a look

[@peek-a-moose2491]

I don't do well with toe socks. They make my toes sweat and make them feel confined. . I use neoprene kayaking shoes for water crossings....

[@ISuckatHiking]

Everyone has to figure out what works for them!

[@ahill209]

Interesting review. For me, I'd never wear any hiking shoe that's not mid height. One of the most common injuries on the Appalachian Trail is turned ankles and slips due to inadequate ankle support. A mid-height hiking shoe mitigates that. I have a pair of Salomon Ultra 4 GTX and they are the bee's knees. Super comfortable, grippy, and durable.

[@ISuckatHiking]

Well I've got 1500 mi in these type of shoes and they've worked for me

[@thebizzness]

Ankle support is a myth unless you’re wearing a hard mountaineering boot. Those ankle injuries are caused by having overloaded/unbalance packs, no core strength, and being unwilling to use poles.

[@jctoth]

Agreed! Topo’s are the bomb. No more Altra’s for me. And the Vibram soles last!

[@ISuckatHiking]

They are great

[@kevinstarski1598]

Wonder how they compare to Mountain Racer 3...

[@ISuckatHiking]

I've never tried those?

[@e2dub]

I was just over at Topo’s website. They have a comparison page. Traverse has a firmer midsole foam compared to the MTN Racer. Traverse also features a rock plate which MTN Racer lacks. Traverse should be more stable and protective since Traverse is designed for long distance hiking with the user carrying extra weight. I don’t believe the exterior of the Traverse is waterproof as it seems this reviewer said, but instead the insole is a designed to not absorb water as to allow for faster drainage after getting wet. MTN Racer is billed as a softer and more sensitive, ie designed for speed and sensitivity but not for carrying extra weight.

[@doubledgaming4032]

I've heard that if you had water resistant shoe they are actually harder to dry as you hike. What is your experience with the insole being water resistant and drying out?

[@ISuckatHiking]

The rest of the shoe is designed to vent and dry quickly. The insoles just won't absorb water helping the drying process even further!

[@doubledgaming4032]

@@ISuckatHiking That sounds great! Thanks for the reply.

[@emilianomunoztorres5079]

What?? Bad feedback with Adidas?? Did you tried ones with Continental soles? Vibram is a really reeeeeaaally bad sole. Continental grip is TOP and durability also top. And something like the Free Hiker with boost midsole is so comfy. Please, test some of these and you will see….

[@ISuckatHiking]

Never heard of them

[@sinepari9160]

the la sportiva spire..

[@ISuckatHiking]

Nice

[@jimreadey4837]

This video should have way more likes.

[@ISuckatHiking]

Thanks that's a huge compliment! The channel is only 6 months old but we are getting there.

[@jimreadey4837]

@@ISuckatHiking 😇 🙏🏻

[@quentin_legal]

For socks there are two types two absolutely avoid. Wollen and synthetic. Leaves cotton as the best possible choice. Just like for t-shirts. Dont fall into the crap advertisements for synthetics. just like for shoes leather is the best option. Do not believe the marketing crap of fleece and gore-tex

[@paulconnelly640]

There is no "best shoe for the Appalachian Trail". There is a best shoe for you.

[@ISuckatHiking]

Exactly I was sharing the process of what it took to find what works for me

[@paulconnelly640]

@@ISuckatHiking maybe edit the video title then!

[@davidfence6939]

​@@paulconnelly640You should quit crying about it. 😂

[@techguy9023]

@@paulconnelly640clickbait title

[@DanielOutdoors]

Agree, because Topo Terraventure totally screw up my hikes and got recommended Altra Instead. I just love my Altra Olympus. Better gaiter system, fantastic traction durable vibram more cushion, highly ventilated, good cord, zerodrop for strenght knees and ancles and Wide toe box.

[@15halerobert]

It’s simple. Cotton is death

[@ISuckatHiking]

True