If you’re planning a trip to the Grand Canyon, it is likely that you’re also planning on doing a bit of hiking or walking around while you’re there. If you want to get the most out of the canyon and experience the best views, you’re going to have to make sure you have some great hiking shoes!
There is nothing worse than having sore and uncomfortable feet while exploring one of Earth’s most spectacular natural sites and having the proper footwear is absolutely essential for this.
So if you’re planning a trip to this incredible feat of nature and are searching for the absolute best shoes for hiking or just mild walking, then you’ve come to the right place.
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Shoes for Grand Canyon Comparison
What to Look For in Shoes
Because everyone has different needs and everyone’s trip to the Grand Canyon is unique, there are different kinds of shoes that need to be considered, as well.
The first thing that you may need to consider is what season you’re visiting in. For the most part, this isn’t something that needs major consideration as it’s generally pretty dry and mild up at the Grand Canyon, but if you’re visiting in wintertime, there are a few more considerations that you’re going to need to take into account.
Though the Grand Canyon is located in Arizona which is known for its hot desert climate, you do need to realise the winter at the Grand Canyon can get very cold, snowy and icy! Therefore, it’s going to be pretty necessary to make sure you have good, warm, non-slip shoes with a great grip!
All of the shoes on this list are equipped with great, non-slip soles, however, there are some that are better for the winter months than others.
Especially if you plan on doing some proper hiking on one of the many trails that wind into the Canyon, then you’re going to want to make sure that your boots are equipped for snow and ice along with being comfortable.
Conversely, if you’re visiting in the peak of summer, you should know that it gets quite hot at the Grand Canyon, therefore, you’re going to want to keep an eye out for shoes that are lightweight and breathable so that your foot remains cool and comfortable.
Hot feet can lead to the rest of your body overheating, so keep an eye out for shoes with more breathable material and features that are included in this list.
And finally, you need to consider what kind of activity you plan to do while you’re at the Grand Canyon.
For instance, if you plan to hike into the canyon, then you’re likely going to want a hiking boot rather than a hiking shoe. It can be a fairly strenuous hike and you’re going to want to ankle support that only a hiking boot can offer.
If you’re only planning on doing some easy walks or going on the less strenuous hiking trails, but still plan to be on your feet for most of your time at the Grand Canyon, then hiking shoes are going to be a good choice for you.
These don’t offer the same kind of support as a boot, however, they are lighter weight and have great support and grip for some easy-to-moderate hikes.
Best Hiking Shoes for the Grand Canyon
Every shoe mentioned on this list has unisex options, meaning that there are both men’s and women’s versions available.
Saloman Outpulse
The Saloman Outpulse shoes are lightweight and comfortable hiking shoes are an absolutely perfect option for the Grand Canyon.
Equipped with a thick, gripping sole, advanced comfort system and waterproof technology, these shoes are perfect for those who want to do a bit of trail walking but don’t want to go all out on a hiking boot.
The lightweight fabric ensures breathability, meaning that this is a great shoe for hot Arizona summers.
Men’s versions of this shoe are available at Amazon.
The North Face Truckee
The North Face Truckee (also available on Zappos here) shoes are simply the best of both worlds if you’re looking to combine a hiking shoe and a casual pair of shoes.
They are perfect for those looking for a more stylish hiking shoe that they can easily wear while traipsing around a city and are also great if you’re looking for a summer shoe of the Grand Canyon.
These shoes are lightweight and very breathable, but also have fantastic traction and are great for trudging through lots of different terrains, meaning that they’re perfect for both a paved rim walk along the canyon’s edge and a bit of a moderate hike inside the canyon and the surrounding easy trails.
Men’s versions of this shoe are also available at Amazon or at Zappos.
Merrell Women’s Alverstone Waterproof
If you’re looking for a hiking shoe that is almost as good as a hiking boot but is still lightweight, waterproof durable and breathable, then the Merrell Alverstone Waterproof (also available at Zappos here) is an excellent option for you.
Equipped with a mesh upper reinforced with suede leather and an advanced footbed, they are also complete with a fantastic rubber-gripping sole. These shoes are incredibly breathable and are sure to keep your feet cool and dry even in the hottest of conditions.
The shock-absorbing sole is also perfect for more high-impact hiking and, though there is no ankle support, these may even be a good shoe to take on a more strenuous hike into the canyon itself.
A men’s version of this shoe is available at Amazon.
La Sportiva Spire GTX
The La Sportiva Spire GTX is a lightweight running-style hiking shoe that is perfect for those planning a trip to Grand Canyon National Park.
This breathable mesh shoe is equipped with countless features that make it is a great option for those looking for a cool, practical and durable shoe to take with them on their trip.
These shoes are reinforced with Gore-tex, meaning that they’re fully waterproof, however, the mesh uppers make them comfortable and breathable, meaning that your feet will be kept cool and dry even in the scorching heat of summer.
There is an advanced footbed, ensuring comfort, and a fantastic state-of-the-art traction to reduce slipping and making sure that you can grip even the slickest of rocks.
Men’s versions are available at Amazon and at Zappos.
Best Hiking Boots for the Grand Canyon
If you prefer to wear hiking boots rather than shoes for your Grand Canyon trip, here are some top choices.
Merrell Moab
The Merrell Moab (also available on REI here or available on Zappos here).is one of Merrell’s most popular hiking boot styles and made from one of the most prominent makers of hiking shoes in the world.
These boots are shockingly lightweight, have a remarkable fit and great support for both your feet and your ankles, making them ideal for longer hikes.
The uppers are made from a breathable mesh reinforced with suede that is fully waterproof, meaning that it can keep moisture out while still painting a dry and light feel on your feet.
The advanced footbed is incredibly supportive and comfortable and the soles have great gripping abilities.
Men’s versions are available at Amazon, REI or Zappos.
Columbia Newton Ridge
If you’re looking for a perfect hiking boot that’s ideal outside of the summer months, then the Columbia Newton Ridge (also available on Zappos here or direct from Columbia here) is a fantastic option for you.
This waterproof hiking boot is incredibly durable and comfortable and it is sure to suit you well on your trip.
It is equipped with a durable leather upper, and the inside is made from a breathable mesh. The footbed cradles the foot offering both comfort and support and the rubber sole offer fantastic traction, perfect for slippery trails and steep slopes.
Men’s versions of this hiking boot are available at Amazon, at Columbia or at Zappos.
Timberland Chocorua Trail
If you’re looking for some great hiking boots for the Grand Canyon, then the Timberland Chocorua Trail (also available on Zappos here) boots are a great option.
Offering unbeatable support and durable leather uppers, these boots are very comfortable and also fully waterproof, meaning that they’re great for Grand Canyon winters, as well.
Reinforced with Gore-tex, these boots are made of a combination of durable leather and breathable mesh, keep water from getting in while also ensuring that your boot can breathe and remains dry. The soles have great grip and are also shock-absorbent, meaning that they can withstand a lot of wear.
Men’s versions of this shoe are available at Amazon or at Zappos.
Timberland Earthkeepers Mt Maddsen
Finally, if you’re visiting the Grand Canyon in the heart of winter and want the ideal boot for the terrain that will come with the season, then the Timberland Earthkeepers Mt Maddsen (also available at REI here or available at Zappos here) boots are a perfect option.
These leather boots have a sleek look and are incredibly well-made and waterproof, perfect for the winter season.
Equipped with advanced gripping technology in the sole, sleek, stylish and functional leather uppers, and complete waterproofing, it doesn’t matter if you’ll be hiking through ice and snow in these boots! They also offer a lot of arch and ankle support and are surprisingly lightweight for all they can do.
So, if you’re visiting the Grand Canyon between the months of November and March, you’ll find that these boots are the perfect shoes to bring!
Men’s versions of this boot are available at Amazon, at REI or at Zappos.
Figuring out what shoes to wear to the Grand Canyon can seem daunting, but there are a number of great options to choose from no matter what type of traveller you are!
Are you looking for boots or shoes for your visit to the Grand Canyon? Have you been to the Grand Canyon before? Let us know in the comments!
When I talked to REI customer service, they said the Merrell Accentor 2 Ventilator Waterproof Hiking Shoes was the best bet for under $100. Do you have any opinion on these shoes?