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 hit the trail just a little bit. And, therefore, it’s likely that you’re going to be searching for the best hiking shoes for the Grand Canyon.
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.
Whether you’re visiting the Grand Canyon in the winter or the summer, whether you’re heading to the popular South Rim or the lesser-visited North Rim and whether you’re only interested in doing a mild rim hike or a far more strenuous trek into the canyon itself, finding the best hiking boots for the Grand Canyon is an absolute must. There are countless Grand Canyon hiking shoes on the market and weeding out the best choice for your trip can be tricky.
So if you’re planning a trip to this incredible feat of nature and are searching for the absolute best shoes for Grand Canyon hiking or just mild walking, then you’ve come to the right place.
Best Shoes for Grand Canyon Comparison
What to Look For
Before I jump right into the best shoes for the Grand Canyon, I do need to talk about what kind of shoes to look for. Because everyone has different needs and everyone’s trips 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 the shoes with more breatheable 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.
Hiking Shoes for the Grand Canyon
Without further ado, these are the best shoes for hiking in the Grand Canyon. Whatever the season or your plans in this amazing national park, these boots are sure to make your feet feel happy!
Every shoe mentioned on this list have unisex options, meaning that there are both men’s and women’s versions available.
Saloman OUTline GTX
The Saloman OUTline GTX shoes (also available on REI here) are lightweight and comfortable hiking shoes are an absolutely perfect option if you’re looking for the ideal shoe 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.
Equipped with Gore-tex to keep them waterproof, there is also an advanced, orthopaedic footbed that uses air cushioning to keep your food nice and cool. The lightweight fabric ensures breathability, meaning that this is a great shoe for hot Arizona summers.
So if you’re looking for the perfect shoe for Grand Canyon hiking, then the Saloman OUTlne GTX is a great choice for you!
Men’s versions of this shoe are available at Amazon, at REI or at Zappos.
The North Face Escape
The North Face Trail Escape (also available on Zappos here) shoes are simply the best of both worlds and are a strong contender for the best shoes for hiking in the Grand Canyon.
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.
So, if you’re looking for a very comfortable, durable and stylish pair of hiking shoes, then consider picking up a pair of North Face Trail Escape.
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, these shoes may well be the best hiking shoes for the Grand Canyon.
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.
All in all, if you really can’t go wrong with bringing a pair of Merrell Alverstone Waterproof on your trip to the Grand Canyon.
A men’s version of this shoe is available at Amazon or at Zappos.
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 reinforced with Gore-tex, meaning that they’re fully waterproof, however, the mesh uppers make that 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.
So if you’re looking for perfect Grand Canyon hiking shoes, consider the La Sportiva Spire GTX shoes.
Men’s versions are available at Amazon and at Zappos.
Hiking Boots for the Grand Canyon
If you prefer to wear hiking boots rather than shoes for your Grand Canyon trip, here some top choices.
Merrell Moab
The Merrell Moab (also available on REI here or available on Zappos here).is one of Merrells most popular hiking boot styles from one of the most prominent makers of hiking shoes in the world, so that means it has well earned its place on this list of the best hiking boots for the Grand Canyon.
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 reinforces 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 incredible supportive and comfortable and the soles have great gripping abilities.
All in all, the Merrell Moab is a fantastic hiking boot in general, meaning that it’s perfect to bring to the Grand Canyon, as well.
Men’s versions are available at Amazon, at REI and at Zappos.
Columbia Newton Ridge
If you’re looking for a perfect hiking boot for the Grand Canyon 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.
All in all, if you’re after a supportive and waterproof hiking boot for the Grand Canyon, then the Columbia Newton Ridge is a fantastic choice for you!
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 ensure 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.
In summation, the Timberland Chocorua Trail boots are a fantastic option for hiking in the Grand Canyon.
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-March, you’ll find that the Timberland Earthkeepers Mt Maddsen 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 or even what the best hiking boots and shoes for the Grand Canyon are can seem daunting, but there are a number of great options to choose from.
Are you looking for the best boots for Grand Canyon hiking? 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?