Hudson Valley recommendations are objective, unbiased, and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you.
When it comes to hiking the Hudson Valley, you have to come prepared for pretty much anything. From muddy trail conditions to unexpected bouldering challenges, the region’s mountains and state parks can be unforgiving at times. That’s why it’s important to show up in the right footwear.
We reached out to Pitch Pine Outfitters in Gardiner and Old Souls in Cold Spring and Livingston Manor for expert recommendations on top hiking shoes for the Valley’s terrain. The outdoor equipment shops shared with us a variety of shoe options, from boots to sneakers to waterproof materials, so you’re ready for wherever your hiking adventures take you.
Hiking Shoes
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Danner Trail 2650 Campo
Amazon: Men’s Trail 2650 Campo, Women’s Trail 2650 Campo
Local shopping: Pitch Pine Outfitters, Gardiner
For a breathable and light shoe on the trail, grab a pair of Danner Trail 2650 Campos. Quality and craftsmanship are Danner’s main focus, so you can hike happy knowing you’ll be secure in this shoe.
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Lowa Renegade GTX
Amazon: Men’s Renegade GTX, Women’s Renegade GTX
Local shopping: Men’s Renegade GTX, Women’s Renegade GTX
An award-winning on-trail hiking and light backpacking shoe for over 25 years, the Lowa Renegade GTX is about all-day comfort with Gortex lining and a DuraPu and Monowrap frame construction. Not only that, but the shoe has a minimal break-in period, making it ideal for long hikes off the bat.
Trail-Running Shoes
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La Sportiva Bushido
Amazon: Men’s Bushido, Women’s Bushido
La Sportiva: Men’s Bushido, Women’s Bushido
Local shopping: Pitch Pine Outfitters, Gardiner
Handmade in a small mountain town at the base of the Dolomites in Italy, La Sportiva hasn’t been in business for 93 years for nothing. The brand’s Bushido hiking shoe is a technical trail-running sneaker with breathability for the warm weather.
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Lowa Fortux GTX
Amazon: Men’s Fortux GTX, Women’s Fortux GTX
Local shopping: Men’s Fortux GTX, Women’s Fortux GTX
A go-to trail shoe and everyday wear for Old Souls’ general manager William Gipe, the Lowa Fortux GTX is designed for distance trail running, ultra-marathons, and speed hiking. The Fortux GTX is “loaded with features like a speed lace and a smooth rocker that provides a natural rolling motion every step of the way,” says Gipe.
Waterproof Shoes
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Danner Trail 2650
Amazon: Men’s Trail 2650, Women’s Trail 2650
Local shopping: Pitch Pine Outfitters, Gardiner
This hiking shoe from Danner is not only lightweight and waterproof, but it provides stability on varying terrain. In a place like the Hudson Valley, mixed terrain is almost certain on the trails, so the Trail 2650 is a perfect pickup.
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Merrell Moab 3 Waterproof
Amazon: Men’s Moab 3, Women’s Moab 3
Merrell: Men’s Moab 3, Women’s Moab 3
Local shopping: Men’s Moab 3, Women’s Moab 3
The number-one hiking boot in the world, the Merrell Moab 3 will get you the most bang for your buck when it comes to trail shoes. Well under $200, the waterproof shoe is made for trails with lots of obstacles, heavy debris, and frequent speed, direction, and vertical changes.
