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Best Hiking Shoes for Trails in the Caribbean

Endless Caribbean - Best Hiking Shoes

If you are going hiking in the Caribbean, you should protect your feet from all types of terrain with the best hiking shoes on the market.

Hiking is one of those activities that builds upon a love for nature or fitness or both. I’m not a fan of walking or strenuous exercise but I’ve gone hiking in the Caribbean on a few occasions. They were beautiful experiences because I saw the untouched beauty of the islands and found a different level of peace. However, I made several mistakes that were very painful and had long lasting effects.

One of the biggest mistakes that I made was not wearing the right shoes. Some of the hiking trails in the Caribbean are very rugged and can take a toll on your feet and legs. When you wear the wrong shoes, your feet and legs bear the brunt of the impact. Hiking requires footwear that protects all parts of your feet from all types of terrain. The best hiking boots will be gentle enough on the soles of your feet, but strong enough to traverse through the roughest trail without failing.


What are the Best Hiking Shoes?

Finding a quality pair of hiking shoes is recommended if you are heading to the Caribbean to go trekking. Many of the top destinations for hiking in the Caribbean have steep hills and mountains. These hills and mountains are interspersed with flat, bushy plains; gullies; jungles; rainforests; waterfalls; ponds; springs; and rivers. So, when you purchase a pair of hiking shoes, they should be able to withstand the demands of these various terrains.

The best hiking shoes for trekking in the Caribbean are:

  1. Salomon X Ultra 3 Mid GTX
  2. La Sportiva Spire GTX
  3. Lowa Renegade GTX Mid
  4. Adidas Outdoor Terrex AX3
  5. Scarpa Zodiac Plus GTX

Salomon X Ultra 3 Mid GTX

The Salomon X Ultra 3 Mid GTX is waterproof shoe that is designed to tackle all terrains. The soft foam insoles are a welcome comfort for the feet which benefit from the bonus padding. Overall, the shoe is lightweight and comfortable and for the price, it is a quality hiking product. Although this boot is a bit slimmer than its predecessor, the Salomon X Ultra 2, it performs just as well and looks very similar.

Weight (Per Shoe): 380 grams
Shoe Type: Boot
Where to Buy: Amazon
What We Like: Lightweight; Waterproof; Strong grip
What We Don’t Like: Underfoot protection is weak

La Sportiva Spire GTX

The La Sportiva Spire GTX is one of the best hiking boots because it is versatile, durable and provides good traction. One of the noticeable features is that it looks like a strong running shoe. However, it is built to provide support for hikers and long-distance trekkers who want a lightweight option. Hiking shoes need traction, and the La Sportiva delivers with Vibram’s XS-Trek compound. Although it is pricier that other similar shoes like the Salomon X Ultra 4 Gore-Tex, it is a good buy.

Weight (Per Shoe): 460 grams
Type: Shoe
Where to Buy: Amazon
What We Like: Supportive ankle collar; Stable sole; Water resistant
What We Don’t Like: Expensive price tag; Built with lightweight materials

Lowa Renegade GTX Mid

The Lowa Renegade GTX Mid is an award-winning top-rated hiking boot that offers support to your entire foot. It features a rugged style that has a mid-cut design which supports the ankles well. Although the boot requires breaking in, this does not detract from its ability to grip challenging terrain. The Lowa is available in narrow, medium, and wide widths. The manufacturers recommend an easy-to-follow maintenance routine to preserve the quality and life of the boots.

Weight (Per Shoe): 553 grams
Type: Boot
Where to Buy: Amazon
What We Like: Waterproof liner; Strong grip on challenging terrain
What We Don’t Like: Expensive price tag

Adidas Outdoor Terrex AX3

The Adidas Outdoor Terrex AX3 is a flexible hiking shoe that is sturdy enough for easier trails in the Caribbean. Although it looks like a sneaker, the below-the-ankle shoe is very attractive and provides comfort to the foot. It is built with a solid Continental outsole that latches on to rough surfaces. Additionally, the Terrex AX3 is a lightweight shoe that allows the foot to breathe even as you tackle challenging trails.

Weight (Per Shoe): 355 grams
Type: Shoe
Where to Buy: Amazon
What We Like: Affordable; Solid construction
What We Don’t Like: Lacks rigidity required for harsher terrain

Scarpa Zodiac Plus GTX

Often described as a mountain boot, the Scarpa Zodiac Plus GTX is a good option for hiking in the Caribbean. It performs extremely well in rocky terrain and long-distance treks. The strength of this boot lies in its stability and traction, which are required for difficult trails through mountains and hills. However, to achieve this, a bit of a compromise was made on comfort. Nevertheless, the Scarpa has a firm sole that can attack both hard and soft surfaces, which gives you peace of mind as you trek along.

Weight (Per Shoe): 567 grams
Type: Boot
Where to Buy: Amazon
What We Like: Water resistant; High performance; Sturdy rubber sole
What We Don’t Like: Expensive price tag; Fits wider than usual hiking shoes; Very stiff


Further Reading

For more suggestions on the best hiking shoes that can be used for hiking trails in the Caribbean, check out the links below:

NBC News: Best Hiking Footwear for Men and Women
Travel + Leisure: These Are the Best Hiking Shoes and Boots
Upgraded Points: The 26 Best Hiking Boots and Shoes for Men & Women
World of Waterfalls: What Are The Best Shoes For Hiking In Water
Salomon: How to Choose Your Hiking Boots
Switchback Travel: Best Hiking Boots
Outdoor Gear Lab: Best Hiking Boots for Men
Advnture: The Best Hiking Boots: For Supreme Comfort and Performance on the Trails

Pinterest Blog Pin Best Hiking Shoes

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