The Smoky Mountains are beautiful but rugged places to hike. In this resource guide on the best hiking shoes, we list the best hiking shoes for the Smoky Mountains, so you can choose the perfect pair for your next trip.
If you’re looking for a challenging hike, the Smokies is the perfect place. Offering more than 800 miles of hiking routes, including some of the most difficult and highest-elevation portions of the Appalachian Trail.
This is why when hiking in the Smoky Mountains, you want a shoe that will give you good traction on the trails. You also want a shoe that is comfortable and has good support and grip on every step.
Keep scrolling to check out the best hiking shoes for the Smoky Mountains.
What Do I Need To Go Hiking In The Smoky Mountains?
To go hiking in the Smoky Mountains, you must have the proper gear. It’s also important to know what time of year you’re visiting, as the weather can vary significantly from one season to the next.
For example, winter hikers will need to pack extra layers of clothing and insulation.
We’ve rounded up the things you need if you plan to go hiking in the Smokies.
- Navigation- Trail maps and a compass are always essential, even on the so-called shortest trails, signs, and trail markers have been moved or damaged.
- Water, water, and more water! I can’t stress this enough. Your kids will not make it without enough water, and frankly, neither will you. I don’t care how short the trail is. The absolute BEST INVESTMENT I have made in hiking gear was when we purchased kids’ hydration packs. I also purchased an Osprey Hydration Pack for myself and love it. This single purchase was the difference between the quarter-mile hike and the 7-mile hike I mentioned previously. The great thing about the Camelbak Mini Mule and Scout is that they come with age-appropriate storage space for those all-important snacks. You will be surprised what a kid will do to earn a handful of skittles!
- Merino Wool Socks! Trust me, you will thank me for introducing you to these. Before we began hiking with the kids, I had NO IDEA HOW GREAT WOOL SOCKS are! I’ll be honest, after we began wearing wool socks to hike, I came home and replaced all my daily wear socks with wool. Yes, they are that great. Don’t believe me? Well, try them for yourself. DarnTough (made in America…yay!) or SmartWool are great options.
- Hiking Clothes- I am in favor of simplifying my packing on all my trips, whether they be National Parks vacations, beach trips, or camping. Here are a few of my favorites. I generally just search for similar items for the kids as well. You can shop my Amazon store to get a better idea of all my favorites.
- Snacks– Okay, I know this is a no-brainer, but just trying to be complete here. My kids have nut allergies, so I have to be creative, but we always bring Skittles for that added incentive of going when we can’t go anymore. Of course, we bring healthy snacks, like Quest protein bars for the non-nut allergic crew, and Enjoy Life Trail Mix for the others.
- High SPF Sunscreen– I admit, I am not the best at this, but with kids and lots of allergies, we found that Badger Brand sunscreen is the only sunscreen the entire family can use, and we love it.
- Insect repellent- you don’t want to be the feast of the mosquitoes and other insects while on the trail. Be sure not to forget your insect repellent, especially when hiking with kids
And the most important thing that you need if you’re hiking in the Smokies is a great hiking shoe. Be sure to read the buying guide below as we have listed the different hiking shoes that will suit the Appalachian trail.
Best Hiking Shoes for The Smoky Mountains
If you want a shoe that performs better than the competition on technical trails, the Altra Lone Peak is your best bet. The Altra Lone Peak is a shoe to lace up, lightweight has exceptional grip and traction, and has a responsive feel.
Features:
- Rubber sole
- The heel measures approximately 1"
- Weight: 10.5 oz / 298 g
- Insole: 5 mm Contour Footbed
- Midsole: Dual Layer EVA / A-Bound with StoneGuard
- Outsole: MaxTrac Rubber with TrailClaw
Pros:
- Wide toe box
- Extremely Light
- Responsive
- Simpler Lacing System
- Excellent Traction
Cons:
- Others complain of uncomfortability
- Not totally waterproof
The Hoka Speedgoat 5 has been updated with Vibram® Megagrip with Traction Lugs that suits the trails of The Smokies! Check it out!
Features:
- Extended heel pull aids in easy on/off
- Recycled polyester laces
- Protective toe ends
- Molded EVA sock liners add comfort
- Vibram Megagrip outsoles feature Vibram Traction Lug for increased traction and stability; 5 mm lugs
Pros:
- Grippy
- Responsive
- Stable
- Durable
- Protective
- Light
- Secure fit
- Excellent heel hold
Cons:
- Not for wide feet
With its sturdy construction and aggressive tooth-like treads, the venerable Salomon Speedcross 4 will support you as you navigate any bumpy path or muddy terrain of the Smoky Mountains. These tough shoes are a staple for trail running and continue to be a favorite among obstacle course runners worldwide because of their exceptional traction.
Features:
- Aggressive Grip: The fourth generation of our legendary Speedcross lug pattern is an even hungrier monster for eating up soft, technical trails
- Precise Foothold: Feel one with the trail with a precise combination of Sensifit with Quicklace, performance last shape, and endoFit; For wet and dirty terrain trail
- OUTSOLE: Wet Traction Contagrip. Sockliner; Molded EVA, EVA-shaped footbed, and ortholite
- MIDSOLE: Molded EVA / Lightweight Muscle / injected EVA
Pros:
- Wide toe box
- The heel support is comfortable
- The bottom grips are proficient
- The lacing system stays locked
Cons:
- Some users report it can get a bit hot since the shoe is not super breathable.
The Moab 3 by Merrell is a good example of the adage "third times a charm." This third-generation Moab hiker will undoubtedly inspire you to exert incredible persistence while enticing your feet with plushness all over. The Moab 3 is not only magnificent in practically every manner, but it also offers the best affordability and value for money.
Features:
- Rubber sole
- The heel measures approximately 1"
- Pigskin leather and mesh upper
- 100% recycled laces and webbing
- Bellow's tongue keeps out debris
- Protective toe cap
- 100% recycled mesh lining
- Kinetic Fit ADVANCED
- Merrell Air Cushion in the heel absorbs shock and adds stability
- Lightweight EVA foam
Pros:
- Excellent comfortability
- Boss-level support
- Cranked-up adhesion
- Zero break-in
- Fantastic cushioning
- Easy to clean
Cons:
- Mud magnet (outsole)
- Not quite sleek-looking
The Salomon X Ultra 4 Gore-Tex hiking shoe stands out as one of the best options for exploring the Smoky Mountains due to its unique features tailored specifically for women's feet. The shoe incorporates a softer cuff and an anatomical design that cradles your feet, providing superior comfort even on long, challenging hikes.
The lower density Advanced Chassis™ offers enhanced stability, a critical feature when navigating the uneven terrains of the Smoky Mountains. Additionally, these shoes come with GORE-TEX protection, ensuring they remain waterproof and breathable.
Features:- Rubber sole
- Mid-cut GORE-TEX
- Lower density ADV-C Chassis
- Softer cuff
- Contagrip MA outsole
- Lightweight
- Reasonable price
- Waterproof
- Excellent traction
- Women-specific hiking shoes
- Comfortable right out of the box
- Wide toe box
- Bulky laces
Smoky Mountains 7-Day Itinerary
I understand how difficult it can be to plan a trip, especially if it’s your first time going. That’s why I created this 7-day itinerary for the Smoky Mountains. It outlines all of the best places to go in the area and comes with insider tips that will save you a lot of stress–trust me, they saved me when I was planning my own trip!
- Our 7-day itinerary takes you to the best places in the Smoky Mountains.
- You’ll get to see all the best sights and attractions with driving directions
- The itinerary is designed to show you the most scenic routes.
- Packing Checklist for every season.
- You’ll have everything you need to make the most of your trip.
- Insider Tips!
Here’s a quick overview of our Smoky Mountains 7-Day Itinerary.
- Day 1: Cades Cove Loop
- Day 2: Rich Mountain Road
- Day 3: Cataloochee Valley
- Day 4: Newfound Gap Road
- Day 5: Roaring Fork Motor Trail
- Day 6: Little River Road
- Day6: Foothills Parkway
Get This FREE Smoky Mountains Checklist Today!
Related Hiking Resources
MORE RELATED RESOURCES
If you had a good time hiking in the Smokies, especially since the weather is getting cooler, you also have to check out these other US National Parks in the Fall.
If you’re looking for lodging in Gatlinburg, check out our newly renovated cabin in Gatlinburg that’s ready for reservations. With a pool table, a hot tub, and breathtaking scenery, this 5-Bedroom cabin will make you want to stay for one more day.