Best Hiking Shoes For Angels Landing – 2026 Reviews

This is the #1 feature. Angels Landing’s sandstone can be deceptively slick, especially if it’s dry and sandy or has morning dew. You need an outsole with deep, multi-directional lugs made of a sticky rubber compound. Look for terms like ‘multi-directional traction’ or ‘grippy rubber.’ Flat, smooth soles meant for city walking are an accident waiting to happen on the Refrigerator Canyon switchbacks.

This is a personal choice based on your ankle strength. Mid-to-high-top boots provide crucial lateral support to prevent rolls on uneven steps, which can be a trip-ender. Low-top shoes or hiking sandals offer more agility and freedom, which some prefer for the scrambling sections. If you have a history of ankle issues, lean towards the support of a boot.

It gets hot in Zion. Shoes with good mesh panels or open designs (like sandals) allow heat and sweat to escape, keeping your feet cooler and reducing blister risk. A waterproof but breathable membrane (like in the top picks) is ideal-it keeps morning moisture out while still venting sweat.

The trail is rocky. Your shoes need a reinforced toe bumper to protect against stubs and a sturdy enough construction to shield the top of your foot from scrapes. This is where flimsy sneakers and water shoes fail spectacularly.

Your feet will swell on the climb. You should have about a thumb’s width of space in front of your longest toe. Your heel must be securely locked in place to prevent slipping and blisters. Always try shoes on with the hiking socks you plan to wear. For the chain sections, you need precise control, which comes from a secure, non-sloppy fit.

For a dry-weather hike, breathability is more important. For early starts or shoulder-season trips, waterproof shoes are invaluable for crossing wet patches and hiking in morning dew. The hybrid alternative is a quick-drying sandal or shoe that doesn’t hold water if you do get wet.

Do not wear brand-new shoes on Angels Landing. This is the most important tip. Wear them for at least a few shorter walks, preferably on some uneven ground, to mold the footbed and soften any stiff spots. A blister on the first set of switchbacks will ruin your entire day.

You can, but it depends heavily on the shoe. A rugged trail runner with an aggressive, grippy outsole and a protective toe cap might be sufficient for an experienced, sure-footed hiker. However, most general-purpose trail runners lack the lateral ankle support and underfoot protection from sharp rocks that a dedicated hiking shoe provides. For the average hiker, the extra security of a hiking boot or shoe is highly recommended.

Quality hiking sandals with a closed toe, adjustable heel strap, and rugged sole (like the KEEN Hyperport H2) are a surprisingly safe and popular choice, especially in summer. The key advantages are unbeatable breathability and quick-drying ability. The closed toe protects from stubs, and a secure strap system prevents your foot from sliding around. The trade-off is less ankle support and protection from fine debris. If you’re comfortable in them and the weather is dry, they’re a fantastic option.

It’s a valuable feature but not an absolute necessity for a dry-weather summer hike. Its primary benefit is for early morning starts when the trail may be damp with dew or if there have been recent rains that left puddles. Waterproof shoes will keep your feet dry in these conditions. If you’re hiking in the heat of the day on a dry trail, a highly breathable, non-waterproof shoe might be more comfortable.

Two mistakes tie for first place: wearing brand-new, unbroken shoes and choosing footwear based on fashion over function (like flat-soled canvas sneakers or flimsy water shoes). The former guarantees blisters. The latter provides zero grip on slickrock and no protection from the rocky trail, turning a challenging hike into a genuinely hazardous one. Respect the trail and your safety by wearing appropriate, tested footwear.