I Always Bring These Comfortable, Versatile Sneakers for Sightseeing and Light Hiking on My Travels

As an enthusiastic trail runner, I love enhancing my trips by discovering local trails. When it comes to selecting the ideal running shoes to take along, I focus on a few essential factors: a perfect mix of durability, traction, and comfort. Trails can be unpredictable, especially when venturing onto new paths, so I look for shoes with tough, grippy outsoles that perform well in both wet and dry conditions. While cushioning is vital, I also need a shoe that isn’t overly rigid — it should absorb impact while still allowing me to sense the ground for quick adjustments. Additionally, stability and a snug fit are crucial, particularly on technical trails; I want a shoe that offers solid lateral support and a protective upper to keep debris out, all while ensuring my feet stay cool. Finally, I’ve discovered the perfect shoe that meets all these criteria (and more!): the Saucony Hurricane 24.

Saucony Hurricane 24

What truly convinced me to choose this shoe is the brand's unique “PWRRUN+” midsole. It offers a soft, comfortable sensation without feeling excessively squishy, and I appreciate the slight bounce it adds to my step. The Saucony Hurricane 24 features an extended frame for enhanced stability and alignment, making my runs feel more controlled, particularly on uneven ground. Additionally, the mesh upper promotes breathability, keeping my feet cool during warm weather. I was also impressed by the durability of the outsole; the rubber provides excellent grip on various surfaces, and even after many miles, they still appear and feel robust. The subtle reflective strips on the shoes help increase visibility on the trail, especially when running at dawn or dusk. Plus, these shoes are incredibly lightweight (under 10 ounces), making them easy to pack for my travels. 

In summary, the Saucony Hurricane 24 has been an excellent addition to my running gear. This shoe delivers the cushioning and stability I need, making it reliable for both short and long runs. I also appreciate the variety of muted color options, allowing me to wear them on and off the trail — I highly recommend trying them out. 

If you're on the hunt for more versatile trail running shoes that are great for traveling, here are 10 of my top recommendations.

Altra Experience Wild Trail Women’s Running Shoes 

Altra shoes are celebrated for their spacious toe boxes, providing ample room for a comfortable run on both trails and gravel. The stylish polyester knit mesh upper ensures breathability, keeping your feet cool. One reviewer praised their versatility, sharing, “I wore them over a few weeks for weekend errands, a quick hike at the state park, and walks with my boys. They were ideal for exercise and cute enough for a summer dress.” Weighing just 8.7 ounces, these lightweight trail running shoes are easy to pack for your travels.

Hoka Speedgoat 6 Women’s Trail Running Shoes 

The Speedgoat is among the most sought-after Hoka models, and this sixth version is a lightweight, high-performance trail shoe crafted for challenging terrains. It features ultralight cushioning for enhanced responsiveness and an outsole equipped with 5mm lugs for excellent traction on both wet and dry surfaces. Weighing in at just 8.2 ounces (for the women’s version), these shoes are ready for any adventure right from the start.

Salomon Speedcross 6 Women’s Trail-running Shoes 

These Salomon shoes excel in trail running and hiking, offering optimal cushioning to tackle rocky and steep paths while keeping your feet secure to prevent slipping. Their outsole features deep, sharp lugs that provide excellent grip, even on wet surfaces, making unfamiliar trails less daunting. Additionally, Salomon's quick lace closure utilizes a sturdy, minimalistic lace for easy one-pull tightening, allowing for quick on and off. One reviewer noted a preference for these over traditional hiking boots, especially for longer treks. Certain colors, like Orchid Petal and Moonscape, are currently 25 percent off.

Nortiv 8 Women's Hiking Shoes 

These ultra-lightweight women's hiking shoes, weighing just 8.9 ounces, feature a breathable mesh and vegan leather upper for optimal comfort and airflow. The rubber outsole provides excellent traction across various terrains, while the mesh-covered insole delivers cushioning and arch support. With their stylish design, these Nortiv 8 shoes are perfect for hiking, camping, and other outdoor adventures.

Brooks Cascadia 18 Women’s Trail-running Shoes 

This highly-rated Brooks shoe features robust, quick-drying mesh uppers with protective overlays and toe caps. It includes an integrated midsole, a rock plate, and zonal outsole pods, all designed to ensure stability across various terrains. Numerous satisfied customers report that the shoe fits true to size and transitions seamlessly from the box to the trail without needing any break-in time.

Merrell Agility Peak 5 Women’s Trail-running Shoes 

Merrell shoes are renowned for their stability, and the Agility Peak 5 certainly lives up to that reputation. This revamped model features sculpted heel cups for enhanced comfort and recycled mesh linings for breathability. It even includes built-in odor control, making it the ideal shoe for both trails and urban environments. Available in six understated color options, it suits a variety of occasions.

Adidas Terrex Free Hiker Gore-Tex 2.0 Women’s Hiking Shoes 

This Adidas shoe features a soft, supportive upper and gusseted tongues, ensuring a snug fit that protects your ankles on uneven ground. The Gore-Tex membranes effectively keep out water and moisture, while the foam midsoles provide excellent cushioning. While primarily designed for hiking, it also performs well for short runs on less technical trails.

Vasque Men's Here Mid Everyday Shoe 

Vasque shoes are designed for everyday activities, whether you're urban hiking or enjoying a leisurely stroll in the park during lunch breaks. The multi-directional grip of the outsole lugs, along with the extended heel and toe design, ensures excellent traction for both on-road and off-road adventures. Available in both high-top and low-top styles, they are incredibly lightweight, making them perfect for daily use and travel.

Columbia Women's Crestwood 

This top-selling Columbia shoe boasts over 1,700 five-star ratings on Amazon and is celebrated for its comfort, fit, and durability. Ready to wear straight out of the box, it's lightweight, robust, and waterproof, making it suitable for various activities. With a suede leather and mesh upper, it ensures long-lasting performance, while the cushioned midsole provides all-day comfort for tackling any adventure effortlessly.

Keen Women's Circadia Vent Low Height Breathable Hiking Shoes 

These Keen shoes provide refreshing comfort with their mesh vents, a secure fit thanks to the brand’s unique contoured heel lock, and dependable traction from their rubber outsoles. Cleaning is simple—just brush the leather with a soft bristle brush—so feel free to get them muddy on and off the trails.

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