I Hiked and Paraglided in the Alps Wearing These Merrell Shoes — and I Trekked for Miles Without Any Discomfort

my go-to hiking shoes available in various colors

Photo: Dinogo / Francesca Fasciglione

After spending the last decade in Europe, I've discovered that fall is my favorite season for adventurous travel. It’s the perfect time for challenging yet rewarding hikes in the Alps, leisurely forest walks, and cycling in national parks without the usual crowds, as popular spots like Megeve, St. Moritz, and Lake Paijanne become less busy with locals returning to work and school.

To stay true to my self-proclaimed title as a light packer and traveler, I rely on a versatile pair of shoes for these elevated adventures. I’m a huge fan of Merrell shoes — known for their durability, functionality, and affordability — so my trusty Merrell Antora 3 shoes are my go-to during this season. They’re adaptable for various activities and terrains, whether I'm running, climbing, or hiking through slushy mud, mixed pebbles, or soft mulch.

Merrell Antora 3

Zappos

$125 at Zappos

The Antora shoe has been a staple in my travel wardrobe since its initial launch several years ago, and this season’s updated Antora 3 is an impressive improvement over previous versions. These trail shoes have proven to be exceptionally durable during my recent adventures in the Swiss Alps, the French Alps, and Finland's picturesque lakes.

While renowned for its winter slopes and impressive ski runs, St. Moritz was snow-free during my early fall visit, allowing me to explore the Graubunden region on multiple hikes with my Antoras. These shoes provided comfort during easy walks from my hotel, Badrutt’s Palace, to the quaint village of Pontresina, featuring gentle hills and inclines. I also felt secure running on loose gravel and asphalt, thanks to the innovative “Super Rebound Compound” that delivers more support than other footwear I've used for hiking and running. The breathable mesh lining kept my feet cool and dry throughout my nearly three-hour trek. (And let’s just say, the three scoops of gelato I indulged in at the hotel’s ice cream parlor tasted even better after those adventures.)

individual preparing to leap in bungee gear

Erica Cavoto

During the same trip, the Antora 3s excelled as hiking shoes on my more challenging ascent up the mountains. My destination was the Paradiso Mountain Club and Restaurant, situated at 2,180 meters (being a foodie, I always seek places to eat on my journeys), and I was impressed by how well my Merrell Antoras performed as hiking boots rather than just trail shoes. They were light enough to allow for a gentle sprint up the mountain without weighing me down. I admit, I tackled the same climb along the Schellen-Ursli trail multiple times, and the shoes proved fantastic for all three ascents; the forefoot and heel provided ample cushioning, especially when I ran back down the hill to the spa for some well-deserved relaxation.

Merrell Antora 3

Zappos

$125 at Zappos

While in Gstaad, on the opposite side of the Swiss Alps, I also put my Antora 3 mid-length shoes to the test during my inaugural paragliding experience. (These shoes offer additional support thanks to their mid-height ankle design.) With some rain during my early fall visit, I was relieved to have worn these mid-length shoes, as I had to navigate through mud (and cow dung!) before taking off from a mountain. Upon landing, I felt completely stable and wasn’t concerned about my knees or ankles thanks to the extra ankle support. The waterproof exterior was a lifesaver, too — a quick wipe with a damp cloth after returning to my hotel kept them looking fresh for the next three days, avoiding any pigsty appearance from the Swiss terrain.

Merrell Antora 3 Mid Wp

Zappos

$155 at Zappos

Numerous travelers have taken their Antora 3 shoes on journeys across Europe. One Zappos reviewer mentioned wearing them in Italy, Germany, and Prague, praising them as “so comfortable and stable.” Another user stated they utilize them for both trail walking and hiking, just like I do. “The [Antora] 3 is a step up from the 2. It’s lighter, more comfortable, yet remains sturdy and reliable in wet and uneven conditions,” they shared. “These are also fantastic for navigating wet fields during kids' sports every weekend morning! I have a wider foot, and the medium size fits perfectly.”

In the past month, I’ve truly tested my Merrell Antora 3s. During a trip to Megeve in France, the picturesque Alpine region featured in an episode of Emily in Paris, I wore them for hikes to explore waterfalls and tackle incredibly steep mountains across diverse terrains. My objective was to reach the L’alpage des Marie, a charming refuge and restaurant nestled in the mountains. My Antora 3 mid-length shoes offered excellent grip on steep, pebbled inclines, ensuring my feet stayed secure and providing the stamina I needed to push forward without fatigue.

I relished the challenge of conquering the majestic French mountains with my reliable Antora 3 shoes. Perhaps it was the allure of French wine awaiting me that spurred me on, but I’d like to believe it was these fantastic Merrells that made the journey possible!