Finding the Best Hiking Wedding Boots For Your Elopement

If you’re hiking at some of the world’s most epic elopement destinations, then you need wedding footwear that is both comfortable and fashionable, because no one is hiking 2 miles in heels or stiff dress shoes! Introducing, wedding boots: your best friend in footwear for your wedding day.

Since we are pros at all things adventure and elopements, we’ll break down some of our favorite wedding boot options for your wedding adventure. Wedding boots also make the perfect statement piece for a wedding accessory!

How to Pick the Best Wedding Boots For Your Wedding Adventure

Photo by Sheena Shahangian Photography

A lot of couples freak out when considering hiking boots for their wedding because they think it doesn’t match, but honestly, they look the coolest with your wedding attire, and you’ll be SO much more comfortable. Here are our top tips to consider when shopping for hiking boots. We’ll even share some of our favorites below!

Quality

Don’t skip quality for your hiking boots. You’ll want to consider buying a higher-quality boot, especially if you have a longer hike in mind. Buying a cheaper pair of hiking boots can lead to blisters, wrong fit, and even breaking during your adventure. Nobody wants to experience any of that on their wedding day!

Material

Think about your wedding destination and when you’re eloping consider what material you’ll buy for your boots.

• Synthetic – these boots are easier to break in, lighter, and usually dry faster when wet, but are less durable and less water resistant. They are often from nylon and polyester
• Split-grain leather – These boots are usually made from half leather and half synthetic. It’s more durable, more affordable than full leather, and perfect for elopement couples hiking on rocky terrain. The negative with this material is they are less breathable and heavier.
• Full-grain leather – When you see mountaineering boots, then they are full-grain leather most of the time because it’s the most durable option for rigorous hikers who hike OFTEN. The negative is these require lots of breaks in time, are less breathable, and can be very heady if you’re not used to wearing hiking boots.

Cut and Style

This depends on personal preference, but also consider where you’re eloping to. The wrong style and cut of hiking boots can lead you to rocks in your shoes, cuts, or feel barely supported.

• Low cut– If you’re looking for an option similar to sneakers, then this is your style. Ideal for shorter hikes.
• Mid-cut – This style is our favorite because it’s breathable while giving you more ankle support and balance without having to worry about a bunch of rocks being kicked up at your ankles.
• High-cut – If you’re planning a long, more difficult hike, then opt for the high-cut. You’ll get the most ankle support and it’s the best option to invest in if you and your partner hike often.

Check the Tread & Traction

This is important if you’re walking through an unsteady terrain with many rocks. To determine your traction, look at the sole of your shoe and its pattern. The wider it is, the more traction you’ll have! It’s also important to buy a shoe with a different pattern for your heel zone than the rest of the boot, which will prevent you from sliding.

Testing Them Out BEFORE Your Adventure

Ok, you found the perfect hiking boot for your wedding day. They are stylish and beautiful, but have you tried them out? And we don’t mean walking around your house in them for 10 minutes. We mean go take those babies out for a hiking trip before your wedding adventure. Breaking in your hiking boots is KEY to a comfortable and successful elopement day. Without testing them out and breaking them in, you may be uncomfortable with blisters or sore feet on the day of your wedding.

Tips From the Wandering Weddings Team

Photo by Erica Swantek Photography

• If you hate the look of wedding hiking boots for your photos, then bring a change of shoes for when you get to your destination to switch up your look. Staying safe should be your top priority.
• Waterproof your wedding hiking boots, especially if you’re eloping somewhere it’ll rain a lot.
• Break in your hiking boots is a necessity, don’t skip this.
• Have fun shopping and mixing your own personal style into it.
• If you’re wearing a wedding dress, remember you’ll barely see the hiking boots! Comfort over style!
• REI has a return policy that allows you to try out the hiking boots on the trail and return them if they don’t meet your expectations.

Shop Our Favorite Hiking Boots For Your Elopement Day

Photo by Jessica Puckette Photography

So you know the ins and outs of hiking boots for your elopement. What brands should you consider buying? We asked our vendors and they shared their favorite hiking boot brands they personally love to use and their couples use during their adventure. *This post does contain affiliate links*

Check them out below:

• Merrell Mens Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot
• Merrell Women’s Moab 2 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot
• Kodiak Women’s 5-Inch Surrey II Waterproof Fashion Boot
• Kodiak Men’s Thane Waterproof Lifestyle Boot
• The North Face Men’s Chilkat V Insulated Snow Boot
• THE NORTH FACE Women’s Chilkat 400 Insulated Snow Boot
• Columbia Women’s Newton Ridge Plus Waterproof Amped Hiking Shoe
• Columbia Men’s Newton Ridge Plus Ii Waterproof Wide Hiking Shoe
• Oboz Bridger Mid B-Dry Hiking Boot – Women’s
• Oboz Men’s Bridger Low B-Dry Waterproof Hiking Shoe
• Danner Women’s Hiker Adrika Sienna
• Danner Men’s Mountain 600 Hiking Boot
• Asolo Men’s Fugitive GTX Hiking Boot
• Asolo Women’s Falcon GV Hiking Boot
• KEEN Women’s Targhee 3 Mid Height Waterproof Hiking Boots
• KEEN Men’s Targhee Low Height Waterproof Hiking Shoes
• Sorel Women’s Explorer II Joan Faux Fur Boot Waterproof Suede
• SOREL – Men’s Caribou Waterproof Boot for Winter
• La Sportiva Mens Karakorum Mountaineering Hiking Boots

Hiking Boot Inspiration For Your Wedding Adventure

Which hiking boots are you wearing on your wedding adventure??

Photo by Sheena Shahangian Photography