What do you gain from hiking up a mountain, despite all the hardship?

Your First Hike Could Change Your Life

Before anyone becomes a "trail runner," they all start at the same point: asking, "Why go hiking?" But after trying it for the first time, that question changes to, "Where should I go next?"

Because hiking is more than just exercise. It provides a peace you can't find in the city, a pride you have to build yourself, and a new perspective on life that makes your problems seem small the moment you stand on a mountain peak. If you're thinking about trying hiking, the first piece of advice every trail runner will give you is the same: start with your shoes. A good pair of trail running shoes is the difference between an enjoyable trip and a trip where your feet hurt the entire time—between feeling confident with every step on wet rocks and constantly wondering if you’re going to slip.

Recommended Trail Shoes for Mountain Hiking

• HOKA for Those Who Want to Conquer Any Terrain

HOKA is one of the most talked-about brands in the global trail scene, known for its extra-thick foam that provides advanced foot support and excellent stability. With technology that makes every step on rugged trails feel lighter and more agile than you’d expect, it's suitable for both beginners seeking confidence and long-distance trail runners who need cushioning for every hour on the trail.

HOKA TECTON X 3

HOKA TECTON X 3: The speed-focused trail shoe featuring dual carbon plates and a Vibram® Megagrip outsole

The TECTON X 3 is a trail shoe designed specifically for runners who want both speed and stability on mountain trails. With parallel carbon fiber plates that provide propulsion and rigidity, combined with PEBA foam that is bouncy and offers high energy return, it allows you to run up tough mountains or down long, steep descents with confidence throughout your journey.

Key Features of the HOKA TECTON X 3

• Parallel carbon fiber plates for increased propulsion and foot protection on hard ground
• Lightweight PEBA foam for great bounce and high energy return
• Vibram® Megagrip outsole for superior grip on all surfaces, including wet rocks and muddy trails

HOKA Speedgoat 6

HOKA Speedgoat 6: HOKA’s most popular trail shoe, providing firm grip on every path

The Speedgoat 6 is HOKA's most renowned trail shoe, perfect for runners who need confidence on every surface, whether it’s dirt, rock, or tree roots. It comes with a Vibram® Megagrip outsole for a secure grip in any condition and CMEVA foam that is soft, comfortable, and offers long-lasting cushioning.

Key Features of the HOKA Speedgoat 6

• Vibram® Megagrip outsole provides firm grip on both dry and wet surfaces
• CMEVA foam offers soft comfort and excellent cushioning for long hours
• Large lugs provide confidence on rugged trails

HOKA Mafate Speed 4 Lite

HOKA Mafate Speed 4 Lite: A long-distance trail shoe designed to tackle any weather and terrain

The HOKA Mafate family is designed specifically for long-distance trail running, offering maximum softness and support even after hours of wear. It features a rubber outsole that provides excellent traction on all surfaces, including wet rocks, mud, and complex trails.

Key Features of the HOKA Mafate Speed 4 Lite

• Extra-thick foam for excellent long-distance foot support
• Deep-lugged rubber outsole for grip in any terrain condition
• Sturdy, durable construction for heavy-duty use

• Saucony for Those Who Want Speed and Fluidity

Saucony has taken high-end technology once used for road racing and specifically developed it for trail shoes. The result is a shoe that provides speed, softness, and distinct propulsion with every step on the mountain. Whether the path is pure trail or mixed terrain, it handles everything perfectly. It’s ideal for runners who want that "fast and fun" feeling, even when on dirt and rocks.

SAUCONY XODUS ULTRA 4

SAUCONY XODUS ULTRA 4: A long-distance trail shoe for runners who need both softness and propulsion in one pair

The SAUCONY XODUS ULTRA 4 is a trail shoe where Saucony has applied its SpeedRoll technology specifically for nature trails, allowing your stride to roll forward continuously even on rough ground. It provides maximum cushioning for long distances while still offering enough propulsion to carry you up and down mountains with speed and confidence.

Key Features of the SAUCONY XODUS ULTRA 4

• SpeedRoll technology allows for a smooth, continuous stride on all surfaces
• Maximum cushioning, perfect for long-distance and ultra-trails
• Lightweight and offers clear propulsion, allowing you to run up and down mountains confidently

Saucony Peregrine 16 GTX

Saucony Peregrine 16 GTX: Waterproof trail shoes that can handle anything, even in the rain

The Saucony Peregrine 16 GTX is the version of the Peregrine equipped with 100% waterproof GORE-TEX. It’s perfect for trail runners who face wet trails, streams, or unpredictable weather. It retains the excellent propulsion and traction of the Peregrine line while adding waterproof protection for every step.

Key Features of the Saucony Peregrine 16 GTX

• 100% waterproof GORE-TEX allows you to trek through streams and wet paths with ease
• PWRRUN foam provides excellent long-term cushioning
• PWRTRAC rubber lugs provide a firm grip on mud and slippery rocks

• Brooks for Those Seeking Agility and High Stability

Brooks designs trail shoes for runners who need both quickness of movement and sufficient foot protection in all terrain conditions. The strength of Brooks lies in the balance between weight, speed, and stability, allowing you to move forward confidently on complex trails without worrying about slipping or getting injured.

BROOKS Catamount 4

BROOKS Catamount 4: A speed-focused trail shoe that prioritizes maximum agility with a plate and premium outsole rubber

The BROOKS CATAMOUNT 4 is a trail shoe designed primarily for agility and speed. It features the newly tuned SkyVault Trail plate for better propulsion on steep inclines, combined with DNA Flash v2 foam for a bouncy, responsive stride, and a TrailTack Green rubber outsole designed to grip well in both dry and wet conditions, ensuring confidence on any path.

Key Features of the BROOKS Catamount 4

• Newly tuned SkyVault Trail plate increases propulsion on steep paths
• DNA Flash v2 foam is perfect for speed trail runners
• TrailTack Green rubber outsole grips well on both dry and wet ground

BROOKS Cascadia Elite Medium

BROOKS Cascadia Elite Medium: A reliable, versatile trail shoe for every path

The BROOKS Cascadia Elite Medium is a trail shoe that has been a companion to mountain runners for a long time, continuously improved up to its 18th generation. It offers a balance between foot protection and agility, perfect for hikers and trail runners who need a shoe they can rely on in all conditions, whether the trek is short or long.

Key Features of the BROOKS Cascadia Elite Medium

• DNA Loft v3 foam is soft, comfortable, and provides all-day cushioning
• TrailTack Multi-directional rubber lugs provide firm grip in all directions
• Rock Shield protects the sole of the foot from rocks and hard surfaces
  

Why are trail shoes suitable for hiking?

Trail shoes are the most important piece of gear for hiking and trail running because natural terrain is diverse and unpredictable—consisting of rocks, dirt, sand, mud, and roots. Inappropriate footwear doesn't just make you tire more easily; it significantly increases the risk of injury.
The trail scene in Thailand is currently growing in an exciting way, with beautiful paths to try from the forests in Chiang Mai, Doi Inthanon, and Khao Yai to coastal paths in the South. Whether you’re a beginner just starting out or a racer looking to conquer an ultramarathon, what everyone needs is gear that is good enough to make every step safer and more fun.

Tips for Choosing the Right Trail Shoes for You

There isn't just one type of trail shoe, and no single pair is best for everyone because each person has different goals and hiking styles. Choosing correctly from the start will make every trip more fun, safer, and less tiring than it would otherwise be.

For Mountain Hikers: Choose shoes with good ankle support, thick soles, deep lugs, and durability to carry the load all day.

For Trail Runners: Choose lightweight shoes with high-energy-return foam and good grip on both dry and wet surfaces.

For Casual Hikers: Choose comfortable, breathable, and versatile shoes that can be worn in the forest and the city.

A good pair of shoes doesn't guarantee you won't get tired, but it guarantees you’ll get less tired, have fewer injuries, and enjoy every step you take more. Rev has selected trail shoes from HOKA, Saucony, and Brooks that have been proven by trail runners worldwide. Whether your goal is a mountain peak or a finish line, we are ready to help you get there.