Are you looking for the best hiking shoes for Half Dome?

Half Dome in Yosemite National Park is one of the most popular hikes in America. The 14-mile roundtrip hike gains 4,800 feet of elevation, making it a strenuous but rewarding journey. If you’re planning to tackle Half Dome this year, make sure you have the right gear!

We’ve compiled a list of the 5 best hiking shoes for Half Dome based on our own personal experience and customer feedback. Whether you’re looking for a lightweight trail runner or a durable pair of boots, we’ve got you covered. 

5 Best Hiking Shoes for Half Dome

You want to hike Half Dome but don’t know what shoes to buy. 

It can be tough to find the best hiking shoes because there are so many options on the market. And if you’re like most people, you probably don’t have time to read through thousands of reviews on Amazon.

We’ve done the hard work for you and found the 5 best hiking shoes for Half Dome. Our picks are based on expert reviews and real-world customer feedback.

Merrell Women’s Moab 2 Vent Hiking Shoe

4.6 out of 5 with 10,075 global ratings

The Merrell Women’s Moab 2 Vent Hiking Shoe is a great choice for Half Dome. The 100% leather and mesh upper are comfortable and stylish, and the pigskin leather provides durability.

Moreover, the traditional lace closure ensures a secure fit, and the bellows tongue keeps out debris. The protective toe cap provides protection against bumps and bruises, while the breathable mesh lining keeps your feet cool and dry.

Additionally, Kinetic Fit ADVANCED removable contoured insole with reinforced heel cushioning provides medium support, and the molded nylon arch shank adds stability.

The Merrell Air Cushion in the heel absorbs shock and adds stability, while the lightweight EVA foam midsole provides comfort and cushioning.

The Vibram TC5+ rubber sole provides traction and stability, making this an excellent choice for Half Dome.

KEEN Men’s Targhee 2 Low Height Waterproof Hiking Shoe

Best Hiking Shoes for Half Dome
4.4 out of 5 with 3,721 global ratings

The KEEN Men’s Targhee 2 Low Height Waterproof Hiking Shoe is a boot designed for those who love to hike. The boot is made to provide comfort and support while being lightweight and stylish. The boot is 100% leather and has a rubber outsole that provides traction and stability on all surfaces.

Furthermore, the boot is also waterproof and breathable, making it ideal for wet weather conditions. The mesh lining helps to keep feet cool and dry in warmer environments. The boot is available in a variety of sizes and colors to suit any taste.

Whether you’re an experienced hiker or just starting out, the KEEN Men’s Targhee 2 Low Height Waterproof Hiking Shoe is the perfect choice for Half Dome.

Timberland Men’s White Ledge Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot

Best Hiking Shoes for Half Dome
4.5 out of 5 with 54,131 global ratings

Hiking is a great way to get out and enjoy nature, but it’s important to have the right equipment. That’s where the Timberland Men’s White Ledge Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot comes in. This boot is designed for Half Dome, with a premium leather upper and seam-sealed waterproof construction.

The rustproof speed lace hardware ensures a secure fit, while the EVA midsole provides cushioned comfort. Moreover, the rubber outsole provides traction on all surfaces, making this boot perfect for any adventure.

Whether you’re hitting the trail or just exploring your own backyard, the Timberland Men’s White Ledge Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot will help you make the most of your time outdoors.

Columbia Women’s Newton Ridge Plus Waterproof Amped Hiking Shoe

Best Hiking Shoes for Half Dome
4.7 out of 5 with 10,979 global ratings

The Columbia Women’s Newton Ridge Plus Waterproof Amped Hiking Shoe is a top-quality hiking shoe that provides superior comfort and traction on treacherous days out on the trail. This boot features a seam-sealed construction, combined with our TECHLITE lightweight midsole, for long-lasting comfort with superior cushioning and high energy return.

Additionally, this women’s boot is inspired by classic mountaineering style and provides a durable, mid-cut waterproof option that is sure to deliver years of comfortable service. Some of the handy features include a supportive leather and suede construction, as well as a reinforced toe and heel.

The Columbia Women’s Newton Ridge Plus Waterproof Amped Hiking Shoes are the best ones to choose from for Half Dome hiking.

Mark Nason Men’s Smart Block-Half Dome Fashion Boot

Best Hiking Shoes for Half Dome
5 out of 5 with 1 global rating

The Mark Nason Men’s Smart Block-Half Dome Fashion Boot is a stylish and comfortable option for any man. The synthetic rubber sole provides durability and traction, while the memory foam lux insole ensures hours of comfortable wear.

Moreover, the boot opening measures approximately 10 inches around, making it easy to slip on and off. The block heel provides stability, and the half dome design adds a touch of style.

Whether you’re wearing them for Half Dome Hiking or any hike, the Mark Nason Men’s Smart Block-Half Dome Fashion Boot is an excellent choice.

Buying Guide

Half Dome is one of the most popular hikes in America. If you’re looking to tackle this challenging summit, you’ll need the proper gear. That’s why we’ve put together this comprehensive guide to the best hiking shoes for the half dome.

You need to know about certain factors before buying hiking shoes for Half Dome:

Durability and Comfort

You need a shoe that will be comfortable for the entire 14-mile roundtrip journey. But comfort isn’t the only important factor – you also need a shoe that will be durable enough to withstand the rugged terrain.

Breathability and Waterproofing

Since Half Dome is located in Yosemite National Park, there is a good chance you will be hiking in warm weather. That’s why it’s important to find a shoe that is breathable and will keep your feet cool and dry.

However, you also need to be prepared for the occasional rain shower. Waterproofing is a must-have feature in any good hiking shoe.

Grip and Traction

The last thing you want is to slip and fall on the hike. That’s why it’s important to find a shoe with good grip and traction. Look for shoes with lugged soles that will provide traction on any type of terrain.

Fit

Make sure you try on the shoes before you buy them! Half Dome is a long hike, and you don’t want to be stuck with shoes that are too tight or too loose.

FAQs

Do you need hiking shoes for Half Dome?

Not necessarily, but they may be helpful! If you have closed-toed shoes with good traction (like running shoes), they should work just fine. But if you have any doubts about your footwear, consider renting or buying hiking shoes. They’ll provide extra support on your feet and ankles, which can be helpful on a long hike like Half Dome.

But ultimately, it’s up to you and what you’re comfortable with. If you don’t want to invest in hiking shoes, that’s totally fine! Just make sure your shoes are in good condition and won’t fall apart on the hike.

Can the average person hike Half Dome?

Yes, the average person can hike Half Dome. However, it is important to be in the good physical condition and to have proper hiking gear.

The hike is about 17 miles round trip with an elevation gain of about 4,800 feet, so it is strenuous. Many people attempt the hike but don’t make it to the top because they are not prepared for how demanding it is.

So if you’re thinking of hiking Half Dome, make sure you’re physically fit and have the proper equipment.

What gear do I need for Half Dome?

First and foremost, you’ll need a good pair of hiking shoes or boots. This is non-negotiable – Half Dome is not a hike to be attempted in flip-flops or sneakers. You need something with good grip and support that will help you navigate the rocky terrain.

Do you need gloves to hike Half Dome?

It is not necessary to have gloves when hiking Half Dome, but many people choose to bring them in case the weather turns cold or they need to use their hands for climbing. Gloves can also help protect your hands from sharp rocks and other debris on the trail.

Conclusion

After hours of research, we found that the best hiking shoes for Half Dome are the Merrell Moab Ventilator Hiking Shoes. They were a top pick by many verified Amazon customers and have great reviews. If you are looking for a durable and comfortable shoe to take with you on your hike up Half Dome, these are the perfect option.