I love a good hiking shoe, but I don’t always want to look like I’m going hiking.
Especially in the fall, I’m looking for shoes that can handle a trail, a pumpkin patch, a wet sports field, or a long afternoon outside with the kids — but that also look cute with jeans, joggers, or a simple everyday outfit.
These are a few lightweight hiking sneakers at REI that I’ve been loving right now.
My feet changed after my pregnancies and I endured so many foot issues – plantar fasciitis, fallen arches, heel spurs! While I have to prioritize support and comfort over fashion, I still work hard to find the best looks!
Today’s Outdoor Mom Outfit
A lightweight everyday option
These are the kind of hiking sneakers I really like because they don’t feel overly technical but still provide the right support. They’re lightweight, comfortable, and easy to wear beyond the trail.
For me, that’s the sweet spot.
I want something I can throw on for a morning walk or an easy trail and then keep wearing when we’re heading to lunch, running errands, or chasing kids around for the rest of the day.
Basically: hiking shoe comfort and support without looking like I’m wearing a hiking shoe.
If you already love Keen sandals…
I already love my Keen sandals for supportive summer footwear, so it makes sense that I’d be interested in their sneakers, too.
If you like the supportive, outdoorsy feel of Keen but want something for cooler weather, these are worth a look. The muted colors are a whole peaceful fall vibe!
They’re a good option for those in-between fall days when you’re still spending a ton of time outside but sandals aren’t quite cutting it anymore.
The orange ones!
Okay, I’m obsessed with these.
Orange is obviously the ultimate fall color, and I can already picture these with a simple white T-shirt and navy joggers.
And they’re not just cute.
The GORE-TEX makes these especially appealing for fall in North Carolina, when a perfectly dry morning can turn into a very wet sports field, trail, or pumpkin patch.
Wet grass + morning sports practice + muddy pumpkin patch paths = exactly when I want a shoe like this.
I also love that they feel like something I’d actually wear with my regular clothes instead of something that only comes out for a hike.
My fall shoe rule
If I’m buying an outdoor shoe, I want it to earn its place in my closet.
It needs to be comfortable enough for walking, supportive enough for an actual outdoor adventure, and cute enough that I don’t mind wearing it when the adventure turns into errands, lunch, or whatever else the day throws at us.
These definitely fit that category.
I always look for
- arch support
- standing all day
- plantar fasciitis
- postpartum feet
- water resistant or waterproof
- supportive
- walking
- uneven terrain
- versatile in my closet
- supports feet while carrying kids
Why You Can Trust My Recommendation
Hi! I’m Sara, a North Carolina mom of three boys who spends weekends exploring trails, parks, splash pads, and outdoor adventures with my family. I didn’t come to this as a lifelong outdoors girl — I came to it the same way you might be: figuring it out one imperfect outing at a time.
💜 If today’s “adventure” is just getting everyone’s shoes on and making it to the mailbox and back, that counts. I hope this helps make your next outing feel a little less overwhelming and a lot more possible.
See you outside!
— Sara
Affiliate Links
If you click an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.
Affiliate partners may use cookies to track purchases made through those links.
We only recommend products we genuinely believe provide value to our readers.
Leave a Reply