If you're heading to a luxury wellness retreat with a strong hiking component, choosing the right footwear is essential. Programs like The Ranch Malibu, The Ranch Hudson Valley, and Palazzo Fiuggi’s Hiking for Longevity, involve long hours on trails, and the last thing you want is discomfort - or worse, blisters - ruining your experience.
Whether you're an experienced hiker, a city dweller looking to get into nature, or a dedicated runner, this guide will help you pack the perfect shoes and prepare your feet for the journey ahead. And enjoy - these wellness programs are really awesome! We wish you all the best for your hiking program.
The Best Shoes for a Hiking-Based Wellness Retreat
Primary Footwear: Hiking or Trail Running Shoes
These programs involve daily hikes on varied terrain. Choosing the right shoe depends on your experience and foot needs.
If You’re Already a Hiker:
- HOKA Anacapa Mid GTX: Lightweight yet supportive, great for long-distance comfort.
- Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX: A stable, waterproof hiking shoe for mixed terrain.
- La Sportiva Bushido II: A technical shoe with a close-to-the-ground feel.
If You’re a Runner (But Not a Hiker Yet):
- HOKA Speedgoat 5: Exceptional comfort with plenty of cushioning for long hikes.
- Altra Lone Peak 7: A zero-drop option with a wide toe box.
- Nike Pegasus Trail 4: A road-to-trail transition shoe.
If You Mostly Walk in the City and Are New to Hiking:
- Merrell Moab 3: Cushioned and beginner-friendly.
- On Cloudwander Waterproof: Stylish and functional for light hiking. And so chic!
- Adidas Terrex Swift R3 GTX: Comfortable for longer treks.
Recovery & Casual Shoes for Post-Hike Comfort
After hours of hiking, your feet will need some relief.
- OOFOS OOriginal: Recovery sandals that reduce foot fatigue.
- HOKA Ora Recovery Slides: Plush and supportive.
- On Cloud 5: Lightweight and stylish for walking around.
Training & Indoor Shoes
The Ranch Malibu, The Ranch Hudson Valley and Hiking for Longevity at Palazzo Fiuggi all involve afternoon workout sessions. You should have a dedicated pair of shoes for these trainings, which are typically held indoor - and your hiking shoes will get muddy and dusty quickly! But most guests actually enjoy doing those trainings barefoot, so this is possible too if you like to exercise and stretch barefoot.
Otherwise, here are a few good options for you:
- Nike Metcon 9: Great for strength workouts.
- NoBull Trainers: A minimalist option.
- Merrell Vapor Glove 6: These are "barefoot shoes", shoes with a very thin sole, which render a similar feeling as if you were barefoot, yet protects your skin. These are actually my personal choice, I love them! They travel with me all the time.
Beware with barefoot shoes, for some people, it takes a while to get used to training bare foot, especially when it involves some running. Now I even hike with them, but some people dislike the fact you DO feel the ground under your feet with barefoot shoes.
How to Prepare Your Feet to Avoid Blisters & Discomfort
Break In Your Shoes Before You Go
- Wear them at least 2-3 weeks before your trip on short walks.
- Increase distance gradually to mimic the retreat’s hiking demands.
Choosing the Right Socks
Socks are as important as shoes when it comes to protecting your feet's skin, so don't hesitate to invest in them.
- Merino Wool: Smartwool, Darn Tough, Icebreaker.
- Synthetic Blends: Feetures, Injinji, Balega.
Blister Prevention Tips
- Apply BodyGlide or Vaseline to reduce friction. Morning and evening, every day, for 30 days before your retreat. It will make your skin super hydrated and flexible, and blisters won't be able to appear.
- In case you still get one or 2 blisters, carry Compeed blister pads for emergencies. They're like magic - a true second skin.
Final Packing List for Your Feet
- Hiking shoes or trail running shoes (broken in!)
- Recovery sandals or casual sneakers
- Training shoes (if needed for gym sessions)
- Moisture-wicking hiking socks (3-4 pairs)
- Blister prevention kit (which you won't need if you applied cream for 30 days before your retreat!)
The Right Shoes Make or Break Your Retreat Experience
A wellness retreat at The Ranch Malibu, The Ranch Hudson Valley, or Palazzo Fiuggi will push your body, as well as your feet, to new limits. With the right hiking shoes, recovery footwear, and foot care strategy, you can fully enjoy the experience.
Personally, we do all this simply with barefoot shoes, regardless of whether it's for the hike, the recovery, or the fitness training. If you’re used to minimalist footwear, we highly recommend trying Merrell’s barefoot shoes for an ultra-natural walking and hiking experience! We've adopted them over a year ago and it's very enjoyable. Without mentioning it's super compact and light to pack for travelling!
If you haven't booked your stay at The Ranch Malibu, The Ranch Hudson Valley or Palazzo Fiuggi, ask me to book it for you, you will enjoy exclusive amenities while paying the best available price. That's one of the many advantages we provide as the only wellness-focused luxury travel agency.