As an avid hiker, I don’t mind a beefy boot for special occasions. If there’s a big mountain or multiday backpacking trip on the itinerary, then my heavy-duty hiking boots are absolutely coming with me. But if not, I do my future self a favor and pack trail shoes instead. 

They’re so much lighter, more compact, and easier to travel with than rigid mid-tops, which I swear take up a quarter of my suitcase. The shoes I now go most places with are also worlds more versatile — I wouldn’t willingly board a plane in hiking boots, no matter how much luggage space it could save, but in these Columbia trail shoes I would. Actually, I already have.

Columbia Konos TRS Hiking Shoes

The brand’s Konos TRS hiking shoes have become my go-to for travel. I can use them for miles-long walks, all-terrain runs, and day hikes. I’ve worn them in the Colorado Rockies and on the slippery sandstone trails of Sedona, Arizona, not to mention a multitude of plane rides and dog walks.

Other fans have tested them on hikes more than 30 miles long and came back blister-free, with feet still feeling comfortable. One review likened the experience of hiking in the Columbia Konos to walking on clouds. Another shopper said they’re so comfy, they forgot they even had them on. Looking at the literal inch-and-a-half-thick midsole, I can see how. 

That pillowy sole is made of an ultralight, shock-absorbing foam that Columbia calls “Techlite.” It features strategically placed grooves and pads (a.k.a. “deflection domes”) mimicking a pine cone because pine cones — fun fact — are sturdy, yet flexible. The grippy tread underfoot is supposed to stick to wet ground, ice, and snow, though I haven’t tested it in those conditions. 

Besides the pillowy cushion, I especially appreciate their versatility: The Konos do the work of hiking boots and running shoes while offering a clean and easy-to-style sneaker profile. They squeeze into a small corner of my suitcase, thanks to the flexible mesh upper that also makes them super breathable, and they weigh 8.4 ounces per shoe, a little less than my go-to hiking boots. The fun colors are a plus, too — I have them in all white, and keeping them clean has been easier than expected.

Columbia Konos TRS Hiking Shoes

Both Amazon and Columbia are running sales on this do-it-all travel shoe, with certain styles currently marked down from $100 to as low as $60. Even if this isn’t the shoe for you, consider adding a hiking shoe to your stock for when boots seem too cumbersome. We found more deals on hiking shoes you might like below.

More Deals on Hiking Shoes at Amazon:

Nortiv 8 Women’s Hiking Shoes

Merrell Women’s Siren Edge 3 Hiking Shoes

Saucony Women’s Excursion Tr16 Hiking Shoes

Keen Women’s Zionic Hiking Shoes

Adidas Women’s Terrex Soulstride Hiking Shoes

At the time of publishing, the price started at $60.

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