As a Plus-size Traveler, I Rely on These Comfy Altra Shoes for Proper Support When Hiking Around The Country

I’ll always be more into luxurious spa days than rugged outdoor adventures, but as a travel writer, I find myself in some of the most beautiful places in the world that are just begging to be explored. When I’m lucky enough to visit some gorgeous national parks or waterfall-laden hills and mountains, I want to see as much as possible. So when a trip brought me to Tennessee’s Smoky Mountain National Park, I dared to hike since it was the only way to immerse myself in the colorful leaves and vast variety of trees I was eager to enjoy.

And, they did not disappoint. I walked among red, yellow, brown, and orange leaves that blanketed the earth, and I just wanted to twirl around in the crisp autumn air and make sure I didn’t miss one angle of all the beauty around me. I discovered hiking was for me after all. Though the .5-mile loop I trekked ranks as an easy autumn hike for many, it was challenging for me because I didn’t wear the right shoes — and I paid the price for it during the rest of my trip with painful blisters and achy feet.  

To be fully prepared for the next trail opportunity, I went on the hunt for the best hiking shoes for my body type, which led me to the Altra Lone Peak 9 Low Hiking Shoes, and what a big difference they made. They kept me pain- and blister-free on a 1-mile hike in Maui with no lingering pain or aches the following day. In fact, I felt so great I wanted to take on another trail.

Altra Women’s Lone Peak 9 Low Waterproof Hiking Shoes

Of course, the first thing I prioritized when finding the perfect shoes was comfort, and the Altra shoes delivered in this department. Because I’m plus size, I took great care in choosing shoes that provided optimal support. I know I have extra pressure on my feet, ankles, and knees, and the right shoe support can help reduce some of that burden and keep me moving comfortably. 

The Altra Lone Peak 9s were extremely comfortable out of the box and offered ample cushioning with the brand’s signature Altra Ego foam midsoles, which are lighter in weight for enhanced flexibility and responsiveness. The reinforced heels provide additional support and stabilization while the roomy toe boxes, a stand-out feature of the FootShape fit, encourage my foot’s natural movements without restricting them (there should be some wiggle room in case your feet swell, but they should fit comfortably and not feel loose). 

Together, these features reduced the pressure on my feet on the trail, making it more fun and less stressful to hike. Not only did I no longer get blisters, but I also didn’t have to worry about the ankle and foot pain I’d experienced before when wearing other shoes that weren’t designed for hiking. The unique FootShape Fit also served me well as I have small feet and a large body. It’s designed to be slightly narrower in heel and forefoot than the brand’s Original Fit offerings. 

Altra Women’s Lone Peak Waterproof Low Hiking Shoes

But there was one design detail that took some time to get on board with: the colors. Personally, I like sparkles, loud prints, and bold colors, but I won’t buy even the glitteriest or prettiest shoes if they aren’t comfortable. Luckily, the blue accents on the gray and black pair of shoes added just the right spark of color, so they were just as fun to wear as they were comfortable to wear. 

After the 1-mile Maui hike, I also ended up wearing the Altra Lone Peak 9s on a near-2-mile trek on the Marvin Braude Bike Trail in Southern California. I felt good even as I hiked a longer trail than I’d done before, and I had to be careful as I shared the path with bikers, runners, parents pushing strollers, skaters, and fellow hikers. 

 Since then, I’ve worn the Altra Lone Peak 9s in over a dozen countries. Sometimes I wear them for city walking, and they serve me well there, too. They make walking up steep terrain easier and also have good traction, so I don’t have to worry about slipping, although I still walk carefully since I tend to be naturally clumsy (pro tip: trekking poles can help with balance and alleviate stress on your knees and ankles for even more support).

I’d like to say I walk 10,000 steps every day, but I’m not there yet. However, when I do have a flight day or go on an exceptionally long hike, I do. If you take a lot of steps every day, you need to be even more aware of how much support your shoes have. On days when I take 10,000 or more steps, the Altra Lone Peak 9 Low Hiking Shoes have the right support so that my feet don’t feel it the next day.

As much as I love these shoes, they aren’t the only great ones for hiking. Here are five additional pairs of shoes that also provide support for plus-size adventurers. 

More Hiking Shoes for Plus-size Hikers to Shop: 

Keen Women’s Targhee 3 Mid-height Waterproof Hiking Boots

Xpeti Women’s Waterproof Hiking Boots

Saucony Women’s Trail Running Shoes

Merrell Women’s Moab 3 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boots

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