Why KURU Shoes Are Perfect for the Great Outdoors

If you love spending time outside—whether you’re hiking your favorite trail, walking the dog, or working in the yard—you know how much your feet take on. And what you wear on your feet can make or break your experience. The right pair of outdoor shoes doesn’t just protect your feet—it helps you stay out longer, feel better, and recover faster.

That’s where KURU comes in. We design shoes that support your foot health from the ground up. With advanced cushioning, built-in heel support, and all-terrain traction, KURU outdoor shoes are built to move with you. Whether you’re scaling rocky terrain or strolling neighborhood paths, our styles are made to keep you going—with lasting comfort and support.

Let’s explore what sets a great outdoor shoe apart and why KURU may be the most comfortable pair you’ll ever wear outside.

What Makes a Great Outdoor Shoe?

Outdoor footwear isn’t just about rugged looks—it’s about performance and protection. The best outdoor shoes should support your body as you move through uneven terrain, long distances, and changing weather.

Here’s what to look for:

• Shock absorption: Reduces strain on joints, especially on hard or unstable surfaces.
• Arch support: Helps with alignment, posture, and energy return.
• Heel stability: Prevents overpronation and absorbs impact to fight heel pain.
• Grippy traction: Provides surefooted stability whether you're climbing or descending.
• Durability: Withstands moisture, abrasion, and trail wear.

A well-designed shoe should also keep your feet aligned naturally and support your unique gait. If your current pair isn’t cutting it, it might be time for an upgrade. Find out how to spot the signs your shoes need to go.

Top Picks: KURU Shoes for Hiking and Outdoor Use

At KURU, we know one style doesn’t fit every adventure. That’s why we’ve created several outdoor-friendly designs—each with their own strengths.

Here are some of our most popular shoes for the trail, the campground, and the everyday in between:

ATOM Trail

Best for: Hiking, Camping, Trail Running
Weight: 12.3 - 13.4 oz
Drop: 8mm
Upper: Synthetic mesh with TPU overlays
Features:

• Breathable, abrasion-resistant mesh
• Gusseted tongue to block trail debris
• Protective toe bumper for rugged hikes
• Flat laces and double eyelets for a secure fit
• All-vegan materials

Why You’ll Love It:
Inspired by our most popular sneaker, ATOM Trail upgrades your outdoor stride with rigid structure, soft cushioning, and advanced traction for switchbacks, dirt paths, or spontaneous sprints to the summit.

RIDGE Motion

Best for: Hiking, Backpacking, Work
Weight: 14 - 16.4 oz
Drop: 9mm
Upper: Weather-resistant Nubuck leather
Features:

• Gusseted tongue and full-rubber outsole
• Durable leather construction
• Wide toe box for extra stability
• Fatigue-fighting dual-density arch support
• Dynamic heel-hugging KURUSOLE tech

Why You’ll Love It:
This is our most rugged hiking shoe—ideal for challenging trails or demanding jobs. RIDGE Motion gives you advanced grip, day-long support, and trail-tough protection with zero compromises on comfort.

TREAD

Best for: Hiking, Gardening, Camping
Weight: 10 - 11 oz
Drop: 4mm
Upper: Waterproof leather
Features:

• Open-toe design with adjustable hook-and-loop straps
• Microsuede footbed for comfort and moisture-wicking
• Rugged rubber outsole with aggressive lug pattern
• Treated for all-terrain, wet conditions
• Built-in KURUSOLE for heel pain relief

Why You’ll Love It:
When temps rise, TREAD is your go-to for breathability and support. With premium adjustability, trail-capable traction, and waterproof durability, it’s a true multi-sport sandal with a foot-health focus.

Other popular trail-ready styles include CHICANE and QUEST, which offer extra lateral support and classic hiking profiles built with the same KURUSOLE comfort.

How KURU Supports Foot Health Outdoors

It’s no secret that walking, hiking, or standing on hard and uneven surfaces can take a toll on your feet. Outdoor terrain puts extra strain on your heels, arches, and joints—especially when you're carrying gear or logging lots of steps. That's why the design of your shoes matters more than ever.

KURU shoes feature triple-layer technology that addresses foot health from the ground up:

• Contoured insoles that adapt to your unique foot shape over time
• Shock-absorbing midsoles that reduce impact stress on your joints
• Patented KURUSOLE technology that cups your heel to deliver dynamic support

This heel-first approach to comfort helps reduce strain and fatigue, so you can stay active and comfortable longer—whether you're climbing hills, navigating gravel, or exploring new city streets.

Designed for Real-World Terrain

Whether it’s wet, rocky, dusty, or paved, you need footwear that adapts to the surface below. KURU shoes are built with:

• Aggressive traction patterns for grip on slopes or slick surfaces
• Protective materials that resist water, scuffs, and wear
• Flexible uppers that keep feet secure without stiffness
• All-day comfort to help you move more, rest less

Many of our outdoor styles include weather-treated leather, gusseted tongues, or moisture-wicking liners—because we know trail conditions aren’t always ideal.

Want to hike smarter? Get inspired with our ultimate hiking safety tips.

Ready to Move? Let’s Heel Better™

Ready to get outside and go farther—with less foot pain getting in the way? With KURU, it’s not just about the hike. It’s about enjoying every step with greater comfort and support.

Whether you’re looking for a breathable sandal, a rugged trail sneaker, or a dependable hiking shoe, we’ve got a style designed to support your next adventure.

Every pair is built around patented tech that supports, cushions, and protects. So you can climb higher, walk farther, and explore longer—with comfort you can count on.

About Us

At KURU, we're on a mission to help you Heel Better™ with footwear technology designed to relieve foot pain, so you can live a life you love. Since launching our innovative technology in 2008, we’ve received more than 39,000 five-star reviews from thousands of customers who tell us their KURU shoes helped them get back to doing what they love.

For all media inquiries, please contact us at pr@kurufootwear.com.