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.

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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!

• Nike Metcon 9: Great for strength workouts.
• NoBull Trainers: A minimalist option.

Another interesting option is to do these workout sessions bare foot, but beware, it takes a while to get used to training bare foot.

4. 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.

5. 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’re also big fans of barefoot shoes like Vibram Five Fingers. 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!