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Make sure you have some supportive, comfortable kicks before you tackle the trail.

Griffin Wynne (they/them) is a Staff Writer for HuffPost cover shopping, trends and digital culture.

Engaging with the outdoors is an uplifting and invigorating pastime that can be enjoyed during all stages of life. But if you’re hitting the trails with a few more years on planet Earth under your belt, you’re probably thinking a little more about joint support and traction than younger hikers. 

To help you find the best outdoor shoes for hikers over 50, we asked a hiking blogger and some outdoorsy folks from our Facebook audience to share their current favorite hiking shoes, as well as scoured the shoe reviews of some of the internet’s most promising boots. All of the upcoming hiking shoes came recommended from people past the 50-year mark who love to move (on) mountains.

According to an Orthofeet customer who claims to be over 50, these orthopedic hiking boots are comfortable enough to support their ankle after multiple surgeries, compound fractures and an ankle fusion. "They also provide cushy comfort but not so cushy that I don't feel the terrain and lose balance," they wrote.

Available in sizes for both men and women, these pain-relieving shoes are intended to accommodate several foot conditions and promise a roomy toe box. 

Get them from Orthofeet for $155 in women's (available in sizes 5–12, three widths, and two colors) and in men's (available in sizes 7–14, three widths, and two colors).

For Diane Spicer, creator of Hiking For Her, the best hiking boot is the Salomon X Ultra 4, a lower-cut shoe. "The outsoles grip so well, an important feature for hikers like me who explore varied trails, from sand to loose rocks to wet mud," Spice told HuffPost. "They are lightweight, supportive yet supple. All this adds up to less leg and foot fatigue on a long hike."

Although Spicer originally spoke about the X Ultra 4s, they have since sold out and now the X Ultra 5s are the brand's most recent iteration. 

Get them from REI: in women's for $111.93+ (originally $155; available in sizes 5–11 and two colors) and in men's for $175+ (available in sizes 7–14, with wide options, and four colors).

The most common brand we heard? Keens, baby. Per reader Sarah Demers, "They are wide enough for my orthotics and my super comfy Sockwell compression socks," and Kris Roden added that they have a "nice big toe box and they stay waterproof even after years of use."

While no one suggested a specific Keen style, we love the Targhee 3 mid-height waterproof hiking boots, which reviewers say give you ample room for your toes and good support for your hips and back.

Get them in women's sizes from Amazon for $91.94 (available in sizes 5–11, with wide options, and nine colors) and in men's from REI for $134.99 (originally $180; available in sizes 7–15, with wide options, and four colors).

"Danner Mountain Lights," said Facebook user Michael Metzger. "Been using them for 30 years. They are full leather, sturdy and though a bit pricey, last for decades if you take care of them."

The Danner Lights are certainly the most expensive of the brand's hiking boot offerings, but the Danner Mountain Leafs are very similar and more affordable. 

Get them from Danner for $470 in men's (available in sizes 6.5–13 and five colors).

Timberlands are just as handy on city streets as they are while hitting your local hiking trails. They're sturdy, durable and look good while they're at it. They're rust- and water-proof, have comfortable and cushy soles, and are beloved by all generations. Reviewers even wear them in snow and ice. 

Get them from Amazon in women's for $65.97+ (available in sizes 5.5–11 with wide options).

If you're looking for a trail running shoe or something lightweight and lower cut, Facebooker Anita March recommended the Altra Lone Peak trail running shoes for their "wide toe box!" 

Get them from REI for $160 in women's (available in sizes 5.5–11 and five colors) and in men's (available in sizes 7–16 and four colors).

Columbia shoes were another brand named multiple times, with reader Peggy La Point saying, "they are solid and supportive on even the most challenging trail." We like the Newton Ridge Plus waterproof hiking boot, which has a 4.6 overall rating on Amazon, with hikers in their 70s calling them "attractive" as well as "supportive, functional, waterproof and breathable, they provide excellent stabilization and support."

Get them in women's sizes from Amazon for $33.91+ (available in sizes 5–12, including wide fits, and 16 colors) and in men's sizes from Backcountry for $109.99 (available in sizes 8–13 and three colors).

Reader Susan Mayle recommended boots from Hi-Tec, saying they have a "good fit" and are comfortable. We like the Hi-Tec Black Rock waterproof hiking boots (available only in men's sizes) for their reasonable price point and sock liner made with recovery foam. One reviewer said these boots are the most comfortable shoes they've tried since they started hiking mountain trails in the '70s. Who can argue with that?

Get them from Amazon for $44.95 (available in sizes 8–11.5 and in black).

Another reader-favorite brand is Merrell. Ruth Dubinsky Heffes said "Merrells. Lightweight, strong bottoms for rock balancing and water resistant." Lynn K. Brown echoed the lightweight sentiment, adding that Merrells are "very comfortable."

If you're looking for a specific style, we love the Merrell Moab 3 waterproof hiking boot that comes with a removable contoured insole and extra heel cushioning. They boast a 4.6 overall rating on Amazon, with reviewers saying the Moab 3 style gives you more arch support and cushion than previous models.

Get them from Amazon in men's for $128.70+ (available in sizes 7–15, with wide options, and 25 colors) and in women's for $162.59+ (available in sizes 5–15, with wide options, and 25 colors).

Goody Lindley likes the Quest 4 GTX, a high-top Salomon style, noting they're "lightweight, supportive and madly comfortable." Reviews say they're great for trekking, wearing in the snow or general use in extreme weather, giving you support and coverage through your whole ankle.

Get them from Zappos in men's for $207 (originally $230; available in sizes 8–12.5 and two colors) and in women's for $175.50 (originally $230; available in sizes 7.5–11 and two colors).