Even if you regularly hike in tennis shoes or sandals, you'll want hiking boots with good ankle support for hiking in the Dolomites. The Dolomite rock is slippery, the trails can be muddy, and the stones are loose and tend to slide around. You need the ankle support and extra grip of a proper hiking boot!

While many people assume that "hiking shoes" are a strict requirement for the Dolomites, the necessity depends entirely on the difficulty of the trails you plan to tackle. For well-maintained, relatively flat gravel paths around popular spots like Lake Braies or the Seiser Alm meadow, a sturdy pair of high-quality running shoes or "lifestyle" trail shoes is often sufficient for most casual walkers. However, for any of the moderate to difficult "Alta Via" routes or high-altitude stony paths, dedicated hiking boots or shoes are essential. The Dolomites are made of limestone that can become exceptionally slippery when wet and jagged when dry; a hiking shoe provides the deep-lugged soles (like Vibram) needed for grip and the stiff midsole required to protect your feet from sharp rocks. In 2026, many hikers opt for "trail runners" for their lightness, but if you are carrying a heavy backpack or have weak ankles, the support of a traditional mid-height hiking boot remains the gold standard for safety on the Italian peaks.