Ohio University’s hills are no joke.
From Morton Hill to the infamous Jeff Hill, these hills are quite the hike. And hello shin-splints if you aren’t wearing the right shoes. Here are the best shoes to help you tackle the infamous Athens hills, and look stylish while doing it.
Hoka Clifton 9’s
The Hoka Clifton 9’s are a great “everyday” shoe and they’ll for sure make the grueling hills a little easier to hike up. Not only are they durable shoes, they come in a variety of bright colors. Though they do run a little pricey on Hoka’s website at $145, many people think they’re worth the hype. Hoka’s in general offer great support as well.
Nike Pegasus
These shoes are slightly cheaper than Hoka’s, but still offer pretty much the same support. They also come in a variety of colors and styles and if running around Athens is your thing, these would be great for that too. In order to find the best fit, try visiting your local running store and they can help you get fit for the correct shoes for your feet.
On Clouds
As the name suggests, these shoes will make it feel like you’re walking on clouds, and when it comes to the Athens hills, what more could you ask for? There are many different versions, and any of them should suit your Athens-hill-hiking needs. These shoes run at around the same price as Hoka’s and Nike Pegasus’ but hey, you’re walking on clouds after all.
New Balance
New Balance has a lot of great shoes perfect for tackling the Athens hills, bricks and everything in between. Specifically, the Arshi V3 Running Sneaker is your best bet. These shoes specifically offer firm but comfortable support, and again, you can find some really cute styles and colors.
Teva’s
If sandals are more your style, consider buying some Teva’s. They’re sandals, but they still offer great support considering they’re a sandal. Teva as a brand also puts a large emphasis on being eco-friendly and being mindful of sustainability. A fan favorite is their Original Sandal in “Sun and Moon Insignia Blue.” Teva’s are about half the price of Hoka’s, so if you’re balling on a budget, Teva’s are the shoes for you.
Chacos
Another great sandal option is Chacos. They’re also currently having a sale in honor of the end of summer for up to 65% off. Chacos as a brand, like Teva’s, also have a large emphasis on sustainability and creating a great shoe while also being mindful of the environmental footprint that comes along with manufacturing. Chacos can be worn casually, for canoeing or kayaking and of course, for hiking up those Athens hills.
