Spring is when you feel like whistling, even with a shoe full of slush.

Doug Larson

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Though we all may be embracing the joy of lightening up our gear to match our spring mood, one thing is for sure, transitioning into spring can still require the right footwear to take us into more reliable drier and warmer days. Early spring can bring new challenges for our outdoor footwear and it’s worth taking it seriously. I am a big believer in footwear being one item that should definitely not be compromised on. For 10 years upon my return from the UK, where a simple lifestyle shoe would do any day, any season, I refused to give in to a hiking boot/trail shoe/rain boot and the like. But I have (reluctantly) come around once experiencing the, at times, unsufferable March and April months. If like me, you’ve resisted thus far, the options for these shoes are worth exploring.

A simple walk outdoors at this time of year can leave us drenched from head to toe, all splattered with mud up our backsides or still stepping in icy cold slush. Our footwear and our feet can suffer the most, so it’s wise to be prepared for all the season brings. And there is no doubt practical should win out here. Though never a season that calls out more for functional footwear than early spring, we hope these choices still win a few style points too.

We’ve rounded up the best footwear for early spring outdoors.

1. A multi-sport, water- and stain-resistant option for this time of year, the Columbia Women’s Trailstorm Peak Mid Hiking Shoe will keep you protected whatever this season brings.
2. Good for support and grip on those more slippery days, the Merrell Women’s Erie Mid Hiking Boot has received rave reviews from hikers and trail walkers. The many mild winter days have made these even more versatile.
3. A fun boot, the KEEN Women’s Nxis Evo Mid Height Waterproof Fast Packing Hiking Boot is waterproof, lightweight, and super comfortable, considered a ‘must buy’ if you are on the move.
4. A lightweight waterproof trail shoe, the Mountain Warehouse Lakeside Women’s Waterproof Running Shoe will take you running dry into the summer.
5. Now a cult classic, for good reason the SOREL Women’s Out ‘N About Classic Boot is perfect for transitioning from those warmer winter days to cold and messy spring days.
6. Sometimes only a simple rain boot will do. My first pair of Hunter’s were purchased when I landed back in Canada, and five pairs on, they still do the job. On those cold, rainy days, this is the boot. Hunter Women’s Play Rain Boots are a simple boot for those relentless days of non-stop rain.