Running & Hiking Gear Guides — Expert Picks for Kelowna & Okanagan Trails
Run and hike further — trail shoes, road runners, packs, and apparel breakdowns from Fresh Air Kelowna's outdoor specialists
Whether you're logging kilometres on the Kettle Valley Rail Trail, grinding vertical on Knox Mountain, tackling the Okanagan Rail Trail, or heading into the backcountry above Kelowna, the right footwear and gear makes every outing better. Our Running & Hiking Gear Guides break down trail shoes, road runners, hiking boots, hydration packs, and performance apparel — with honest comparisons built on real Okanagan trail experience.
Our team runs and hikes the same trails you do. Every guide is written from first-hand experience on local terrain — not from a product catalogue.
Not sure which shoe is right for your foot shape, gait, and trail goals?
Our team at Fresh Air Kelowna runs and hikes local trails year-round and offers professional running shoe fittings to help you find the right match before you head out the door.
Kelowna's trail network ranges from well-packed dirt and gravel (Knox Mountain, Rail Trail) to loose, rocky, and rooted singletrack (Smith Creek, Crawford Trails). For moderate trails, a versatile all-rounder from Salomon or Hoka with moderate lug depth works well. For more technical or loose terrain, look for deeper lugs, a rock plate, and a more protective upper. Our guides break down trail shoe categories with specific picks for local conditions, and our team can help you find the right fit in-store.
Fresh Air carries a strong selection of running and trail shoe brands including Hoka, On Running, Salomon, Altra, Asics, and New Balance. We stock men's, women's, and junior sizes across road neutral, road stability, and trail categories — all available for in-store fitting.
Neutral running shoes are designed for runners with a natural or supinating gait and provide cushioning without corrective support. Stability shoes include medial post or guide rail technology to reduce overpronation — inward rolling of the foot on landing. Buying the wrong type can lead to discomfort or injury over time. The best way to identify which you need is a professional gait assessment — Fresh Air offers running shoe fittings in-store in Kelowna to help you find the right match.
Yes — Fresh Air offers professional running shoe fittings in our Kelowna store. Our staff assess your foot shape, arch type, and gait to recommend the right shoe category and fit. A proper fitting significantly reduces injury risk and improves comfort on long runs. Book an appointment online or walk in — we're happy to help.
Kelowna and the Okanagan have an excellent range of hiking terrain for all ability levels. Popular beginner and intermediate trails include Knox Mountain Park, Bear Creek Provincial Park, and the Kettle Valley Rail Trail. More demanding hikes include Okanagan Mountain Park, the Myra Canyon trestles, and backcountry routes in the Monashee Mountains. For longer or more exposed routes, proper footwear, a hydration pack, layered apparel, and sun protection are essential. Our guides include gear recommendations by trail type and season.
Summer hiking in the Okanagan means heat, UV exposure, and the possibility of afternoon thunderstorms at elevation. A moisture-wicking performance top, trail shorts or pants, a sun hat, and UV-protective sunglasses are the foundation. Always carry a packable windshell or light rain jacket for higher elevations. Our apparel guides walk through full kit recommendations by trail and season.
For most Okanagan day hikes, a hydration vest or pack in the 10–20L range is ideal — enough to carry water, a light layer, snacks, and a first aid kit. In hot summer conditions, aim for at least 2L of water capacity for hikes over 2 hours. Runners and fast hikers often prefer a lightweight vest with soft flasks for better fit and less bounce. Our guides cover hydration options by activity type and we carry a full selection in-store at Fresh Air Kelowna.
Yes — Fresh Air carries junior trail and lifestyle footwear from brands including Salomon and Hoka. Junior trail shoes are available in-store in Kelowna across a range of sizes. Our team can help fit junior footwear properly — particularly important for growing feet where fit directly affects comfort and injury prevention on trail.
Ready to hit the trails?
Browse our full running and hiking footwear collection — trail shoes, road runners, hiking boots, hydration packs, and performance apparel — available in-store in Kelowna and online.
