A solid pair of hiking boots can take you far, but when you want something lighter, more versatile, and easier to break in, the thing you’re looking for is a pair of hiking shoes. Sneaker-style hiking shoes look a lot like trail runners, and in fact, many of these shoes are technically trail running shoes. Regardless of what they were built for, these shoes are ready for the miles of adventures ahead.
Best Hiking Shoes
- Most Comfortable: Altra Lone Peak 6
- A Great Fit for Most Feet: Brooks Cascadia 16
- Most Affordable: Merrell Trail Glove 6
- Best for Technical Terrain: Hoka Speedgoat 4
- Most Versatile: Saucony Peregrine 12
- Most Durable: Merrell Moab 2 Waterproof
- Best Waterproof Hiking Shoe: Salomon X Ultra 3 Low GTX
- Best for Steep Terrain: La Sportiva Wildcat
- Best Cushioning: On Cloudultra
- Maximum Cushioning Meets Zero Drop: Altra Olympus 4
The Expert: I’ve been hiking and trail running for as long as I can remember. I’ve also been professionally testing and reviewing trail shoes for seven years,Chacos Sandals hiking thousands of miles in minimalist styles and ultra-beefy off-trail shoes. I understand how various terrain demands different support underfoot and what features appeal to all sorts of hikers. I also see what the hiking community is wearing on long-distance trails. My gear reviews and other work has appeared in Backpacker, Outside, Backpacking Light, and The Trek, among other outlets. And two years ago, I cofounded Backpacking Routes, a website that connects backpackers with long-distance trails across the country.
How to Find the Best Hiking Shoes for You
Shopping for a hiking shoe comes with a few considerations. Think about your terrain and weather. Will you be hiking on more technical trails, or on trails with smoother tread? A shoe with multidirectional lugs, a rock plate, and a beefier upper is better suited for technical trails, whereas a lighter, more flexible trail shoe works great for well-maintained trails. Also consider whether you want a waterproof upper. A waterproof membrane, such as Gore-Tex or a company’s proprietary bootie that’s combined with the other upper materials, offers more protection from cold and wet weather but also won’t dry out as fast if your shoe gets submerged.
A hiking shoe is a personal preference, and I recommend trying a pair on before committing. Once you find one that works for you, stick with it. Most brands update their top-sellers with new materials and construction every year or two.
- Comfortable for long days
- Wide toe box
- Outsole can wear out quickly
- Breathable
- High percentage recycled materials
- Affordable
- Less protection from the ground
- Heavy for a minimal-style shoe
- Sleek and streamlined
- Middle-of-the road use and fit
- Secure fit through heel counter
- Less sensitive due to heftier midsole construction
- Durable upper
- Long-lasting outsole
- Doesn’t breathe super well
- Heavy
- Lightweight and flexible
- Cushioned midsole construction
- Not best for rugged trails
- Fit can feel narrow
- Expensive
