17 Best Hiking Shoes

Key Factors To Consider When Choosing

Price

The cost of hiking shoes and trail runners is around $100 on the low end and upwards of $200 on the high end. Hiking shoes tend to be more durable than trail runners, meaning fewer replacement costs over time. If you love a specific model, we recommend checking the price and availability of the prior year's model. They are often nearly half the price of the current year's model and are often similar shoes.

Hiking shoes that provide the greatest value:

• Brooks Cascadia 16
• Saucony Peregrine 12

Affordable hiking shoes:

• Adidas Terrex Ax4
• Merrell Moab 3

Premium hiking shoes (most expensive):

• Danner Trail 2650
• Arc'teryx Aerios FL 2 GTX

Weight

The move away from full hiking boots has been fueled by better shoe technology and studies that show weight on your feet fatigues you much more than weight on your back. We recommend hiking shoes that are two pounds or less. Low hiking boots are heavier than trail runners and provide a good middle ground for those switching from traditional boots. Trail runners are the go-to for those wanting to go as ultralight as possible.

The lightest hiking shoes:

• Saucony Peregrine 12
• Hoka One One Speedgoat 5

Traction & Support

Good traction and support are crucial for a hiking shoe, especially in rugged terrain. Traction comes from the lug pattern. Deep lugs provide exceptional footing in mud and loose dirt, while shallow lugs perform best on hard-packed trails. Vibram soles are the gold standard for traction, delivering outstanding no-slip performance on slippery trails and steep rock slabs. Midsoles and outsoles assist with support by adding stability, often in the form of a shank between the two for increased stiffness. A wider shoe will also add to shoe support.

Hiking shoes with the best traction and support:

• Salomon XA Pro 3D V8
• Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid Gore-Tex

Comfort

If a shoe isn’t comfortable, it’s not worth buying. When assessing comfort, start with fit. Your shoe should fit snugly to prevent your foot from sliding in the shoe, but it shouldn’t be too tight either. You want room for your toes to wiggle and your feet to breathe. Cushioning against the terrain you’re hiking over is important to minimize impact foot fatigue, especially on longer hikes. We recommend a shoe with a bit of flex as rigid shoes are less comfortable.

Most comfortable hiking shoes:

• Altra Lone Peak 6
• Hoka One Speedgoat 5
• Brooks Cascadia 16

Other Things to Consider

Waterproof vs Breathable

PICK A SHOE THAT DRIES FAST

Waterproofing repels moisture, so your socks and feet stay dry on the inside of your shoe. This water barrier is a lifesaver for day hikes through slushy snow or rain.

But for thru-hikers, this waterproofing can be your worst enemy. The same waterproof membrane that keeps the water out also tends to trap sweat leaving your feet damp and dank. If you happen to submerge your shoe in water the waterproofing also makes it difficult to dry it out.

For long-distance hikes, a non-waterproof shoe is preferable because it is fast drying and breathable. No matter what you do, your feet are going to get wet so you might as well have a shoe that can dry out quickly. Some breathable trail runners drain water so well that your shoes and feet will dry as you hike. With dry shoes, you're less likely to get blisters, too.

Cushioned vs Minimal

WHAT ARE ZERO DROP SHOES?

Whether you are hiking ten miles or a thousand miles, it's essential to find the right amount of cushioning for the terrain. Too much cushioning and you can't feel the nuances of the trail beneath you. Too little and your legs and feet will hurt.

Zero drop is another feature you'll encounter when shopping for a shoe. Drop is the difference in height between the heel and the ball of the foot. Most shoes are designed with a rise that raises the heel of your foot slightly more than the ball of your foot. A zero-drop shoe keeps your heel and toes equal, much like standing barefoot. A growing body of evidence suggests zero-drop shoes are better for your feet and back while hiking.

Fit and Sizing

Choosing the correct fit for a shoe can make or break your hike. A shoe that is too small will hurt your toes on downhills, while an oversized shoe will allow your foot to slide causing blisters. Always try on a shoe before buying it and wear it around the house for a while before you hit the trail for a long-distance hike. A good rule of thumb is to allow a finger width in front of your big toe. If you have to err, err on the side of too large as your feet often swell while hiking. It's also helpful to have some extra room if you need to throw on a sock liner or any sort of blister-prevention tape.

Simple Lacing

KNOTS VS SLIDING LOCK

Lacing and tying a shoe is an underappreciated art. Most hiking and trail running shoes use a basic crisscross lacing that you tie utilizing a bow-knot. You can modify this lacing and knot for comfort.

Some shoes though, like those from Salomon, have a quick lacing system with a sliding lock that you pull to the most comfortable tightness. These speed lacing systems are easy to adjust, but they don't allow you to change the lacing pattern or the type of knot at the end.

Durability

Hiking shoes that are built like more traditional hiking boots, like the Merrell Moab 3, last a long time. Their combination of materials like leather and mesh upper, longer-lasting soles and abrasion-resistant TPU coatings allow them to hold up well even on rough, rocky terrain. Lightweight trail runners, like Altra Lone Peaks, will need to be replaced much more frequently. They are great for hiking fast and being extra breathable but the thinner mesh material and the softer outsoles wear out much quicker.

Load Weight

TRAIL RUNNERS UP TO 20 LB BASE WEIGHT

Knowing your base weight will help you choose the correct shoe so you can travel in comfort. In general, you should select a hiking shoe with ample support for heavy loads and leave the trail runners for times when your base weight is lower (under 20 pounds).

Ankle Support

A BIG FOOTWEAR DEBATE

Traditional thinking is 'more support = less injury'. The added ankle support potentially prevents ankle rolls and the injury that results from this unexpected trauma.

Not everyone believes this extra ankle support is beneficial. Footwear that climbs above the ankle can act like a cast, preventing the natural movement of your ankle. Allowing natural movement can help strengthen muscles and tendons, making you less prone to a nasty ankle turn in the long run.

Versatility

At the very least your hiking shoes should be able to perform hikes in a variety of conditions. Most hiking shoes can function on and off the trail and can be used for a walk in the park and a multi-day backpacking trip. Specially designed hiking shoes are less versatile and tailored to those seeking optimal performance for a specific activity such as running an ultramarathon, rugged bushwalking, or walking in extremely wet conditions.

FAQs

How often should you replace hiking shoes?

You should replace your hiking shoes when they begin to fall apart either because the upper has torn or has separated from the sole. You also should replace them when the soles have worn down, or the shoes have lost their cushioning.

Typically, you can expect a good pair of hiking shoes to last about 300 to 500 miles. Most thru-hikers should plan on needing four pairs of shoes. However, some can get by with only three if they can push their shoes a bit further than average.

Can you wear hiking shoes every day? Are hiking shoes suitable for walking?

You can absolutely wear hiking shoes every day. Most hiking shoes are designed for comfort while walking, including hiking up a mountain and walking down the street. Typically, my hiking-only shoes become my winter wear-around-the-town shoes.

What socks do you wear hiking?

The best socks to wear for hiking are made of a merino wool blend that keeps your feet comfortable and dry. You can choose between different heights (ankle, crew) and various thicknesses depending on your preferences. A good pair of socks will help prevent blisters and minimize the impact of walking on rocky surfaces all day.

How do I waterproof my hiking shoes

If you need waterproof hiking shoes, you should consider buying a pair that ships with a waterproof membrane. You'll get reliable waterproofing as long as you don't submerge your foot over your ankle. If you want to add waterproofing after the fact, you should purchase a pair of waterproof socks like those from Showers Pass. You can also spray the shoes with a waterproof spray, but you may compromise some of the shoes' breathability.

Is it OK to wear running shoes for hiking?

It is ok to wear running shoes for hiking, especially on shorter day hikes. If you are hiking over long periods or on rugged terrain then hiking-specific shoes are a worthwhile investment.

What is the difference between a hiking boot and a hiking shoe?

The difference between a hiking boot and a hiking shoe is hiking shoes have a lower ankle fit and are made of more flexible material.

Read next: 6 Best Minimalist Sandals: Guide to Barefoot and Running Sandals