The Best Hiking Shoes Tested & Reviewed
Brian Every person that has been hiking before knows that without a great pair of hiking boots, you are not going to get very far. Hiking boots might be the most important piece of hiking gear that you bring with you when you start that journey uphill on your next adventure as it protects your feet and they are your main mode of transportation to get you up that mountain.
However, not every situation calls for the often heavier, clunkier, and bigger version of trail footwear. Rather, instead of reaching for a pair of hiking boots for a nice spring or summer trek, give hiking shoes a chance. As an active outdoors enthusiast, and with ever-changing weather and adventure landscapes, it can never hurt to have a few diverse options on the shoe rack.
This is the best product on our list that is currently in stock:
Suede uppers give a level of water protection
Very good grip/traction
A secure adjustable and supportive lace system
Top Ten Hiking Shoes
1. Oboz Traverse Low
Great general performance
Versatile
Great breathability
Not waterproof
The Oboz Traverse Low Hiking Shoe is a fantastic balance of breathability, lightness, and durability. These hikers continue to shine as reviewers and testers alike rave about these shoe's comfort and cushioning. Many opt to wear these hiking shoes for backpacking trips, travel, and light hikes.
Read moreComfort
The Oboz Traverse Low Hikers offer you full-on comfort, and this is due to the cushioning within. As well as this, the tongue and collar are padded to make sure your feet feel happy and pleasant on hikes. You don't need to worry about your feet sweating in these hikers, as they are made with a breathable fabric that allows sweat to escape and air to circulate.
Durability
The bottom of these shoes is made of durable rubber that is textured so that you are stable on any terrain. The bottoms are made to grip and will keep you balanced as you wander over dirt, rocks, and gravel. In order to ensure that these hikers are durable and will last for many hikes to come, they are outfitted with an abrasion-resistant upper.
Weight
In short, if you are looking for a pair of hikers for a spring or winter, fall, or summer day hike, or if you need a pair of shoes to travel in, these Oboz shoes should fit the bill. These 2.1-ounce shoes are light, durable, well ventilated, and offer you the comfort knowing that so many testers and reviewers have thoroughly enjoyed them.
Check out more hiking shoes from Oboz such as Oboz Sawtooth Low Hiking Shoes.
2. Vasque Juxt Multi-Sport
Suede uppers give a level of water protection
Very good grip/traction
A secure adjustable and supportive lace system
Could be more water-resistant
When you glance at the Vasque you might think it's a climbing shoe and the shoe probably can fill that role. Think about where you want to go and it is likely that this shoe will fit the needs when it is used appropriately. However, these are high-performance hiking shoes giving serious traction and top-notch protection, great for those rugged surfaces which hikers will encounter.
Read moreComfort
We need to note and accept these sturdy comfortable shoes which offer good protection, are not known for waterproofing, the aim and design of the shoes are more focused on other features. For weekend hikes on relatively challenging trails, hiking in the canyon and even climbing, these shoes can and do perform but keep out of deep puddles. They give really good traction for surfaces which throw up challenges and when you need that grip factor, it's there for you.
Durability
Suede leather built into the shoe gives strength and stability and a degree of water protection. They also feature a really durable synthetic sole which offers great performance in most conditions which the hiker will meet.
Weight
These hiking shoes weigh slightly over 2-pounds. This isn’t too heavy but also isn’t the lightest option on our list.
3. KEEN Newport H2
Comfortable fit
Great traction
Waterproof
Could offer more protection
These hiking shoes are one to check out! You have probably seen them on your travels as they are quite popular and provide excellent comfort. If you are looking to get away from the bulkiness of hiking boots, then these hiking shoes from Keen are one to take a closer look at.
Read moreComfort
These hiking shoes are built with comfort and support in mind. They are open based which allow the shoe to be waterproof and also do not confined your feet, but rather let your feet breath while hiking. They also have a thicker rubber sole which provides comfort and cushion from the ground below.
Durability
The traction provided by these hiking shoes is fantastic as the sole has a multi-directional lug pattern for increased traction. The sole is also quite thick which provides a cushion to the feet. All of these features, along with the material of the shoe gives it good durability.
Weight
These hiking shoes are lightweight and due to their style feel light while you hike.
4. Keen Targhee 2
Versatile performance that won’t break the bank
A very comfortable overall design
Great traction
Feel heavy
The Keen Targhee 2 represented a difficult choice for us when constructing this guide. It’s a shoe that has been well-loved for years now, and for good reason; the Targhee 2 is lightweight, durable, and more comfortable than just about any other shoe in this guide to boot. We found the decision to give our top spots to the North Face Ultra 109 GTX and the Salewa Wildfire GTX, respectively, to be a very difficult one. On the surface, the Targhee 2 does many things just as good, if not better than these other models, so why didn’t it take an award? The easiest answer is that while the Targhee 2 provides versatile and powerful performance, it couldn’t compete with the support on offer from the Ultra 109, nor the traction and fit of the Wildfire. This is one of the most affordable shoes on this list, though, so there’s some incredible value to be had here for the right person.
Read moreComfort
The Targhee 2 is a bit of a brute on the outside, with its clunky design and heavy fabrics. On the inside, however, it’s a whole new world of comfort. The arch support is the only bit that seems a tad lacking, but it wasn’t so extreme that it caused an issue. We found that the Targhee 2 was especially comfortable for those with wider feet; something that can be difficult to come across in this category.
Durability
There is one area on the Targhee 2 that serves as the Achilles heel of sorts in terms of durability; the seams where the leather is stitched to the mesh. This area is particularly vulnerable to wear and tear, and need a bit of extra attention if your goal is to make these last for the long haul. That’s not to say that these aren’t constructed with quality in mind; quite the opposite, really. Still, it doesn’t hurt to take extra care to this area when in periods of heavy use.
Weight
At 2.25 pounds, these shoes are right in the middle of the road. This was actually a bit surprising for us, considering the bulky, sturdy design these shoes utilize. The added bulk on these shoes will probably not be a big issue for most, because many of the features that give it its weight are vital to the shoe’s overall construction quality. All told, these feel great, and we think that most people would enjoy hiking and backpacking in them highly.
5. Salewa Wildfire GTX
Traction on rocks is second-to-none
Excellent lacing system
Very lightweight design
Do not feel the most secure on your feet
The Salewa Wildfire GTX is the king of rocks. Out of all of the shoes in this guide, the Wildfire clung to rock faces the best, even in wet conditions. The shoes itself are lightweight and low-profile and are designed to give you maximum control during climbs. This means added sensitivity at the expense of some sole support, unfortunately, but we found that wasn’t too big of an issue here. These aren't the best climbing shoes out there in the wild, and while it isn’t the best hiking shoe, but it’s certainly a great one for all-around use.
Read moreComfort
Again, the Wildfire doesn’t have too much in the way of bulk or support. It’s a narrower fitting shoe, and although it did perform well on relatively long jaunts with a pack, it offers little in the way of true cushioning under your feet. If you’re looking for a padded experience, this might not be the best fit for you. All the same, we really had no major complaints about the support on offer for general hiking.
Durability
These won’t be the most durable shoes you’ll ever own in your life, but for how light and minimal the design is, the durability proved to be plenty impressive. There’s a silverized antibacterial treatment applied to each of these shoes, which helps to fight odors and other issues on the inside, and most of the outer shell is made of rubber and mesh. If you’re someone who values control over fortitude, the Salewa Wildfire GTX might be exactly what you’re looking for. All the same, if you are looking for a pair of shoes that will support you on treacherous terrain with the most luxurious comfort around, you’d be best served elsewhere.
Weight
The Salewa Wildfire GTX is on the lighter end of things at 2.2 pounds. The minimized, low-profile design really comes in handy here, and the lack of thick cushioning only serves to make this pair that much quicker on your feet. Many testers commented that the added control for 4th class climbing and backpacking was well worth the decrease in overall support.
6. Salomon X Ultra Prime
Upper-Durable synthetic mesh with support overlays
The lace-up system gives more fit and stability
Very good grip/traction
Could offer more protection
Another very good light shoe from a company that can show many years of experience at providing top-rated shoes, this model is great for hiking.
The construction is solid and protective, the majority of the shoes have a mesh construction and a very secure skeleton lace-up system which lends a lot towards full foot support.
Comfort
Protection and stability through very well built shoes featuring a mesh upper system that enables great breath-factor, and a lace-up system that works in conjunction with the build of the shoes to ensure stability. There is also a built-in vamp for the coupling which is reinforced and gives great foot protection from sharp stones and heavy rocks. Stability is provided with great cushioning that comes from the reliable Midsole (EVA), ensuring very good motion control and note the high performance molded EVA insole.
Durability
The materials of the shoe itself have shown to be very durable and well-received. However, multiple reviewers have had issues with the eyelets and shoelaces.
Weight
Nice weight at 12.7 ounces, this shoe is built for durability, comfort, performance, protection, grip/traction, breath-ability.
7. Lowa Renegade II GTX Lo
Versatile
Impressive out-of-the-box comfort
Quite durable
Quite bulky
The Lowa Renegade II GTX Lo is perhaps the closest shoe to a regular mid hiking boot that we’ve included in this guide. This is a serious shoe made for serious people, and its burly design is reflected in its higher price point. The Renegade II features some surprising comfort and support, even right out of the box. If you’re looking for heavy-duty shoes that also work as good “around-the-town” shoes, you might have found your match. The only drawback here for some is that these are some pretty heavy shoes. If you’re doing tons of walking in town, you might want something that keeps you a bit lighter on your feet.
Read moreComfort
The Renegade II has a bit of a reputation for its surprising, out-of-the-box comfort. All of the extra material and support really shows here, and it’s sure to impress even the most demanding of individuals in this department. The only shoes that we can say with any confidence are more comfortable is the La Sportiva FC ECO 2.0, which took our Runner-Up award above.
Durability
The Lowa Renegade II GTX Lo is, without a doubt, the most durable hiking shoe in this guide. The extra cost actually reflects in the craftsmanship here, and we have no doubt that you can be hiking in these things for years to come. Testers had zero significant wear and tear to report, even after extensive field testing, which is something that isn’t the case for most other hiking shoes in this guide (and in general!).
Weight
2.73 pounds of sheer force make up these hiking shoes, and the bulky design is sure to put some off. Others, though, will appreciate the hardiness and extra support, and might even find this to be the killer app they’ve been searching for. With the industry shifting rapidly towards ultralight gear and breathability, there’s a very real gap out there for those looking for heavy equipment that expressly tries to accentuate fortitude over everything else. If that’s what you’re looking for, then you can end your search right here.
8. Columbia Redmond
Made from leather
Great brand
Quality shoe
Sizes can run small
These shoes from Columbia are great for a day or weekend of hiking. The great aspect of these shoes is that they are not as bulky as a pair of hiking boots but offer the same traction and comfort. Everyone knows of the brand Columbia and the quality they add to their products, so you can expect these shoes to have the same quality and durability that you would expect from Columbia.
Read moreComfort
These hiking shoes are not only durable and offer great protection from the elements that the wild can throw at you but they also quite comfortable. The inside of the shoes that offer a cushion fit to give support to your feet but also make them feel comfortable for long hikes. Overall if it is the comfort that you are after then these may be the shoes for you.
Durability
These shoes like all gear from Columbia comes with the quality and durability you would expect a pair of hiking shoes to come with. These shoes are made from leather which holds up and is tough against abrasions or other things that could cause damage to your shoes while on your next hike. The shoes are also water-resistant to give you an extra piece of mind that if you find yourself hiking through some wet terrain you do not have to worry about your shoes getting damaged.
Weight
These shoes weigh 4 pounds which is a little heavier when it comes to hiking shoes but the reason they are a bit heavier than normal is because of the quality of the material and the protection that they provide the owner. If you are going on short hikes that have some rough terrain then these may be the shoes for you.
9. Adidas Outdoor Ax 2
Durable rubber sole
Molded sock-liner
Light EVA MidSole
Some find they fit tight
Adidas has finally made its way onto our list with very nicely styled shoes with excellent tread for serious surfaces while out hiking. These shoes perform really well in hot weather for breathability and comfort. The structure of the shoe has been designed to give great support along with solid durability and performance. The shoes are light and internally you will find very good arch support.
Read moreComfort
Economically and in terms of performance, this shoe is a very good choice for hikers looking to hike in warm weather places. You get a good quality integrated sock liner system up to Adidas quality standards, so comfortable that you could do away with wearing socks.
The lining made from comfortable textile really does seem to mold and adjust to comfortably hug your foot, an air mesh system keeps your feet really cool if you hit very wet weather the dry out time for the shoes is quick.
Durability
The designed-in tread system is positively aggressive where grip/traction is concerned, take on those challenging surfaces with great confidence, muddy wet surfaces are not a problem, your chances of slipping are rather low.
The shoe construction is all synthetic materials and this is where you get the water protection, great breathability, durability, comfort, structural stability in the shoes and very good fit and quite durable.
Weight
Much lighter than most but not all other competing brands, they only come in at 10 ounces, this means we can look at it as an ideal light-weight hiking shoe.
10. Merrell Moab Ventilator
Great traction from the Vibram sole
Mesh upper/leather is water resistant
Protective toe cap made from durable rubber
Not many color options to choose from
These lightweight shoes have great breathability - spot on for hiking trails. These shoes also feature an excellent high-performance Vibram sole, a creative and well designed built-in molded EVA foot frame with compression qualities, and for even more comfort an air cushion midsole. The cushioned heel has very good shock absorbance and the Vibram sole offers grip in even extreme muddy conditions.
Read moreComfort
Designed into the shoe for the prevention of moisture and sweat build-up are antimicrobial qualities that work to prevent the existence of shoe odor caused by microbes. The upper for these shoes give excellent breathing ability, nice walkability, and solid comfort through the built-in leather and mesh system. A highly protective rubberized toe protector and well-designed heel counter, extensive design thought has gone into providing comfort and protection.
Durability
The lug layout is all about serious traction and real stability, you retain flexibility as the lugs are not built into the shoe arch and these shoes will hold in very challenging situations.
Weight
The shoes are light on the foot which is a factor which is very appreciated on a long hike. The weight of the shoe is listed as 1.15-ounces but we are unsure if that is for the pair or just one shoe.
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Comfort
It doesn't take much convincing to make you understand that the comfort of your hiking shoes is one of the most important factors to consider. For this, it is essential to look into the materials and fit of the shoe to determine its flexibility, breathability, and overall comfort.
The majority of hiking shoes feature mesh made from nylon. This material offers more breathability but is less weather and water-resistant. Depending on the climate that you will be in, this could be great or terrible. If you will be hiking in a colder environment, a shoe such as the Renegade II may be a better choice for you. Its thick construction makes it very durable, but unfortunately, not very breathable. This particular shoe is made from 100% leather.
Next, you will want to investigate the cushioning of the shoe. Some manufacturers refer to this as "shock absorption," but it is the same. Even if every review raves about walking on clouds, this is specific to each person. Before committing to a shoe for a 2-week trek, it is best to break them in around the house and see how the cushioning works for you.
The lacing of the shoes also plays a roll in the overall comfort of the shoe. A few on our list feature traditional thick laces that you can adjust, while others feature more of a bungee system that allows for more flexibility.
Durability
While well worth it, hiking shoes can be an investment. For this reason, you want to make sure that they are durable. The durability is derived from the construction, materials, and frequency of use. Hiking shoes with leather uppers tend to last longer but don't necessarily comply with all weather conditions. Shoes with nylon mesh uppers aren't quite as durable but offer breathability and wetness protection. On our list, we mostly included hiking shoes from well-known companies that provide reliable products, and some even provide warranties. If you are an avid hiker, having a couple of different pairs in your wardrobe will help to keep you comfortable and hiking for many years to come.
Overall if you are looking to invest in a durable pair of hiking shoes than you have to consider the material that they are made from, and also as you will be hiking off the road and in rough terrain if they can take a beating and still last. The best way to know if the shoes will hold up would be to check the customer reviews as this is your inside look to seeing how the hiking shoes you have your eyes on held up for other customers that took them on hiking trips. This way you are not taking a risk and ending up with a pair of shoes that will not make the journey and instead end up with a pair that will not only make the journey but also last for many adventures to come.
Weight
Another important factor to look into is the weight of the shoes. Most likely, you will already be loaded up with quite a few pounds on your back, and any extra weight is just a hassle. Our list features options from under one pound to over two pounds. The leather versions will be heavier but feel sturdier and last longer. On the other hand, if you are looking for a dependable pair of lightweight shoes, the Salomon X UL may be a great option for you.
If you are hiking to a campsite (or around a foreign country) and then to short distances, you may end up attaching your shoes to your backpack. Knowing the weight of your shoes will help you decide what to pack and if the shoes will be a good option for you.
You also want to make sure that you have lightweight hiking shoes as when hiking off-road the terrain is uneven and there are unforeseen obstacles that could get in your way and you need to be able to react quickly to avoid injury. Always check the weight of the shoes and if you have the option to go into a store and try them on to see if they are actually lightweight or heavier than that would be your best option in ensuring you get a quality lightweight hiking shoe.
Expert Interviews & Opinions
Comfort Durability Weight
The best time of the day to try on your hiking shoes is at the end of the day. After you have been vertical for most of the day, your feet are slightly larger than when you first wake up. This will help to give you an exact fit. It is also recommended to try the shoes on with the socks that you will be wearing while hiking.
If you opt for a leather pair of hiking shoes, make sure that you buy them in advance so that you have plenty of time to break them in. Leather can be much stiffer than synthetic fabrics and usually take about three weeks of use to loosen up a bit.
The ultimate question for every hiker is do I wear hiking boots or shoes? The answer depends on the terrain and duration you are looking to go hiking for. If you are going to be hiking on uneven ground and need traction and more ankle support, than you may want to bring your hiking boots. If you are hiking for a short distance and the hike is relatively grounded, then you may want to opt for your hiking shoes. Overall keep where you are hiking in mind when deciding on what footwear to bring.
Other Factors to Consider
Use
Hiking shoes have been around for quite a while now, and many outdoors lovers never even consider getting a heavy-duty boot. Why is this?
Many hikers tend to enjoy a more relaxed pace through well-maintained trails. In this scenario, likely, you won’t need anything other than the essentials to be successful, and it is in these areas that hiking shoes shine. On the flip side, hiking boots would come into play on longer, more treacherous backpacking trips that require a bit more preparation and physical endurance than a simple day hike. Some ultralight hikers might even still opt for a hiking shoe for a long journey if they are trying to move quickly and efficiently along the trail.
Day hiking
Dayhiking usually involves a more straightforward, flatter trail, but there are exceptions to every rule here. A day hike is any hike that you start and finish on the same day, unlike a multi-day backpacking expedition.
In a typical day hiking scenario, you might only need to bring a bottle of water and a light pack filled with essential supplies and a camera. For these days, a hiking shoe will come in handy, allowing you to move quickly through the hike and stay comfortable while doing so. The North Face Ultra 109 GTX, our Top Pick winner above, would be an example of a shoe that’d perform exceptionally well for a hike such as this, but in all actuality, any of the models we’ve included above would work well here.
Fast Hiking
While the name might fool you, fast hiking doesn’t necessarily mean you’re jogging through the trails for the entire day; it merely means that you set out to cover a slightly larger distance than you would if you were taking things slowly.
In these situations, being light on your feet is essential, for obvious reasons. Here, something like the La Sportiva FC ECO 2.0 might be a grand choice to keep you moving comfortably throughout the day.
We find that as hikers gain experience and familiarity with an area, they naturally tend to begin fast hiking, with the hope being to discover rewarding new vistas or trail features along the way. In this case, hiking shoes would be a winner for you as well.
Thru-Hiking
Finally, we’ve arrived at thru-hiking. Thru-hiking involves longer, more extreme multi-day hikes that require determination, endurance, and smart preparation. For many hikers, these are the situations that call for a heavier duty boot, but many still, especially in the “Ultralight” community, prefer to use quality hiking shoes in order to cover ground effectively while steering clear of weight and bulk-based fatigue. Ultimately, it’s going to come down to what you feel will be the best for you in the end. Hiking is an activity that takes a bit of trial and error before you arrive at your preferential gear setup.
Overall if you are an avid hiker, it is always a good idea to have a pair of hiking shoes in your home so you have the option to choose between hiking boots and shoes depending on the hike you are looking to pursue. Most of the pairs of hiking shoes on our list are affordable, so it would not hurt to invest in a pair to have on hand in case you find your boots are getting bulky and heavy on your feet.
Fit
When looking for any shoes, you want to ensure that they fit correctly and are comfortable on your feet no matter how long you are wearing them. This is specifically important when it comes to hiking shoes as with hiking shoes you will not only be wearing them for an extended period of time and on long treks but will also be walking on terrain that is uneven and will have obstacles. So you want to make sure they fit correctly.
Overall the best way to ensure that the hiking shoes you are looking at will fit adequately would be to check the customer reviews. By checking the customer reviews, you can get a first-hand look at how these shoes fit other customers, and if the sizes were larger or smaller than stated.
Frequently Asked Questions
q: Should I choose hiking boots or hiking shoes?
This is one of the questions we get asked quite often when it comes to hiking and backpacking: “What’s better for me, boots or shoes?” The answer, as always, depends highly on your intended usage. However, factors like your health, strength, and desired level of comfort play a part here as well when trying to determine which route to go. For instance, let’s break it down; maybe you’re looking to do some casual hiking on a smooth and easy trail with some friends. In this case, shoes will likely serve you just fine, as the extra support and protection probably isn’t more important than being light on your feet.
On average, boots weigh a few ounces more than most of the shoes on the list above, so that should always be taken into account when you are making your first purchase. That being said, let’s say that you’re looking for something to see you through an arduous, multi-day hike into the mountains. In this scenario, it would likely be worthwhile to have the extra ankle support and protection that a boot can offer you, versus the shoe. Boots also tend to be easier to keep water out of in streams and rivers, and the increased support reduces the likelihood of a leg based injury. (Something you don’t want to deal with while out on the trail)
Deciding which option is best for you might come down to a matter of preference. That being said, let’s take a look at a few scenarios where hiking shoes might be the best pick for you.
q: When should I wear hiking shoes?
As mentioned earlier, there are various hikes and situations that hiking shoes are best suited for. However, it is always a personal choice when choosing what footwear works best for you.
With this in mind, and without repeating too much of the aforementioned information, some of the best scenarios to wear hiking shoes in our day hikes, travel, and light backpacking.
Not to mention, a good pair of hiking shoes is also worth considering if you are an avid camper. Nothing beats a solid pair of shoes to brave the outdoors in. Even if you aren’t planning on long treks, you will most likely be doing some exploring around the site.
q: Are hiking shoes water resistant?
As you may have noticed with the various shoes on our list, there are many different options of shoes to choose from. Some are water-resistant and some are not. So how is water resistance created in a good pair of hiking shoes? Water-resistance is achieved in two basic ways.
One is an inner membrane that doesn’t allow water into the shoes, and the second is a chemical treatment that is resistant to moisture. Gore-Tex is an example of a material that is both waterproof and breathable in active gear. The short form of Gore-Tex is GTX, and it can be found in the name of many hiking shoes.
q: If I buy a more expensive pair of hiking shoes, does that guarantee they will be better quality?
When looking at investing in a pair of hiking shoes, do not think the more expensive the pair of hiking shoes, the more durable or better quality it will be like that is not the case.
The best thing to do when looking for a durable pair of hiking shoes to last you years to come is to look at the material and also the reviews to see how the boots have held up for other consumers that have put them to the test.
Do not solely be swayed by price as you may end up with an expensive pair of hiking shoes that will not hold up, make an educated purchase and research before buying.
q: What is so special about hiking shoes?
Hiking shoes are low cut shoes that usually have flexible mid-soles and are usually great for day hiking as they give your foot and ankle support without having the bulkiness and weight that hiking boots provide. They are great for day trips as they are lightweight but give you great support. If you are going on a day trip in medium terrain, a great pair of hiking shoes are recommended.
Sources
- , The Best Hiking Boots of 2018, Adventure Blog
- , BEST LIGHTWEIGHT HIKING SHOES OF 2019, Buying Guide
