Nothing can ruin a hike faster than wearing the wrong shoes. So if you plan on immersing yourself in the Great Outdoors this season, it's time to invest in a top-notch pair of hiking shoes. The perfect pair will not only protect your feet from the element, but will also offer enough support and comfort to help you get through a full day on the trails.
There's an overwhelming number of hiking shoes and boots available in stores, and seasoned hikers have probably found out the hard way that many don't live up to their claims. So to help you avoid achy feet and painful blisters, we've combed through hundreds of reviews from real shoppers and found options that are sturdy and comfortable enough to last on even the rockiest terrains.
Not only do these best-selling options have an overwhelming amount of glowing customer reviews, but they also have thousands of five-star ratings between them.
Many of these hiking shoes feature additional good-for-you details like cushioned, shock-absorbing insoles, ample arch support, and great traction. Whether you're looking for a lightweight pair of women's hiking shoes or a sturdy pair of men's leather hiking boots, there's an option on this list for everyone. Keep reading to shop the 14 pairs of hiking shoes and boots that customers love the most.
These adorable hiking shoes by Merrell are a best-selling women's hiking shoe on Amazon for a reason. The comfortable shoes feature a breathable mesh lining as well as a contoured footbed for extra comfort. Along with ample arch support, the functional footwear also offers organic odor control, so your feet won't smell no matter how sweaty you get. Plus, there are eight stylish colors to choose from.
They have great tread on the bottom and held on slippery surfaces and just enough cushion for comfort and conforms to the foot well. Most importantly, after miles a day not a single blister! To buy: amazon. In the market for a quality waterproof hiking boot? Check out this option by Columbia.
It features a patented Omni-Grip rubber sole that offers excellent traction on even the slickest of terrains and has a super cushioned insole for extra comfort. The boots have over 8, reviews and a 4. The best thing about these shoes is it keeps you from slipping when you're hiking up and down trails. I absolutely love how I don't slip on steep rocky dirt trails. They are also extremely sturdy and comfortable.
If you love to switch between hiking and jogging, opt for these multi-functional running shoes from Salomon.
Not only are they super lightweight, but the soles have excellent grip, so you won't slip and slide along different types of terrain. Made with water-resistant fabric, the hiking shoes have quicklaces that make them super easy to slip on and off. Love the cushioning design and how it grips my feet. So so comfortable.
If I have to wear one pair of shoes for the rest of my life, this would be it. These Merrell hiking boots feature an incredibly supportive footbed, a protective toe cap, and patented Vibram traction that'll help you grip the terrain easily. They're also waterproof, so your feet with stay dry and comfortable even if you get caught in the rain.
There is no need to break them in. We also measured the forefoot at its widest point on each product. Wide bases provide a stable foundation for powering through each step. The Hoka One One and Merrell models tied for the broadest forefoot at 4. We also measured the height of the ankle collar from the footbed to the highest ankle point to check ankle stability.
While ankle protection is more of a thing with hiking boots, we still appreciate a pair of hiking shoes that offers more stability than a typical trail runner. Lastly, we also considered the quality of the insole. It appears that some manufacturers view the insole as just an opportunity to add cushioning and improve the fit of the footbed.
We appreciated manufacturers that took the insole as an opportunity to add support to the heel and arch. The stiffest insole award goes to the Keen models, while the Salomon , Vasque , and Merrell products also beefed up their insoles by adding a second, more dense layer of foam to the back half of the foot.
This extra support does not take away from comfort in the footbed in any case. While many hikers see buying third-party insoles as automatic, hiking shoes are not cheap, and we like insoles that aren't, too. The Mountain Trailer Lite and the Targhee II excelled in this metric, topping the charts as the most stable under any conditions imaginable.
These are great hiking shoes for those who might feel the need to carry heavier packs or who require more ankle support. Low-cut shoes that wrap around the bottom of the ankle can provide that much more stability and we tend to favor them when hiking on rough and uneven terrain where the risks of twisting an ankle are higher.
Shoes are shoes, and you could feasibly get by using one pair to do everything from going to work, walk the dog, hike the Colorado Divide Trail, and even run a marathon. The question is how well they will do in these varied applications. A good hiking shoe, in our minds, will be able to handle all moderately difficult hiking trails with ease, with and without a backpack, and some off-trail travel in more demanding terrain. A few of these models may be able to moonlight as a casual shoe around town, or as a trail-running shoe for wet and sloppy conditions.
Do you want one do-it-all shoe or a quiver of options for different adventures? If you are new to hiking, it's likely that a versatile, do-everything shoe fits your needs. But, if you have specific priorities and a bigger budget, two or more pairs of specialized shoes could give you focused performance.
Keep in mind that a shoe designed for hiking is only part of your adventure footwear quiver, which might already include boots, trail running shoes, approach shoes, etc.
At a bare minimum, a product in this category must handle several miles with a light daypack stuffed with a water bottle, snacks, an extra layer, and a camera.
All models we reviewed pass this low standard. During testing, we also packed a midsize pack liter volume with pounds and hit the trails in the contenders.
After a few miles, the added weight of a pack separated the rest of the "pack. Many models also bear a strong resemblance to trail running shoes. The thing that sets them apart from your average trail runner is the added support and traction, and especially the waterproof liner, a less common attribute in trail shoes. These models tend to be our favorite choices for trips that will involve a lot of miles, such as a fast-packing adventure on such iconic summertime trails as the Wonderland, the JMT, and the Long Trail.
It's no secret dry feet provide more comfort and warmth than wet ones. Moisture and water in the footbed also increase the likelihood of blisters. The trade-off for solid waterproofing is lower breathability, warmer feet, and a higher price tag. Many of the models that we tested come in both standard and "waterproof" options a designation in the name like "GTX" for Gore-Tex or "Dry" usually gives it away.
Popular liners include options from Gore-Tex or eVent, while some manufacturers, like Keen , use a proprietary membrane. We chose to test the waterproof versions as much as possible because the average hiker encounters wet conditions often, from water crossings to muck and slush to precipitation and more.
Unless you're only hiking in Death Valley - and hey, even they get rain sometimes - it usually makes sense to have a pair with a waterproof liner. To score the contenders in this metric, we considered their flood heights, how readily the upper absorbs water, and performance in our waterproof challenge. After a couple of months of hiking, we headed to a small mountain stream in the Eastern Sierra. Checking for leaks, we splashed around in water deep enough to cover the forefoot.
We walked around and flexed the forefoot to see if the added stress caused any leakage. After five minutes, we removed the shoes to see if any water made it inside. The Hoka Toa Gore-Tex emerged from the water on top of all other models. It has a relatively tall flood height 5 inches among the shoes we tested, kept our feet dry through the waterproof test, and resisted absorbing water into its synthetic upper.
This shoe's height straddles the line between low-cut shoe and mid-cut boot. Any water these models did soak up dried quickly. A few seconds after stepping into the water in the Juxt , our feet were soaked.
The same went for the Moab 2 Ventilator. Not having a waterproof membrane, this was expected, and we only put them through this liquid suffering for equality's sake. Our feet remained dry for a few minutes in both, but they couldn't survive the full five minutes underwater.
The Keen leaked more than the Merrell, while the Merrell absorbed more liquid into its mesh-heavy upper. Water resistance declines with use and time, but we expected more from these two models after only miles in each pair.
All of these shoes benefit from a leather or fabric conditioner applied to the upper. Nikwax has a range of products that are great for treating the mixed material uppers of these shoes. A leather or fabric treatment keeps water from soaking the shoe's upper materials. Even when the waterproof liner stops water, it makes your shoe heavy and hinders breathability. The La Sportiva and Salomon products soaked up the least water and dried faster than the others.
The are many trade-offs when designing hiking footwear, and the cost for a more durable shoe is commonly more weight. When a manufacturer focuses on making lightweight shoes, durability is less of a focus. Full leather uppers tend to be more durable than synthetics but also weigh more.
Rubber-covered toe boxes also increase durability in that high-wear area, yet again add to the shoe's weight. Durable, dense rubber soles are also heavier than softer rubber. Your footwear takes more punishment than any other kind of hiking gear you wear, making craft, materials, and design an important part of choosing a pair that ages well.
While we didn't test each product's entire lifespan, we put a minimum of 15 to 20 miles on each shoe and checked them at the end of the testing period for any signs of weakness or wear. We looked at protection in high wear areas, rubber density of the sole, materials and construction of the upper, quality of stitching, and other unique characteristics of each shoe.
We also talked to fellow hikers on the trails about their shoe experiences. It has a burly outsole, uses much more robust materials for the upper, and stacks a whole lot of material into the shank to create the support and stability it imparts to the wearer. It will last you a long time, but the added weight penalty might not be worth it for everyone. Cleaning and treating your footwear increases its life expectancy.
Mud and sand left on the upper create premature wear. Warm water and a soft brush is your best tactic for cleaning. Nikwax offers a line of leather and fabric conditioners, including products for suede leather and synthetic fabrics. Common wear areas, like the flex points on the forefoot and seams that are prone to scuffing, can be reinforced. Applying Gear Aid Seam Grip or a similar sealer keeps out dirt and sand, prolonged use, and has the added benefit of keeping water out.
Few things make us happier than a good pair of hiking shoes. These capable low-cut models provide all the traction, comfort, and versatility that a pair of boots might, but at a much-reduced weight. For most of us who don't tend to carry big, heavy packs out onto the trails, these are the perfect ticket to having an enjoyable hiking experience. They are more comfortable, they breathe better while still providing waterproofing, and they take virtually no time to break in and get used to.
Do yourself a favor and slip into a nice new pair of hiking shoes, we expect your feet will thank you. GearLab is founded on the principle of honest, objective, reviews. Our experts test thousands of products each year using thoughtful test plans that bring out key performance differences between competing products. And, to assure complete independence, we buy all the products we test ourselves. No cherry-picked units sent by manufacturers. No sponsored content. No ads. And if you prefer an over-the-ankle style, see our article on the best hiking boots.
Category: Hiking shoe Weight: 1 lb. The Salomon X Ultra 3 is our top hiking shoe for , combining a feathery feel with impressive on-trail performance.
All told, we highly recommend the X Ultra for day hikes, quick summits, and even lightweight backpacking. The single-pull laces are fast to use and provide a secure fit, and the shoe is far nimbler than traditional hikers like the Merrell Moab 2 or Keen Targhee below.
We found the fit runs narrow in the toe box, but the good news is that the low-top GTX version is offered in wide sizes. Waterproof: No waterproof available What we like: Very comfortable and a great price. What has made this shoe so popular over the years? Most notably, it's the lightweight but planted feel, comfortable fit, and attractive price point. Merrell updated the Moab a couple of years ago including a more durable upper and greater cushioning in the heel of the footbed, but the formula largely remains the same.
For day hikers sticking to established trails, the Moab 2 is a great value. In terms of downsides, on rocky and muddy trails, we found that traction and stability fall short of a performance shoe like the Salomon X Ultra 3 above.
And despite a competitive 1-poundounce weight for a pair, the shoe feels a little slow and cumbersome compared with some lighter models.
But these are small complaints about an otherwise fantastic shoe, and we highly recommend the Moab 2 for day hikes and lightweight backpacking. Category: Trail runner Weight: 1 lb. Hoka One One used to be a niche brand for runners, but that has changed dramatically over the past few years and the brand is now a go-to options for hikers.
What are the shortcomings of the Hoka Speedgoat 4? We have been surprised at how quickly they wear down, and the sole in particular. In addition, while the performance is superb on established trails, we took them scrambling over steep terrain and realized the limitations. As a trail running shoe, the Speedgoat is light on protection around the foot and the stability can waver when really put to the test. Waterproof: No waterproof available What we like: Super light but with plush cushioning.
Running-centric brand Altra is an uber-popular option for thru-hikers and minimalists, with a strong lineup of heavily cushioned yet lightweight shoes. Given its low weight of just 1 pound 6. There are a few important things to keep in mind when choosing a trail running shoe like the Altra Lone Peak for hiking. First, you get less protection at the toe and along the sides of the foot than the more hiking-centric shoes on this list.
Third, the Lone Peak has a wide fit, particularly in the toe box. If you have narrow feet, we recommend looking for a different trail runner such as the Hoka One One Speedgoat above. Category: Approach shoe Weight: 1 lb. Waterproof: No What we like: Approach shoe grip with hiking shoe comfort and weight. The Vibram outsole, full rubber rand, and smooth area of sticky rubber under the toe make it a great option for scrambling, smearing, and edging on rock.
But what we have been impressed with most is its versatility: the TX4 does equally well moving fast on the trail with its light and moderately flexible construction. We even like it for everyday use due to the high levels of comfort and attractive design. As with most approach shoes, the La Sportiva TX4 does have limitations. The dotty tread grips exceptionally well on wet and dry rock and even impressed us with traction on snow, but it will fall short of a true hiking shoe in dirt and mud.
Further, some hikers—mostly those of the fast-and-light variety—might find that the stiffer sole feels clunky and inflexible. And keep in mind that La Sportiva does make this shoe in a number of versions, including the mesh TX3 more breathability up to the burly TXS a full-on hiking boot Waterproof: Yes non-GTX available What we like: Excellent cushioning and comfort in a lightweight and flexible package. Salomon has attempted light and flexible hikers in the past with mixed results, but we think they have a real winner with the X Raise line.
And for those who have had issues squeezing into Salomon shoes in the past—including the narrow X Ultra 3 above—the X Raise has an average fit with plenty of room in the toe box. At 1 pound 7. Our only real complaint with the shoe relates to its traction over wet rock, where it was surprisingly slippery and hard to trust.
Despite this, the X Raise should be a top candidate for everything from short day hikes to backpacking Danner is best known for its work boots, but the long-time footwear brand has made a nice transition to hikers of late. But those are small complaints about an otherwise comfortable and modern lightweight hiking shoe Beyond its sleeker and more modern look, Salomon revised the lacing system and chassis, and the fit is a bit wider in the toe box.
In comparing the X Ultra 3 and 4, the difference in height is noticeable, and the sheer number of complaints is enough for us to hesitate in moving the shoe any higher on our list at the moment. That said, if you can try it on before you purchase or buy from a retailer with a good return policy , the new X Ultra is undeniably a high-performance, quality option Waterproof: No waterproof available What we like: A nice update that modernizes the classic Targhee design.
Like Merrell's Moab, the Targhee is Keen's signature everyday hiker. Updated a couple years ago, the changes weren't groundbreaking but did a nice job at modernizing the classic design. Most importantly, the super wide foot bed of the previous model has been trimmed down slightly to give the shoe a slightly less sloppy feel over rocky terrain.
Among day hiking options, the Keen Targhee Low and Merrell Moab 2 are two of the most popular on the market. Both are very comfortable right out of the box, offer plenty of support and traction for non-technical trails, and can even do the trick on shorter backpacking trips. It feels sturdy and substantial with good stiffness and a thick midsole, effectively isolating you from rough and rocky trails La Sportiva even goes so far as calling it a low-cut hiking boot.
Finally, we appreciate the accommodating fit that should work well for most foot types, but the shoe is a little wide at the heel and we had to cinch it down tightly to avoid slippage. Waterproof: Yes What we like: Light, tough, and extremely well-built.
But until fairly recently, the legendary Canadian brand had yet to release a true hiking shoe. Enter the Aerios FL, which is superlight at just over 1. All told, the Aerios likely is lighter than your day hiker, more protective than your trail runner, and more comfortable than your approach shoe.
In terms of performance, we took the Aerios FL on the multi-day Escalante Route through the Grand Canyon, which included off-trail scrambling with a loaded pack.
The shoe felt a bit stiff at first—particularly under the heel—but it broke in nicely and ended up being comfortable during long days on the trail. Default insoles often leave users disappointed. Aftermarket insoles or your custom orthotics can greatly improve the fit of the shoe. If this fails, you can always try another pair from another brand. Use the ramp and walk up and down. When you go up the board, observe for any heel lift. When you go down, check if your toes hit the front of the shoes.
If your heel rises more than a quarter of an inch or if your toes hit the front, adjust the laces or try sizing up. Make sure to break in your shoes before your trip. Hiking shoes, especially the heavy, leather ones, require a different break-in time.
Start small by wearing the shoes inside your house with your preferred socks. This might feel awkward but in the end, your feet will surely thank you. From there, increase your miles gradually. Knowing a few lacing techniques might sound elementary, but this can actually help you avoid unnecessary mishaps when hiking.
Lacing too loose might not give you the support you need while lacing it too tight may lead to blisters and hotspots. Here are a few techniques worth learning to remedy the most common foot problems when hiking. Over the past 20 years, Paul has climbed, hiked, and ran all over the world.
He has summited peaks throughout the Americas, trekked through Africa, and tested his endurance in hour trail races as well as 6 marathons. On average, he runs miles a week in the foothills of Northern Colorado. On top of this, Paul is leading the running shoe lab where he cuts shoes apart and analyses every detail of the shoes that you might buy.
Reviewed using methodology 1. Best overall. Best lightweight. Best comfort. Best for backpacking. Best budget shoe. Overview of this guide 1. How we test and review hiking shoes 2.
Best overall 3. Best lightweight 4. Best comfort 5. Best for backpacking 6. Best budget shoe 7. Hiking shoes vs other types of trail footwear 8. Hiking shoe anatomy: Materials and their benefits 9. Waterproof, water-resistant, and water-repellent hiking shoes Your 5-step guide to choosing the best hiking shoes.
How we test and review hiking shoes We want to make sure you get the most up-to-date and honest reviews on the best hiking shoe options on the market. Here is our approach: As an independent review website, we purchase all hiking shoes with our own money to stay unbiased.
Our testers take each tested shoe on a series of hikes on various distances and terrains to check every important aspect. To make our reviews as comprehensive as they can be, we gather thousands of reviews from expert hikers and regular buyers.
All opinions are reflected in the CoreScore, a number from 1 to which is assigned to each model. Finally, we select our top picks based on the feedback from wear-tests and the CoreScore.
How can it weigh like a running shoe and yet feel just as sturdy as a hiking boot? And oh boy how well-supported it makes you feel on the trail! Danner Trail Men. We went off the trails to test out the capacity of this Salewa grinder. And we were impressed! Best budget shoe 6 colorways available Merrell Moab 2 Ventilator 6 colorways available Men. The Merrel Moab 2 made it to our top picks twice! That must mean something. And once hitting the trail, we realized that this is our number one.
Hiking shoes vs other types of trail footwear Generally, your common hiking shoes offer more protection, traction, and stability than your trail runners and sneakers. Hiking shoe anatomy: Materials and their benefits People often underestimate hiking. Paul Ronto Over the past 20 years, Paul has climbed, hiked, and ran all over the world.
0コメント