Whether you are planning a day hike, light backpacking, or running along your favorite trail in the forest, protecting your feet is important. Hiking shoes are your first point of contact with the ground, so they need to provide you with a good level of support and comfort.
The 6 Best Hiking Shoes
- The North Face Ultra 109 GTX Hiking Shoes
- Columbia Men’s Newton Ridge Waterproof Hiking Boot Shoes
- KEEN Men’s Targhee II Hiking Shoes (Our Top Pick for Men)
- Merrell Women’s Moab Waterproof Hiking Shoes
- Salomon Women’s VAYA Mid GTX Hiking Shoes (Our Top Pick for Women)
- Ahnu Women’s Sugarpine Hiking Shoes
Our Top Picks for the Best Hiking Shoes
Our top pick for the best hiking shoes for men is the KEEN Men’s Targhee II Hiking Shoes. Whether you are traveling the world or hiking along your favorite trails, the Targhee II hiking shoes are the ideal hiking companions. Although they have limited ankle support, they are sturdy and have a high level of comfortability and support, so your feet will have the protection they need.
Check the price on Amazon
Our top pick for the best hiking shoes for women is the Salomon Women’s VAYA Mid GTX Hiking Shoes. These durable walking shoes can protect your feet in all kinds of trail conditions. Salomon’s smart technological design and dedication to creating comfortable hiking shoes mean you get extremely good value for money, and they look amazing too.
Check the price on AmazonHiking Boots vs Hiking Shoes
There are 2 types of footwear that are designed for hiking: hiking boots and hiking shoes.
Hiking Boots
Hiking boots are very sturdy and they can provide you with high-level over-the-ankle support and water protection in harsh weather. They are ideal for medium to heavy-grade hiking over rough terrain, and for carrying heavy camping gear.
Hiking Shoes
As more and more people choose to hike in footwear that is more lightweight and flexible such as athletic type shoes, hiking shoe manufacturers have responded to this shift, and hiking shoes are lighter in their construction. However, still offer you much of the support, durability, and protection of hiking boots.
Hiking shoes are available as a trail runner or in a mid-cut design.
– Trail runners
Trail runners are primarily designed for when you need to move fast, and their slimline construction makes them the ideal choice for walking along easy-grade trails and going on shorter hikes through the wilderness. However, some footwear manufacturers make their trail runners pretty tough, so they can handle medium-level hiking trails.
You would have to consider a hiking shoe if you are:
- Not carrying a lot of weight in your backpack
- A seasoned hiker who is used to carrying a lot of weight and going on more rugged and heavy-duty trails and long-term expeditions
– Mid-cut
Mid-cut design shoes look like hiking boots but they fit just above your ankle. They are more supportive and protective than trail runners, so they are ideal for more challenging environments.
The downside of wearing mid-cut hiking shoes is that they do not have a streamlined design like the trail runner, so they may not be flexible enough for cycling along a trail or running along a forest track.
How To Choose the Best Hiking Shoes
Finding your perfect hiking shoe that will see you through your next outdoor adventure can be quite complex and time-consuming, a bit like finding a needle in a haystack. However, we have compiled 5 ‘must-have’ features that you need in a hiking shoe.
Find Your Perfect Shoe Size
One of the main problems people have with footwear is finding a size that is perfect for them. One size shoe does not fit all. Some people have feet that do not conform to standard shoe sizing; they may have narrow or broad feet, or they may have high arches. Women may have bunions that can make the shoes feel uncomfortable and they may fit too tight across the toes.
To find your perfect fit, know your foot measurements, the length and width, and arch sizing. You can find this out by going to your nearest shoe store and measure your foot with their measuring device. If you decide to try this out, go in the morning, and preferably in cool weather as your feet can swell up during the day in warm weather.
Construction
Hiking shoes are generally composed of leather and suede with synthetic reinforcements, which gives your feet the support they need, and the material is designed to be abrasion-resistant. Leather uppers also give you very good waterproofing protection to keep your feet warm and dry.
Waterproof and Breathable Membrane
Whether you use the shoes in dry or wet conditions, waterproof protection is important as you just never know when the weather will change, or you might have to negotiate a creek bed and jump from rock to rock and get your shoes wet in the process.
As well as leather uppers, hiking shoes may have a PU membrane slotted in between the outer layer and the lining of the shoe that protects you from water but still allows moisture like sweat to be released so that your socks stay nice and dry.
You might see words such as GORE-TEX®, which is the super-hero of waterproofing and provides you with high-level waterproofing protection. Or a manufacturer may have its own special waterproofing protection such as Omni-shield that is added to the material of the shoes.
You also need to consider whether you are going to use the hiking shoes in the summer, and in dry conditions, which means you will need well-ventilated, lightweight shoes with lots of mesh in the upper material that allows your feet to breathe.
Extra Comfort and Support
How a hiking shoe feels is one of the most important aspects of finding the best fit for you. How does your foot feel in the footbed? Does it give you adequate support under the midsole? Is there good torsional stability?
A shoe that has good torsional stability means that it has good flexibility and your feet are not as fatigued as you walk on rough terrain or up and down steep hills. This is especially important when you are carrying a substantial backpack.
Some manufacturers design their shoes with a molded EVA Ortholite removable footbed that conforms to the shape of your foot and provides you with extra support.
Other questions that you need to consider:
- Do the shoes cater to people who have high arches?
- Is there enough insole support for people who suffer from plantar fasciitis?
Durability
In an ideal world, we all wish our hiking shoes would last forever. However, in time, and depending on what kind of environmental conditions you are submitting them to, all shoes will wear out. In time, and hopefully, not in the very near future, seams will come apart, waterproof membranes may not protect your feet from moisture like they used to, and the outer sole may come off.
Still, durability is important, and if the shoes are reputed to be good to high quality, they should last for quite some time. So to help your shoes last the distance, take care of them and they will take care of your feet.
A good tip for taking care of your hiking shoes is to apply some Seam Grip glue along the single-stitched seam where the leather meets the mesh at the front of the shoe. Seam Grip glue helps to stop any wear and tear on the seams and gives your shoes some extra durability.
With the fierce competition to get our dollar and to continually push the bar in regards to creating quality hiking footwear, many companies are using the latest innovative technologies and high-quality material to give you the best value, support, protection, and comfortability.
Their reputation is at stake, and even more importantly, the protection of your feet is in their sights as well. So whether you are working on your property or hiking through the wilderness, durability is important.
Another good tip that can save your hiking shoes from falling apart too soon is to use them for low to medium-level hiking. Hiking shoes may be strong contenders with their bulkier counterparts hiking boots, but if you want to go on a heavy-duty hiking expedition, it is best to consider hiking boots.
If you want a shoe that is lightweight and sturdy and gives you great flexibility as well as foot protection, hiking shoes are a great choice.
6 Best Hiking Shoes – Reviews
1. The North Face Ultra 109 GTX Hiking Shoes
The North Face are experts in making high-quality footwear for a range of outdoor adventures, and their ultralight hiking shoe, the Ultra 109 GTX will give your feet that much-needed comfort and protection.
The shoe is made of strong PU-coated leather upper to protect the shoe’s material from being damaged, and the GORE-TEX® revolutionary patented membrane technology is specifically engineered to protect your feet against wind and water, and the mesh sections also allow the material to breathe well.
For walking or running on rough terrain, the ESS midfoot shank, TPU Snake Plate™ forefoot protection, and molded EVA midsole provide good cushioning underneath the arch and helps the shoes to flex as you walk up and down steep hills.
The rubber sole features a series of lugs that vary in size and depth, which gives you very good traction on slippery surfaces and provides you with that much-needed support for all-day hiking.
Although The North Face hiking shoes have very good water protection and they dry quickly, for extra protection you can spray the shoes with a special waterproof spray.
The hiking shoes have a good lacing system, with 4 lower webbing eyelets and 2 closely spaced traditional upper eyelets, which create less bulk on the top of the foot. You can tighten them securely or loosen them, depending on your desired comfort level. Overall, these hiking shoes are very comfortable and give you very good support for slightly more challenging trails.
Pros
- Ideal for light to medium hiking
- Good quality
- Very comfortable
- Good waterproofing
- Very good traction
- Good cushioning and support
Cons
- Expensive
- Not ideal for heavy-duty hiking
- Too wide for narrow feet
- Can get hot in very warm weather
2. Columbia Men’s Newton Ridge Waterproof Hiking Boot Shoes
If you are planning a light hiking trip, a walk along your favorite track in the forest, or working around your property, the smart-looking Columbia Men’s Newton Ridge Waterproof Hiking Boot Shoes will give you a very good level of comfort and protection.
Even though these hiking shoes are quite lightweight, they are still very tough as they are made from strong PU leather that is coated with Columbia’s special water and stain-resistant Omni-shield. To keep your feet warm and dry, the seam-sealed construction protects your feet in wet and cold conditions.
The Techlite™ midsole conforms to the shape of your foot to give you superior cushioning, and the shaft size that measures 5″ from the arch also makes these shoes very comfortable.
There is a rubber cap on the back of the shoe that gives you extra support when you need to walk up steep hills, and the Omni-Grip™ non-marking rubber outsoles provide superior stability and traction on slippery surfaces.
The shoes are easy to put on and the hook and loop closure system at the top of the shoe allows you to tie the laces right up to your ankles for extra support.
If you are going to be hiking in the warmer weather, the padded mesh tongue is very soft so it will not restrict movement, and the mesh also allows the shoe to breathe, which helps to minimize any sweat.
The Columbia hiking shoes are available in a wide range of sizes, but they may be a little narrow for some feet. So you may want to purchase half a size up from your normal shoe size to get the best fit. The shoes are available in a range of colors
Pros
- Good value for money
- Lightweight
- Comfortable
- Good waterproofing
- Very good foot support and traction
Cons
- Not ideal for heavy-duty hiking
- Not ideal for narrow feet
3. KEEN Men’s Targhee II Hiking Shoes
If you are looking for solid and stylish hiking shoes that will give you the support you need for light to medium-level trekking or backpacking, the KEEN Men’s Targhee II Hiking Shoes are a great choice.
KEEN has designed these sturdy hiking shoes with loads of impressive features: waterproof Nubuck leather construction, which is ideal for when you are hiking in wet conditions.
The special dual-density compression-molded EVA midsoles provide lots of cushioning and help the shoes to conform to the shape of your foot, as well as giving you good stability for when you are walking over uneven terrain. If you feel that you still need some more support, especially if you have high arches, you can add an additional insole.
The inside mesh adds some extra ventilation to your feet and helps to wick away moisture.
For protection from sharp objects, the shoes have a thick rubber toe, and the All-TERRAIN rubber outsole gives you a superior grip on slippery surfaces.
The cushioned collar reduces irritation around your ankle as you walk and climb and the thick tongue stops any dirt or debris from getting into the shoes and causing any discomfort as you explore the outdoors.
As well as offering you very good protection, top-notch comfort, and excellent support, the KEEN hiking shoes look good too, so you will want to wear them for almost every occasion. The hiking shoes come in 6 styles: cascade brown/golden yellow, gargoyle/midnight navy, raven/tawny olive, cascade brown/brown sugar, cascade brown, and canteen/dark olive, and a range of sizes.
There are some discrepancies about the shoe sizes, so if you have wide feet, these shoes can be tight so choose half a size up to get the best fit.
Pros
- Very good value for money
- Sturdy
- Extremely comfortable
- Very good protection
- Excellent support
- Stylish
Cons
- Not ideal for heavy-duty terrain
- Limited ankle support
- Not a lot of support for people with high arches
- Some discrepancies with shoe sizes
4. Merrell Women’s Moab Waterproof Hiking Shoes
The Merrell Women’s Moab Waterproof Hiking Shoes give you a good level of support and superior comfortability for light-duty hiking along your favorite forest trails.
The durable leather upper with mesh sections provides much-needed breathability and moisture-wicking for walking in hot conditions. As well as a strong construction and waterproof design, Merrell has designed its footwear with loads of comfortable features.
The molded nylon arch shank, protective rubber toe cap, EVA contoured footbeds, and air cushions that are built into the heel, provide good support and shock absorption.
If you are planning a long hike, the thick rubber Vibram outsole gives you very good stability, and the arched 5mm lugs ensure slip-free traction across a range of trail surfaces.
Although these hiking shoes are not suited for heavy-duty hiking as there is not enough ankle support for rocky terrain and rock surfaces can be felt through the soles, they are very lightweight at 12-ounces, and the padded tongue helps to keep any debris out of the shoe.
These functional shoes are also available in 6 stylish colors: drizzle/mint, dusty olive, granite, brindle, falcon, and olive.
Pros
- Good quality
- Lightweight
- Breathable
- Good padding and support
- Six attractive colors
Cons
- Not ideal for heavy-duty hiking
- Limited ankle support
5. Salomon Women’s VAYA Mid GTX Hiking Shoes
For maximum comfort, support, and durability, the Salomon Women’s VAYA Mid GTX Hiking Shoes are a great choice for outdoor explorers.
Whatever kind of outdoor adventure you choose, exploring a mountain trail in Peru or negotiating a river crossing in your favorite neck of the woods, the GTX hiking shoes will protect your feet.
Salomon has designed these waterproof shoes with sturdy textile uppers and mesh, and the breathable GORE-TEX® membrane also makes sure that your feet stay warm and dry regardless of the weather or trail conditions.
You can be guaranteed a secure fit as Salomon’s Sensifit technology makes the shoes mold to the shape of your foot. The EnergyCell midsole, EVA foam footbed, soft collar, and padded heel support provides a superior level of torsional stability, cushioning, and cradle support.
If you need to climb over rocks or walk over uneven terrain, the rubber toe cap protects your toes in rough trail conditions, and the thick Contra-grip rubber outsole gives you very good traction and maneuverability.
These hiking shoes are so super comfy and supportive, you will love them, and you will wonder why you have ever hiked without them.
The Salomon hiking shoes are available in 11 sizes and 2 super stylish designs: black/sargasso/black and green gables/spruce stone/shadow. If you have a narrow foot or a broad foot, to get the best fit, choose half a size up or down.
Pros
- Excellent hiking shoes
- Superior design
- Very comfortable
- Very good ankle support
- Good grip
- Good waterproofing
Cons
- Tight across the toe box
- Laces are not very durable
6. Ahnu Women’s Sugarpine Hiking Shoes
If you are looking for hiking shoes that look good on your feet, but can also give you support and protection along the hiking trail, the Ahnu Women’s Sugarpine Hiking Shoes have got your feet covered.
If you are hiking in warmer weather, the breathable mesh will keep your feet cool and comfortable, and for those unpredictable wet weather conditions, the high-quality leather and suede overlays will keep your feet warm and dry.
For good support on long hikes and for walking over rocky terrain, the Sugarpine hiking shoes are designed with dual-density EVA midsoles to provide shock absorption, and the Integrated nylon shanks add torsional rigidity and midfoot support.
The non-marking Vibram® rubber outsoles give you good traction on all surfaces, and the gusseted tongue will provide extra protection from trail debris.
While the Ahnu hiking shoes offer very good support for multi-day hiking treks or light backpacking adventures, some people may find that the outsole flexes too much or there is just not enough insole support for climbing or walking up a steep, rocky path.
So if this is your experience, use Dr. Scholl’s insole inserts for extra comfort.
These hiking shoes will give you a good snug fit, but they may not be ideal for people with plantar fasciitis. The toe box is quite roomy, so if you have narrow feet, it is a good idea to purchase half a size up or wear thick socks. The shoes also come in different attractive designs and colors.
Pros
- Good quality
- Durable
- Good traction
- Good waterproofing
- Breathable
- Great arch support
- Ideal for people with high arches
Cons
- May not be ideal for people with plantar fasciitis
- No ankle support
Our Top Picks for the Best Hiking Shoes
Our top pick for the best hiking shoes for men is the KEEN Men’s Targhee II Hiking Shoes. Whether you are traveling the world or hiking along your favorite trails, the Targhee II hiking shoes are the ideal hiking companions. Although they have limited ankle support, they are sturdy and have a high level of comfortability and support, so your feet will have the protection they need.
Check the price on AmazonOur top pick for the best hiking shoes for women is the Salomon Women’s VAYA Mid GTX Hiking Shoes. These durable walking shoes can protect your feet in all kinds of trail conditions. Salomon’s smart technological design and dedication to creating comfortable hiking shoes mean you get extremely good value for money, and they look amazing too.
Check the price on Amazon
