Top hiking shoes

Are you searching for the best hiking shoes around? We've trail-tested over of the best trail running and hiking shoes to get the top 10 rounded up.

Hiking is our jam. We've trail-tested unique pairs of the best hiking shoes in the last 11 years, and in this update we compare the 15 best men's models available today. Our experts covered hundreds of miles in these shoes, from dry, high alpine hikes to wet and muddy rock-strewn paths. Day hikes and multi-day adventures informed us on key performance areas like traction, all-day comfort, and support to bring you relevant and helpful comparisons. For moving light and fast, hiking shoes can be a better choice than even the best hiking boots , but choosing the ones to suit your needs isn't a cakewalk.

Top hiking shoes

They are breathable and waterproof, and they provide solid traction and support. These boots also have several essential features—including a wide toe box, sturdy heel protection, and a gusseted tongue—that allowed us to hike comfortably for miles. These versatile boots offer trustworthy traction, top-notch cushioning, and the widest toe box of any that we tested. These versatile boots offer trustworthy traction, top-notch cushioning, and the widest toe box of any boots we tested. These lower-priced boots are a reliable choice for people who plan to hike short distances and for those with wider feet. These flexible, lightweight hiking boots work well in many different types of terrain, and they last over time. They do run narrow, though, and take longer to break in than our top pick. They do run narrow, though, and they take longer to break in than our top pick. These ultra-comfy hiking boots are the lightest of our picks. They have a shoe-like, customizable fit, due to a well-thought-out lacing system. We chose boots that kept our feet dry while we hiked in snow and rain, as well as when we trekked along creeks, lakes, and waterfalls. Made with breathable, waterproof materials, these boots also have a flexible midfoot plate , which makes flexing your foot a bit easier.

Throughout our testing, traction also proved to be excellent on everything from wet rock to top hiking shoes dirt thanks to the tacky Continental rubber and aggressive lug shape. This additional cushioning offers a refined fit that makes them feel even more spry, flexible, and responsive than before. Some manufacturers have specific, niche approach shoes for technical rock scrambling on long approaches and walk-offs of big rock climbs.

Switchback Travel Jason Hummel. We use affiliate links and may receive a small commission on purchases. Read more about us. The momentum in hiking footwear is moving away from bulky boots toward lightweight shoes and even trail runners that are faster and more comfortable. You do lose some ankle support when carrying a heavy pack or traversing rocky trails, but the weight savings and feathery feel are worth it for many.

Switchback Travel Jason Hummel. We use affiliate links and may receive a small commission on purchases. Read more about us. The momentum in hiking footwear is moving away from bulky boots toward lightweight shoes and even trail runners that are faster and more comfortable. You do lose some ankle support when carrying a heavy pack or traversing rocky trails, but the weight savings and feathery feel are worth it for many.

Top hiking shoes

Are you searching for the best hiking shoes around? We've trail-tested over of the best trail running and hiking shoes to get the top 10 rounded up. Over the years, we've worn these shoes on hundreds of miles of trails, going for runs, backpacking trips, and day hikes. We evaluated their comfort and support over long miles with heavy packs. We tested their traction on challenging surfaces, crossing streams, logs, and slippery boulders. We noted how well our feet were protected from obstacles and water and how versatile each pair was for all possible conditions.

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We liked the previous one better. This tab led to rubbing on the Achilles area when wearing thin or low-cut socks, especially when going down steep slopes. We wore the first-gen Scarpa Rush while trekking in southern Patagonia and were impressed with its prowess on everything from hardpacked trail to talus and smooth rock. How to Choose Hiking Shoes. With superior traction, durability, and cushion, the Hoka Speedgoat has been a legacy shoe in the trail running and now long-distance hiking community for years. For day hikers and lightweight backpackers who stick mostly to maintained trails, our top value pick is the Merrell Moab 3. Specs Weight 2 lb. Traction and grip. The first is by integrating a waterproof membrane between the layers of fabric comprising the upper portion of the shoe. Thank you for supporting our work and mission of outdoor coverage for every body! Fast hiking and fastpacking are exactly how they sound: taking on a trail at a pace much faster than average. And our experience confirms this. Thanks to their thin and flexible materials, barefoot shoes let you feel the texture of the trail in the soles of your feet.

Summer means long days, warm temps, and miles on the trail. And while we love a good pair of hiking boots, a hiking shoe is ideal for many trail adventures.

They are more nimble than a lightweight hiking boot but also lack some protection and warmth. And an argument can be made that your feet will eventually get soaked no matter the waterproof design in truly wet and miserable conditions. Options: Waterproof Heel-to-Toe Drop: 4 mm. The comfortable Spire GTX can really do it all: trail running, day hiking, backpacking - whatever outing you have in mind. While barefoot shoes are known for helping hikers and runners develop strong feet, they do take some getting used to. These are the rare shoes that can transition from a sit-down dinner or matinee at the movies to a backpacking trip or technical day hike. Excellent comfort and traction, waterproof. Brooks Cascadia These materials are not as well known for their durability, but they do a great job of cutting weight. Features and fit.