Great Hikes Start With Great Shoes
Hiking can challenge your body and clear your mind, but it may surprise your legs. You want comfort, grip, and support, but they don’t just happen—they begin with your shoes. The difference between a joyful summit and a long, aching descent may just lie in your footwear. As you read on, you’ll find the best shoes for hiking. If you’re serious about your next hike, start here, and your feet will thank you.
1. Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX
Gore-Tex waterproofing and Advanced Chassis give lateral support, and its lightweight frame and strong grip handle rough terrain well. Women-specific versions improve fit, and the Contagrip outsole was modeled after mountain biking tires. On REI and Backcountry, it’s frequently a top seller.
Salomon X Ultra 4 Review: Huge Performance! by Dusty Hikers
2. Merrell Moab 3
Featuring a Vibram TC5+ outsole and durable pigskin uppers, this shoe is also known for comfort and industry-leading cushioning. A built-in arch shank provides extra support, and over 25 million units of this shoe have been sold. The name “Moab” means “Mother Of All Boots.”
Merrell Moab 3 Hiking Shoes One Year and 200 Miles Later Unbiased Review by Your Home For Hiking
3. HOKA Anacapa Low GTX
Here, you will find Gore-Tex Invisible Fit and HOKA’s signature cushioning. Named after California's Anacapa Island, it offers trail-ready comfort with a soft feel. While the extended heel helps move you forward, being made of sustainable materials like recycled polyester laces reduces waste.
HOKA Anacapa 2 Low GTX Hiking Shoes - Recycled Materials, Gore-Tex and Sugarcane by Engearment
4. Altra Lone Peak 8
With a zero-drop design and a wide toe box, this shoe supports natural foot alignment. Also flexing a MaxTrac outsole and multi-directional lug pattern, it’s popular among thru-hikers on the Appalachian and PCT trails. The build is gender-specific, and many users praise it for blister prevention.
Sneak Peek: Altra Lone Peak 8 Review & Preview by Run Moore
5. La Sportiva Spire GTX
The Spire GTX features Gore-Tex Surround with Nano Cell 2.0 for breathability and a Vibram XS Trek sole for grip. A hexagonal midsole reduces weight without compromising structure. Designed in the Dolomites, it performs well during fastpacking and high-speed mountain hiking.
La Sportiva Spire GTX 2019 by Yona Trek
6. Adidas Terrex Swift R3
Crafted with input from world-class trail runners, this shoe includes Lightstrike cushioning and a Continental™ outsole. It offers lateral stability in a lightweight frame, and the TPU rock plate protects your feet. The outsole is based on tire technology used in the Tour de France.
Adidas Terrex Swift R3: One Year Review by Dusty Hikers
7. KEEN Targhee III Waterproof
Targhee III Waterproof, a shoe built for trail durability, features the KEEN.DRY membrane and heel capture support. Thanks to Eco Anti-Odor leather from environmentally certified tanneries, it contributes to sustainability. An oversized toe bumper handles debris, and the footwear excels in rugged outdoor conditions.
Keen Targhee III WP MID Review and Waterproof Test by Wayward Stories
8. Lowa Renegade GTX Mid
Assembled by hand in Europe for precision quality, the Renegade GTX Mid combines Nubuck leather, Gore-Tex waterproofing, and a full-length stabilizer. Its mid-cut structure reduces ankle rolls. This boot’s legacy as a premium option in hiking footwear has spanned over 20 years.
LOWA Renegade GTX Mid Walking Boots Review by Simon McCabe
9. Scarpa Rush TRK GTX
This Italian-made boot pairs Gore-Tex Extended Comfort with a PRESA outsole. Inspired by alpine scrambling, it's suited for technical hiking, and its foot-wrapping system improves support. Backed by over 80 years of bootcraft heritage, it’s designed for trail durability under weight.
700-Mile 2-Years Review: SCARPA RUSH TRK GTX Walking Boot by David Steel - Plan Watch Walk
10. The North Face Vectiv Exploris 2
The Vectiv Exploris 2 includes a VECTIV rocker tech and SurfaceCTRL grip. While its Futurelight membrane is waterproofing, the rockered midsole supports fast-forward propulsion. Input from ultramarathon athletes helped shape it, and a recycled TPU in the toe cap reduces environmental impact.
The North Face VECTIV Exploris 2 Mid FUTURELIGHT™ Leather SKU: 9836167 by Shop Zappos
11. Columbia Facet 75 Outdry
With Outdry waterproofing and Techlite Plush cushioning, this shoe promises comfort. It offers trail-running agility with hiking resilience, and midfoot lockdown is achieved with the Navic Fit System. Besides its arch support, it has a heel clip that brings stability on steep descents.
12. Vasque Breeze LT NTX
This shoe features Nature-Tex waterproofing and Vibram Ground Control LiteBase. At just over 1 pound per shoe, it’s ultralight. The midsole flaunts high rebound for comfort all day. Made with 70% recycled materials, it suits fast-and-light hikers with environmental concerns.
13. Oboz Sawtooth X Low
The Sawtooth X Low packs an O FIT insole, adaptive midsole, and heel cup to support the foot. Its outsole handles various trail types. Manufactured in Bozeman, Montana, and field-tested in the Rockies, the shoe also includes recycled components in the lining and laces.
Oboz Sawtooth X Low Hiking Shoe Unboxing by Unboxings And Review
14. Danner Trail 2650
Flaunting impressive trail performance, this shoe includes a Vibram 460 outsole and EVA midsole. Inspired by the Pacific Crest Trail, it uses an open-cell OrthoLite footbed for airflow and bounce. A heel lock system reduces movement and blisters. Danner brings 85+ years of craft to the build.
Almost Awesome! Danner Trail 2650 Shoes by gideonstactical
15. Arc'teryx Aerios FL GTX
This shoe weighs 11 oz per side and includes waterproof Gore-Tex. It’s built for technical trail use with a secure fit and adaptive heel brakes. The mesh is reinforced without adding weight, and its clean design keeps it great for casual off-trail use.
Arc’teryx Aerios GTX fl Review by Tomy Hovington Hiking
16. Inov-8 Roclite G 345
The Roclite G 345 features a graphene-enhanced sole for a 50% stronger grip and extended lifespan. Meta-Plate protection supports multi-terrain hiking, and its lightweight design improves stride turnover. Mountain runners who are crossing into hiking may find it perfect.
Inov-8 Roclite 345 GTX test & review - A speed hiking boot by RunRepeat.com
17. Asolo Falcon GV
Made by Italian shoemakers with alpine expertise, the Falcon GV offers Gore-Tex waterproofing and Vibram MegaGrip sole. A polyurethane midsole softens impacts on rocky terrain. Its narrow design conceals ankle support, and alpine guides and serious trekkers have come to trust it.
Asolo Falcon GV Hiking Boots REVIEW by Outdoorguru
18. ECCO Biom 2.1 X Country
The Biom 2.1 X Country includes BIOM Natural Motion tech and an OrthoLite insole. Its rubber grip design helps for multi-directional grip. Anatomically shaped for foot conformity, it was first made for Scandinavian runners. A PU midsole outperforms EVA in retaining shape.
Ecco Biom 2.1 X Country GoreTex | First outing - (4K) by FFFHealth
19. Timberland Garrison Trail
A GreenStride sole crafted from sugar cane and recycled rubber, paired with a ReBOTL upper made from plastic bottles, makes up Timberland’s Garrison Trail. Tire-style outsole lugs offer grip, while splash resistance handles minor wet conditions. Besides eco-conscious construction, this trail shoe also has urban polish.
Timberland Garrison Trails Hiking Shoes Unboxing by ItsBobbySteeles
20. Jack Wolfskin Force Striker Texapore
The Force Striker Texapore includes Texapore waterproof tech and a Force Plate for energy return. Its design absorbs shock without bulk, and its heel stabilizer helps in slippery conditions. German-built for forest hiking, it also features a styling fit for casual or active use.
Jack Wolfskin Force Striker Review (Jack Wolfskin Hiking Boots Review) by Ultimate Survival Gear
