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.

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.”

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.