Trail-tested recommendations on the best shoes and boots for maximizing comfort, minimizing strain, and increasing smiles along the way.
Hiking shoes offer a great balance between weight, water protection, blister prevention, comfort, durability, and traction for those who need stable and protective trail footwear.
QUICK RECOMMENDATIONS
Check out this quick list of our favorites if you’re in a hurry, or continue scrolling to see our full top 10 list with in-depth reviews.
Best hiking shoes overall for comfort, traction & waterproofing: Salomon X Ultra 3 Low GTX
Best ultralight hiking shoes: Altra Lone Peak 4.5
Best hiking shoes for wide feet: Merrell Moab 2 WP Low
Lightweight hiking shoes with excellent traction: Saucony Peregrine 10
Breathable waterproof hiking shoes with a narrow fit: Vasque Breeze LT Low GTX
Rugged & durable waterproof hiking shoes: La Sportiva Spire GTX
Best affordable waterproof hiking shoes: Merrell MQM Flex 2 GORE-TEX Low
Super cushy hiking shoes with a wide fit: HOKA ONE ONE Speedgoat 4
All-around solid hiking shoes with a durable waterproof build: Vasque Breeze AT Low GTX
Stable & grippy hiking shoes with a wide toe box: Keen Targhee III Low WP
Supportive hiking shoes with a running shoe feel: Salomon XA Pro 3D V8
Stylish & affordable shoes that are great for day hikes: The North Face Hedgehog Fastpack II WP
Durable & supportive hiking shoes for rugged adventures: Oboz Firebrand II BDry
I fully understand how tough it is to find trustworthy gear advice.I live for outdoor adventure, and we take these guides very seriously. Here are some of the reasons you can trust us:
Choices are completely independent and based on personal experience.
Military vet with thousands of miles hiking
Treat my recommendations as if they were for our family and friends.
WHAT’S MOST IMPORTANT TO YOU IN A HIKING SHOE?
COMFORT AND FIT - This is the most important consideration when choosing hiking footwear. Different people need different things in shoes (wide vs. narrow, arch support, etc.), so finding what makes your feet happy is critical. Top picks for out-of-the-box comfort: Salomon X Ultra 3 Low GTX, Altra Lone Peak 4.5, and Saucony Peregrine 10 Top picks for wide feet: Merrell Moab 2 WP Low, Keen Targhee III Low WP, and HOKA ONE ONE Speedgoat 4 Top picks for narrow feet: Vasque Breeze LT Low GTX and Salomon XA Pro 3D V8
PRICE - We tend to be willing to spend a bit more for quality footwear because we truly believe the success of our adventures depends on having happy, healthy feet. Comfort and fit usually trump cost in our books, but we recommend quality options at a variety of price points in our top picks below. Top budget pick: Merrell MQM Flex 2 GORE-TEX Low, Altra Lone Peak 4.5, and Saucony Peregrine 10 Top value picks: Salomon X Ultra 3 Low GTX and HOKA ONE ONE Speedgoat 4
10 Best Men’s Hiking Shoes of 2020
BEST ALL-AROUND HIKING SHOES FOR COMFORT, TRACTION & WATERPROOFING
MSRP: $150
MEASURED WEIGHT PER PAIR (SIZE 13): 2 lb. 0.9 oz.
SIZING: True to size; fits narrow, wide sizes available
PROS: Out-of-the-box comfort, stable, excellent traction, durable, secure fit
CONS: Narrow fit isn’t for everyone, Quicklace needs improvement, expensive
BOTTOM LINE: The Salomon X Ultra 3 Low GTX are solid, trail-ready shoes that’re great for day hikers and lightweight backpackers. They fit and perform kinda like a cross between a trail runner and a hiking shoe. They’ve got an excellent balance between weight, durability, and support. The X Ultras require virtually no break-in and are an all-around great choice for anyone who does a lot of hiking.
BEST ULTRALIGHT HIKING SHOES
MSRP: $120
MEASURED WEIGHT PER PAIR (SIZE 12.5): 1 lb. 9.7 oz.
SIZING: True to size, wide toe box
PROS: Roomy toe box, excellent traction, comfortable, easy to attach gaiters, breathable, rock plate (increased protection and durability in sole)
CONS: Mesh can wear out quickly
BOTTOM LINE: There’s a lot to love about Altra’s Lone Peak 4.5s. They’re grippy, lightweight, and they have an extraordinarily roomy toe box. We’ve been Lone Peak fans for a while, but the 4.5s are the best yet. The most notable improvements include better traction for variable terrain and cushier soles. The Lone Peaks have long been a staple for thru-hikers, and they’re great for anyone wanting lightweight comfort without giving up performance.
BEST HIKING SHOES FOR WIDE FEET
MSRP: $125
MEASURED WEIGHT PER PAIR (SIZE 12): 2 lb. 1 oz.
SIZING: True to size; fits wide, wide sizes available
PROS: Out-of-the-box comfort, durable, breathable, good traction
CONS: Heavy, high heel-to-toe drop, wide fit isn’t for everyone
BOTTOM LINE: If you’re looking for a good value shoe that doesn’t compromise on quality, the Merrell Moab 2 WP Lows are an excellent choice. These shoes - and their Moab Mid counterparts - have been a favorite among hikers for many years now due to their durability and comfort. The well-rounded Moabs are pretty breathable for waterproof shoes, and we find them comfy enough to wear all day. We recommend the Moabs for hikers and backpackers on a budget who prioritize comfort and dependability.
LIGHTWEIGHT HIKING SHOES WITH EXCELLENT TRACTION
MSRP: $120
MEASURED WEIGHT PER PAIR (SIZE 12): 1 lb. 9.1 oz.
SIZING: True to size
PROS: Excellent traction, breathable, secure fit, rock plate (increased protection and durability in sole)
CONS: Mesh can wear out quickly
BOTTOM LINE: We've been hiking in Saucony Peregrines for many years and they’ve always been near the top of our list. Our favorite thing about these shoes is their exceptional traction - no matter what type of terrain we use them on, they perform like a dream. The FORMFIT system on the Peregrines is essentially a sock-like upper that morphs to your foot and provides a comfortable and customizable fit as you lace them up. The Peregrine 10s are a well-rounded lightweight hiking shoe that are sure to keep your feet happy on the trail all day long.
BREATHABLE WATERPROOF HIKING SHOES WITH A NARROW FIT
MSRP: $159.95
MEASURED WEIGHT PER PAIR (SIZE 13): 1 lb. 13 oz.
SIZING: True to size; fits narrow
PROS: Lightweight, out-of-the-box comfort, excellent traction, breathable, secure lacing, cushy soles, supportive
CONS: Not as durable as some other shoes, narrow fit isn’t for everyone
BOTTOM LINE: The Vasque Breeze LT Low GTX have all the practical features we look for in a hiking shoe. The low weight, cushy soles, and excellent breathability make them comfy enough for long day hikes and supportive enough for lightweight backpacking. We wore the Breeze LTs on all sorts of terrain and they held tight to the trail every time - even on rain-soaked rocks. The trade-off in choosing a lighter-weight shoe is that you compromise a bit of durability to shave off a few ounces. For us, the weight savings is totally worth it and we think the Breeze LT is a great choice.
RUGGED & DURABLE WATERPROOF HIKING SHOES
MSRP: $190
MEASURED WEIGHT PER PAIR (SIZE 12): 2 lb. 2.3 oz.
SIZING: True to size
PROS: Secure fit, breathable, out-of-the-box comfort, excellent traction
CONS: Expensive, less supportive than other shoes, stiff soles
BOTTOM LINE: La Sportiva’s well-rounded Spire GTX are built more like a running shoe with hiking shoe accents. The breathable mesh upper and secure lacing system feels more akin to a trail runner, but the stiff and protective soles are 100% hiking shoe. The Spires are comfy without the need for breaking in, but they’re not super supportive. We recommend adding aftermarket insoles if you need extra cushion or support underfoot. Overall, the Spires are an excellent choice for multisport adventurers who want a single shoe that can handle both hiking and light running.
BEST AFFORDABLE WATERPROOF HIKING SHOES
MSRP: $110
MEASURED WEIGHT PER PAIR (SIZE 13): 1 lb. 11.2 oz.
SIZING: True to size
PROS: Lightweight, affordable, cushy soles, roomy toe box
CONS: Traction isn’t as solid as others, tread wears down quickly, less supportive than other shoes
BOTTOM LINE: For hikers on a budget, the Merrell MQM Flex 2 GORE-TEX Low are the most affordable shoes on our list. They’re designed with a slim heel and midfoot that opens up to a wide toe box for a secure but comfy fit.. The outsoles on the Flex aren’t as sticky as some other shoes we’ve hiked in, and the shallow lug pattern will likely wear down quickly. The MQM Flex are best suited for day hikes or short backpacking trips with a lightweight load.
SUPER CUSHY HIKING SHOES WITH A WIDE FIT
MSRP: $145
MEASURED WEIGHT PER PAIR (SIZE 12): 1 lb. 10.5 oz.
SIZING: True to size; wide toe box
PROS: Comfortable, very cushy soles, excellent traction, supportive, roomy toe box
CONS: Wide fit isn’t for everyone, not as stable as others
BOTTOM LINE: HOKAs are known for their outstanding comfort and support on trail, and we think the Speedgoat 4 is the best in the lineup. The Speedgoats are super cushy, and the wide toe box allows for swelling when you’re logging lots of miles. While the thick midsole is comfy and does a great job of providing protection underfoot, we’ve noticed that the tall stack height in the midsole can feel a bit unstable at times. That said, we really like the latest iteration of the Speedgoat, and many long-distance hikers swear by them.
ALL-AROUND SOLID HIKING SHOES WITH A DURABLE WATERPROOF BUILD
MSRP: $159.95
MEASURED WEIGHT PER PAIR (SIZE 13): 2 lb. 8.1 oz.
SIZING: True to size; wide sizes available
PROS: Durable, supportive, breathable, stable
CONS: Tongue design feels a bit uncomfortable
BOTTOM LINE: The Vasque Breeze AT Low GTX shoes are supportive, durable, and amazingly breathable for waterproof shoes. The upper is made with a combination of mesh and leather making them lighter and more suitable for warm weather than many other shoes that are this rugged. The Breeze ATs require a short break-in period, but they’re quite comfy after a little walking. These shoes are an excellent choice if you’re looking for a long-lasting shoe that’s exceptionally supportive and stable.
STABLE & GRIPPY SHOES WITH A WIDE TOE BOX
MSRP: $139.95
MEASURED WEIGHT PER PAIR (SIZE 13): 2 lb. 5.7 oz.
SIZING: True to size; fits wide
PROS: Supportive, stable, excellent traction, roomy toe box, secure lacing system
CONS: Heavy, stiff, requires longer break-in period, can feel large rocks through the sole
BOTTOM LINE: The Keen Targhee III Low WP shoes are a crowd favorite because they’re supportive, have great traction, and feature a generously wide toe box. The lacing system on the Targhees includes a unique band that attaches behind the heel to provide a secure, locked-in feeling that helps with stability on uneven terrain. These shoes are a little stiff, so we recommend adding aftermarket insoles if you like extra cushioning underfoot. That said, the tough build and roomy design make the Targhees an excellent choice for hikers who want a more traditional hiking shoe.
SUPPORTIVE HIKING SHOES WITH A RUNNING SHOE FEEL
MSRP: $130
MEASURED WEIGHT PER PAIR (SIZE 12.5): 1 lb. 15.6 oz.
SIZING: Runs large, we recommend sizing down ½ size; narrow toe box
PROS: Supportive, stable, excellent traction, durable, rock plate (increased protection and durability in sole)
CONS: Quicklace limits adjustability, heavy, narrow fit isn’t for everyone
BOTTOM LINE: With excellent traction and a stable, supportive build, the Salomon XA Pro
3D V8 are great for hiking over tricky terrain. Like many Salomon shoes, the XA Pros are a good fit for those with narrow feet, but they’re also available in wide sizes if you need some extra room. The quality build of these shoes will keep you on trail for hundreds of miles, and they’re great for those looking for a less bulky shoe for rugged hikes.
STYLISH & AFFORDABLE SHOES THAT ARE GREAT FOR DAY HIKES
MSRP: $120
MEASURED WEIGHT PER PAIR (SIZE 13): 2 lb. 4.1 oz.
SIZING: Runs large, we recommend sizing down by ½ size
PROS: Affordable, stylish, excellent traction on dry terrain
CONS: Traction isn’t great on wet terrain, stiff, less supportive than other shoes (virtually no arch support)
BOTTOM LINE: The affordable North Face Hedgehog Fastpack II WP shoes have a minimal design and stylish look that transitions well from town to trail. The fit is comfy and the tread pattern works wonderfully on most types of terrain, but they’re a little slick when it’s wet out. We recommend adding aftermarket insoles if you like shoes with more arch support. If you’re more of a fair-weather hiker, the Fastpacks are a solid choice for short day hikes that end at a brewery or cafe.
DURABLE & SUPPORTIVE HIKING SHOES FOR RUGGED ADVENTURES
MSRP: $140
MEASURED WEIGHT PER PAIR (SIZE 12): 2 lb. 8.8 oz.
SIZING: True to size
PROS: Supportive, durable, secure lacing, excellent traction
CONS: Heavy, stiff soles, will require longer break-in, aggressive arch support isn’t for everyone
BOTTOM LINE: Thanks to Oboz’s signature premium insoles, the Firebrand II BDry are some of the most supportive shoes we’ve ever hiked in. The molded arch and heel cup, secure lacing system, and exceptional traction make this shoe a great choice for tricky terrain. The Firebrands start out stiff, so we recommend breaking them in for a week or two before taking them on any big trips. These shoes are pretty burly and would probably be overkill for quick day hikes. But if you backpack with a heavier pack or do a lot of off-trail adventuring, the Firebrands will provide the support and durability you need.
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