Who it is best for: The Hoka Anacapa 2 Low GTX is ideal for hikers prioritizing comfort and stability on moderate trails. Its wide platform and compression-molded EVA midsole, made from 30% recycled sugarcane, provide excellent support and impact absorption. It is perfect for long hikes or varied terrain like wet trails, river crossings, and snowfields. However, it’s less suited for those tackling technical 3rd or 4th class scrambling, where precision footwork is needed, as the wide design reduces agility.

Why we love it: It stands out for its immediate comfort, with a nubuck leather and high-quality mesh upper ready to wear out of the box, unlike typical nubuck requiring break-in time. The Gore-Tex Invisible Fit liner ensures dry feet in wet conditions, with our lead tester noting, “I was thrilled that my socks stayed dry as I made my way through river crossings and snow fields.” Its three-inch flood height enhances versatility, and the unique Swallowtail heel design, though initially unfamiliar, adapts well after a few hikes, offering stable ground contact.

Should you buy it? It is average in weight for men’s hiking shoes, and its high-quality materials justify the heft, providing durability and support. If you’re counting ounces, there are lighter alternatives with similar cushioning. The Anacapa’s wide platform may feel less confident in technical terrain, and the Swallowtail heel might initially require a brief adjustment period due to uneven ground contact. Buy this shoe if you value comfort and stability over lightweight agility and don’t frequently navigate highly technical terrain.

Read more: Hoka Anacapa 2 Low GTX review

Weight: 1.99 pounds | Upper: Recycled mesh, nubuck leather

Who this is best for: The La Sportiva Spire GTX trail has a thoroughly impressive design, surpassing its competitors to become our overall favorite hiking shoe for women. It combines a trail runner’s agility with a hiking boot’s stability, making it an unstoppable force on the trails. The low-profile design offers a comfortable fit right out of the box, though it tends to run a little big, so we recommend sizing down if you find yourself between sizes. The abrasion-resistant mesh upper and compression-molded midsole provide excellent support while remaining flexible, which is ideal for day hikes or extended trips into the backcountry.

Why we love it: “The thick lug pattern and stable base allowed me to tackle tricky terrain, and I never felt restricted by their fit,” says lead tester Trish Matheny. The Vibram XS Trek rubber outsole is tough to beat, featuring heel stabilizers and an Impact Brake System for additional traction on the most rugged terrain types. Additionally, the Spire boasts a high flood level of 3.75 inches above the ankle and a waterproof membrane that remains breathable without allowing water to penetrate the shoe.

Should you buy it? The Spire GTX is one of the most well-designed and dependable hiking shoes. While a bit of an investment, it is well worth the money and should last for many hiking seasons.

Weight: 1.66 pounds | Upper: Abrasion-resistant mesh

Read more: La Sportiva Spire GTX review

Who it is best for: The Columbia Crestwood is perfect for infrequent or casual hikers seeking an affordable, comfortable day hiking shoe for maintained trails with light backpacks. Its leather and mesh design and a cushiony TechLite midsole offer a tennis shoe-like feel ideal for short summer hikes in warm, dry conditions. However, it’s not suited for long treks, heavy packs, or wet environments due to its non-waterproof construction and less robust midsole.

Why we love it: It impresses with its ready-to-go comfort, requiring virtually no break-in time, making it a great choice for those avoiding painful initial hikes. It has reliable traction in wet and dry conditions, and the shoe feels stable and supportive for casual outings. It’s average in weight, balancing comfort and functionality. Our lead tester raved, “I’ll gladly throw on the Crestwood for summer day hikes,” highlighting its suitability for light, warm-weather adventures.

Should you buy it? At a budget-friendly price, the Crestwood delivers excellent value for casual day hiking. Still, its non-waterproof design limits performance in wet conditions, and the mesh feels less durable than other options at a similar price. The lightweight midsole isn’t ideal for long hikes or heavy loads, where a sturdier shoe excels. Buy the Crestwood if you prioritize affordability and comfort for short, dry trail hikes and don’t need robust durability or waterproofing.

Weight: 1.83 pounds | Upper: Suede leather, mesh, webbing

Read more: Columbia Crestwood review

Who it is best for: The Merrell Moab 3 is ideal for hikers seeking an affordable, supportive, and comfortable shoe for trail adventures. Its true-to-size design, available in both wide and regular fits, caters to various foot shapes, particularly those with high arches, due to the super rebound compound midsole and modest insole. The non-waterproof version suits warm, dry climates like desert hiking, while the waterproof Merrell Moab 3 WP is better for wet conditions. This shoe is also great for backcountry overnights with heavy packs, offering stability and traction for hardpack and loose trails.

Why we love it: This has a wallet-friendly price and immediate comfort, thanks to the mesh and leather combination upper with recycled mesh lining. After a few trail miles, it molds to the foot for a customized fit and increased flexibility. The Vibram TC5 rubber outsoles with a multi-directional lug pattern provide excellent grip, and the non-waterproof design ensures breathability in warmer weather. Our lead tester raves, “I love the waterproof and non-waterproof version of this shoe. But, I am opting for the non-waterproof shoes for warm desert hiking.” Its burly, supportive build makes it a reliable performer for demanding hikes.

Should you buy it? This is for those prioritizing affordability, comfort, and stability, but consider its drawbacks. While comfortable, the mesh and leather upper isn’t as durable as heavier leather alternatives, and the mesh lacing attachment lacks the longevity of reinforced metal eyelets. Its heavyweight design may deter those seeking lighter options, though the substantial midsole and Vibram outsole enhance performance.

Weight: 1.70 pounds | Upper: Pigskin leather, mesh

Read more: Merrell Moab 3 review

Who it is best for: The Columbia Crestwood is perfect for hikers with narrow or wide feet seeking a lightweight, sneaker-like hiking shoe for day hikes on well-maintained trails, especially in hot, dry conditions like desert environments. Its true-to-size suede leather and mesh upper, combined with minimal padding around the ankle and tongue, ensures comfort and breathability without bulk. The Techlite EVA midsole and thin insole provide moderate support, though those with high arches may need an aftermarket insole. This shoe excels for lower-elevation hikes where breathability is key.

Why we love it: It has immediate out-of-the-box comfort and a nimble, lightweight feel, ideal for warm summer hikes. The suede leather and mesh upper offers flexibility, while the Omni-grip rubber outsole delivers reliable traction, particularly on slippery and polished rocks, as our lead tester notes, “I found these to perform best on slippery and polished rocks along the trail.” Despite absorbing some moisture, its breathable design resists water unless fully submerged, making it a great choice for dry, hot trails where ventilation is a priority.

Should you buy it? This is a solid buy for budget-conscious hikers prioritizing comfort and breathability for day hikes, but it has limitations. Its lack of waterproofing leads to quick flooding when submerged, and the mesh-heavy lacing system may wear out over time, though reversing the final lace can extend its life. The affordable design sacrifices some durability compared to pricier models, and support is limited for high arches without an after-market insole.

Weight: 1.50 pounds | Upper: Leather, mesh, and webbing

Read more: Columbia Crestwood review

Who it is best for: The Salomon X Ultra 5 Gore-Tex is ideal for hikers tackling rugged, technical terrain who want a supportive, lightweight shoe with traction that won’t leave them skidding out on tough ascents or tricky descents. However, just because these X Ultra 5 shoes can handle the rough stuff, they’re also comfortable, no-fuss, waterproof shoes that can cruise hard-packed dirt trails for miles. “While I was astounded at how easily these shoes scaled super steep trails and handled side-hill descents, I found myself appreciating their snug fit and stability even on quick afternoon hikes,” says tester Chris Maxcer. “It’s nice to have a hiking shoe that can do most everything well.”

Why we love it: Like its Ultra 4 predecessor, the new 5 retains remarkable traction, stability, and technical performance — but its new Kevlar-infused synthetic Matryx upper is awesome. It’s flexible yet comfortable while also reducing the number of seams that can fray over time. While the Quicklace system isn’t really faster than regular laces, the Salomon SensiFit tech worked well on our feet, delivering uniform tightness in all the right places with just a pull on the lace loop. After testing on flat, steep, muddy, and off-trail hikes with shallow stream crossings, our team found no durability issues — meaning we trust it to get us far from the trailhead and back again.

Should you buy it? While it’s a bit spendy, we believe it’s a worthwhile purchase for hikers who prioritize a lightweight build with stable support and predictable traction they can trust, but it has drawbacks. The Quicklace system can slip, nor is it faster to tighten because tucking the excess loop underneath the stretchy pocket on the tongue can take a couple of tries to get it right. On the plus side, Salomon reduced the height of the rear heel tab in this upgrade so that we no longer experienced the Achilles discomfort that plagued some of the previous version’s users who wore low-cut socks.

Weight: 2.1 pounds (size 14) | Upper: Matryx: Kevlar and technical yarn

Read more: Salomon X Ultra 5 Gore-Tex review

Who this is best for: The Salomon X Ultra 5 Gore-Tex combines the flexibility and lightweight performance of a running shoe with the durability and stability of a hiking boot, making it the favorite of our testing team for its versatility. The all-terrain Contagrip rubber outsole confidently took on snow, loose, hardpack, and muddy terrain with no trouble. We just noticed that it didn’t perform as well when we moved from snow to slippery granite with wet outsoles. Great midfoot stability and a solid base make these hiking shoes well-suited to technical terrain and scrambling over loose or slippery surfaces. The synthetic welded upper locks your forefoot and heel securely in place, while the Gore-Tex lining keeps your feet dry. We measured a flood height of 3.5 inches, so we had no trouble crossing shallow streams. Salomon typically favors a narrow foot, yet these have a fair amount of space in the toe box and are worth checking out, even if you have a wide foot shape.

Why we love it: “I found these to be supportive and nimble while navigating more technical climbs and descents through uneven terrain,” says lead tester Trish Matheny. The new and improved synthetic textile upper also includes double overlays along the lacing system and the forefoot, which combine with a substantial toe cap to further increase protection from debris along the trail.

Should you buy it? The versatility, waterproof performance, and trail protection of the X Ultra 5 don’t come cheap. However, they are worth their extra weight when traveling off-trail or through technical terrain. The latest iteration is more durable than the last, making this a great choice for those seeking all-around performance in various terrain.

Weight: 1.54 pounds | Upper: Matryx: Kevlar and technical yarn

Read more: Salomon X Ultra 5 Gore-Tex review

Who it is best for: The Merrell Moab 3 is perfect for hikers with wide feet seeking a comfortable, affordable shoe for warm, dry climates. Its leather and recycled mesh upper requires little break-in time, making it ideal for those who want to hit the trail immediately, as our lead tester notes, “They’re soft and flexible, requiring little break-in time, which allowed me to throw them on and get moving with little fuss.” This non-waterproof shoe suits day hikes in hot, dry conditions but is not recommended for wet climates with rain or creek crossings; opt for the waterproof version of the Moab 3 instead.

Why we love it: It features consistent comfort and breathability, thanks to the leather and recycled mesh upper that keeps feet cool in warm weather. Its well-made construction has impressed us across various iterations, offering a soft, flexible feel right out of the box. As a longstanding staple in Merrell’s lineup, it delivers reliable performance at an affordable price, making it a favorite for hikers who value immediate comfort and ventilation without needing waterproofing.

Should you buy it? This is a great buy for hikers prioritizing comfort and affordability in dry conditions, but consider its limitations. It’s heavier than some competitors. The non-waterproof mesh makes it unsuitable for wet environments, where it will quickly soak through. If breathability and wide-foot comfort are your priorities, this shoe is a solid, budget-friendly option.

Weight: 2.06 pounds | Upper: Pigskin leather, recycled mesh

Read more: Men’s Merrell Moab 3 review

Who it is best for: The Hoka Anacapa 2 Low GTX is ideal for hikers with narrow feet who prioritize maximum comfort and waterproof performance on varied terrains. Its thickly-cushioned design and recycled mesh with nubuck leather upper provide breathability and a 3.5-inch flood height, making it perfect for navigating wet trails, snow fields, or cold streams. The Vibram Megagrip outsole ensures top-tier traction on slippery or loose surfaces.

Why we love it: It has a springy, cushioned feel and exceptional traction, thanks to the Vibram Megagrip outsole and substantial lug pattern. Our tester raves, “I took these on various trails in different climates and still had top-tier traction the entire time.” The Gore-Tex waterproofing, combined with a breathable upper, keeps feet dry and comfortable in diverse conditions. The SwallowTail heel enhances stability, easing the adjustment to the thick outsole, making this shoe a standout for comfort-driven hikers tackling challenging trails.

Should you buy it? This is worth the investment for hikers seeking premium comfort and reliable performance, but it has drawbacks. Its higher price point may deter budget-conscious buyers, who could opt for the more affordable options for solid comfort and support. The fit can be tricky—narrow-footed testers needed to size down or use an after-market insole, though some found it comfortable immediately. Adjusting to the thick outsole takes time, but the SwallowTail heel aids stability. If top-tier traction and waterproofing are priorities, this shoe is a strong choice.

Weight: 1.52 (size 8) pounds | Upper: Nubuck leather, recycled mesh

Read more: Hoka Anacapa 2 Low GTX review

Who it is best for: The La Sportiva Spire GTX is ideal for serious hikers and fastpackers who need a versatile, supportive shoe for challenging terrains, including patchy snow and tricky surfaces. Its 3.5-inch flood height and Gore-Tex liner make it suitable for wet conditions like puddles or snowfields. At the same time, the extra-cushioned midsole and Vibram XS Trek with Impact Brake System offer comfort and traction for springtime trail runs or speedy fastpacking missions.

Why we love it: Its elusive balance of comfort, support, and relatively low weight makes it a long-time favorite among our male testers. It’s not the lightest, but it justifies the weight with exceptional performance, as one tester notes, “I wholeheartedly think the extra weight is a fair trade-off for the more-than-capable design.” The Vibram XS Trek outsole and Impact Brake System deliver outstanding traction, while the cushioned midsole feels like a premium trail running shoe, excelling on diverse surfaces.

Should you buy it? This is a worthwhile investment for dedicated hikers seeking top-tier performance. Still, its high cost may deter casual hikers, who could choose the budget-friendly option for capable performance and out-of-the-box comfort on day hikes. It’s heavier than some alternatives, which offer better traction and lighter weight at the cost of some comfort. If you value the Spire’s blend of waterproofing, support, and versatility for demanding trails or fastpacking, it’s a strong choice despite the price.

Weight: 2.06 pounds | Upper: Abrasion-resistant mesh

Read more: La Sportiva Spire GTX review

Who this is best for: The latest iteration of the Altra Lone Peak 9 Waterproofincludes new and improved traction thanks to a MaxTrac outsole and more flexible waterproof upper that allows more flexion and better grip throughout uneven terrain. The design runs true to size and offers neutral support that’s comfortable right out of the box. The trail running shoe performance makes it versatile enough to pick up the pace when you please, and the lightweight construction makes it conducive to covering many miles with a light backpack. Altra also improved the lacing system, which is now more user-friendly and easier to cinch to the perfect width for your foot. The LP 9 Waterproof doesn’t stray from Altra’s Original Footshape, allowing plenty of room in the toe box and a midfoot for even more comfort on the trail.

Why we love it: The updated design includes a no-sew overlay along the recycled polyester mesh that combines with a solid toe cap to increase the durability of the design while offering more protection for the toes. The proprietary Altra Ego midsole foam has been redesigned to decrease weight while improving comfort and connection with the ground underfoot. “These shoes are comfortable out of the box, and the neutral cushioning is perfect for day hikes,” says one tester.

Should you buy it? While the Altra Lone Peak 9 Waterproof isn’t the most affordable shoe we’ve tested, we believe it has high value thanks to a thoughtful, durable, and high-performing design. The updated version includes features to enhance comfort and durability, making it the perfect choice for those seeking a solid foundation to tackle day hikes in any climate.

Weight (per pair): 1.46 pounds | Upper: Recycled polyester mesh

Read more: Altra Lone Peak 9 Waterproof review

We have spent years testing hundreds of the best hiking shoes for men and women. We’ve logged thousands of miles to find the best shoes in the biz. We’ve crossed mountains, raced through the desert, explored forests, scrambled over scree, and splashed through streams in these shoes. We’ve taken them to our local parks, on cross-country road trips, and expeditions across the globe. Our testing team carefully considers the perks and drawbacks of every pair in every condition. We tested every shoe across metrics like comfort, support, traction, water resistance, weight, and durability. Learn more about how we test men’s hiking shoes and how we test women’s hiking shoes.

A veritable army of veteran GearLab testers has added expertise to our testing and findings. Trish Matheny and Myrha Colt are the masterminds behind our women’s hiking shoe review. Trish is well-versed across gear and sports and is an accomplished rock climber, trail runner, and splitboarder. Myrha is a lifelong adventure travel professional whose enthusiasm for trails has carried her through mountains worldwide, from the Himalayas to the Andes and New Zealand to Patagonia. With some input from other team members and trail runners, these ladies offer a discerning eye for the best hiking footwear.

Ryan Huetter and Ben Applebaum-Bauch are the brains behind our men’s hiking shoe review. A full-time IFMGA Certified Mountain Guide, Ryan spends over 200 days a year hiking as an outdoor professional. When not guiding, he often wears hiking boots on his way to the crag. Ben is an avid distance hiker and has completed thru-hikes of numerous iconic American trails like the PCT, Superior Hiking Trail, Long Trail, and more. He has guided many backpacking, cycling, and canoeing trips around New England and Canada, covering thousands of miles of trail and bagging countless peaks in his lifetime. Because a remote trailhead is often the starting point of many adventures, we also draw input from our bevy of outdoor experts, which includes trail runners, climbers, backpackers, and world travelers.

Over the years, we’ve tested hundreds of pairs of hiking and trail running shoes for men and women.

Men’s Hiking Shoes

We test the best hiking shoes for men thoroughly and thoughtfully. The table below highlights our overall performance ratings for many of the top men’s hiking shoes on the market today that are included in our hiking shoes for men review.

The chart below demonstrates that the GearLab female testing team put many shoes through their paces. We go deeper into the models below in our review of hiking shoes for women.

As far as sports go, hiking is a fairly easy one to get into. A ton of new gear isn’t necessary — at least not for a simple day hike. The one thing you need is a great pair of hiking shoes. There are many options, all of which can be the right choice for your experience, preferences, and intended use. We’ll start by going over the main types of hiking footwear. We’ll discuss the specific situations calling for different types of shoes. Finally, we’ll dive into some specific features you may or may not want on your feet.

Hiking Footwear Types

Not sure which kicks to take on your next trek? Below, we outline the different types of hiking footwear, including boots, shoes, sandals, trail runners, and more. Depending on your trail preferences, you might opt for one over another.

The OG hiking footwear — the classic hiking boot — has come a long way from the days of repeated oiling and months of suffering through a painful break-in process. Today’s hiking boots are much more diverse. They can be constructed from full-grain leather, fully synthetic materials, or a blend. Hiking boots offer more support for carrying heavy loads and increased ankle protection and support, even on lower-cut models. They’re generally heavier than hiking or trail shoes and are built durably.

Hiking shoes are a great solution for those who appreciate a shoe’s freedom and low weight but desire the structure and support of a hiking boot. They are always low cut, leaving the ankle exposed and mobile. They come with various possible features, though they are less protective than boots. Most aren’t meant for river crossings, but they often have a breathable waterproof membrane for some water protection.

Burlier than a running shoe, trail running shoes have extra features that make them an asset off the pavement. Support and stability make them reliable over uneven ground, yet lighter and more flexible than traditional hiking shoes or boots. Their extra tread gives them added traction on trails. Still, since they’re designed for running rather than hiking, they often aren’t supportive enough to carry a heavy backpack.

More and more folks are choosing to hike in approach shoes, whether they are rock climbers or not. These shoes are designed for “approaching” technical rock climbs or canyons and have stickier rubber and a tighter fit in the toe box. They provide extra security when navigating smooth rock slabs to loose boulder fields. If the terrain is more technical, an approach shoe will make your footing more precise and secure.

A sandal for a hiker? You bet! While sandals are often considered a casual piece of footwear, the burly, well-treaded models market has blown up. If you like to switch it up and allow your toes to breathe — or your hike will involve water crossings — a hiking sandal could be a perfect fit. Technical sandals are also ideal for outings on a boat or swimming, where many sharp objects are underfoot.

Not everyone needs a waterproof hiking shoe, though. Waterproof shoes are key if you live in a rainy place like Appalachia or the Pacific Northwest. Even for early spring hikes over snow and encountering swollen streams, keeping your shoes — and therefore your feet — dry is paramount to your feet’s comfort. After all, you can change a sweaty sock but can’t change wet shoes. On the other hand, even the most breathable waterproof membrane adds warmth to a shoe. A waterproof membrane is likely not your friend if you mostly hike in hot weather or on dry trails. For many hikers heading out on perfect-weather days, the added breathability of going out without a waterproof membrane is much more enjoyable.