7 Best Running Shoes For Hiking in 2024
If you’re planning to dabble in the murky world of hiking or running the trails, why pay the price of two pairs of shoes when you can have just one? Yes, you read it right. There’s an array of options you can choose from when it comes to a responsive hiker and a fast trail runner in one shoe.
We’ve provided a list of the best hiking running shoes for outdoor enthusiasts who are out looking for a reliable hybrid shoe. This gives anyone the versatility while being on the trails, and the convenience of packing only one shoe for weekend adventures in the countryside.
After testing many hybrid hiking-running shoes, we now give you our best selection of the top picks for your shopping convenience – from the stickiest hiker to the most protective trail-runner that offers the best bang for the buck.
How we test running shoes
Here at RunRepeat, we provide you with the latest updates and no-BS reviews on the best hiking running shoes out there. The fantastic selections of the highly-rated models you see on this page are not random. They are specifically picked after a thorough review process done by our in-house professionals, to wit:
- We buy hiking running shoes that offer versatility for running using our own funds.
- We test them to see their actual performance on the trails in various conditions.
- At the lab, we put each model through a battery of tests. This includes gauging the responsiveness, protective capability, stickiness of the outsole, and many more. We even segment the shoes in half so we are given an in-depth view of what we are working on.
Best running shoes for hiking overall
What makes it the best?
The Nike Pegasus Trail 5 emerged as an exceptional road-to-trail hybrid shoe in our tests, prized for its versatility and reliability. Cushioned, grippy, and durable, our lab agrees it's the ideal choice for outdoor explorations and off-road adventures, earning our top spot for hiking.
The Peg’s trail version excels in traction with its 3.2 mm lugs, providing reliable grip across diverse terrain, including wet conditions. Designed for durability, the outsole utilizes an 87.9 HC All Terrain Compound that showed minimal abrasion even after extensive use. Our Dremel test confirmed its impressive resistance, revealing only a minimal 0.8 mm dent.
With a heel stack of 34.6 mm, the Pegasus Trail 5 impressively feels cushioned without losing its agility and energy, adding a spring to our every step. This generous ReactX cushioning provided much comfort through long hikes, and our durometer shows it’s 51.1% softer than average.
Not only is it a shield underfoot, but also on top! It’s well-structured upper looked new after outdoor use. Testing it further in the lab, our Dremel was no match for its resistance, earning a remarkable 5/5 toebox durability score. However, the layers of protection inhibited airflow, resulting in a dismal 2/5 rating. We recommend another pair for summer hikes.
Pros
- Fully gusseted tongue
- Reflective elements
- Durable upper construction
- New rockered sole
- Incredibly roomy toebox
- Great for heel strikers
- Reasonably priced
- All-around comfort
Cons
- Weight increase
- Possibly too plush for trails
- Still lacks traction
Running shoes for hiking with best cushioning
What makes it the best?
Fresh Foam X More Trail v3 is a reliable hybrid shoe with plenty of cloud-like cushion. It boasts a thick, buttery-soft stack, a grippy outsole, and a flexible midsole. It delivers consistent support and protection — from roads to mountains — making it our best cushioned hiking-running shoe.
It has a thick slab of dual-density Fresh Foam X that provides exceptional comfort and protection from landing impact and rocky terrains. It rises 6.8/7.3 mm above average in the heel and forefoot and measures 45.6% softer than average. It’s one of the trail shoes that spoiled our feet the most with its bouncy ride.
Armed with a grippy outsole and 5.0 mm lugs, it clings with grit onto soft dirt, mild mud, and wet roads. We can confidently cruise through most paths, knowing we won’t slip or fall.
Its midsole gives a good amount of flexibility, allowing us to maneuver through light to moderate trails. Our flex test confirms it's 11.4% more malleable than average, promoting a more natural running feel.
More foam means more weight. At 10.6 oz (301g), it’s heavier than the 9.5 oz (268g) average of running shoes.
Pros
- Insanely protective even without a rock plate
- Soft cushioning without feeling mushy
- Solid amount of bounce
- Incredibly stable
- Plush and airy upper
- Roomy fit
- Good grip on mild to moderate trails
- Durable outsole
- Light on the run
- Really smooth ride
- Best for easy days and long runs
- Sustainable
Cons
- Upper could use more support
- Not great for technical trails
Best running shoes for hiking for wide feet
What makes it the best?
Those of us with wide feet truly enjoyed our trials with the Altra Olympus 6. It features a breathable and durable upper, a remarkably grippy rubber, and generous room for toe splay, making it our best hiking-running shoe for wide feet in the lab.
We landed each foot confidently thanks to the broad platform of Olympus 6. Our measurements reveal it’s a wide 114.9/101.4 mm in the forefoot and heel vs. the 112.1/89.8 mm average. Additionally, it barely tapers to the front which gives room for our feet to swell. The big toe area measures a massive 87.4 mm, 8.3 mm wider than average.
The upper adds remarkably to the shoe’s comfort given its airy nature. We awarded it a perfect score in our breathability test as smoke easily escaped the shoe. While most shoes sacrifice durability at the expense of ventilation, Olympus 6 mind-blowingly aced our Dremel test too with a 5/5 durability score!
Beneath our feet lies the highly trusted Vibram Megagrip outsole. Lined with deep 3.5 mm lugs, it erased any doubts about traction. Whatever surface we stepped foot on, we never had any slips.
However, we still find the midsole lacking in terms of responsiveness. Those who crave more energy rebound should explore elsewhere.
Pros
- Outstanding durability
- Superior build quality
- Grippy Vibram outsole
- Exceptionally comfortable
- Real 0-mm drop
- Ready for the toughest adventures
- Spacious, foot-shaped toebox
- Premium quality materials
Cons
- Extremely heavy
- Slight price increase
- Lacks energy return
Best waterproof running shoes for hiking
What makes it the best?
Our top waterproof running shoe for hiking is none other than the Nike Pegasus Trail 4 GTX. Its outstanding React foam, reliable grip, and superb flexibility — wrapped in the protective Gore-Tex fabric — make it a top-of-the-line water-resistant shoe.
The upper has several TPU layers and a Gore-Tex membrane for protection from unwanted elements. It incredibly resisted the force of our Dremel, receiving a remarkable 4/5 durability rating.
The React foam is a star as it blends lasting comfort and energy return. In the lab, we measured it at 37.7 mm, 5.5 mm higher than the average heel stack of trail-running shoes. It is 29.0% softer than average. This heavenly combination of a tall and soft midsole protects our legs during trail runs and hikes.
We find Peg’s grip effective on uneven terrains and slippery surfaces. Its lug depth of 3.5 mm latches on any surface, helping us stay in control on steep ascents/descents and fast corners.
We felt free in our runs as the midsole offers non-intrusive flexibility for a natural feel. Our lab test verifies that it’s 29.0% more flexible than the average trail running shoe.
The tall heel is paired with a modest forefoot, leading to a 12.8 mm drop. Those of us who are mid-to-forefoot strikers found this too steep.
Pros
- Versatile road-to-trail performance
- Grippier than the standard version
- Surprisingly light for a GTX shoe
- Accommodates wide feet with ease
- Delivers a really stable ride for neutral runners
- Upper showcases remarkable durability
- Fantastic option for heel strikers
Cons
- Non-gusseted tongue allows water and debris to enter the shoe
- Not suitable for technical terrain
- Excessive drop for midfoot or forefoot strikers
Best lightweight running shoes for hiking
What makes it the best?
Endorphin Edge is a lightweight marvel that is super fast, super grippy, and super comfy. It delivers all the support needed to take on the mountains with confidence. This pair feels like a breath of fresh air, making it our top lightweight hiking-running shoe.
It boasts a 9.5 oz (269g) build, 9.1% lighter than the average trail shoe. It’s as light as a road-running shoe but holds the traction of a trail shoe. With lugs 3.4 mm deep and a rubber outsole that our durometer measured to be 13.0% softer than average, it clings to almost any type of terrain. We can easily maneuver the shoe on loose dirt, muddy puddles, and rocky paths.
Endorphin Edge surprisingly has generous cushioning for its airy weight. Its stack rises above the average, measuring 27.7% softer than the average trail shoe, as per our durometer. This mutes the landing impact on our legs.
Its stiff carbon plate provides high energy return with every step and its rockered structure launches us off smoothly. It consistently shows high performance on any distance and terrain. Our flex test in the lab confirms it’s 76.9% more resilient than average.
We don’t recommend this pair for easy runs as it may feel unstable. Endorphin Edge performs best at high speeds.
Pros
- Fast as hell
- Comfort written all over it
- Super smooth ride
- Light AF
- Protection can't be more awesome
- Breathable under warm temps
- Toe box is ready for ultras
- Carbon plate is not harsh
- Grippy on wet, loose, and soft trails
- Also great for the roads
Cons
- Unstable at slow paces
- Loose heel
Best zero drop running shoes for hiking
What makes it the best?
Staying true to Altra’s core, Lone Peak 8 delivered the most seamless zero-drop experience among hiking running shoes. Even our lab proves its minimalist build drives an agile yet stable ride, allowing us to maneuver through unpredictable trails with ease and control.
We have a heightened sense of the surface we’re tackling thanks to the low configuration of the shoe. Other than its below-average 22.7/21.3 mm build, it has a minimal 1.4 mm heel drop that essentially feels like none. The cushion feels protective enough and allows for more longitudinal flexibility. It was easy for us to be in control since the midsole barely fought back, showing 27.1% less resistance than average in our bend test.
The platform is composed of a dense EGO foam which gives a nice rebound and a hint of stability in our strides. Our durometer reveals it’s 11.4% firmer than average, ensuring it won’t bottom out even as we’re loaded with heavy backpacks. There are even raised sidewalls on the sides of the midsole, further contributing to a well-planted feeling.
Unfortunately, the weak spot we found is the lack of grip in wet and muddy conditions. For treks over tricky terrain, it's wise to swap out for a better-equipped shoe.
Pros
- Responsive midsole
- Natural barefoot feeling ride
- Low to the ground and stable
- Doubles as a reliable hiking shoe
- Breathable and durable ripstop upper mesh
- Secure midfoot lockdown
- Accommodating toebox
- Generously padded and comfy
- Dries quickly
- Gaiter attachment ready
Cons
- Not so grippy in wet conditions
- Subpar outsole durability
Running shoes for hiking with the best durability
What makes it the best?
Salomon XA Pro 3D v9 epitomizes protection, standing out as a heavy-duty option. Its solid midsole, 3D chassis technology, and sturdy yet breathable upper collectively deliver exceptional protection throughout. Extensive lab testing confirms it's the most durable hiking running shoe.
The midsole strikes a perfect balance between cushioning and ground feel, boasting a 31.7/19.2 mm stack. This design effectively absorbs impact upon landing and shields the foot from potential debris thanks to its dense foam composition, which proves to be 17.9% more resilient than the average. This firm cushioning promotes confident strides, even when carrying heavy loads, as it remains resistant to bottoming out.
Adding to its stability is the 3D chassis, a rigid TPU layer between the midsole and outsole, reducing excessive lateral movements on demanding terrains. This feature ensures our safety on rocky and uneven ground. Moreover, the shoe's longitudinal flexibility enhances comfort, surpassing average flexibility by 18.8% in our 90-degree test.
When it comes to the upper, our lab tests affirm its impressive breathability and toebox durability, earning ratings of 4/5 and 5/5 respectively. This combination of airflow and protective features is truly remarkable.
However, the XA Pro 3D's robust design is better suited for hiking than fast and technical trail running, as it may feel too stiff and heavy for those activities.
Pros
- Tank-like foot protection
- Incredibly stable and supportive ride
- Excellent traction on mixed or rocky trails
- Great hiking/backpacking companion
- Relatively flexible despite 3D chassis
- Effectively dampens landings
- Generously padded and comfortable
- No chance of lace bite
- Durable and high-quality construction
- Eye-catching design
Cons
- A little heavy
- Stiff upper needs breaking in
- Cushioning on the firm side
- Not nimble enough for technical trails
When it’s OK to wear running shoes instead of proper hiking footwear
There’s a reason a lot of hikers we see on the trails are wearing hiking shoes. So, when can you ditch them and use trail running shoes? Here’s our recommendation based on our experience:
- When you prioritize speed and grip. Want to be fast and agile.
- When you’re hiking in very hot weather because trail shoes are much more breathable than hiking shoes
- When you’re not wearing heavy backpacks. Trail running shoes usually don’t offer enough support for that
- When you know you might also run a few sections
- When you don’t plan to hike over insanely technical, rocky terrain that would destroy the trail shoes. Hiking shoes are stiffer, more durable, and a better option in this case
3 things to look for in trail running shoes for hiking
Now that you’ve settled for trail running shoes for your hikes, here’s what to look for:
- Grip (depth of lugs) which depends on the terrain
- Breathability or waterproofness; this depends on the weather conditions
- Stability and support that you may need; this depends on the terrain, durability of the hike, and the weight you’re carrying
Below we dig deep into every section.
Grip in trail running shoes used for hiking
We split the terrain into 3 sections and, based on that, we suggest different shoes:
- Light terrain: hard-packed trails, well-maintained trails, nothing technical. For such terrain, we recommend trail running shoes with lugs that are up to 2mm deep
- Moderate terrain: or all-terrain, wide variety. Very versatile, and can do a bit of everything but nothing too extreme.
- Technical terrain: off-trail, with a lot of debris/obstacles, sharp rocks, mud, and so on. For this terrain, we recommend shoes with lugs that are at least 4mm deep.
In our shoe lab, we measure the thickness of the lugs using a digital caliper.
Of course, there’s always some overlap. Shoes with 4.5mm lugs that are very bulky don’t work well on technical terrain where speed and agility are prioritized. Just like some trail shoes with shallower lugs but with an aggressive fit can perform well on moderate terrain.
The thread pattern also plays a role here. If you want the mud to shed well, look for deep lugs that are spaced further apart.
If you plan to hike in loose, soft ground, look for lugs of different shapes and angles. Having lugs of different orientations works great for varying hikes that cover both uphills and downhills.
Breathability of running shoes for hiking
This is one of the best features of trail running shoes that wins the battle between the trail shoes and hiking shoes. Hiking shoes are rarely as breathable!
To test breathability, we pump the smoke into the trail shoes and then watch how fast the smoke comes out, where, and how much of it. Based on this observation, we rate the breathability of these shoes on a 1-5 scale. 5 is the most breathable.
Then we look at the upper under the microscope. This way, it’s easy to understand better what’s going on: are there any ventilation holes, how large are they, if there’s more than 1 layer of fabric and where the 2nd one is placed, and so on.
Breathable uppers have a loose structure that sometimes features even large ventilation holes (up), while non-breathable uppers are very tight, have no holes, and are often 2-layered (2nd layer is often the waterproof membrane).
Waterproof running shoes for hiking
If you think there will be puddles on your hike, shallow stream crossing, or light rain/snow, you might want to consider getting waterproof running shoes for hiking.
We wrote in great detail about when (not) to choose them, how to recognize them, and what to pay attention to in our guide on Best waterproof trail running shoes.
The main difference between waterproof and non-waterproof running shoes for hiking is breathability. Waterproof uppers do not breathe almost at all (on average), while in the realm of non-waterproof trail shoes you can find quite breathable ones.
This is because the waterproof uppers have an additional layer: a waterproof membrane. So, there are 2 layers instead of 1.
Stability and support of running shoes for hiking
There are 3 few things you can pay attention to if stability and support are worrying you:
- The width of the base. The wider the midsole, the more stable the shoe
- Stiffness of the base: stiffer shoes offer more support and stability
- Other supportive elements like structural stiff upper enforcements or heel counters
We use a digital caliper to measure the width of the base. We measure it both at the forefoot and at the heel but recommend focusing on the heel for hiking as that’s where we land while walking (hiking),
To test the stiffness of the trail running shoe, we clamp it at the forefoot to our table and then use a digital force gauge to bend it to 90 degrees. Then, we look at the force needed to bend it. More force = stiffer shoe.
So, if you want a stiffer platform for extra support and stability, we recommend these shoes below.
Stiff external heel counter that stabilizes the heel and offers great support
Trail running shoes vs. hiking shoes
Here’s an overview of what to expect if you’re changing from hiking shoes to trail running shoes. These are general differences, of course, there are models that are outliers.
Trail running shoes |
Hiking shoes |
Lighter |
Heavier due to stronger materials and more protection |
Less protective; often feature a softer and breathable upper; softer outsoles |
Bigger toe bumpers; more rubber walls on the upper for protection; harder outsoles |
More flexible |
Stiffer platform. You can’t run in these. |
Not enough protection for very rocky, technical terrain. They can be easily destroyed on technical terrain. |
Very protective for rocky terrain and very durable, made to endure such activities. |
Usually not enough support for heavy backpacks |
Supportive enough for heavier backpacks |