6 Best Running Shoes For Hiking in 2023

Jens Jakob Andersen
Jens Jakob Andersen on
6 Best Running Shoes For Hiking in 2023
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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 10+ pairs of these 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

Our goal here at RunRepeat is to 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 gather reviews from actual users (regular hikers and trail-runners) and expert opinions from professionals.

We use our proprietary CoreScore system from 0 to 100 to compare these options based on our tests and other crucial factors. As a result, we get the ranking of the highly-rated hiking running shoes for the buyer’s final consideration. This will give them the best clarity when it comes to choosing the right hybrid shoe for them.

Best running shoes for hiking for mud

Altra Lone Peak 6
90
Superb!

What makes it the best?

Whether you’re a dedicated zero-drop runner, just dipping your toe into it for the first time, or like to spice up your rotation with something new, the Altra Lone Peak 6 is a solid workhorse of a trail running shoe. The Altra Lone Peak 6 is a genuinely excellent all-rounder.

Pros

  • Fits true to size
  • Excellent all-round grip
  • Highly durable
  • Great ground feel
  • Feels like it makes you run better
  • Great pull tab
  • Gaiter compatible
  • Brilliant lacing
  • Roomy toe box
  • Fully gusseted tongue

Cons

  • Stain magnet
  • Not enough cushioning for some
Full review of Altra Lone Peak 6

Today's best price

Men
Women
Any color
Blue (AL0A547L305)
Black (AL0A547L020)
Maroon (AL0A547L666)
Blue / Grey (AL0A547L242)
Orange (AL0A547L880)
Brown (AL0A547L990)
Dusty Olive (AL0A547L315)
Black/Gray (AL0A7R6K020)

Best running shoes for hiking with wide toebox

What makes it the best?

Brooks updates their venerable trail crusher in this 16 version of the Cascadia. If you demand a stout grip, a stable platform, and bright colors take a look at the Cascadia 16. It’s true to size, durable as hell, and packed with features like a ballistic rock plate, lace loop, and enough upper lacing eyelets to ensure a custom fit. These aggressive kicks are ready for adventure!

Pros

  • Grippy outsole
  • Great lockdown
  • True to size
  • Roomy toebox
  • Durable
  • Gaiter attachments
  • Rock plate
  • Aggressive
  • Lacing options

Cons

  • On the heavier side
  • A bit stiff
  • Runs warm
Full review of Brooks Cascadia 16

Today's best price

Men
Women
Any color
Oyster Mushroom/Alloy/Orange (038)
Titan/Peacoat/Nightlife (411)
White/Biscuit/Rooibos (173)
Peacoat/Atomic Blue/Rooibos (490)
Yellow/Black/Grenadine (745)
Eclipse/Marina/Chalk (427)
Black/Grey/Red (008)
Zinnia/Eclipse/Nomad (758)
More colors

Best hiking waterproof running shoes

What makes it the best?

Whether raining or snowing, the Nike Pegasus Trail 3 GTX is a waterproof trail shoe that will keep your daily runs not only dry but also comfortable. On top of this, it's full of pop and support; it won't tire your feet out. And if you want a road-to-trail hybrid, the Pegasus Trail 3 GTX from Nike can do the job.

Pros

  • Fantastic waterproofing
  • Grips on everything dry and wet
  • Great for road-to-trail transitions
  • Also for hiking
  • Responsive
  • Stable on rocky terrain
  • Supports moderately flat feet
  • Straight-out-the-box comfort
  • Lighter than other GTX shoes
  • Locked-in heel
  • Worth every penny

Cons

  • Lacks durability
  • Not for summer runs
Full review of Nike Pegasus Trail 3 GTX

Today's best price

Men
Women
Any color
Black (DC8793001)
Black/bright crimson (DC8793002)
300 celery/volt-black-dusty sage (DC8793300)
Rattan Campfire Orange Thunder Blue (DC8793200)
Brown (DO6728200)
Brown (DR0137200)
Blå (DC8793401)

Running shoes for hiking with best cushioning

Hoka Tecton X
92
Superb!

What makes it the best?

The Hoka Tecton X is Hoka's first carbon-plated trail running shoe. To justify the name, it just might have started a tectonic shift - that's how much it is loved by runners. It's positioned as a speed-ready, racing and training companion to the Hoka Speedgoat 5. Thanks to the dual-plated design, it shines at fast paces, especially the ultra ones. On top of this, it's a max-cushioned running shoe that keeps the feet protected without weighing them down.

Pros

  • 2 carbon plates: very propulsive ride
  • Insanely stable
  • Looks fast and runs fast
  • Lightweight
  • Very cushioned & responsive
  • Worth the investment
  • Room for feet swelling
  • Grippy
  • No break-in
  • Vegan materials used

Cons

  • Not for technical terrains
  • Might accumulate mud
  • Expensive
Full review of Hoka Tecton X

Today's best price

Men
Women
Any color
Persimmon Orange - Radiant Yellow (1123161PORY)
Thyme/Fiesta (TFST)
Blue (SBDP)

Best running shoes for hiking for long distance

What makes it the best?

The Pegasus road series just holds a special place in many runners' hearts (feet?), and now it is ready for some trail action too. The Nike Pegasus Trail 3 has won many people over with its uber-plush landings as well as the cloud-like comfort and stability. As long as you stay away from slick surfaces, it is an excellent option.

Pros

  • Soft, bouncy ride
  • Very comfortable
  • True to size
  • Wide for a Nike
  • Wide loop on heel
  • Built to last
  • Reflective swoosh
  • Killer grip on dry trails

Cons

  • Not grippy in wet
  • Runs warm
Full review of Nike Pegasus Trail 3

Today's best price

Men
Women
Any color
Total Orange/Signal Blue (DA8697800)
004 black/ashen slate/celery/green (DA8697004)
Dark Beetroot/Black/Bright (DA8697600)
Laser Blue/Habanero Red (DA8697400)
Mystic Teal Dk Smoke Grey (DA8697300)
Black (DA8697001)
Black/Khaki-game Royal-iron Gr (DM6161010)
Dusty Sage/Black-smoke Grey (DV3035001)

Comparison of the 6 best running shoes for hiking

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Best
CoreScore
Users rating
Experts
Best price
Ranking
Popularity
# of colorways
Author
Jens Jakob Andersen
Jens Jakob Andersen

Jens Jakob is a fan of short distances with a 5K PR at 15:58 minutes. Based on 35 million race results, he's among the fastest 0.2% runners. Jens Jakob previously owned a running store, when he was also a competitive runner. His work is regularly featured in The New York Times, Washington Post, BBC and the likes as well as peer-reviewed journals. Finally, he has been a guest on +30 podcasts on running.