9 Best Running Shoes For Hiking in 2022
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.
Overview of this guide
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 overall
Corescore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all running shoes.
- Top 2% in trail running shoes
- Top 4% in Altra running shoes
- Top 11% most popular running shoes
Pros
- Great for wide feet
- Superb grip (rocks, mud, ice, snow)
- Stiff and durable
- Sheds mud easily
- Great water drainage
- Balanced and stable ride
- Removable Ortholite insole
- Great for road-to-trail transitions
- Extremely breathable
- Rock plate for technical terrain
- Gaiter-friendly
- Easy to clean
Cons
- No ground feel
- Too cold for winter days
Verdict
Corescore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all running shoes.
- Top 8% in trail running shoes
- Top 12% in Brooks running shoes
- Top 4% most popular running shoes
Pros
- Grippy outsole
- Wide toe box
- Great lockdown
- True to size
- Durable
- Gaiter attachments
- Rock plate
- Aggressive
- Lacing options
Cons
- On the heavier side
- A bit stiff
- Runs warm
Verdict
Best trail running shoes for hiking
Corescore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all running shoes.
This shoe has a 10% penalty on its expert reviews because it has fewer than 5 reviews. This is to avoid that shoes with few reviews unjustly receives high scores.
Learn more- Top 3% most popular running shoes
Pros
- True to size
- Secure fit
- Extremely durable
- Grip on wet, muddy surfaces
- Responsive
- Very comfortable
- Little to no break-in
- Feels light and not bulky
- Super affordable
Cons
- Narrow toebox
- Sweaty on hottest summer days
Verdict
Corescore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all running shoes.
This shoe has a 10% penalty on its user ratings because it has fewer than 50 ratings. It also has a 10% penalty on its expert reviews because it has fewer than 5 reviews. This is to avoid that shoes with few ratings unjustly receives high scores.
Learn more- Top 21% most popular running shoes
Pros
- Energetic and responsive ride
- Grippy on light mud, dry rocks & loose trails
- Protective cushion
- Amazing heel hold
- Upper doesn't need break-in
- No lace bites
- Airy even during hot days
- Cheaper price
- A stunner
Cons
- Poor grip on wet surfaces
- Might hurt feet on hard surfaces
Verdict
Best Nike hiking running shoes
Corescore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all running shoes.
- Top 7% in trail running shoes
- Top 9% in Nike running shoes
- Top 1% most popular running shoes
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
Verdict
Best value running shoes for hiking
Corescore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all running shoes.
- Top 18% in trail running shoes
- Top 21% in neutral running shoes
- Top 7% most popular running shoes
Pros
- Outstanding grip
- Perfect foot lockdown
- Great for mud, ice, rocks
- Durable as a tank
Cons
- For narrow feet only
- Not breathable
- Heavy
Verdict
Corescore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all running shoes.
This shoe has a 10% penalty on its expert reviews because it has fewer than 5 reviews. This is to avoid that shoes with few reviews unjustly receives high scores.
Learn more- Top 21% in trail running shoes
- Top 25% in Salomon running shoes
- Top 9% most popular running shoes
Pros
- Grippy on soft, steep, and hard-packed trails
- Responsive and forgiving ride
- Lightweight
- No slips when cornering
- Sufficient ground feel
- Roomy toe box
- One of the cheapest Salomon trail shoes
- Great for beginners
Cons
- Not for narrow feet
- Wears down after less than 100 miles
Verdict
Most popular running shoes for hiking
Corescore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all running shoes.
- Top 5% in trail running shoes
- Top 8% in Altra running shoes
- Top 17% most popular running shoes
Pros
- True to size
- Wide toebox
- Built for long runs
- Superb cushion
- Excellent traction
- Durable Vibram sole
- Light for a maximal shoe
- Gusseted tongue
- Very comfortable
- Breathable
Cons
- Not very responsive
- Expensive
Verdict
Corescore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all running shoes.
- Top 29% in trail running shoes
- Top 30% in Salomon running shoes
- Top 2% most popular running shoes
Pros
- Fits wider feet
- Energy-efficient ride
- Great lacing system
- Doesn’t weigh you down
- No heel slip
- Insane grip
- Really durable
Cons
- Runs ½ size longer
- Needs breaking in
Verdict
What are the most popular running shoes for hiking in 2022?
- Nike Pegasus Trail 3 GTX
- Nike Pegasus Trail 3
- Asics Gel Venture 8
- Salomon Sense Ride 4
- Altra Lone Peak 6
- Brooks Cascadia 16
- Salomon Alphacross 3
- Salomon Supercross 3
- On Cloudvista
- Altra Olympus 4.0
- Salomon Madcross
- Nike Zoom Terra Kiger 8
- Salomon Wildcross 2
- Saucony Peregrine 11 GTX
- La Sportiva Akasha II
What are the cheapest running shoes for hiking in 2022?
- Asics Gel Venture 8 - from $43
- Salomon Madcross - from $75
- Salomon Supercross 3 - from $83
- Salomon Alphacross 3 - from $87
- Nike Pegasus Trail 3 - from $90
- Salomon Sense Ride 4 - from $112
- Nike Pegasus Trail 3 GTX - from $112
- Salomon Wildcross 2 - from $118
- Saucony Peregrine 11 GTX - from $120
- Brooks Cascadia 16 - from $130
- Altra Lone Peak 6 - from $137
- Nike Zoom Terra Kiger 8 - from $140
- On Cloudvista - from $140
- La Sportiva Akasha II - from $150
- Altra Olympus 4.0 - from $170
