7 Best Hiking Shoes in 2022

The X Ultra 4 GTX is a true miracle from Salomon!

For a slightly above average price of $150, this shoe offers everything you need in a rugged, ready-to-conquer-it-all hiking shoe. We were huge fans of the previous versions, and the 4th iteration doesn’t cease to amaze us.

Out of 100+ trail-tested hiking shoes, we still find this Salomon the best full-package deal. First and foremost, it’s exceptionally comfortable! Even though the shoe is on the stiffer side, it starts to feel at home after only a few miles.

This trailblazer is made for the toughest of terrains. We even ventured on some alpine off-trails to really test its capacity. And it delivers! The shoe’s got a super-sticky bite that never let is slide on rocks, dirt, and steep descents.

In addition, the shoe’s heel is designed is a way that helps you land safely and transition confidently through each step. We experienced ZERO wobbling in this Salomon shoe.

Another big bonus is the brand’s acclaimed Quicklace system. It is a lifesaver if you hate fiddling with laces and want to lace up or let loose and take the shoes off in a split second. We just love how it helps to create even pressure across the midfoot, making your foot feel more comfortable and locked in.

If you are worried about getting your feet wet, this is not an issue in the Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX! This is one of the most solid waterproof hiking shoes with a GTX membrane that we have tested.

And just in case you are looking for a summer-ready version that is breathable, this shoe comes in a non-waterproof version.

But what makes it a truly special option is that all of the above is packed into the astonishing 13.8 oz! Most hiking shoes with similar characteristics come at least 2 oz heavier than this.

This is the best hiking shoe you can get with such an impressive performance-to-weight as well as a performance-to-price ratio.

A hiking shoe that weighs 12.3 oz (whaaat? 1.5 oz lighter than the average!), Salomon OUTline GTX can easily be taken for a trail running shoe.

And that’s exactly how it felt on our trail tests: a running shoe with the tread of a hiker (5-mm lugs).

It fits and sits exactly like a running shoe — low around the ankle and very form-fitting. And this is pretty much how we felt about it all throughout the hike. Very light and easy on the foot, and significantly more flexible than a traditional hiking shoe.

But it’s not lacking in the support department either. Never once did we feel wobbly, or tippy, or close to turning ankles. But if you feel like you could use more support, it also comes in a boot variant — OUTline Mid GTX.

What makes it feel nothing like a running shoe is its traction. The outsole nailed our wear tests on rocks, mud, branches, and other obstacles on the way.

The shoe’s waterproofing capacity is stellar too! The industry-leading GTX membrane did a fantastic job even in our full immersion tests. Just make sure not to step too deep so that water doesn’t get inside over the shoe’s low-cut edges!

And if you are not planning to cross streams or hike under heavy rain, you can save $20 with the non-GTX version.

All in all, the Salomon OUTline GTX is our absolute favorite when it comes to uber-light hiking shoes for shorter day hikes. It feels very nimble and pushes you to go faster.

But if you’re planning something more serious like a multi-day hike with 20+ liters of weight, we recommend looking into Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX (our top pick overall).

The Merrell Moab 2 GTX stems from the brand’s iconic “mother-of-all-boots” (MOAB) model which is highly regarded in the hiking footwear scene. So our expectations for the shoe were high and we are happy to report that it has lived up!

Promising “out-of-the-box” comfort, the shoe impressed us with the initial step-in experience. It is noticeably softer and more forgiving compared to the rest of our top picks. Walking just a few miles was enough to make it feel right at home.

The shoe also makes an instant impression with its top-tier craftsmanship. It looks and feels very well-built with leather overlays adding a touch of luxury.

And oh boy how well-supported it makes you feel on the trail! 

It’s that special cushioning magic from Merrell that kept our feet pampered the entire length of our day hike.

The burly Vibram sole never ceased to amaze us either! The 5-mm deep lugs and an aggressive outsole pattern that wraps around the sides of the shoe made us feel like wearing a tank!

The GTX waterproofing nailed our tests in heavy rain and crossing streams, so you can be sure to stay dry with this Merrell shoe. And if you are not in need of 100% water protection, you can also save $25 on the non-GTX Merrell Moab 2 WP.

So, if you really value day-one comfort in your hiking footwear, we cannot think of a better option than the Moab 2!

Plush right from the get-go with ninja-like sticking prowess—is what you might say the moment you gear up with the Brewer 2.0. It is a fully capable water hiker that rivals modern sneakers in terms of stylishness. So whether you have soaking trails to conquer or a pub to visit, the Astral Brewer 2.0 is a compelling choice.

The toughness of a backpacking boot inside a low-cut hiking shoe? Yes, please! The Keen Targhee II is our highest-rated hiker for your multi-day adventures.

“Indestructive” was the first word that came to our mind when inspecting the shoe’s overall construction. Meant for some real beating-up, this is a burly boy.

The thick leather overlays on the upper made us feel very secure and protected from whatever debris came our way. Meanwhile, a really thick tough outsole rubber crashed everything under our feet.

We guarantee that this Keen shoe will make you stop thinking about where to put your foot next. Just look at that huge toe bumper!

Hiking in the rain or walking through streams or mud? This shoe will walk you through it all with 100% dry socks.

And if you have wider feet or wear thicker socks, you are in for a treat inside the Targhee II’s spacious toebox.

Sure, the Keen Targhee II is not the lightest and it takes to break in. But what does it offer in return? A mind-blowing level of protection for the toughest of terrains and conditions!

The Merrel Moab 2 made it to our top picks twice! That must mean something.

For $100, you get an insanely comfortable hiking shoe that you can take from the box to the trails. Amazingly cushioned and flexible enough from the start, it begged us to go on an adventure right away!

And once hitting the trail, we realized that this is our number one.

The shoe strikes a fine balance between flexibility and structure. It kept our feet stable and never came close to ankle twisting. And yet, it’s got enough flex to help you feel maneuverable, unlike those stiffer, burlier hikers.

This Moab 2 version inherits its traction pattern from the rest of the series, bringing that sticky grip and highly protective experience. We felt surefooted on rocks and mud alike.

This hiker breathes! As a non-waterproof version, the Ventilator stays true to its name. Our feet felt nice and airy even in the warmer weather. It is a fantastic summer option!

For its price point, the shoe has an astonishingly solid build. Showing minimal wear after multiple hikes, we project it to last just as long as some of the pricier options.

Overall, for $100 you are getting the legendary hiking shoe that feels comfortable right from the box and doesn’t compromise on protection and durability.

Sport the ultra-comfy Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX and up your hiking game like never before. Taking inspiration from agile off-road runners, this adhesive wonder will push you forward across technical terrain with or without rain. All that goodness makes it a compelling outdoor piece to own!