7 Best Hiking Shoes in 2024

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7 Best Hiking Shoes in 2024
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Nowadays, exploring the outdoors is one of the many things included in people’s to-do lists. When it comes to getting the right footgear though, many are still at a loss. But don’t fret. Choosing the right pair need not be a nightmare thanks to our best hiking boots list and our handy buyer’s guide.

We have reviewed over 100 hiking shoes to single out the best options. Whether you are after a light, urban hiking pair or something a bit more rugged for a multi-day hike, we’ve got our top picks in different categories.

To learn more about the differences between hiking shoes and boots along with some of the important aspects of choosing the right pair, check out our guide.

How we test hiking shoes

At RunRepeat want to make sure you get the most up-to-date and honest reviews on the best hiking shoe options out there. Here is our approach:

  • We buy shoes ourselves: As an independent review website, we avoid sponsorships and purchase all hiking shoes with our own money to stay unbiased.
  • We test in real conditions: We take each shoe on a series of hikes on various distances and terrains to check every important aspect, including durability, comfort, waterproofness, and more.
  • We go extra hard on popular shoes: We are especially wary of the most sought-after models, so we put them through our rigorous lab tests. 'Rigorous' to the point that we also slice the shoes open!

Best hiking shoes overall

What makes it the best?

Whether we want a comfortably cushioned shoe for long days, a sticky shoe for technical terrain, or something waterproof for wet days, there is one shoe that can do it all. The Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX is perfectly cushioned, grippy, and impeccably waterproof, all wrapped into a lightweight package.

Our feet felt in equal parts cushioned and protected in the X Ultra 4 GTX. We measured the softness of the midsole in the lab with a durometer, and all became clear. With a midsole measuring 32.5 HA, it hovers around the average for hiking shoes, blending protection with ground feel in a harmonious balance.

We felt confident in the shoe’s grip on all terrain from soft and muddy trails to loose gravel and rocks. The 4.5 mm lugs are indeed a little deeper than the average 4.3 mm, but the Contragrip sole has an extra trick or two up its sleeve. The chevron patterning favored by Salomon makes light work of steep inclines and the chunky heel lug offers excellent stopping power on the descents.

Venturing out in the rain isn’t a problem in the Salomon X Ultra 4. Its perfectly executed waterproofed membrane kept our feet dry during shallow stream crossings and splashing through puddles, all without weighing us down. In the lab, we popped the shoe on the scales, where it weighed in at 13.3 oz (378g), 0.6 oz (17g) below the average for waterproof hiking shoes. We felt able to hike further and for longer before our feet got tired.

Whilst at room temperature this is a flexible shoe, on a cold winter’s day it’s another story. We left it in the freezer for 20 minutes before testing it for flexibility. It stiffened up by 75%, compared to the average of 49%, so definitely needs some breaking in to be comfortable when it’s cold out. We therefore don’t recommend this shoe to hikers who need a flexible hiking shoe in the cold season.

Pros

  • Instant comfort
  • Impeccable waterproofing
  • Very lightweight
  • Exceptional grip
  • Excellent support and lockdown
  • Stable platform
  • Roomy toebox

Cons

  • Quicklace is not for everyone
  • Too-high collar
Full review of Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX

Hiking shoes with the best cushioning

What makes it the best?

Without a doubt, the Hoka Anacapa Low GTX has the best cushioning out of all the hiking shoes we've tested so far - both on the trails and in our lab. It's incredibly soft; our durometer measured it to be 31% softer than the average hiking shoe. Not only that, it allowed us to push for longer miles over the challenging terrain with absolutely no discomfort. And, this superb cushioning asks for no break-in! 

When our durometer showed 23 HA, we knew it was soft but what we did not expect was the perfect combination that this shoe offers: 1) a rocker that simply wanted us to go faster and ensured very smooth strides, 2) almost-average flexibility which allowed for more natural movements,and 3) soft, soft cushioning. 

Single track? Soft ground? Somewhat technical terrain? Anacapa Low GTX made us feel safe everywhere. It has badass 5 mm lugs that grip like crazy and, according to our durometer, the rubber on the outsole scored 88.3 HC on the durometer. This makes it harder than the average and, based on our experience, the harder the rubber, the longer it lasts. So, the grip is here to stay! 

This shoe is so badass that it got the Seal of Acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association! And it's Gore-Tex membrane does wonders in wet weather.

We don't recommend Hoka Anacapa Low GTX to people who always hike in warmer climates or who prioritize breathability. This shoe scored 1 out of 5 on our breathability lab test: we've pumped the smoke into the shoe and it let none of it outside. Under the microscope, we got an even clearer picture: the upper is so tight, that there are absolutely no holes for the air to go through. Thank you, Gore-Tex. Or, no thanks?

 

Pros

  • Mind-blowing cushioning
  • Podiatrist-approved sole
  • Excellent grip
  • Top-notch waterproofing
  • Lightweight
  • Out-of-the-box comfort
  • Roomy toebox
  • Well-made
  • Contains recycled materials

Cons

  • GTX version only
  • Pricier than average
  • Weird-looking heel
Full review of Hoka Anacapa Low GTX

Hiking shoes with the best stability

What makes it the best?

Adidas Terrex Swift R3 GTX is a hiking shoe that feels as stable as a hiking boot. Not only that, but we love the overall secure feel it offers, thanks to the badass grip and stiff midsole. No wonder we found it to have the best stability in the world of hiking shoes!

We took this shoe to multiple hikes and tested it in the lab. After all that, figuring out why it's so stable was a piece of cake. First, when doing the lateral stability test, we did not even notice that it had a low cut! It felt more like a hiking boot. 

Second, when we tried to twist it, we realized it was almost impossible to do that. So much resistance! On this test for torsional rigidity, we gave the shoe 5/5, where 5 is the stiffest. What also contributed to this secure feel was a heel counter: with a rating of 4/5 for stiffness, it meant no joke. It hugs the back of the feet and allows for no unwanted movement! 

Worry not, just because it scored the highest on the torsional rigidity test, it does not mean that the ride feels unnatural. When we pushed the shoe to 90 degrees using a force gauge, we learned that it is actually just around the average (it scored 34.1N, the average is 36.4N) when it comes to longitudinal flexibility. This makes the feel of the ride, environment, and overall foot movements not restricted. 

Third, the Pro-Moderator technology, that we found to be embedded into the sole on both sides, turns out to be an awesome foot stabilizer. With such a compact and secure foothold, we felt much less fatigue at the end of each hike. 

Keep in mind that, because of the Gore-Tex membrane, this shoe is too hot for summer days. 

Pros

  • Boot-like stability
  • Highly durable and protective
  • Lightweight for what it offers
  • Excellent waterproofing
  • Breathable for a GTX shoe
  • Generously cushioned
  • Very secure foothold
  • Top-notch grip with deep lugs

Cons

  • Stuffy for summer
  • Can be too stiff (even stiffer in cold)
  • Break-in needed
Full review of Adidas Terrex Swift R3 GTX

Hiking shoes with the best comfort

What makes it the best?

It takes a lot to be crowned as the most comfortable hiking shoe and this shoe delivers just that: a lot. It's cushioned, padded, flexible - all wrapped up in a day-one comfort package. Its grip is out of this world and there are many details, like a gusseted tongue and very padded tongue, that seriously up the ante when it comes to overall comfort. 

We've took the Moab 3 GTX to the trails and we've cut it in half in the lab. Being able to see and measure all the bits and pieces allowed us to understand why this shoe rocks at comfort. First, its cushioning. While on the firmer side, it does not feel like a brick. It feels perfectly balanced - not too firm and not too squishy. In the lab, we pressed our durometer against the midsole and recorded 35.9 HA. That's 14% more (and therefore firmer) than the average. 

Second, the grip is 10/10. The outsole is 2.3 mm thick (just like the average for hiking shoes) and the lugs are 0.5 mm thicker than the average ones. Our caliper measured them to be 4.8 mm deep. Whatever we threw at them - rocks, snow, mud, gravel - they handled like pros. 

The tongue is perfectly gusseted and allows nothing to get inside of the shoe on the sides of the tongue. For the rest, we have a Gore-Tex membrane to do the same job and it does it wonderfully. Our feet were dry at the end of a 20+ mile hike where rainy clouds kept following us for some reason. The best thing, though, about the tongue is its thickness. At 14.6 mm, it's 3.2 mm thicker than the average. It perfectly cushions the instep and it's the reason why we never felt any lace bites. We did tighten the laces a lot! 

The Gore-Tex membrane keeps the water out. But it also keeps the air from circulating. This is why we don't recommend this shoe to hikers who regularly hike in warm climates. 

Pros

  • Superb day-one comfort
  • Brilliant surface adhesion
  • Supportive like a work shoe
  • Fantastic cushioning underfoot
  • Remarkably durable
  • A-grade waterproofing
  • Sheds mud quite well
  • Protective toe box
  • Incredible overall quality

Cons

  • Heavy for a low-top
  • Subpar breathability
  • Its shoelaces unravel often
Full review of Merrell Moab 3 GTX

Best hiking shoes for summer

Merrell Moab 3
88
Great!

What makes it the best?

A versatile shoe that prioritizes comfort, the Merrell Moab 3 is our choice for the best summer hiking shoe. Breathable, comfortably flexible, and with a grippy outsole that gives us confidence, we can’t wait for summer to come around!

On hot, summer days our feet felt fresh and well-ventilated in the Merrell Moab 3. In the lab, we pumped smoke into the shoe and watched how quickly the smoke made it through the tightly-woven upper. Lots of smoke came through, and quickly, so we rated it 4/5, where 5 is the most breathable. Sweaty feet and their accompanying blisters are a thing of the past in this shoe! We also found the breathable upper helped them to drain well after getting wet.

This shoe feels flexible and bends naturally with our feet. We pushed it to 90° with a force gauge in the lab, where it measured an impressive 24.4N. This more than confirmed our suspicions of it being a flexible hiking shoe, since the average is 36.4N! Our transitions while hiking were smooth as butter.

The meaty lugs offer superb traction on gravelly trails and wet rock. Measuring 4.8 mm deep, they are 12% deeper than the average of the hiking shoes that we have tested in the lab. We twisted the shoe and awarded it 3/5 for torsional rigidity. This additional flex helps our feet to mold to uneven surfaces, improving the grip even further.

Weighing in at 15.3 oz (434g), this shoe cannot be called dainty! In fact, it weighs 1.4 oz (39g) more than average. We therefore don’t recommend it to hikers looking for a lightweight summer hiking shoe.

Pros

  • Supremely comfy
  • Zero break-in
  • Boss-level support
  • Solid grip
  • Stable platform
  • Fantastic cushioning
  • Fits various foot shapes
  • Cheaper than average
  • Recycled materials

Cons

  • Heavier than average
  • Not quite sleek-looking
Full review of Merrell Moab 3

Best lightweight hiking shoes

What makes it the best?

Alert! When a hiking shoe weighs only 12.73 oz (361g) in the world of hiking shoes that average at 13.93 oz (395g), we have to choose it as the best lightweight hiking shoe! Especially when that 9.6% difference in weight means we also get superb breathability, comfort and even enough toe room for some wider feet! 

Less weight means thinner upper in this case - and we confirmed this in our lab. When we pumped the smoke into the shoe, we watched as the smoke came out mostly through the upper above the toebox. We rated the breathability of the Adidas Terrex Trailmaker with 4 out of 5. 

However, just because it's breathable does not mean it's not durable! To our surprise, when faced with a Dremmel, the upper did not get seriously damaged! We gave a score of 3 out of 5 for the durability of this tightly woven shield (5 being most durable). 

Given its lower-than-average stack height, the Trailmaker offers more ground feel and feels natural. What especially contributes to this is its flexibility which is on par with running shoes! When we bent it to 90 degrees, our force gauge showed a resistance of 20.5N. The average for hiking shoes sits at 35.4N. This makes the Trailmaker 72.7% more flexible than the average hiking shoe!

Unfortunately, this lightweight hiking shoe has rather non-durable lugs. We don't see this often in the lab but, when we applied the Dremmel to the lug, it made a dent of 2 mm very quickly. Because of this, we don't recommend this shoe for rocky terrain. These lugs will last longer on softer ground. 

 

Pros

  • Extra lightweight
  • Amazing in-shoe comfort
  • Highly breathable
  • Balance of cushion and ground feel
  • Stable for a light shoe
  • More flexible than average
  • Welcomes wide feet
  • Secure lockdown (bootie upper)

Cons

  • Outsole lacks durability
  • Not enough grip on wet terrain
Full review of Adidas Terrex Trailmaker

Best budget hiking shoes

What makes it the best?

Terrex AX4 retails at only $90! In all its glory and that means we enjoyed its grip, ground feel and stability. Add to that that it's 30% cheaper than the average hiking shoe ($129) and you know why we had to pick it as the best budget hiking shoe!

Immediately upon getting the shoes, we realized how simple they are. Make no mistake, this had nothing to do with the comfort that the AX4 delivers. We had no fatigue even after very long hikes! We blame good cushioning for this and stack heights that are just around the average. After cutting the shoe in half, we used a caliper to measure the stack heights, the heel sits at 30.6 mm, while the forefoot sits at 20.9 mm. 

Back to cushioning: we used a durometer to assess its softness and learned that it's actually 11% firmer than the average. We can't say we experienced any discomfort but we did appreciate the stable feel. Shoe's platform, that's wider than average, contributed to that as well. 

In our hiking tests, we took the Terrex AX4 to a speed hiking session and a few hikes, mostly in wet weather. 3.7-mm-deep lugs made sure we slipped 0 times!

Be warned, though, that the insole is very thin: 2.6 mm! The average insole in hiking shoes is 4.9 mm thick. We understand that for a hiking shoe to weigh 379g or 13.4 oz there had to be cuts but keep in mind that you might want to swap this one with a more cushioned insole. 

 

Pros

  • Excellent value for money
  • Feels like a trail running shoe
  • Breathable
  • Water-repellent
  • Solid grip
  • Durable for the price
  • Stable platform
  • Contains recycled materials

Cons

  • Lacks toe protection
  • Flimsy insole
Full review of Adidas Terrex AX4

Do you actually need hiking shoes?

Generally, common hiking shoes offer more protection, traction, and stability than trail runners and sneakers. We have wear-tested and lab-tested all of these and can confidently guide you towards the right choice.

Salomon-X-Ultra-GTX_01.jpg

When you might get away with your running shoes: 

  • You’re the athletic type and know your way around spending time outdoors. 
  • You plan to do easy hikes: short, on rather even terrain, with no technical sections (sharp rocks, debris). Hard-packed and well-maintained trails can be covered in running shoes.

If, however, you plan to get into hiking for real and do frequent hikes, longer hikes, especially the ones with heavy backpacks and demanding terrain, then a sturdy, supportive, and grippy pair of hikers is what you need. 

We’ve inspected hiking footwear inside out - in the lab and out on the trails. What matters in hiking is: 

    1. Type of the terrain (hard ground or soft ground; hard-packed or loose)
    2. Season (do you need waterproof features? Is there any slush, mud, snow?)
    3. Weight of your backpack (backpacking asks for more stability and support)
    4. Length of the hike (easy and short hikes can be done in shoes meant for hiking fast and light, while longer hikes, especially multi-day ones, ask for support and stability). 

We’ve combined these into the most frequent combinations. Here’s how we’d go about finding the right pair. 

merrell-moab-2-gtx-lab-test.JPG

When to get an all-around day hiking shoe

You plan to do hikes that are rather easy and short. No technical terrain, scrambling, no heavy rain and snow.

Salomon Outpulse 1

We suggest getting a workhorse of a hiking shoe that will work in most cases but won’t excel at one thing specifically. 

Features to look for:

  • Lighter weight, around 14.1 oz (400g) or less 
  • Average-to-high breathability, which means shoes that scored 3, 4, or 5/5 on our breathability lab test*
  • Average-to-high flexibility because they allow for more natural foot movement. Stiffer shoes are better for technical terrain when you need extra stability. We measure the flexibility of every shoe and compare it to the average in the review.
  • Average lug depth (4 mm). We say average because the smallest lugs might not have enough grip and are best used in hybrid situations (covering both road and trails) and because very deep lugs will wear out soon and are best used on soft ground only. 

*In case you do plan to hike in wet weather, check out our list of waterproof hiking shoes we’ve tested so far. We dive into details on waterproofing further down.

Keep in mind that, by default, these shoes are less breathable. The waterproof membrane does not breathe well. 

Fast and light hikes ask for the lightest shoes

You want to cover as much ground as possible in little time. You want to move fast and light. Some brands even have an apparel category called FL (fast and light). 

Measuring the weight of different hiking shoes in RunRepeat lab

In this case, we suggest getting the lightest hiking shoes out there: 

These shoes are usually not especially stable because hikers sacrifice stability elements for lighter weight. 

Adidas Terrex Trailmaker review

Hiking shoes for mud: deep, deeper, mud

Hiking on technical terrain, dealing with obstacles and debris on the trails, covering large muddy areas or even scrambling - you can’t do it all in the same shoe. At least not well.

Based on our wear tests, the deeper the lugs are, the better the hiking shoes perform in mud. What also plays a role here is the distance between the lugs. Too cramped and they collect the mud. Distanced from each other and we can’t believe how good the shoe is at shedding the mud. 

Hybrid and mud outsoles in trail running shoes

Hybrid outsole (left) which is great for road-to-trail and mud outsole (left)

Our general guideline is: use hiking shoes with deep lugs (4 mm and deeper) for soft wet terrain like mud, slush, snow. Use around-the-average lugs (4 mm) with sticky rubber for more flat surfaces (like rock). 

Depth o fthe lugs in hiking shoes

Measuring the depth of the lugs in hiking shoes in RunRepeat lab (2mm lugs on the left and 5mm lugs on the right)

Not all rubber is the same and the sticker it is, the better. Keep in mind though: softer rubber wears down faster, especially when you use mud shoes on hard surfaces (like asphalt, concrete, rocks).

hoka-anacapa-low-gtx-hardness-outsole.JPG

Measuring the hardness of the rubber with a shore C durometer

We use an HC shore durometer in our lab to measure the hardness of the rubber. Lower the number on a 1-100 scale, softer the rubber. 

Hiking shoes for technical terrain: prioritizing durability and stiffness

When hiking over rocky terrain, we advise going for firmer and stiffer shoes. Soft and flexible hiking shoes are great for nimbleness and softer (less dangerous) ground. Sharp rocks, especially a lot of them, ask for a firmer midsole - so that you don’t feel every little bump underneath your feet. And they ask for stiffness because stiff shoes feel more stable and safe (than flexible shoes) on such terrain. 

We use a force gauge to band the shoe to 90 degrees and the more force we need to do that, the stiffer the shoe. 

Our measurements of the midsole softness are as objective as possible: we cut all the shoes in half and poke them with a durometer.

hoka-anacapa-low-gtx-durometer.JPG

The HA durometer tells us how soft the midsole is. The higher the rating, the firmer the midsole. 

If you’re planning to do a hike with a lot of obstacles, fallen trees and branches, and similar objects that can’t wait to poke your toes and destroy the shoes, we recommend looking for the most durable hiking shoes

Toe bumper variation in hiking shoes

(Up) very thick rubber toe bumper that offers a lot of protection and (down) thin overlay that offers less protection

In the lab, we measure the durability of the upper and the outsole. We press the Dremel against both surfaces and examine how much damage there is. When it comes to the upper durability, we assign a rating of 1-5, where 1 is the least durable. 

Different upper durabilities in hiking shoes

Different results on upper durability tests: 5/5 on the left (very durable) and 2/5 on the right (bad durability)

In the case of the outsole, we use a tire tread depth gauge and check out the depth of the dent (in millimeters) our Dremel has made. 

Less millimeters in the dent means more durability!

Dents made in the outsole of hiking shoes

Different depth of the dents made on the outsole during the outsole durability test

Based on all those tests, here are hiking shoes that score the highest in the durability department:

Carrying a heavy backpack: look for support in hiking shoes

If you’re packing light and bringing just the essentials, lightweight hikers will do. However, if you’re backpacking or simply need to carry a heavy load, we suggest you look for hiking shoes that 

  1. offer lateral support (supportive features on the upper are present and give it more structure)
  2. are at least averagely cushioned (basically, skip minimalist hiking shoes)
  3. are on the firmer and stiffer end. 

Cushioning, firmness and stiffness are always laid out in our reviews, along with the comparison to the average. On our wear tests, we assess the lateral stability of the shoe: 

Support elements on the upper literally feel like they are locking the foot in place.

salomon-x-ultra-4-gtx-support.JPG

When it comes to cushioning, minimalist or barefoot hiking shoes are shoes we don't recommend. They don't have enough material between your feet and the ground and, therefore, not enough impact protection, any other protection, support or stability. See how flexible, wobbly and low-to-the-ground this minimalist V-trek hiking shoe is: 

As discussed above in the technical-terrain section, hiking shoes that are too soft and flexible and almost running-shoe-like will make it difficult to walk with a heavy load. 

Another thing we check in this department is the stiffness of the heel counter. Stiffer heel counters offer a better heel lockdown and, therefore, such shoes feel more stable. We rank it on a 1-5 scale, where 5 is the stiffest. 

Most breathable hiking shoes: best for summer

When testing breathability, we don’t just wear the shoes in hot weather but also examine them in the lab. We pump the smoke into the shoes to see how much smoke will come out and where and, based on it, give the breathability rating 1-5, where 5 is the most breathable. 

We also perform 2 more assessments: we check the upper above the flashlight and look at it under the microscope. 

All these tests combined allow us to present the most breathable hiking shoes

Hiking in rain and snow: look for waterproof hiking shoes 

In order to keep your feet dry when hiking in wet weather, we recommend getting waterproof hiking shoes. The waterproof membrane most often used here is Gore-Tex or GTX. Snow hiking shoes are also waterproof but have deeper-than-avera lugs.

Goretex closeup on hiking shoes

Gore-Tex shoes are always clearly marked with a "Gore-Tex" patch

Waterproof hiking shoes usually have “Waterproof” or “GTX” in their name. 

Other waterproof membranes present in hiking footwear

Gore-Tex is not the only waterproof membrane present in hiking footwear 

There 3 things to keep in mind when buying waterproof hiking shoes: 

  1. They are not breathable. The membrane breathes a bit but usually it is average at its best. 
  2. Water can still get inside your shoes by sliding down your legs or trousers or covering deep water levels. 
  3. Once the water gets in, it is almost impossible to get it out due to the lack of breathability. Don’t expect the shoe to dry on its own together with your socks as you keep going. This could happen in non-Goretex trail running shoes that are very breathable, but not in waterproof hiking shoes. 

salomon-x-ultra-4-gtx-review.JPG

Learning the basics: Waterproof, water-resistant, and water-repellent materials

Labels like waterproof, water-repellent, and water-resistant often cause confusion. This overview offers clear guidance: 

  Water-resistant Water-repellent Waterproof
General characteristics a tightly woven fabric that is naturally capable of resisting water upon contact fabric treated with durable water-repellent (DWR) or hydrophobic chemicals -fabric treated with DWR
-have waterproofing membranes like Gore-Tex and OutDry
-have seam-sealed construction for extra protection
Water protection level low water protection moderate water protection high water protection
Water pressure resistance 0-5000 mm (no pressure or moisture) 6000-10000 mm (light pressure) 10000-20000 mm (high to very high pressure)
Weather conditions best used in light rain shower and dry snow light rain and average snow moderate to heavy rain and average to wet snow

Hiking cold weather: hiking shoes best for winter

Not that these shoes should be waterproof but they should also behave well in cold weather. 

hoka-anacapa-low-gtx-freezer.JPG

We test this by measuring the flexibility and midsole softness at room temperature and after the shoe has spent 20 minutes in the freezer. We don’t want a shoe to feel like a brick at sub-zero temperatures!

Here are winter hiking shoes with the smallest difference in the 2 measurements: 

Wide toebox in hiking shoes: measured in the lab

When looking for hiking shoes that fit wider forefeet, it’s easy to get lost in the reviews people leave because we all have different feet.

Because of that, our lab measurements are as objective as they get: we always use the same caliper to measure the width of the toebox. In 2 places: where it’s widest and where the big toe is. 

hoka-anacapa-low-gtx-toebox.jpg

The width of the toebox at the big toe has a bigger value for hikers with wider feet. With this knowledge, you’re equipped with a selection of hiking shoes that actually have wider toeboxes: 

Keep in mind though that, just like with other footwear types, some upper materials are stretchy and offer more give. Others can be very stiff, and overlays on the toebox can keep your pinky toe in the strict position with no room to splay not even a little bit. 

If focusing purely on the brand's labels, here's what to look for, depending on the gender: 

 

Men

Women

Narrow

B

2A

Medium/Standard

D

B

Wide

2E

D

Extra wide

4E

2E

These labels are not the same because men's and women's feet are not the same, women tend to have narrower heels and wider forefoots. 

We wrote an in-depth guide on hiking shoes for wide feet in case you want to go into that direction.

6 steps for finding the perfect fit

Knowing your foot type makes a whole lot of difference. Aside from gauging if your feet are wide or narrow, if your feet have any special needs, make sure to treat them well.

merrell-moab-speed-gtx-walking.JPG

If you use orthotics, look for hiking shoes with a removable insole. Or, in case you are overpronating significantly or have plantar fasciitis, get the appropriate shoes that will not irritate your feet. 

Here are the 6 steps to follow if you’re new to buying hiking shoes: 

  1. Go shoe shopping in the afternoon. Expect your feet to swell after a day of activities. The same thing happens when hiking. So, it’s best to try on those new hikers late in the afternoon to get the best fit.
  2. Try it on, lace it up, and check for pressure points. There should be a thumb’s width space between your toes and the front of your shoes. If your feet move from side to side, then the hiking shoes are too wide. It should feel snug - comfortable and non-constricting. 
  3. Make sure to try the shoes with your hiking socks on. Bring the socks that you plan to wear with your hikers when shoe shopping. Avoid using cotton since this type of fabric retains moisture and fails to provide insulation. Instead, choose wool or synthetic socks.
  4. Take your preferred insoles or orthotics with you. Default insoles often leave users disappointed. Aftermarket insoles or custom orthotics can greatly improve the fit of the shoe. If this fails, you can always try another pair from another brand.
  5. Use the ramp and walk up and down. This tests the shoe’s snugness. When you go up the board, observe for any heel lift. When you go down, check if your toes hit the front of the shoes. If your heel rises more than a quarter of an inch or if your toes hit the front, adjust the laces or try sizing up.
  6. Make sure to break in your shoes before your trip. Hiking shoes, especially the heavy, leather ones, require a different break-in time. Start small by wearing the shoes inside your house with your preferred socks. This might feel awkward but in the end, your feet will surely thank you). From there, increase your miles gradually. 

Hiking shoe upper materials: mesh or leather?

We usually see hiking shoes with uppers made of synthetic mesh or leather. 

Synthetic uppers are breathable, they dry quickly and weigh less. They also feel soft right out of the box. 

Salomon Outpulse 1

Hiking shoe with a synthetic breathable upper

The downside of having a mesh upper in hiking shoes is that they are less durable than the leather ones and they get soaked easily. Also, not a lot of support comes with the mesh uppers so we usually see them in shoes that are meant for (fast and) light hiking. 

Leather (or suede, nubuck, full-grain) uppers are far more structured and supportive. 

Danner-Trail-1650_15.jpg

Hiking shoe with a leather upper

They are durable and warm. They even naturally repel water. However, they often ask for a break-in period and don’t breathe as well. Shoes with leather uppers weigh more. 

Soft rubber or hard rubber outsoles: pros and cons 

In our lab, after we’re done cutting the shoes in half, we measure the softness of the rubber with a Shore HC durometer. The lower the rating, the softer the rubber.

merrell-moab-speed-gtx-durometer-outsole.JPG

Using a shore C durometer to measure the hardness of the outsole in RunRepeat shoe lab

Softer rubber is better for deeper lugs and hiking in wet weather and on loose ground (like mud). 

Softer rubber is more flexible and it’s stickier. Harder rubber, on the other hand, is more durable, stable and overall, more protective. However, it's not as flexible as the soft rubber. Harder rubber grips better on hard flatter surfaces, dry or wet. It offers more protection to our feet.

Get noticed in the dark

Some hiking shoes come with reflective elements. We love those as they make us more visible in low-visibility hikes and it’s easier to find shoes in a dark tent when all you have is a headlamp. 

To check for these elements, we turn the light off in the lab and point the light at the shoes. See how great the KEEN Targhee III Waterproof looks in the dark! 

Author
Jovana Subic
Jovana Subic
Whether it's a vertical kilometre or an ultra, climbing in the Alps or exploring local mountains, Jovana uses every opportunity to trade walls and concrete for forests and trails. She logs at least 10h/week on trails, with no off-season, and 4x more on research on running and running shoes. With a background in physics and engineering management, she prefers her running spiced with data.