7 Best Low Cut Hiking Shoes in 2023
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For hikers who prefer more flexible and reliable footwear for day hikes and light backpacking, a pair of low-cut hiking shoes is the way to go. These dependable kicks generally come with soft and cushioned midsoles that offer superb comfort, sufficient stability, and versatility.
For many seasoned outdoorsmen and ultra-light backpackers who go on multi-day treks across the backcountry, the stability and support provided by low-cut style hiking shoes are enough for them. Many great choices await you from top brands such as Scarpa, Lowa, Salomon X, Timberland, and Merrell Moab, just to name a few.
With tons of great quality options available, picking the perfect fit for you can be confusing. To narrow down your choices, we’ve tested and reviewed 200+ of the best low-cut hiking shoes available out there. We evaluated them based on their fit, comfort, durability, support, grip, and many more. But overall, we were after their actual performance in the trails. Check out our top highlights.
Best low cut hiking shoes overall
Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX
80
Good!
What makes it the best?
Sporting the ultra comfy Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX has leveled up the hiking game for many. Taking inspiration from agile trail running shoes, this waterproof and grippy wonder will push you forward across technical terrain with or without rain.
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
Today's best price
Men
Women
Any color
Backcountry
Free shipping
$90
REI
Free shipping
$111
Holabird Sports
Free shipping
$130
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$139
Zappos
Free shipping & returns
$150
Moosejaw
Free shipping
$160
Low-cut hiking shoes with the best cushioning
Hoka Anacapa Low GTX
83
Great!
What makes it the best?
The Anacapa Low GTX delivers comfort and performance that only a few trail kicks from the same category can match. With this shoe on, you can brave the elements confidently relying on its blissfully comfortable cushioning, watertight upper, and all-terrain grip. It feels much like a running shoe but with the ruggedness of a boot.
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
Today's best price
Men
Women
Any color
Fleet Feet
Free shipping & returns
$136
Footshop
$140
Zappos
Free shipping & returns
$170
Shoe Mall
Free shipping
$170
Low-cut hiking shoes with the best stability
Adidas Terrex Swift R3 GTX
87
Great!
What makes it the best?
With its incredible burliness and stability, the Adidas Terrex Swift R3 GTX feels a lot like a crossover between a hiking shoe and a boot. It will make you feel steady and surefooted on the most unpredictable terrains while keeping your feet dry in untimely rain or unfortunate puddles. As long as you give it some time to break into its full potential, this Adidas shoe will not disappoint.
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
Today's best price
Men
Women
Any color
More colors
REI
Free shipping
$80
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$85
Zappos
Free shipping & returns
$105
Adidas
Free shipping and returns
$128
Backcountry
Free shipping
$160
Holabird Sports
Free shipping
$160
Low-cut hiking shoes with the best comfort
Merrell Moab 3 GTX
83
Great!
What makes it the best?
There's a lot of goodness to unpack in the Moab 3 GTX. From its cloud-like plushness and tough-as-nails construction to its shield-like design and magnificent moisture protection, this low-top day hiking shoe from Merrell is an absolute giver. Just be warned, though, that good things come at a cost, which in this case is the weightiness of every pair.
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
Today's best price
Men
Women
Any color
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$72
Campmor
Free shipping
$128
Moosejaw
Free shipping
$155
Backcountry
Free shipping
$160
REI
Free shipping
$160
Eastern Mountain Sports
$160
Best lightweight low-cut hiking shoes
Adidas Terrex Trailmaker
88
Superb!
What makes it the best?
Another solid entry to our collection of light hiking shoes, the Terrex Trailmaker is fully equipped to give you empowered steps minus the unwanted bulk. While you can easily get lost in its plush confines, its excellent sticking prowess can make your jaws drop in amazement as well. And if you are into looks, the Terrex Trailmaker can make you look dapper without requiring too much human effort!
Pros
- Quite comfy
- Slip resistant
- Amazing surface traction
- Runs true to size
- Pretty durable
- Incredibly light
- Quick drying time
Cons
- Added bulk on med side
- Lacing issue
Today's best price
Men
Women
Any color
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$68
Zappos
Free shipping & returns
$89
Stadium Goods
$100
Backcountry
Free shipping
$110
Best low-cut hiking shoes for summer
Merrell Moab 3
88
Superb!
What makes it the best?
They say "third time's a charm," and for the Moab 3 from Merrell, that is quite the case. Indeed, this third-gen Moab hiker will push you to go further with extraordinary grip, all while charming your feet with plushness all over. Glorious in almost every way, the Moab 3 is also the one to beat when it comes to affordability and value for money.
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
Today's best price
Men
Women
Any color
More colors
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$50
Zappos
Free shipping & returns
$83
Designer Shoe Warehouse
Free shipping
$110
Backcountry
Free shipping
$120
REI
Free shipping
$120
Shoebacca
Free shipping & returns
$120
Best budget low-cut hiking shoes
Adidas Terrex AX4
85
Great!
What makes it the best?
An exceptional budget-friendly day hiker—this is how many trail-goers find the Terrex X4, with negative reviews being a rarity. Indeed, from its virtually tackle-anything underfoot performance to the way it handles shifting weather, this piece from Adidas is a doozy. There's also its initial price of $90, which makes owning one not at all an uphill battle.
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
Today's best price
Unisex
Any color
More colors
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$40
REI
Free shipping
$50
Adidas
Free shipping and returns
$55
Zappos
Free shipping & returns
$80
Backcountry
Free shipping
$100
Moosejaw
Free shipping
$100
Comparison of the 7 best low cut hiking shoes
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How we test hiking shoes
To extract the outstanding ones from the mediocre, we, in-house hiking experts, field-tested all the shoes on the list, trekking 30-50 miles for each model. Before giving our assessments, we subject each pair to the grind and intensity of the trails and technical terrains. Our selection method includes:
- Putting in hours of research and our own funds to buy low-top hiking shoes from different brands. This allows us to remain independent and 100% honest with all our reviews.
- Taking the shoes on actual outdoor adventures and backpacking journeys to get a real-life assessment of their fit, traction, breathability, support, protection, durability, and many more. We also test each model further to see how it can handle tougher outdoor environments and weather conditions.
- Calibrating our tools and devices to dig facts and figures regarding the shoes' properties like waterproof ability and outsole grip and durability. We also check these shoes part by part by dismembering and cutting them into pieces.
