7 Best Backpacking Shoes in 2023
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Why trust us
Where the trail turns for the worse, but mobility is still high on your hiking preference list, turn to backpacking shoes.
After testing 15+ trekking kicks, we have chosen our top picks in several categories. Do you need a hiker that excels on and off the trail? Maybe something quite light to give you enough agility on your way? Or perhaps a backpacking shoe that dances to the tune of your humble budget? Check out our recommendations below.
How we test hiking shoes
We gather fact-checked data and put backpacking shoes through a series of tests to come up with honest reviews. The details of our approach are as follows:
- We buy every pair of hiking shoes with our own money.
- We spend days trekking on a variety of terrain in both dry and wet conditions to test each kick.
- To make our backpacking shoe reviews more comprehensive, we gather, analyze, and include hundreds of opinions from experts and regular patrons alike.
These elements lead to a CoreScore. We use this proprietary grading system to make this list of backpacking top picks possible.
Best backpacking shoes overall
La Sportiva Spire GTX
88
Superb!
What makes it the best?
Outdoor lovers may see the Spire GTX as a likable hiking shoe as it was able to tick the basics on the trail. Those who would encounter wet conditions need not worry about its efficient waterproofing. On the other hand, its breathability will take charge during warm climate hikes.
Pros
- Superb waterproofness
- Well-ventilated in-shoe feel
- Surprising support
- Apt midsole stiffness
Cons
- Flimsy on technical terrain
- Fragile lace sheath
Today's best price
Men
Women
Any color
Backcountry
Free shipping
$157
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$201
Zappos
Free shipping & returns
$209
Outland USA
Free shipping
$209
Moosejaw
Free shipping
$209
Best waterproof backpacking shoes
Salewa Mountain Trainer Lite Mid GTX
83
Great!
What makes it the best?
Outdoorsy individuals who need a lightweight pair for alpine hiking or multi-day excursions may appreciate this Salewa offering. The cushioning, waterproofness, and traction it gives also leave a good mark on those who have used it. However, the footgear turns some customers off for being slightly expensive. Overall, the Salewa Mountain Trainer Lite Mid GTX may come off as a likable option for backpackers because of its handy attributes.
Pros
- Comfortable for backpacking
- Excellent cushioning
- Lightweight
- Exceptionally waterproof
- Minimal break-in period
- Adequate grip
Cons
- Quite pricey
- Not breathable
- Narrow toe box
Today's best price
Men
Women
Any color
Amazon
Free shipping
$154
Backcountry
Free shipping
$165
Zappos
Free shipping & returns
$220
Outland USA
Free shipping
$220
Best lightweight backpacking shoes
Salewa Mountain Trainer 2
84
Great!
What makes it the best?
The highly touted Mountain Trainer gets a facelift! The thicker sole means it can survive some more abuses and the improved design makes it more versatile. With a robust sole, durable upper, and added cushioning, the Salewa Mountain Trainer 2 is a winner. All these things make the Mountain Trainer 2 a great choice for technical hikes, via ferratas and treks in all conditions and remote terrain.
Pros
- Top-notch for alpine trekking
- Well-designed outsole lugs
- Great for via Ferrata ladders
- Has more cushioning
- Undeniably durable
- Lasting comfort
Cons
- Narrow
- Hard to get on
Today's best price
Men
Women
Any color
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$116
Outland USA
Free shipping
$158
Backcountry
Free shipping
$160
Zappos
Free shipping & returns
$230
Best Gore-Tex backpacking shoes
Salewa Alp Trainer 2 GTX
83
Great!
What makes it the best?
It can be tricky not to link the Alp Trainer 2 GTX to approach shoes, especially when its adhesive prowess goes toe to toe against such kicks when it comes to scrambling. That being said, the featured hiker from Salewa sets itself apart from that pack as it comes fully equipped for trekking adventures, come rain or shine. Yes, ruggedness is its playground, and it's a winner.
Pros
- Multi-terrain tenacity
- Enduring comfort
- Non-existent break-in
- Watertight
- A-grade finish
- Supportive underfoot
- Exemplary stability
- Good flexibility-to-stiffness ratio
Cons
- Heavier than most
- Loose around the heel
Today's best price
Men
Women
Any color
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$120
Outland USA
Free shipping
$180
Moosejaw
Free shipping
$180
Zappos
Free shipping & returns
$190
Best backpacking shoes with Vibram sole
Salewa Alp Trainer 2
83
Great!
What makes it the best?
It's hard not to be mesmerized by the Alp Trainer 2 from Salewa. From its intimidating yet stunning form to its gecko-like tenacity, this hiking-slash-trekking shoe will make terrain of virtually any kind a cakewalk. And while there are far lighter options out there, the Alp Trainer 2 flexes its muscles as far as more demanding adventures are concerned.
Pros
- 10/10 grip
- Remarkably durable
- Fantastic comfort
- Superb fit
- Premium workmanship
- No in-shoe slippage
- Eye-catching looks
Cons
- Could be lighter
- Somewhat rigid underfoot
Today's best price
Men
Women
Any color
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$160
Outland USA
Free shipping
$160
Moosejaw
Free shipping
$160
Zappos
Free shipping & returns
$170
Best low cut backpacking shoes
Vasque Juxt
90
Superb!
What makes it the best?
The exemplary comfort and through-the-roof lightness of the Vasque Juxt are good enough reasons to justify its already just-right asking price. Moreover, this piece from Vasque has a supportive arch zone and ultra-stabilizing midsole. That said, you might want to try it in a physical store to see if its overall fit is for you. Nevertheless, the Juxt is a formidable ally, especially where the sun is high up and the trail becomes rockier.
Pros
- Tennis-shoe-like lightness
- Quick break-in
- Incredible comfort
- Quite stable
- Supportive arch
- Mighty durable
- Amazing breathability
Cons
- Narrow toe box
- Slippery on wet rock surfaces
Today's best price
Men
Women
Any color
Amazon
Free shipping
$90
Backcountry
Free shipping
$90
Zappos
Free shipping & returns
$120
Shoe Mall
Free shipping
$120
Moosejaw
Free shipping
$120
Best orthotic friendly backpacking shoes
Salewa Alpenviolet GTX
83
Great!
What makes it the best?
Those who value comfort and lightness whenever they go hiking may discover something special with this Salewa shoe. The outdoor community also applauds the support and waterproofness of this pair. However, there are some who point out that it is not ideal for warm hikes because it lacks breathability.
Pros
- Astoundingly plush shoe for hiking
- Lightweight
- Delivers underfoot support
- Waterproof
- Zero break-in period
- Commendable grip
Cons
- Lack of breathability
- Narrow toe box
- Long laces
Comparison of the 7 best backpacking shoes
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