7 Best Backpacking Shoes in 2023

Paul Ronto
Paul Ronto on
7 Best Backpacking Shoes in 2023
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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

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
Full review of La Sportiva Spire GTX

Today's best price

Men
Women
Any color
Carbon/Apple Green (900705)

Best waterproof backpacking shoes

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
Full review of Salewa Mountain Trainer Lite Mid GTX

Today's best price

Men
Women
Any color
Bungee Cord Black (613597953)
Black (613590971)
Black Out Carrot (61359927)
Black/Black (61359971)

Best lightweight backpacking shoes

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
Full review of Salewa Mountain Trainer 2

Today's best price

Men
Women
Any color
Black/Black (613710971)
Wallnut/Fluo Orange (613717512)
Smoked/Fluo Green (613570471)

Best Gore-Tex backpacking shoes

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
Full review of Salewa Alp Trainer 2 GTX

Today's best price

Men
Women
Any color
Black/Onyx (614019172)
Dark Denim/Black (614018669)
Brown (614007953)
Pale Frog Black (614005660)
Onyx/Black (614000876)

Best backpacking shoes with Vibram sole

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
Full review of Salewa Alp Trainer 2

Today's best price

Men
Women
Any color
Raw Green/Black (614025331)
Bungee Cord/Black (614027953)
Java Blue/Black (614028769)

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
Full review of Vasque Juxt

Today's best price

Men
Women
Any color
Black (7006)
Grey (7000)
Jet Black (7610)
Ranger (7612)
Sandstone (7618)
Beluga/Aluminum (7030)

Best orthotic friendly backpacking shoes

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
Full review of Salewa Alpenviolet GTX

Today's best price

Men
Women
Any color
Malta Lagoon Green (613458737)
Blue Fog Fluo Coral (61345346)
Feld Green Fluo Coral (613455585)

Out of stock in all 50 shops

Salewa backpacking shoes  

Comparison of the 7 best backpacking shoes

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Best
CoreScore
Users rating
Experts
Best price
Ranking
Popularity
# of colorways
Author
Paul Ronto
Paul Ronto

Over the past 20 years, Paul has climbed, hiked, and run all over the world. He has summited peaks throughout the Americas, trekked through Africa, and tested his endurance in 24-hour trail races as well as 6 marathons. On average, he runs 30-50 miles a week in the foothills of Northern Colorado. His research is regularly cited in The New York Times, Washington Post, National Geographic, etc. On top of this, Paul is leading the running shoe lab where he cuts shoes apart and analyzes every detail of the shoes that you might buy.