7 Best Running Shoes For Hiking, 70+ Shoes Tested in 2023
If you’re planning to dabble in the murky world of hiking or running the trails, why pay the price of two pairs of shoes when you can have just one? Yes, you read it right. There’s an array of options you can choose from when it comes to a responsive hiker and a fast trail-runner in one shoe.
We’ve provided a list of the best hiking running shoes for outdoor enthusiasts who are out looking for a reliable hybrid shoe. This gives anyone the versatility while being on the trails, and the convenience of packing only one shoe for weekend adventures in the countryside.
After testing 10+ pairs of these hybrid hiking-running shoes, we now give you our best selection of the top picks for your shopping convenience – from the stickiest hiker to the most protective trail-runner that offers the best bang for the buck.
Table of contents How we test running shoesBest overallBest trailBest neutralBest stabilityBest wideBest valueMost popularComparison
Overview
How we test running shoes
Our goal here at RunRepeat is to provide you with the latest updates and no-BS reviews on the best hiking running shoes out there. The fantastic selections of the highly-rated models you see on this page are not random. They are specifically picked after a thorough review process done by our in-house professionals, to wit:
- We buy hiking running shoes that offer versatility for running using our own funds.
- We test them to see their actual performance on the trails in various conditions.
- At the lab, we put each model through a battery of tests. This includes gauging the responsiveness, protective capability, stickiness of the outsole, and many more.
- We gather reviews from actual users (regular hikers and trail-runners) and expert opinions from professionals.
We use our proprietary CoreScore system from 0 to 100 to compare these options based on our tests and other crucial factors. As a result, we get the ranking of the highly-rated hiking running shoes for the buyer’s final consideration. This will give them the best clarity when it comes to choosing the right hybrid shoe for them.
Best running shoes for hiking overall
Hoka Tecton X
Running Warehouse
Free shipping & returns
$140
Zappos
Free shipping & returns
$146
Fleet Feet
Free shipping & returns
$150
Marathon Sports
Free shipping
$160
CoreScore
- Top 2% in trail running shoes
- Top 5% in Hoka running shoes
- Top 7% most popular running shoes
Pros
- 2 carbon plates: very propulsive ride
- Insanely stable
- Looks fast and runs fast
- Lightweight
- Very cushioned & responsive
- Worth the investment
- Room for feet swelling
- Grippy
- No break-in
- Vegan materials used
Cons
- Not for technical terrains
- Might accumulate mud
- Expensive
Verdict
The Hoka Tecton X is Hoka's first carbon-plated trail running shoe. To justify the name, it just might have started a tectonic shift - that's how much it is loved by runners. It's positioned as a speed-ready, racing and training companion to the Hoka Speedgoat 5. Thanks to the dual-plated design, it shines at fast paces, especially the ultra ones. On top of this, it's a max-cushioned running shoe that keeps the feet protected without weighing them down.
Best trail running shoes for hiking
Nike Pegasus Trail 3
Backcountry
Free shipping
$52
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$80
Fleet Feet
$98
Road Runner Sports
Free shipping
$100
CoreScore
- Top 16% in trail running shoes
- Top 13% in Nike running shoes
- Top 4% most popular running shoes
Pros
- Soft, bouncy ride
- Very comfortable
- True to size
- Wide for a Nike
- Wide loop on heel
- Built to last
- Reflective swoosh
- Killer grip on dry trails
Cons
- Not grippy in wet
- Runs warm
Verdict
The Pegasus road series just holds a special place in many runners' hearts (feet?), and now it is ready for some trail action too. The Nike Pegasus Trail 3 has won many people over with its uber-plush landings as well as the cloud-like comfort and stability. As long as you stay away from slick surfaces, it is an excellent option.
Best neutral hiking running shoes
CoreScore
- Top 11% in trail running shoes
- Top 6% in Nike running shoes
- Top 4% most popular running shoes
Pros
- Fantastic waterproofing
- Grips on everything dry and wet
- Great for road-to-trail transitions
- Also for hiking
- Responsive
- Stable on rocky terrain
- Supports moderately flat feet
- Straight-out-the-box comfort
- Lighter than other GTX shoes
- Locked-in heel
- Worth every penny
Cons
- Lacks durability
- Not for summer runs
Verdict
Whether raining or snowing, the Nike Pegasus Trail 3 GTX is a waterproof trail shoe that will keep your daily runs not only dry but also comfortable. On top of this, it's full of pop and support; it won't tire your feet out. And if you want a road-to-trail hybrid, the Pegasus Trail 3 GTX from Nike can do the job.
Best stability hiking running shoes
Altra Provision 7
Zappos
Free shipping & returns
$140
Running Warehouse
Free shipping & returns
$140
Altra Running
Free shipping & returns
$140
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$140
CoreScore
- Top 11% in road running shoes
- Top 7% in Altra running shoes
- Top 16% most popular running shoes
Pros
- Snug and secure lockdown
- Allows toes to move around
- Not obtrusive for neutral runners
- Awesome traction
- Breathable
- Comfortable cushioning
- Good ground-feel
- Best for milder paces
- Works on light trails
- Great for workouts, dancing, and pickleball
- Fairly priced
Cons
- Not a very energetic ride
- May require some time to break in
- Noisy outsole
- Lugs tend to catch debris
Verdict
As the seventh release in Altra’s line of mid-cushioning, mid-stability trainers, the Provision 7 inherits a lot of what made its predecessors successful and transforms it into a lighter and more secure package. Maintaining the wide toe box and zero heel drop fans have come to love, this iteration is a commendable daily shoe for runners with mild guidance and max comfort in mind.
Best hiking wide toebox running shoes
Brooks Cascadia 16
Amazon
Free shipping
$96
Zappos
Free shipping & returns
$130
Running Warehouse
Free shipping & returns
$130
Backcountry
Free shipping
$130
CoreScore
- Top 20% in trail running shoes
- Top 20% in running shoes for wide feet
- Top 6% most popular running shoes
Pros
- Grippy outsole
- Wide toe box
- Great lockdown
- True to size
- Durable
- Gaiter attachments
- Rock plate
- Aggressive
- Lacing options
Cons
- On the heavier side
- A bit stiff
- Runs warm
Verdict
Brooks updates their venerable trail crusher in this 16 version of the Cascadia. If you demand a stout grip, a stable platform, and bright colors take a look at the Cascadia 16. It’s true to size, durable as hell, and packed with features like a ballistic rock plate, lace loop, and enough upper lacing eyelets to ensure a custom fit. These aggressive kicks are ready for adventure!
Best value running shoes for hiking
Hoka Speedgoat 5
Zappos
Free shipping & returns
$155
Running Warehouse
Free shipping & returns
$155
Hoka
Free shipping & returns
$155
Backcountry
Free shipping
$155
CoreScore
- Top 7% in trail running shoes
- Top 18% in Hoka running shoes
- Top 2% most popular running shoes
Pros
- Super grippy
- Springy ride
- Stable platform
- Extra durable
- High impact protection
- Lightweight
- Breathable
- Secure fit
- Excellent heel hold
Cons
- Not for wide feet
- Flared collar is not for everyone (style-wise)
Verdict
The Speedgoat 5 from Hoka remains your reliable and great-value do-everything trail shoe. But if you want to bring the best out of it, fast runs on very technical terrains can do the trick. On top of this, it ticks all the boxes of an excellent trail shoe. It's insanely grippy, durable, and supportive; conquering the great outdoors is an easy feat. Overall, take the Hoka Speedgoat 5 if you want to go fast and far.
Most popular running shoes for hiking
Altra Lone Peak 6
Running Warehouse
Free shipping & returns
$50
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$87
Zappos
Free shipping & returns
$97
Backcountry
Free shipping
$105
CoreScore
- Top 5% in trail running shoes
- Top 5% in Altra running shoes
- Top 2% most popular running shoes
Pros
- Fits true to size
- Excellent all-round grip
- Highly durable
- Great ground feel
- Feels like it makes you run better
- Great pull tab
- Gaiter compatible
- Brilliant lacing
- Roomy toe box
- Fully gusseted tongue
Cons
- Stain magnet
- Not enough cushioning for some
Verdict
Whether you’re a dedicated zero-drop runner, just dipping your toe into it for the first time, or like to spice up your rotation with something new, the Altra Lone Peak 6 is a solid workhorse of a trail running shoe. The Altra Lone Peak 6 is a genuinely excellent all-rounder.
