7 Best Running Shoes For Hiking in 2026

How we test running shoes for hiking

Here at RunRepeat, we provide you with the latest updates and no-BS reviews on the best running shoes for hiking out there. These top picks are specifically highlighted after a thorough review process done by our in-house testers: 

• We buy running shoes using our own funds.
• We test them to experience their performance on the trails in various conditions.
• At the lab, we put each model through a battery of tests. We measure the depth of the lugs, traction, outsole hardness and thickness, durability of the toebox, breathability, and other features relevant to hikers. 
• We cut the shoes in half to find out what's inside, look at all the layers, and perform additional tests that can only be done on a shoe cut in half. 

When it’s OK to wear running shoes instead of proper hiking footwear

There’s a reason a lot of hikers we see on the trails are wearing hiking shoes. So, when can you ditch them and use trail running shoes? Here’s our recommendation based on our experience: 

• When you prioritise speed and grip. Want to be fast and agile. 
• When you’re hiking in very hot weather because trail shoes are much more breathable than hiking shoes
• When you’re not wearing heavy backpacks. Trail running shoes usually don’t offer enough support for that 
• When you know you might also run a few sections 
• When you don’t plan to hike over insanely technical, rocky terrain that would destroy the trail shoes. Hiking shoes are stiffer, more durable, and a better option in this case 

3 things to look for in trail running shoes for hiking 

Now that you’ve settled for trail running shoes for your hikes, here’s what to look for: 

1. Grip (depth of lugs) which depends on the terrain 
2. Breathability or waterproofness; this depends on the weather conditions  
3. Stability and support that you may need; this depends on the terrain, durability of the hike, and the weight you’re carrying

Below we dig deep into every section. 

Grip in trail running shoes used for hiking 

We split the terrain into 3 sections and, based on that, we suggest different shoes: 

1. Light terrain: hard-packed trails, well-maintained trails, nothing technical. For such terrain, we recommend trail running shoes with lugs that are up to 2mm deep 
2. Moderate terrain: or all-terrain, wide variety. Very versatile, and can do a bit of everything but nothing too extreme. 
3. Technical terrain: off-trail, with a lot of debris/obstacles, sharp rocks, mud, and so on. For this terrain, we recommend shoes with lugs that are at least 4mm deep.

In our shoe lab, we measure the thickness of the lugs using a digital calliper. 

Of course, there’s always some overlap. Shoes with 4.5mm lugs that are very bulky don’t work well on technical terrain where speed and agility are prioritised. Just like some trail shoes with shallower lugs but with an aggressive fit can perform well on moderate terrain. 

The thread pattern also plays a role here. If you want the mud to shed well, look for deep lugs that are spaced further apart.

If you plan to hike in loose, soft ground, look for lugs of different shapes and angles. Having lugs of different orientations works great for varying hikes that cover both uphills and downhills. 

Breathability of running shoes for hiking

This is one of the best features of trail running shoes that wins the battle between the trail shoes and hiking shoes. Hiking shoes are rarely as breathable! 

To test breathability, we pump the smoke into the trail shoes and then watch how fast the smoke comes out, where, and how much of it. Based on this observation, we rate the breathability of these shoes on a 1-5 scale. 5 is the most breathable. 

Then we look at the upper under the microscope. This way, it’s easy to understand better what’s going on: are there any ventilation holes, how large are they, if there’s more than 1 layer of fabric and where the 2nd one is placed, and so on. 

Breathable uppers have a loose structure that sometimes features even large ventilation holes (up), while non-breathable uppers are very tight, have no holes, and are often 2-layered (2nd layer is often the waterproof membrane).

Waterproof running shoes for hiking

If you think there will be puddles on your hike, shallow stream crossing, or light rain/snow, you might want to consider getting waterproof running shoes for hiking. 

We wrote in great detail about when (not) to choose them, how to recognise them, and what to pay attention to in our guide on Best waterproof trail running shoes. 

The main difference between waterproof and non-waterproof running shoes for hiking is breathability. Waterproof uppers do not breathe almost at all (on average), while in the realm of non-waterproof trail shoes you can find quite breathable ones. 

This is because the waterproof uppers have an additional layer: a waterproof membrane. So, there are 2 layers instead of 1. 

Stability and support of running shoes for hiking 

There are 3 few things you can pay attention to if stability and support are worrying you: 

1. The width of the base. The wider the midsole, the more stable the shoe
2. Stiffness of the base: stiffer shoes offer more support and stability 
3. Other supportive elements like structural stiff upper enforcements or heel counters 

We use a digital calliper to measure the width of the base. We measure it both at the forefoot and at the heel but recommend focusing on the heel for hiking as that’s where we land while walking (hiking), 

To test the stiffness of the trail running shoe, we secure the toebox in place and bend the shoe to 30 degrees. Then, we look at the force needed to bend it. More force = stiffer shoe. 

So, if you want a stiffer platform for extra support and stability, we recommend the shoes below. 

Stiff external heel counter that stabilises the heel and offers great support 

Trail running shoes vs. hiking shoes 

Here’s an overview of what to expect if you’re changing from hiking shoes to trail running shoes. These are general differences, of course, there are models that are outliers.