7 Best Running Shoes For Hiking, 70+ Shoes Tested in 2023

Jens Jakob Andersen
Jens Jakob Andersen on
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.

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
Hoka Tecton X

CoreScore

92
Superb!
4.7 / 5 from 593 users
88 / 100 from 25 experts

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.
Hoka Tecton X full review

Best trail running shoes for hiking

Nike Pegasus Trail 3
Nike Pegasus Trail 3

CoreScore

88
Great!
4.4 / 5 from 1,241 users
88 / 100 from 15 experts

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.
Nike Pegasus Trail 3 full review

Best neutral hiking running shoes

Nike Pegasus Trail 3 GTX
Nike Pegasus Trail 3 GTX

CoreScore

88
Great!
4.5 / 5 from 780 users
84 / 100 from 7 experts

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.
Nike Pegasus Trail 3 GTX full review

Best stability hiking running shoes

Altra Provision 7
Altra Provision 7

CoreScore

89
Great!
4.6 / 5 from 150 users
93 / 100 from 2 experts

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.
Altra Provision 7 full review

Best hiking wide toebox running shoes

Brooks Cascadia 16
Brooks Cascadia 16

CoreScore

87
Great!
4.4 / 5 from 4,303 users
87 / 100 from 24 experts

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!
Brooks Cascadia 16 full review

Best value running shoes for hiking

Hoka Speedgoat 5
Hoka Speedgoat 5

CoreScore

90
Superb!
4.5 / 5 from 6,683 users
91 / 100 from 26 experts

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.
Hoka Speedgoat 5 full review
Author
Jens Jakob Andersen
Jens Jakob Andersen

Jens Jakob is a fan of short distances with a 5K PR at 15:58 minutes. Based on 35 million race results, he's among the fastest 0.2% runners. Jens Jakob previously owned a running store, when he was also a competitive runner. His work is regularly featured in The New York Times, Washington Post, BBC and the likes as well as peer-reviewed journals. Finally, he has been a guest on +30 podcasts on running.