7 Best Trail Walking Shoes

Hoka Transport is unmatched as the number one trail walking shoe. Our minds were blown, to say the least, by how it performed superbly when we subjected it to the unpredictableness of off-road walks. Protection, sturdiness, water tightness, surefootedness, and above all, comfort - Transport didn’t fall short of anything. In fact, it over-delivered that we felt so trail-equipped, we didn’t need anything more!

Even though we tackled ruggedness and harshness out on the trail, Transport didn’t bail on us. Instead, it remained in a pristine condition. When we headed back to our lab, our Dremel test validated our judgement. We pressed our drill with a grit sanding band attachment to the shoe’s toebox, and it held great against the abrasion, scoring 4/5 in durability. Additionally, we measured the outsole’s hardness as 81.9 HC, which is 5% firmer than average. This indicated and also translated into robustness. 

Apart from toughness, we also never worried about soggy feet when crossing streams. We put Transport’s upper under our microscope and we observed an extremely interlaced fabric, making it perfect for trail-walking in rain and snow. And the fact that Transport has an outstanding grip, which kept us from stumbling even on wet rocks, well, is just the icing on the cake. 

However, we couldn’t vouch for Transport when it comes to lightness. Our scale recorded a 10.9 oz (309g) weight, which is 13.5% heavier than average. If you seek something lighter, this isn’t it.

After our numerous trail quests and rigorous lab tests, Salomon XA Pro 3D V9 dominated the trail walking category as best for flat feet. There is no denying that protection and reinforcement are the top priorities of this shoe, consistent from top to bottom.

The main elements that ensure our feet’s protection and steadiness on rugged trails are the firm cushion and 3D Chassis technology. They offer a very solid base that keeps us balanced as we carry backpacks. Our durometer confirms a firm 31.0 HA, which keeps our feet from deviating from a neutral position.

The shoe’s foundation consists of Contagrip rubber, which our lab reveals is 83.1 HC. The outsole is lined with 2.8 mm lugs that proved their traction as we tested them on loose ground, rocks, and snow.

Even the upper has its shield through the rubberized toe cap, which effectively avoids painful stubs. In terms of airflow, there is no shortage in this shoe. The smoke we pumped inside immediately evacuated the shoe through its upper, scoring 4/5 in breathability. 

This pair is built like a tank and weighs like one too. At 12.2 oz (346g), it’s 17.7% heavier than average.

We reached unprecedented heights of greatness on trails with the Hoka Challenger 7 because of its light yet steadfast construction. While this shoe only weighs 8.82 oz (250g) or 15.5% lighter than most walking shoes, it can deal with most of the things wilderness throws against it on our treks. 

One of those things is the sharp twigs and rocks on our routes, which seemed to not have an influence on the comfort we felt inside the shoe. This is due to the abundant cushioning Challenger 7 has. We discovered that the heel is 32.9 mm thick, exceeding the average by 3.5%. Meanwhile, the forefoot is 24.1 mm, which is basically equal to the 24.2 mm average. In total, this afforded us blunted impacts and superb protection.

Another thing we are safe from is accidental skids in trails. We confirmed this with the use of our durometer, which recorded an outsole hardness of 80.1 HC. Compared to the average, this is 5.9% softer, just right enough to bite hard on terrains. 

However, we wished for better airflow when we were out in the woods. Based on our breathability test, Challenger 7 doesn’t expel much of the smoke we drove its interior, so we gave it a 2/5 rating. If your feet tend to sweat fast, we suggest picking up other shoes with solid ventilation.

Hiking trails felt like a stroll with the Peregrine 14. During our trials, we were able to focus on enjoying nature and taking in the fresh air because this pair kept our strides in check. It was so supportive and reliable that we had no worries of slipping and losing balance—making it our top grippy trail walking shoe.

With 4.7-mm sticky rubber lugs, this shoe grips firmly on any terrain—mud, gravel, even snow! Deeper by 1.2 mm than average and strategically spaced, the lugs serve dual purposes: braking on steep slopes and preventing mud buildup.

With its balanced cushioning offering stability, we enjoyed all-day walks (and even runs) without feeling wobbly, thanks to the delightfully firm foam. Validated by our durometer at 26.0 HA, it's in line with the average trail shoe. Plus, its minimal 2.2 mm drop heightens sensitivity to the ground.

Peregrine 14 enhances stability and protection with its rock plate, which features cutouts in the outsole for flexibility. Our flex test indicates it's near the average, requiring 28.5N to bend to 90 degrees. However, while it feels flexible for running it’s 39.7% stiffer than the average walking shoe. Those who prefer a more natural feel should check shoes designed for walking.

Our feet are still able to experience peak freshness in On Cloudvista despite hiking on unpredictable routes, making it the top dog in the breathability department of trail walking shoes. On top of the astounding foot ventilation, this shoe steered us away from fatigue and shock even for multi-hour treks.

We demonstrated Cloudvista’s superb air permeability by streaming smoke inside it and observing how much departed the upper. Based on the billowing smoke that came out, we rated its breathability a 5/5, which turned our trail walks into a more than pleasant experience.

The fact that Cloudvista didn’t weigh us down is a huge relief to us, especially when traversing uneven terrains. Even though we found in our lab that it came in at 10.05 oz (285g) and is only 3.7% lighter than the average, on our actual walks, it felt feathery. Still, the shoe boasts ample cushioning that cushioned the impact every time we land on our feet. With our calliper, we established that its heel and forefoot stack heights are 32.3 mm and 22 mm, respectively. The heel is only 1.6% higher than the average while the forefoot is 9.1% lower. Overall, this granted shock absorption and just the right elevation from the ground that kept us balanced.

Unfortunately, the quality of its breathable upper, as well as its heel padding, left us with nothing to write home about. We pressed our Dremel in these areas and it effortlessly tore them, deserving the lowest rating of 1/5 for durability. If you are looking for a hardwearing trail walking shoe, this isn’t it.

Among all the trail walking shoes we have examined, ASICS Gel Venture proved to be the most invaluable despite its low cost, making it our standout budget-friendly pick. At less than a hundred bucks, or £70 to be specific, it isn’t only 21% cheaper than the average price of walking shoes but is a fantastic option for an adventure-ready company!

One of its indispensable qualities is its remarkable permeability that maintained the sweat- and odour-free states of our feet wherever we walked. Justifying this is our breathability test in which the upper completely emancipated the smoke we released inside the shoe, earning a 5/5 score in ventilation. 

Venture 8 also afforded us seamless foot progressions that made our treks much more bearable. Investigating this in the lab, we found that the shoe has a pliable construction that conformed to our feet’s movements. In fact, when we bent the shoe using our digital force gauge, it opposed the bending with a low force of 14.9N, making it 51.6% more flexible than most.

However, the level of toughness of the upper and sock liner reflected its price: low. We applied our Dremel to the toebox and heel padding, and they didn’t do well in the face of wear. Therefore, both scored 2/5 in durability. So if you want cheap yet long-lasting trail walking shoes, we suggest to keep looking.

Our lab analysis shows Pegasus Trail 4 GTX is the best waterproof trail walking shoe, but our feet walk the talk. Our outdoor adventures felt safe with the Gore-Tex membrane and grippy outsole, comfortable with the cushioned midsole, and lively with the energetic foam.

The Peg is a reliable companion that highlights safety. Besides its water-resistant membrane, it has several TPU layers for extra protection. The upper proves its strength as it remains intact after applying the brute force of our Dremel. The 3.5 mm lugs underfoot latch on any surface we step on — dry roads, loose gravel, grass, or snow.

The React foam is a winner with its plush and bouncy sensation. It has a generous 37.7 mm stack (5.5 mm taller than average) and ensures our heel protection with every stride. Our durometer also confirms it’s 29.0% softer than average. We feel the energy return, making us feel less tired as we explore the trails all day.

Our bend test shows this Peg is 29.0% more flexible than average, making it even more compatible for walking since the midsole flows with our natural movements.

What we found lacking is a fully gusseted tongue for the complete waterproofing package. Because of this, we had to avoid streams above the ankle so water wouldn't get inside our shoes.