Travel Products Activity + Adventure Camping + Hiking The Best Hiking Shoes for Men and Women, Tested and Reviewed Tackle the trails confidently in the best hiking shoes for comfort, style, and speed. By Lauren Breedlove Lauren Breedlove Lauren Breedlove is a New York-based travel writer, photographer, and content creator who focuses on off-the-beaten-path outdoor adventures. Her work has been featured in Afar, Time magazine, TravelPulse, Popsugar, Travel + Leisure, Elite Daily, and Thrillist. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines Updated on November 22, 2023 Fact checked by Rich Scherr Fact checked by Rich Scherr Rich Scherr is a seasoned journalist and editor who has traveled across the U.S., Canada, and Europe, and spent more than a decade reviewing hotel room. Travel + Leisure Fact Checking Process In This Article Expand Jump to a Section Our top picks Reviews Others We Liked Our Testing Process Tips for Buying FAQ Why Trust T+L We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Travel + Leisure / Rachel Thalhuber Hiking footwear can make or break your journey, so you need a solid balance of comfort, protection, and agility when you take to the trails. We tested 18 pairs of hiking shoes and 46 total hiking footwear options from boots to sandals. Our favorites include the best options for solo summits, group nature walks, and everything in between. They were tested in real-world hiking situations to compare key features like durability, comfort, fit, performance, and overall value. We’ll continue to test and report on each pair for the next six months. Each product listed here has both men's and women's versions. We also interviewed Nathan Buelow, Senior Manager of Product Strategy at OnX Offroad, for his expert insights on choosing the right hiking shoe for every adventurer. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Merrell Speed Eco at Amazon ($100) Jump to Review Best for Travel: Danner Trail 2650 Campo Women's Hiking Shoes at REI ($170) Jump to Review Best Cushion: Hoka Speedgoat 5 at Nordstrom ($155) Jump to Review Best for Narrow Feet: Oboz Sawtooth X Low Waterproof Hiking Shoe at REI ($160) Jump to Review Best for Trail Running: La Sportiva Women's Trail Running Shoe at REI ($185) Jump to Review Best Waterproofing: Salomon X Ultra Pioneer at Amazon ($135) Jump to Review Best Budget: Asics Gel-venture 8 at Amazon ($60) Jump to Review Best Everyday Crossover: Teva Geotrecca Low Women's Hiking Shoe at REI ($98) Jump to Review Best Overall Merrell Speed Eco Merrell View On Amazon $100 View On REI $100 View On Nordstrom $75 Our Ratings Comfort 5/5 Fit 5/5 Performance 5/5 Durability 5/5 Value 5/5 Why We Love It After five months of use, we love that they are light and breathable. What to Consider They’re not waterproof. Merrell’s new environmentally friendly Speed Eco Hiking Shoe earned the top spot as our favorite hiker for men and women. We love that they don’t require a break-in period and offer all-day comfort, making them versatile for short trails and extended adventures. We’re also big fans of how sustainable they are, with a recycled rubber outsole, EVA footbed, laces, upper, and lining. These shoes are incredibly breathable and didn’t make our feet sweat while hiking in Arizona’s notoriously hot climate. They performed well on rocky terrain, providing confidence-building grip. The fantastic arch support is another standout feature of the Speed Eco, and they held up quite well after being put to the test on various hikes, proving their durability. With top points for comfort and quality, the Merrell Speed Eco hiking shoe is a great value for everything from trail running to multi-mile hiking. The Details: 5-11 (women’s); 7-15 (men’s) | 1.25 pounds per pair | 77 percent recycled Jacquard upper Travel + Leisure / Rachel Thalhuber Travel + Leisure / Rachel Thalhuber Best for Travel Danner Trail 2650 Campo Women's Hiking Shoes Danner View On REI $170 View On Backcountry.com $170 View On Zappos $119 Our Ratings Comfort 5/5 Fit 5/5 Performance 5/5 Durability 5/5 Value 4.5/5 Why We Love It They’re lightweight and portable, but also functional. What to Consider You may need to size up if you’re planning on wearing thicker socks. Warm weather hikers will jump for joy with our top pick for travel: the Danner Trail 2650 Hiking Shoes for men and women. We immediately loved how comfortable these hikers are, but we were also impressed by how stylish they look for everyday wear, whether on the trail or hanging around town. They cleaned up well even after getting muddy on some washed out terrain. The soft, breathable fabric makes it feel more like a lifestyle shoe versus technical footwear, and they’re ready to rock straight out of the box so you won’t end up with blisters on their first outing. While these hiking shoes are not waterproof, they offer fantastic traction and grip for a variety of terrain, whether you encounter sand or rock scrambles. The Details: 5-11 (women’s); 7-14 (men’s) | 1.12 pounds (women’s); 1.37 pounds (men’s) | PU-coated leather/nylon upper Travel + Leisure / Kate Donovan Travel + Leisure / Kate Donovan Best Cushion Hoka Speedgoat 5 HOKA View On Nordstrom $155 View On Backcountry.com $155 View On Zappos $155 Why We Love It They have super grippy 5-millimeter lugs that provide fantastic traction in a variety of conditions. What to Consider The sole is extra thick, almost like a platform, so they appear a little bulkier than other models. Stealing the top spot for best cushioning, the uber-comfortable Hoka Speedgoat 5 GTX Hiking Shoe is the perfect companion for all types of running and hiking trails. The platform-like sole provides an extra boost in almost every way, keeping your feet comfortable and supported so you can tackle the trails, whether wet, muddy, sandy, or rocky. They’re suitable for wide feet and come ready to roll straight out of the box so you don’t have to waste any time breaking them in. They felt perfectly mold to feet after just one wear and don't cause blisters. Additional cushioning on the thick soles meant it was easier to hike further distances, with welcome support on the arches. After five months of use, they still look new since they are easy to clean and seem to repel dust. The Details: 5-11, half sizes (women’s); 7-14, half sizes (men’s) | Waterproof | Double-layer Jacquard engineered mesh upper Travel + Leisure / Elena Garcia The 10 Best Trail Running Shoes of 2024 Best for Narrow Feet Oboz Sawtooth X Low Waterproof Hiking Shoe Oboz View On REI $160 View On Backcountry.com $165 View On Zappos $165 Our Ratings Comfort 5/5 Fit 5/5 Performance 4.5/5 Durability 5/5 Value 5/5 Why We Love It They comfortably accommodate narrow heels, but also come in wide sizes. What to Consider They run approximately half a size small, so it’s wise to size up. We love the Oboz Sawtooth X Low Waterproof Hiking Shoe (men's version here) with sizing for almost every type of foot, narrow to wide. After five months of use, through rain and sunshine, we found them to be truly 100 percent waterproof. They don’t require a breaking-in period and offer superior comfort and support. They had a fantastic fit, particularly for narrow heels, on all of our trekking adventures. The Sawtooth X performed well when taken through wet and muddy trails, offering solid traction and proving to have effective waterproofing while maintaining airflow for breathability. The regular hiking shoes have a slender design that’s perfect for hikers with narrow heels, and they’re also available in wide sizes. The Details: 5-12, regular and wide (women’s); 7-15, regular and wide (men’s) | Waterproof | Oiled nubuck leather/Cordura fabric mesh upper Travel + Leisure / Carolyn Malcoun Travel + Leisure / Carolyn Malcoun Travel + Leisure / Carolyn Malcoun Best for Trail Running La Sportiva Women's Trail Running Shoe La Sportiva View On REI $185 View On Backcountry.com $34 View On Lasportivausa.com Our Ratings Fit 5/5 Comfort 5/5 Value 5/5 Why We Love It They’re sturdy, yet lightweight. What to Consider After five months of regular use, the midsole and tread are considerably worn down. Trail runners and hikers alike will love the La Sportiva Jackal II BOA Hiking Shoe for men and women as much as we do. Its specialized secure fit system came through with comfort on long distances. The BOA tighteners allow runners and hikers to tailor the fit to suit their snugness preferences. We can attest to the high-quality materials and exceptional comfort, but note that these shoes don’t offer a ton of ankle support. Still, we love how lightweight and incredibly breathable and quick-drying they are, keeping your feet cool and free of moisture even after running through streams. Despite being so lightweight, these shoes are durable. After 100 miles of use, there were no rips in the seams or gauges in the soles from sharp rocks. These trail runners are built to go fast, perfect for adventurous runners that like to tackle mountain paths. The Details: 4.5-12, regular and wide (women’s); 7-15, regular and wide (men’s) | Waterproof | Ariaprene tongue and collar | Dual BOA fit system | Recycled sandwich mesh forefoot | TPU toe cap Travel + Leisure / John Somerall Travel + Leisure / John Somerall Travel + Leisure / John Somerall Best Waterproofing Salomon X Ultra Pioneer Amazon View On Amazon $135 View On REI $135 View On Zappos $135 Our Ratings Comfort 5/5 Fit 5/5 Performance 5/5 Durability 5/5 Value 5/5 Why We Love It The waterproofing and grip impressed us. What to Consider They run a little narrow. The Salomon X Ultra Pioneer ClimaSalomon Waterproof Hiking Shoes were made for wet conditions and muddy trails. Even over slippery rocks throughout our five months of tests, we found them to have excellent traction. These durable hiking shoes offer support in the heel, arch, and ankle areas and offer toe protection from rocks. We put them to the test in flowing water that went up to the middle of our shoes, and our feet remained dry with a breathable feel. Climbing up rocks and fallen trees didn’t compromise our sturdiness. The tongue is designed to block water from getting into the shoe as well. Whether you get caught in the rain, or encounter mud or slippery rocks on the trails, the Contagrip sole with sharp chevron lugs provides fantastic traction, allowing you to hike with confidence. The Details: 5-11 (women’s); 5-14 (men’s) | Waterproof | Textile/leather upper Travel + Leisure / Darren Tollefson Travel + Leisure / Darren Tollefson Travel + Leisure / Darren Tollefson The Best Hiking Sandals for Women, Tested and Reviewed Best Budget Asics Gel-venture 8 Asics View On Amazon $60 View On Dick's $70 View On Zappos $48 Our Ratings Fit 4/5 Cushioning/Knee Protection 4.5/5 Comfort 4.5/5 Responsiveness 4/5 Stability 4/5 Why We Love It It’s a great value for the level of comfort they provide. What to Consider They’re best suited for light hikes. For a hiking shoe that won’t break the bank, the Asics Gel-venture 8 is our top choice. This versatile shoe will keep your feet comfortable and supported while doing everything from running errands to a light weekend hike. They’re well-suited for everyday use, though some water resistance was an important feature that we missed during testing. However, the comfort, stability, and traction made these hikers a fantastic value as well, and when tested on various walks and hikes, there was a solid balance of warmth and breathability. For light trail runs, everyday activities, and casual hikers, the Gel-Venture 8’s are a great choice. The Details: 5-12, half sizes (women’s); 7-15, half sizes (men’s) Travel + Leisure / Allison Vancura Best Everyday Crossover Teva Geotrecca Low Women's Hiking Shoe Teva View On REI $98 View On Backcountry.com $140 View On Zappos $84 Our Ratings Comfort 4/5 Fit 5/5 Performance 5/5 Durability 5/5 Value 5/5 Why We Love It They perform well on all types of terrain. What to Consider Throughout our five months of tests, we noticed they cause heel blisters during longer hikes. We love how the waterproof Teva GeoTrecca Low hiking shoes serve as a versatile everyday outdoor activity shoe, for runs, walks, and hikes. They’re also great for travel as they’re very lightweight, yet sturdy. The materials proved high quality and durable, showing no abnormal signs of wear and tear after a few hikes. They also noted that the traction was solid, performing well on dirt, sand, and rock surfaces without issues. The sneaker-like appearance along with the support, cushioning, and traction of a hiking shoe makes this an excellent crossover shoe for all of your daily endeavors. The Details: 5-14, half sizes (women’s); 7-14, half sizes (men’s) | Waterproof | Recycled textile; leather and synthetic overlays Travel + Leisure / Kate Rousu Other Hiking Shoes We Liked Two pairs of other hiking shoes we tested didn’t quite make the list but still offer worthy features that might prove to be the right fit for some hikers. Merrell Moab 2 Vent Hiking Shoe: These hiking shoes are made of high-quality materials and proved to be durable after several hikes. They are also very breathable, however, they were a bit heavy and bulky and lacked extra cushioning in the footbed. Keen Targhee 3 Low Height Waterproof Hiking Shoes: These offer great traction on a wide array of terrain including dust, dirt, and rocky trails. They’re also breathable, even in extreme heat. They fell a little short in the fit though, being a little too wide, making them loose on average or narrow feet. Our Testing Process We tried out 18 different pairs of hiking shoes, testing them on at least two hikes. We’ll continue to use each pair of hiking shoes for six months after the initial testing period, updating this article with our insights along the way. Each pair of hiking shoes was evaluated for our initial impressions of materials and construction. We then wore them around the house to break them in and assess whether there were any spots of discomfort. Next, the hiking shoes were worn in the real world on a variety of trails, as well as while doing everyday activities like errands or venturing around town. We took note of features like comfort, breathability, arch and ankle support, water resistance, and any signs of wear and tear. After testing, we also considered how appropriate each shoe’s price point was given its performance. With all of these factors in mind, the hiking shoes with the highest ratings were selected for this round-up. Tips for Buying Hiking Shoes and Boots Know your foot shape and fit needs Getting your feet measured by a professional is the best way to ensure the correct fit for your new hiking shoes. Knowing size in combination of what foot shape you have (wide, average, narrow) will help you narrow down your options when shopping. If you will need orthotics, it’s best to try your potential hiking shoes on with them as well as thicker socks that you will typically hike in. Trying boots on at the end of the day will give you the most accurate fit in comparison to when you’re hiking, as feet usually swell throughout the day when you’re active. How you tie your hiking shoe can make a big difference in the fit as well. “One thing I've seen that's super common is people will tighten laces too much. They want to make sure the shoes are secure so that they are super confident on the trail, but it's basically bolted to their foot, which can make you uncomfortable. It’ll be too tight on the top of your foot as your foot expands and won’t feel good,” Buelow shared. Know your support needs If you have high arches, pronate when you walk, or carry a hefty pack while hiking, that can help determine the type of support you should seek out in a hiking shoe. With so many hiking shoes on the market, there will be one better designed for your specific needs, such as extra arch support, additional cushioning, or zero-drop soles, typical of barefoot shoes. Consider waterproofing levels Waterproof hiking shoes are fantastic and offer a lot more freedom on the trails, but it’s important to find a good balance of breathability in the shoe as well. Otherwise, you’ll end up with hot, sweaty feet with nowhere for the interior moisture to go. Take other environmental factors into account Hikers run into all different conditions and terrain. It’s key to consider what you’ll likely encounter in the environment you typically hike in such as rocky trails, a lot of mud, sand, or rain. Hiking shoes with toe protection are great for rocks so you can avoid stubbing your toes on the trail. For slippery surfaces, hiking shoes with superior traction is crucial. Frequently Asked Questions What is the difference between hiking shoes and hiking boots? Hiking shoes are well-suited for casual hikers and are more lightweight and flexible. They are typically comfortable straight out of the box and have a low ankle height. They’re more compact and portable, making them a great choice for travelers. Hiking boots are bulkier and rugged, with a higher height profile and ankle support. They’re ideal for serious hikers that tackle more technical trails, though they are heavier. Should I wear hiking shoes or boots? It’s about preference and the types of trails you’ll be hiking. If you mostly trek on challenging trails, a boot might be the better option for you, and if you are more of a recreational hiker, a shoe may be the best choice.“Ask yourself if you actually need that extra ankle support. It really just depends on, again, personal circumstance and what your use case is for the shoe or the boot at the end of the day,” Buelow shared. How should hiking shoes fit? “There's no one single right way they should fit, because it really does depend on kind of your personal style, but there are a couple of tips,” Buelow said. Make sure the shoe fits really snug on your heel, you don't want your foot slipping as you walk around because that can often lead to hotspots on your heel. Also, make sure you have enough room in your toes; it shouldn't feel super tight in there because your foot's going to change depending on the distance that you hike and the weather where you’re hiking,“ he added. Are running shoes good for hiking? Regular running shoes don’t offer much by way of traction or grip, so if you’re going to hike in a running shoe, it’s wise to get a pair of trail runners. While they’re lightweight and breathable, trail running shoes offer less ankle support and toe protection. It comes down to choosing the right shoe for you and your needs, whether it’s a running shoe, hiking shoe, or boot. Why Trust Travel + Leisure T+L contributor Lauren Breedlove used her personal experience as a hiking enthusiast and travel writer as well as T+L's testing insights to find the best women's and men's hiking shoes. To gather expert insights, Nathan Buelow, Senior Manager of Product Strategy at OnX Offroad and former Senior Brand Marketing Manager at Merrell, was interviewed about how to choose hiking footwear. The 10 Best Hiking Boots for Women of 2024, Tested and Reviewed Love a great deal? 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