Looking for the right hiking footwear for your next adventure? We thought so, otherwise, why would you be here? But, before we get down to brass tacks, we assume you already have somewhat of an idea of what you want. It’s okay if you don’t though, we’ve included some tips for picking hiking shoes below and you can also read our short and sweet guide as well. However, picking the best hiking shoes for you is all a matter of knowing what will suit your lifestyle needs. Are you more of a casual hiker, a geared up outdoor enthusiast, or do you basically live outside? And what about the type of terrain and weather you usually find yourself in? These are all important questions to ask yourself beforehand, but if you’re all ready to go and want our suggestions for the best hiking shoes, continue on.
Tips for Picking Hiking Shoes
Best Hiking Shoes for Men 2017-2018
Hiking Shoes Mid-Weight Boots Heavy Boots
Salomon X Ultra 3 GTX
Scarpa Zodiac Plus GTX
Asolo TPS 520 GV
Vasque Breeze III Low GTX
Salomon X Ultra 3 Mid GTX
Zamberlan Vioz GTX
Keen Targhee III Waterproof
Salomon Quest 4D 3 GTX
Asolo Fugitive GTX
Merrell Moab 2 Ventilator
Danner Explorer 650
Vasque St. Elias GTX
Adidas Outdoor Terrex Swift R2 GTX
Oboz Bridger Mid BDRY
La Sportiva Nucleo High GTX
Best Hiking Shoes for Women 2017-2018
Hiking Shoes Mid-Weight Boots Heavy Boots
Oboz Sawtooth Low BDRY
Salomon Quest 4D 3 GTX
Oboz Sapphire Mid Waterproof
Salomon X Ultra 3 GTX
Merrell Moab 2 Mid Waterproof
La Sportiva Trango TRK GTX
Keen Targhee III Waterproof
Oboz Bridger Mid BDRY
La Sportiva Nucleo High GTX
Merrell Moab 2 Ventilator
Salomon X Ultra 3 Mid GTX
Lowa Renegade GTX Mid
Vasque Grand Traverse
Keen Targhee III Mid
Salewa Mountain Trainer Mid GTX
The Differences Between Hiking Footwear
Hiking Shoe
Best For: Casual hiking, trail, and lounging around camp
Hiking shoes have been gaining lots of popularity in recent years, mostly due to its lightweight construction and minimal restriction. This makes them a perfect choice for anyone who wants to do some casual hiking on well-maintained trails, or sitting around camp and relaxing.
Most hiking shoes are low cut for mobility, and often very flexible with lots of ventilation for the utmost comfort. However, if you’ll be in damp or cold weather, opt for waterproof shoes. Their flexible nature also means you won’t have to break them in. The only downsides to wearing hiking shoes are the fact that you can’t carry much weight with them, they are not as durable as boots, and there is not so much support, traction, or weather-resistance.
Mid-Weight Boot
Best For: Day hikes, long hikes
Mid-weight boots are more like the stereotypical boots you’d imagine most hikers wearing. They might be heavier and less flexible than hiking shoes, but they provide a lot more features for those who enjoy day hiking or just long hikes in general in rugged outdoor terrain.
Often coming in mid or high-top form with a stiffer sole, mid-weight boots are perfect for hauling light to medium loads of under 30 pounds. They offer more support, protection, and weather-resistance than hiking shoes, although they aren’t as breathable. You’ll also notice that hiking boots are built a lot more durable than shoes.
Heavy Boot
Best For: Backpacking, multi-day trips
Heavy boots are the tanks of the outdoors, built extra tough to endure anything you might encounter outside. Highly durable, weather-resistant, supportive, and protective, heavy hiking boots are ideal for backpacking warriors who engage in multi-day trips.
Often stiffer and in high-top form, these supportive boots are perfect for hauling heavy loads over 30 pounds. As you can imagine, they are very heavy and not as breathable as shoes or mid-weight boots, and often need to be broken in before you can comfortably hike around in them.
Best Hiking Shoe Brands
Adidas Outdoor
Arc’teryx
Asolo
Columbia
Danner
Garmont
Keen
La Sportiva
Lowa
Merrell
Oboz
Salewa
Salomon
Scarpa
The North Face
Vasque