The Best Hiking Shoes of 2023

Another update to the legendary Lone Peak ($150) adds even more fame to this cherished classic. An absolute staple in the long-distance hiking and trail running communities, the Lone Peak is the pioneer of Altra’s brand and defines its unique style.

The new Lone Peak 7 still gives us that spacious, zero-drop experience we’ve grown to love, and we were grateful they didn’t change too much from previous models. It boasts the most room in any toebox you’re likely to find, and the foot-shaped last gives it an organic feel, allowing your toes to splay out naturally while hiking long miles. The update also comes with a wide version, for those who really need it.

The upper has evolved a bit in this new iteration. It is now entirely stitch-free with no-sew TPU overlays, giving it a sleek and streamlined look and feel. This not only adds style points. It also increases the shoe’s durability, as it eliminates potential failure points along the seams. We haven’t been able to fully test this update’s durability compared to previous models, but they do seem to be more bomb-proof than before.

The Lone Peak 7 includes new MaxTrac rubber in the outsole, allowing for better grip on wet rock and trail. They also feature a redesigned lug pattern with additional lugs for improved traction over sludgy terrain.

The Altra EGO technology of the midsole claims to add a little more responsiveness to each step, and we definitely noticed a difference compared to pre-Lone Peak 6 models. Something about it feels like a cushier, yet still responsive ride, and we’re fans of how well it carries over technical terrain.

The only complaint we can think of comes from others’ reviews of the wide version, as we only tried the regular width. From what we hear, the wide version is too wide and feels quite sloppy and unstable even for those who generally go with a 2E width. Read our full review of the Lone Peak 7.

All in all, the Lone Peak remains a top pick for die-hard hikers looking for a reliable shoe with a natural feel. The wide toebox and zero-drop profile take a little getting used to, but give you more of a connection with the ground you’re moving over, and help prevent blisters with plenty of room in the toebox. It still is, and will probably remain, a king in the backpacking and thru-hiking community.

It’s no surprise the Merrell Moab 3 ($110) is one of the top-selling hiking shoes. The side ventilation keeps feet cool during warm-weather hikes, and the pigskin leather and mesh upper hold up well through rocky scrambles, long day hikes, and multiday adventures.

We like that they provide some of the stability and traction generally found in a hiking boot with the low-top freedom of a shoe.

The toe box was wide enough that our testers didn’t experience any uncomfortable rubbing. But they are a bit stiffer, and we recommend slowly amping up your mileage. Give them time to break in, and you could have a great hiking shoe for seasons to come at a very affordable price point.

These aren’t the lightest hiking shoes available. And on technical or wet terrain, they didn’t perform as well as shoes like the La Sportiva TX4s, but the Moab 3s are winners for day hikes on regular trails. They’re also available in a waterproof version. Overall, they’re one of the best hiking shoes for regular use on moderate to easy terrain.

Danner is known for making high-quality, long-lasting hiking boots. And this is true of their hiking shoes, too. Inspired by the terrain of the 2,650 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail, the Trail 2650 ($170) is built to go the distance.

The mesh liner helped keep our feet cool and aided in breathability on hot summer hikes. In addition to the stylish looks, we really appreciate the fantastic grip these provided. We found them comfortable out of the box and suitable for all manner of day hikes.

Some testers wished they had more arch support, while others found them a perfect fit. This is a matter of personal preference and foot shape. The Trail 2650 shoe comes in several versions, including waterproof, mesh, and mid styles. Check out our full review of these Danner styles.

If you like exploring slot canyons or trekking through soggy rainforests, a good pair of quick-drying hiking shoes is essential. North Carolina-based Astral is known for making bomber life jackets. And it’s bringing this same water-centric focus to shoes.

Whether you’re a paddler who also plans to hike or a hiker who happens to be near water, the TR1 shoes ($130) will keep your feet happy.

We like how light they feel on our feet and how easily they shed water. With holes at the front and back, they easily drain water and the mesh dries quickly. Plus, they help your feet breathe and stay cool even on dry trails.

The sticky rubber soles provided plenty of traction even when rock-hopping along the river’s edge. And we like that the wider toebox design of the TR1 gave our feet room to spread out.

The Polygiene-treated insole makes stinky shoes a thing of the past. This is an all-around great shoe for moderate hiking, tropical adventures, and all manner of watersports. If you’re taking a trip to Hawaii, for instance, these could be the best hiking shoes for the job.

Anyone looking for a single summer shoe will love the Trailhead ($140). With plenty of comfort and style, it can easily transition from travel to trail to a night at the brewpub. Built for the trail but styled for the city, it’s the perfect go-to for adventure travel.

We’ve worn it during long days at the airport, hiking in the Rocky Mountains, and exploring the hills of northern Georgia. Through it all, it’s offered plenty of comfort and support.

The 4mm drop encourages a more natural footstrike without going into extreme minimalist territory. And the wider toebox gives your feet plenty of room to wiggle.

A firm EVA midsole can seem a bit stiff at first, but you’ll reach maximum comfort after a few wears. The firmer foam molds nicely to your feet while providing needed support.

And anyone looking for a leather-free shoe can rest easy wearing this vegan-friendly option. If you have any summer travel plans that involve hiking, biking, sightseeing, or general adventuring, the Trailhead could be the best hiking shoe for you.

The Salomon X Ultra 4 Low ($140) is breathable, grippy, and comfortable. If you’re looking for a warm-weather hiking shoe, this is it. The polyester mesh panels help keep feet cool, and at about 1.5 pounds for the pair, they won’t weigh you down.

With the mudguards and extended toecap, we never had any problems with rocks or sticks jabbing our feet. And the lugs proved plenty burly even for technical trails.

The sole of the X Ultra 4 is surprisingly flexible, which our testers enjoyed. But if you’re looking for something stiff, you may want to choose a different shoe.

Another feature you’ll either love or hate is the Quicklace system. Pull the lace, and it locks into the desired tightness. We’ve found it works well and doesn’t need retightening throughout the day. However, it can limit how specific you get on tightening your shoe.

All in all, these shoes offer traction and comfort while keeping feet cool. With this Salomon offering, you get a do-it-all shoe for $140. The women’s version seems to run a bit large, so we recommend going down a half-size.

Designed with relative simplicity with technical features where you need them, we think the X Ultra 4 is one of the best hiking shoes on the market today.

If long miles over technical, rocky terrain are on the docket, it may be time to call in the masters of stone — the approach shoe. Merging the comfortable, durable last of a traditional hiking shoe with the tacky stick-to-anything rubber of rock climbing shoes, approach shoes offer unparalleled traction and toughness.

The La Sportiva TX4s ($159) are better suited for off-trail travel in boulder-strewn, wet environments than for long-distance trekking on groomed trails — though we have heard tales of people hiking the entire Appalachian Trail in these. They are cozy enough to clock some serious miles in, but forgo some key elements of regular hiking shoes that contribute to comfort over the long haul. They have a more rigid, climbing-specific sole without much rocker to propel you into your next step, and aren’t near as flexible as other hiking shoes.

That said, the TX4s strike a surprisingly solid balance between stiffness and flexibility in comparison to other approach shoes we’ve tested, and we had no qualms taking these on multi-day demanding backpacking trips. Where they truly shine, however, is on long approaches to big climbs, where maximum traction on rocky routes is paramount. The stiff and grippy sole allows you to teeter on tiny stone edges, and smear your way across blank slabs with ease.

Our tester recently used these shoes on an ascent of El Cap in Yosemite, where he had to schlep massive haul bags to the base of the climb, and then plod for miles back down to the car on the steep descent trail afterward. Not only did he use them for the hike in and out, but actually climbed most of the moderate pitches on the route in them. They’re that sticky.

The burly nubuck leather upper and generous Vibram rubber wraparound rand give the TX4s a rugged, invincible feel, and shrug off serious amounts of torture. The Megagrip Traverse outsole features a Trail Bite heel braking system that boosts confidence while bombing down slippery scree fields or loose mucky trails.

While they may not be the best choices for long thru-hikes across the country, if low-5th-class approaches or technical rocky routes are in your future, these would be great companions.

With superior traction, durability, and cushion, the Hoka Speedgoat has been a legacy shoe in the trail running and now long-distance hiking community for years. Its newest update, the Speedgoat 5 ($155), doesn’t disappoint and carries on Hoka’s stellar reputation.

While the Speedgoat definitely lets you push the pace, these things truly shine in their durability and unprecedented comfort over the long haul. Though they used to only be worn by trail running aficionados, their reputation has recently seeped into the long-distance hiking community.

One of our testers walked over 5,000 miles in the Speedgoats last year on his thru-hikes of the AT and CDT and won’t hike in anything else now. He squeezed out about 700 miles a pair and experienced little durability issues.

The soles are fitted with Vibram Megagrip and 5mm lugs, somehow providing even more traction than previous iterations. They also shaved off half an ounce. This doesn’t seem like much, but every gram literally counts at the end of a grueling day on the trail.

The new model also features a bolstered heel collar, more comfortable features, and what feels like a more responsive midsole with what Hoka calls a “late-stage meta-rocker.” An initial gripe of ours is the new gusseted tongue. It’s kind of short, still super thin, and we liked the previous one better.

We appreciate the protective toe rand that wraps around the front of the shoe. This works well for those who tend to drag their feet as they get tired near the end of a long day. Despite the lighter weight, Hoka still managed to keep the cushion balanced and comfy, and seemed to even improve it a little.

For months-long epics across the country, or weekend backpacking trips to your favorite alpine lakes, Hoka’s Speedgoat 5 will get you there in about as much comfort as you could ask for. Read our full review at GearJunkie.

The closest thing to a bedroom slipper you can hike in, the low-cut Moab Speed ($130) light hiker is breathable, durable, and won’t cramp your style because it’s so darn comfortable from the moment you put it on.

Not every trail outing demands super-aggressive footwear. For more casual meanders, even when the road is rocky, uneven, or generally variable, this shoe was the ultimate in comfort.

The Moab Speed’s mesh upper is layered to keep out trail debris, including sand, pebbles, and thorns. Then, it’s reinforced with welded-on TPU for structure that feels soft and unrestrictive while keeping our feet balanced over the sole and midsole.

Although this shoe’s cushy EVA midsole looks and feels more like a sneaker, it’s made for the trail. The thickly padded tongue and padded collar protect our feet from getting rubbed by the laces. They also help keep debris out.

A well-protected toecap with a bumper over it not only prolongs the life of these hikers, but it also protects toes. And many parts of this shoe are recycled — including the lining and laces — to reduce the Moab Speed’s impact on the planet.

There’s a reason Brooks is on their 16th iteration of the Cascadia ($130): it’s a simple staple in the running and hiking community, and it keeps offering reliable durability over the long run.

Another classic trail runner that has eked its way into the hiking world, the Cascadia is being seen on more and more hiker’s feet, from nascent weekend warriors, to thru-hikers going the distance. The latest update keeps everything we loved from prior models, and offers improvements that focus on the cushion and ride of the shoe.

The Cascadia offers stellar protection, with a chunky 29mm heel that tapers down to 21mm in the forefoot, and additional protection from Brook’s Ballistic Rock Shield. They’ve also employed a new midsole called DNA LOFT v2, which offers softer, lighter cushioning than the Cascadia 15.

We found the traction of this model to be even better than prior ones, and the TrailTack rubber outsole instills confidence over loose, wet rocks or scree. Even after heavy use, the lugs held up well, and the shoe as a whole is showing surprising durability.

For long day hikes over rough terrain, or extended backcountry backpacking trips, the Brooks Cascadia 16 would be a solid pick for the task.

The sturdy Continental rubber outsole proves that this shoe from the evolving Terrex line is meant for the trail. Never mistaken for a running shoe, the Swift R3 GTX ($160) excels in nasty conditions, including moving across sidehill steeps and slick rock.

Feet are protected like few other models under test with a toecap crafted for apocalyptic rock falls and narrow canyons. Tensioned speed lacing allows fast on-trail adjustment, even as the padded collar minimizes Achilles trauma. A GORE-TEX lining keeps moisture out, but is still breathable.

Not for bouncing along tourist paths, this hiker craves bigger challenges and carries the load in multiday backpacking scenarios. Tight mesh uppers keep abrasion resistance high but can’t undo the weight of the beefy outsoles at around 28 ounces per pair.

We’d recommend trying these on before use, but if they fit well, the Swift R3 GTX is one of the better hiking shoes we tried for technical terrain.

Are you looking for a hiking shoe that offers more of a traditional hiking boot design? This below-the-ankle pick could be just what you need. The Sawtooth X Low ($135) slices through harsh terrain better than most mid-height hiking boots, and offers stellar durability with bomb-proof oiled nubuck leather and CORDURA fabric mesh.

The new Adaptive Cushioning Technology used in these shoes is an interesting touch. Dual-density rubberized EVA is designed to easily adapt to changing terrain. While we can’t say we fully felt the effects of this, this has a cushioned ride to it and a soft heel strike zone with solid shock absorption.

This shoe comes out of the box ready to hike. It promotes more foot freedom with a wider toebox and an “O fit” insole that combats shifting and boosts comfort even on daunting descents.

The lug pattern of the Sawtooth X gives plenty of grip, and the toe overlays prevent abrasion. Our testers are happy to report that even after significant abuse, these show little signs of wear. Plus, you can feel good knowing that Oboz plants a tree for every pair of shoes sold.