The Best Hiking Footwear (2024) for Every Hiker and How to Choose

SALOMON X ULTRA 3 GTX

Salomon is one of the leading outdoor brands and these boots are no exception to the brands’ reputation for quality. These hiking boots are comfortable and work well on every terrain. They offer great traction and are water-resistant.

These Salomons are also very sturdy, resistant, and durable. They feel a little heavy at the beginning, but once you get used to them, you won’t even notice it. The Salomon X Ultra 3 GTX is perfect for long-distance hiking and is incredibly versatile.

SALEWA ALPENROSE ULTRA GTX

If you’re the kind of hiker who enjoys technical terrain, this is a great option. These Salewa hiking boots offer the best traction, water resistance, and support; all packed in a very lightweight boot. As far as hiking footwear goes, this hiking boot is great on muddy and wet trails as it offers extra grip soles.

This is not the best hiking boot for long multi-day hikes. They tend to become uncomfortable when you use them for extended periods of time. Nonetheless, when it comes to short hikes with light equipment, the Alpenrose Ultra GTX is hard to match.

LOWA RENEGADE GTX

If you are looking for the best classic hiking boot then the Lowa Renegade GTX is a great choice. These are made of fully handcrafted leather and offer a traditional, sturdy and reliable construction.

This hiking boot is one of the heavier choices on this list. Despite this, these are one of the most reliable, durable, and comfortable boots on the market. Another thing about these is the incredibly good support and protection these give to your ankles.

These are perfect for slow-paced hikers carrying a lot of weight in their backpacks. If you are looking for hiking footwear that will be able to handle any terrain and last you for several years, then this is a great option.

KEEN TARGHEE III

I’ve been using the Keen Targhee for many years, and I always recommend them to people who are starting their affair with the great outdoors. These are the last version of the classic Targhee model.

These hiking boots are very affordable compared to other hiking footwear on the market right now. These boots have good traction and great water resistance; all while being comfortable, lightweight, and durable.

The Targhee II had the downfall of making your feet feel very hot when hiking in warm conditions. Keen has fixed this issue in the Targhee III with a sleeker sole which has improved its breathability. This hiking boot is great on most kinds of terrain, but it doesn’t offer the support that some other hiking boots do.

SALOMON QUEST 4D 3 GTX

It’s hard to express how great this boot actually is. The Quest 4D has been the most comfortable boot since the first version came out. This one is the last version and Salomon has fixed a lot of issues, making it the most versatile and reliable hiking boot on the market.

This hiking boot offers some of the best water-resistance technology available. These boots offer great traction and support, great for muddy hiking trails, especially when you’re carrying a heavy backpack.

These hiking boots are incredibly durable, but since they are leather you should make sure to take proper care of them.

Overall, the Salomon Quest 4D 3GTX is an improvement to the already exceptional previous version: reliable, versatile, and extremely comfortable on any trail.

SCARPA ZODIAC PLUS GTX

The Zodiac Plus GTX is a specialist lightweight boot designed to hit cold rocky trails while giving you the support and comfort of a mountaineering boot. If you encounter some boulders that need to be climbed or the trail gets a little snowy, Scarpa has you covered.

This is also a great boot for off-trail hiking on technical terrain since it has exceptional support, stability, and traction. If you’re into mountaineering, these Scarpa are perfect for alpine approach. However great this boot is in its area, this is not a versatile one; it will do terribly if you wear them in the tropics for example.

VASQUE ST. ELIAS FG GTX

This one is another classic manufactured for rough use under the harshest conditions. These hiking boots provide the best support, stability, and protection. The comfort these boots provide will make you forget how heavy they are.

The St. Elias are perfect for wet steep trails when carrying a heavy backpack. Despite not having good breathability, I’d rely on these ones for hiking in rainforests and in the tropical weather, since they provide spectacular protection, they are very reliable and durable. If you don’t mind wearing heavy boots, the St Elias FG GTX will keep your feet dry and protected while lasting for years.

LA SPORTIVA TRANGO TECH GTX

This is a very unique model designed to be a hybrid of a hiking and a mountaineering boot. If you’re looking for hiking footwear that works perfect on rocky terrain while also being able to take you to high summits, this is the best hiking boot for you.

The Trango Tech GTX provides great weather protection while also being crampon compatible. This is not a mountaineering boot, so I wouldn’t take these ones too high for too long.

However, they are perfect for alpine approaches, since they have astonishing climbing capabilities due to the stiff sole. They are not comfortable if you’re looking for speed and mobility though.

HIWALK WOMENS MORGAN WATERPROOF HIKING SHOES

Comfortable from the right start (no breaking in required). They’ve lightweight with a very rugged sole for extra cushioning and traction. Waterproof and breathable. I personally have a pair and wear them for easy day hikes and would recommend them.

LA SPORTIVA SPIRE GTX

These hiking shoes perform incredibly well on different types of terrain. They have great traction, good weather protection, are very comfortable and you won’t have to take days breaking them in. On the downside, they tend to fit a little large (especially if you have small feet like me) and are not the lightest hiking shoe out there.

The Spire GTX work best when hiking light or technical terrain, their Vibram XS sole does a great job in keeping you stable on rocky, muddy, or wet trails. But don’t expect them to last for years as they are not the most durable on the market. If you are not an “every-weekend” hiker but love trying different terrain, then this is a good choice in hiking footwear.

MERRELL MOAB 2 WP

The Merrell Moab 2 WP is an affordable hiking shoe that is designed for most types of terrain. They are not the most comfortable hiking shoe when you start wearing them. Once you wear them in a bit though they do get more comfortable.

They also have a Vibram sole that provides perfect traction wherever you’re hiking. The Moab 2 doesn’t offer a lot of cushioning, so I wouldn’t recommend you wear them while carrying a heavy backpack. These hiking shoes are heavy compared to others on the market.

Having said this, they are admittedly the best hiking shoes for wet conditions as they offer excellent weather protection and are fully waterproof.

OBOZ SAWTOOTH II

If you’re the kind of hiker who prefers long hikes on rugged trails, this is the perfect hiking footwear for you. Sturdy, durable, stable, cushioned, and with great waterproof technology, the Oboz Sawtooth II is perfect for a multiday hike with a heavy backpack on technical terrain.

These hiking shoes are a little heavy, but not too heavy that you won’t get used to it. The durability of these shoes is amazing, these are one of the most reliable hiking shoes in the market.

These hiking shoes were designed for slow-paced all-terrain multi-day hikes. Adventure hikers will love them.

ARC’TERYX AERIOS FL

The Aerios FL is a lightweight hiking shoe perfect for fast hikes on solid trails. These hiking shoes don’t tend to work well with rocky technical terrain, especially if the rock is wet, but will do great otherwise.

Despite its lightweight, the sole is stiff, supportive and provides good traction with amazing comfort. However, the insole is not cushioned enough to be comfortable and stable while carrying a heavy backpack.

The waterproof technology of the Aerios FL also has good performance, but I wouldn’t try it in snow as your feet will probably get wet. Overall, this is the perfect hiking footwear for fast-paced lightweight excursions on average trails.

SALOMON X ULTRA 3

The Salomon X Ultra 3 is for the ultra hiker. Designed for the aggressive hiker, this hiking shoe offers stability, traction and great foot support. They do well in any terrain.

Although they are made for every terrain I would not recommend them for long-distance hikes that require to carry heavy loads.

These hiking shoes are also not the most durable on the market, so if you are an avid hiker, then you may want to consider this. But if you love hitting the trail hard once in a while and are looking for the best choice in hiking footwear, then this is these are for you.

THE NORTH FACE ULTRA 109 WP

This is the most affordable hiking shoe on this list. For a reasonable price, you’ll get a lightweight hiking shoe that works great with wet weather.

The TNF Ultra 109 WP, is a great transitional hiking shoe, it works great on muddy trails, as it does on stiff surfaces like asphalt or concrete for instance. If you feel like you’re not sure whether you want to go hiking or go running, this is the perfect footwear as it performs well in both disciplines.

Unfortunately, The North Face is not famous for manufacturing durable footwear; so don’t expect these hiking shoes to last for too long, especially if you’re too rough on them. The Ultra 109 WP is a versatile shoe that works well all year round in a wide variety of circumstances for a very affordable price.

ASOLO NUCLEON GV

I really loved how stylish these shoes looked the first time I saw them. They receive great reviews for comfort and versatility. The Nucleon GV sticky sole provides astonishing traction on any kind of surface.

The water-resistance of these hiking shoes is not the best, I wouldn’t recommend wearing these during the rainy season. These are also not very supportive, so wearing a heavy backpack on tricky terrain won’t be very comfortable.

Still, this a very lightweight shoe; and combined with its durability and versatility, makes a perfect option for backpackers. In short, this a shoe that looks good with most outfits and works great in dry conditions.

GARMONT DRAGONTAIL MNT GTX

This hiking shoe was designed for hikers carrying heavy loads in cold dry weather conditions. This is an extremely durable and reliable shoe that works great on rocky off-trail terrain.

Its heavy-duty sole performs an amazing job when climbing small boulders while the shoes sturdy construction protects your toes from unnecessary bruises. The Dragontail is also very comfortable when carrying a heavy backpack, they provide stability, comfort, and support for long hours, making them good footwear for long hikes.

However, these shoes don’t have good breathability nor good water protection, so these are not a good option if you plan to wear them in the tropics. But for mountain conditions, these are the best. They are also well-known for being durable and should last you a good few years.

VIBRAM KSO EVO

If you’re looking for a true barefoot experience, this is the best barefoot hiking shoe option. By wearing these you have a lot of sensitivity, you’ll feel every surface you’re stepping on.

You can wear these to hike on soft surfaces like mud, grass, or flat rocky terrain; hiking on densely vegetated areas or on volcanic rock, can become a little painful if you’re not used to walking in barefoot hiking shoes or if this is your first time wearing these.

These barefoot hiking shoes fit great and feel like a glove on your feet. They are extremely lightweight and comfortable while also providing a decent amount of traction. Vibram KSO EVO brings the most accurate barefoot experience, just keep in mind that you must first get used to them before attempting long difficult hiking adventures.

NEW BALANCE MINIMUS 10 V1

The New Balance Minimus 10 V1 allows fast-paced hikers to be aggressive on the trail while also being able to enjoy the barefoot experience.

These barefoot hiking shoes feature cushioned heels, making them a good option for people who are looking for a minimalist shoe but are not ready to ditch all the cushion on the heels and the elevation it provides.

The Vibram sole provides amazing traction while also allowing you to feel the ground very well. The lacing system is a little tricky at the beginning, but you get used to it. This is the best shoe to help you transition from normal hiking shoes or boots to barefoot hiking shoes.

MERRELL VAPOR GLOVE 4

The Merrell Vapor Glove 4 offers one of the best barefoot experiences. They are incredibly lightweight, but still feel like they support your foot.

The Vibram soles provide great traction while also allowing you to feel every step on the ground. It’s 6.5 mm height sole feels nice on smooth trails, but can become a little painful if you’re hiking on technical terrain. Unless you’re already used to it.

The lacing system is very simple and comfortable, you barely notice that its there. This is the perfect choice for those that have used barefoot hiking shoes before. I would not recommend them for beginners.

MERRELL TRAIL GLOVE 5 3D

This one is better suited for hikers or trail runners who enjoy hitting rocky terrain. While looking a little burly for a minimalist shoe, the Merrel Trail Glove 5 3D gives you enough cushion and traction to allow your feet to hit those pointy rocks while also staying comfortable and safe.

These shoes also do a great job of keeping dust and small particles out of your feet. Despite this, you can easily go hiking with these even if you don’t have barefoot training, trail running is not recommended for beginners. These are also one of the most durable shoes on the market while being weather adaptable as well.

These are the best minimalist shoes for hiking and trail running in rough terrain, but you won’t have the most accurate barefoot experience while doing so. This is the perfect hiking footwear for beginners.

XERO SHOES PRIO

This a great entry-level shoe, perfect for flat and smooth trails. The Xero Prio brings an accurate barefoot sensation inside a versatile and durable shoe.

This shoe wasn’t designed for rugged trails, but on gravel and regular dirt, it performs very well. For a minimalist shoe, it is not very light. But if you’re used to hiking shoes or even trail running shoes, the Xero Prio will feel incredibly lightweight.

For fast-paced hikers and trail runners who are looking into switching to barefoot shoes but don’t want to compromise too much protection, this is a good durable option.

VIBRAM FIVEFINGERS V-TRAIL 2.0

The Vibram Fivefingers V-Trail 2.0 gives you a holistic barefoot experience. It is lightweight, sturdy and resistant. The lacing system on this shoe is very practical and easy to manage.

The shoe is designed to allow you to feel the ground but does not take away from comfort. The V-Trail 2.0 are perfect for hitting rugged trails under tough weather conditions.

This model offers excellent weather protection and traction. But if you’re looking for a raw barefoot shoe, its sole is too thick to fully satisfy hardcore barefoot hikers. Overall, this the perfect shoe for moving light and fast on technical terrain if you don’t mind losing a little bit of sensation in your toes.

MERRELL TRAIL GLOVE 5

You are probably wondering why we’ve added this shoe as it shares some characteristics with the Glove 5 3D. Although they may seem alike, they are completely different in some important aspects.

This barefoot hiking shoe is way more minimalist that the Glove 5 3D. It is also lighter and allows you to go much faster on the trail, and all for a more reasonable price.

The Trail Glove 5 is very durable and has great traction on hard surfaces. On soft surfaces not so much. Another nice thing about these Merrells is that they adapt well to any weather.

These barefoot shoes can withstand wet weather as well as heat. Overall, the Merrel Trail Glove 5 is a perfect option for intermediate barefoot hikers or runners on well-maintained trails.

VIVOBAREFOOT PRIMUS LITE

Vivobarefoot is a company true to barefoot values. All their shoes are manufactured with recycled materials and fully vegan. The Primus Lite is as minimalist as it looks, if you’re ready for the full barefoot experience, this is the best option.

These shoes are very light, durable, lightweight, and versatile. Enjoying these shoes requires training, experience, and practice; Vivobarefoot didn’t design these for beginners. But once you get used to them, you won’t want to use any other hiking shoe.

A new world of sensations will open under your feet and you’ll love it. These shoes don’t come with a lot of traction so you would be advised not to try them on steep slippery slopes.

For experienced barefoot hikers who really enjoy wandering around as barefoot as possible, this is the most accurate option.

ASICS GEL-VENTURE 7

This is an affordable trail running shoe perfect for solid trails. The Gel-Venture 7 is not as aggressive as others but performs very well on your average trail. These deliver stability above all, with a decent amount of protection and comfort.

While these are not the lightest trail running shoe out there, the sturdy construction allows you to feel confident when covering long distances. This is definitely not a shoe you want to try on technical terrain since it doesn’t have much traction, but it will do a terrific job otherwise. These ones are the best buy if you’re a seasonal trail runner or a beginner hiker.

ALTRA KING MT 2

If you’re the adventurous kind of runner/hiker who wants to run/hike on any kind of surface, this is the shoe you’re looking for. The Altra King MT 2 performs astonishingly well on technical terrain due to its amazing traction.

Its minimalist design also provides great sensitivity, that allows you to feel the ground and react quickly when taking a downhill at a fast pace for example. While not bringing a lot of protection to your feet, Altra makes sure that your ankles remain stable.

Overall, this is a lightweight trail running shoe that excels on steep and sloped trails, perfect for committed trail runners and hikers.

SALOMON SPEEDCROSS 5

Personally I am a big fan of the Speedcross, and the latest version of this trail runner has not disappointed. This trail running shoe is not designed for running on very hard surfaces (road running with these is uncomfortable and slows you down). But steep trails with slopes are a breeze with these.

The Speedcross 5 offers incredible traction, so whether it’s muddy or you have to climb over a few slippery rocks to get where your going, this hiking footwear has you covered. They are also fast drying so don’t worry about wet terrain.

The top of the shoe fits snugly just under the ankle giving you extra stability and support. They are heavier than your standard trail runners though, but for the protection, they offer you on technical trails, the extra weight is worth it.

SCARPA SPIN ULTRA

This is a versatile lightweight trail running shoe, great for unpredictable terrain. While these excel on those dry rocky off-trail running adventures, on slippery surfaces the traction system doesn’t perform very well.

These shoes provide great protection to your feet, while also making sure that your ankles will remain stable in the most extreme situations. Another great thing about these Scarpas is the comfort they provide.

They fit very well and are incredibly comfortable. These are perfect for trails in desert and alpine conditions. If you tend to spend more time running or hiking in wetter areas you may want to look at a different option.

LA SPORTIVA KAPTIVA

This is another versatile shoe, perfect if you’re not sure what kind of terrain you will encounter in your adventures. These shoes work well in any kind of terrain, from deserts to rainforests, you can be sure that La Sportiva Kaptiva won’t let you down.

These also have a good fit, just keep in mind that they are narrower than most hiking footwear. While these shoes were designed for technical terrain, they will perform great on your average trail.

I wouldn’t recommend you wear these while running on asphalt or concrete since the sole will wear faster. I think this is the kind of shoe every trail runner should have. Just keep in mind that this is not a specialized shoe.

ALTRA SUPERIOR 4

The Superior 4 is a lightweight minimalist shoe, with zero drop and durable construction. These are not recommended for rocky trails since they don’t offer a lot of protection, but for softer ones, these are great to wear.

If you’re the kind of person who enjoys feeling every step, Altra Superior 4 doesn’t feature a lot of padding, so you’ll always have a lot of sensitivity. That will allow you to react faster, which becomes particularly useful when going downhill on steep trails.

The traction system works fine, but it’s not the best. I’d recommend wearing these ones for shorter runs rather than longer ones. If you’re a trail runner who is looking for minimalist footwear you should consider the Superior 4.

SALOMON S/LAB ULTRA 2

If you’re willing to sacrifice weight in exchange for foot protection and stability, the Salomon S/Lab Ultra 2 is an option to consider.

This shoe is specifically designed for ultra-distance trail running. These will keep your feet very comfortable even when you decide to hit those 100 miles on different kinds of terrain. Salomon also invested heavily in technology with these ones; they feature an incredible sticky sole and a dual-density EVA foam that guarantees traction, support, and stability.

These also fit perfectly, weight issues aside, you’ll feel like you’re running barefoot. I’d say this is the kind of shoe you should get if you’re planning on running an Ultra on rugged terrain. Just don’t be surprised by the price.

TOPO ATHLETIC MT-3

The Topo Athletic Mt-3 is a medium weight shoe that can perform incredibly well in a wide variety of terrain for a reasonable price. While it doesn’t provide great traction under extreme conditions, it will work fine on your average trail.

While providing a sensitivity similar to a minimalist shoe, the sole will do fairly well at protecting your foot from sharp objects while running. The shoes’ construction feels sturdy and solid, and provides a lot of stability.

Combined with the sensitivity, you’ll feel particularly agile while running with these ones. The Topo Athletic Mt-3 is a great shoe that feels good and provides perfect stability. I think everyone can enjoy running with these shoes.

KEEN CLEARWATER CNX

This is a great sandal if you love outdoor activities as well as water sports. They offer you a lot of protection in the toe area. This causes them to look bulky, but the Keen Clearwater CNX remains nimble, comfortable, and light.

Its soles will provide good traction when stepping on uneven slippery terrain. I’ve heard some people say this is not a stylish shoe, but in my opinion, it looks just fine.

Besides every adventurer will recognize the characteristic Keen design in these sandals, so personally, I wear these everywhere. These sandals are a great option for rafting or kayaking, they will keep your toes protected while also being able to keep you stable on the ground.

CHACO ZVOLV X2

This Chaco model is lightweight, comfortable and performs comparatively well for people who have low foot arches. If you’re looking for a stylish, versatile sandal, the Zvolv X2 is one of the best in the market.

These sandals have great traction, are very stable while also being very adaptable to any kind of terrain. Just keep in mind that even if Chaco pared these down, these sandals are still featuring a moulded arch. Overall, these sandals are very comfortable, durable and work perfectly in a wide variety of activities including hiking.

TEVA TIRRA

I found these very practical and versatile while also being very affordable. These sandals work perfectly in coastal environments since the soles don’t have a lot of traction for steep trails.

The design offers great stability, no matter how slippery the surface, even if this hiking sandal is not known for its traction. The softness of the sole makes it comfortable for wandering around the whole day.

Hiking with these makes you feel very secure and comfortable. I think this is a great sandal for hiking on flat solid trails.

ECCO YUCATAN

These hiking sandals are bulky, sturdy, heavyweight, resistant and durable. Exactly what you want if you are hitting a trail with a heavier backpack. They are perfect for slow-paced hikes.

Despite its weight, these sandals are extremely comfortable; your feet always feel protected even if your toes are exposed.

Besides providing good traction, the soles also provide good cushioning, so your feet won’t feel sore after hiking the whole day. The only negative thing is since the construction is based on leather, these shoes are not the best option for water sports.

KEEN NEWPORT H2

Technically these are most popular for water sports, but the design works well for a variety of outdoor activities including hiking.

The Keen Newport H2 has outstanding performance when hiking on wet surfaces. The sole has excellent traction and the construction provides amazing stability. The construction is also solid, reliable, and very durable.

I think these sandals are a good investment if you plan on a backpacking trip in the tropics. While not being precisely versatile due to its lack of comfort when hiking longer distances, this closed-toe is your best choice to pack when going rafting, kayaking, sailing, or cruising. You can hike with these but they tend to become a little uncomfortable after a couple of hours.

CHACO MEGA Z/CLOUD

This is an upgraded Chaco sandal perfect for hiking with heavy backpacks with maximum comfort. This is not a minimalist sandal and it’s not the most lightweight out there, but its versatility and traction make it a good option for hikers and adventurers.

While having great traction on several kinds of terrain, the inner sole manages to bring a lot of soft cushioning as well. That’s why this sandal is perfect for slow-paced, heavy loaded hikers. Another thing I love about these sandals is the cool designs they come with. These bulky sandals look nice while also being a very functional option to consider.

XERO Z-TRAIL

These sandals are the complete opposite of the Chaco Mega Z/Cloud. These are super lightweight, minimalist, and very easy to pack.

While these don’t work very well with heavy backpacks, fast lightweight hikers will love them. The Z-Trail is so light, you will forget you’re wearing them. Barefoot enthusiasts will get hooked immediately.

Just don’t let all these aspects make you think that you’ll be wearing a cheap sandal; these ones are very resistant and durable. Xero Z-Trail is probably the best minimalist sandal you can buy.

TEVA TERRA FI 4

While there is already a new version of this model, the Terra Fi 5, in my opinion, the Fi 4 is a sturdier, more durable version. Both versions were designed for versatility, and are aimed at adventurers and multi-sports fans.

Whether you’re hiking in the desert or practising water sports, Teva has you covered. The sole is thick and cushioned enough to allow to carry heavy loads, while also providing good traction. These sandals are easy to wear, provide great stability, and manage to keep your toes protected thanks to its sole design. I’d say these sandals are between the Mega Z/Cloud and the Z-Trail: not as thick, but not as thin either.