The Best Hiking Shoes of 2026

Now in its sixth iteration, the Hoka Speedgoat 6 ($155) is our favorite hiking shoe and a fine choice for fast and light backpacking. Nothing crazy here, just a great design — a slightly narrow heel with plenty of room for feet to swell in the front, plus a fairly symmetrical shape, make this shoe a great fit for many different foot types. 

The Speedgoat is a trail running shoe, one of several we tested that are well-suited to both trail running and hiking. With a fairly plush midsole and a 5 mm drop, it was hard not to run while we evaluated the Speedgoat as a hiking shoe. They are springy and responsive, and have a great balance of sensitivity and support on trail. Compared to a more minimalist zero-drop shoe like the Altra Lone Peak 9, they’re stiffer and a bit more supportive, but not as wide or neutral-feeling.

We hiked the Speedgoats up steep passes in the Eastern Sierra, where we encountered steep rock steps, often flowing with spring runoff. The Vibram outsoles gripped well on wet rock slabs, and the lugs handled the soft sand and gravel found on lower-elevation trails in the high desert. Even without gaiters, small pebbles and debris never got in around the snug ankle cuff. 

The Speedgoats’ heels, arch support, and low (ish) volume work in concert to keep your feet solidly locked in place despite the wider toebox. Even with the Speedgoats sized for his feet to swell, our tester experienced no slippage when trudging downhill. On the uphill, they’re stiff enough to give you a little extra confidence on slabs and steeper sections of trail.

The uppers are a little different from the previous versions, with the upper supposedly being more breathable. We didn’t notice a huge difference between the 5 and the 6 in terms of breathability, but we did test a GORE-TEX-lined version and found it noticeably less breathable than the version without GORE-TEX. If you live in a drier western state and don’t encounter much snow on your hikes, we recommend going without the GORE-TEX. Your shoes will breathe better and dry faster.

The only negatives we can identify here are fit-related, and that’s a fairly subjective metric. These felt a little tighter in the mid-foot than the Speedgoat 5s. The plentiful amount of high-density foam means uneven wear from pronation or supination will be more dramatic and have a greater effect on your stride the longer you have your shoes, but that’s an issue with all but the most minimalist hiking shoes.

Obviously, fit is king, and if you do happen to fit in the Hoka Speedgoats, we can’t recommend them enough as your do-it-all hiking shoes, or a versatile option for trail running.

Read the full review of the Hoka Speedgoat 6 here.

It’s no surprise the Merrell Moab 3 ($120) 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 Moab 3 has a wide, high-volume fit that feels comfortable on a lot of different foot shapes, and while it is stiffer than some of the trail running shoe crossovers like the Lone Peak 9 and the Speedgoat, it will still feel more like a shoe than a boot. Folks who are new to hiking often gravitate to the Moab 3 as they feel very comfortable walking around in the store. Just be aware that “roomy” can also mean that your foot moves around a lot in the shoe, and that can lead to blisters. If your foot slides around in the heels too much, look elsewhere.

On the other hand, for those with wide, high-volume feet, the Moab 3 is a wonderful choice, as it allows for lots of room in the toebox. Owners of wide feet tend to love the Moab 3.

With the size, lacing techniques, and a good pair of socks, most folks will be able to get a good fit with the Moab 3. For $140, you get a tough mesh/leather combo on the uppers and a durable Vibram outsole. 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 TX4 EVO, but the Moab 3s are winners for day hikes on regular trails. They’re also available in a waterproof version. Overall, they’re a great choice for a hiker on a budget or if you’re new to hiking.

The Altra Lone Peak 9 ($140) is a zero-drop shoe with a wide fit. Previous iterations of the Lone Peak have long been popular among thru-hikers for its extremely roomy toebox and stable platform. While these aren’t for everyone, a seasoned hiker with fleet feet and a strong pair of legs looking to stack multiple 20-mile days could go far with the venerable Lone Peaks.

Comfort is a standout feature for the Lone Peaks, as their toebox is wider (or at least feels wider) than any other shoe we’ve tested. A side-by-side comparison of the insoles of the Hoka Speedgoat 6 and the Lone Peak’s insoles clearly shows that they are almost a centimeter wider at the forefoot. As you hike, your feet swell even more over several days. The Lone Peaks have plenty of space to accommodate the swelling. 

Zero drop means that the height of your heels is the same as the height at the ball of your foot in the shoe. For some folks, this encourages midfoot strikes instead of heel strikes. This isn’t the case for everyone, but for many folks, the neutral positioning of zero-drop shoes makes a huge difference over long distances, reducing pain from overuse in the knees and hips, and improving posture.

Even if you’re an experienced hiker who’s never worn a zero-drop shoe, be conservative and work up to bigger miles in the Lone Peaks before you go for a big day. Getting accustomed to this style of shoe could be the key to long-term comfort.

The Lone Peaks’ mesh uppers are plenty breathable, though “mesh” feels like a misnomer, as the fabric feels tougher and less porous than most mesh fabrics we’ve encountered. A rubber toe bumper on the front and side of the upper adds reinforcement to areas that we often wear through first.

A clip-in loop over the midfoot and a Velcro release on the heel pull tab make it quick and easy to attach a pair of gators for extra protection during snow crossings or tick-infested zones. 

Previous versions of the Lone Peak made the top of this list, and the Lone Peak 9s are arguably just as quality as the Lone Peak 8s with some improvements, like the more durable upper. While our team of hikers feels the Hoka Speedgoat 6 is the best hiker for most people, the Altra Lone Peak 9 is the best shoe for anyone who prefers the zero-drop design. If you’re getting big miles in every chance you get, you should grab a pair and see if zero drop works for you.

Scarpa describes the Rush 2 Pro GTX ($189) as “trail running shoe” inspired. With so many of our favorite hiking shoes actually being trail running shoes, it’s no surprise that Rush 2 Pro is near the top of our list. The heel-to-toe drop and springy response do feel trail runner-esque, but make no mistake, the Rush 2 pros are burly, waterproof hiking shoes that can take way more of a beating than any trail running shoe. The GORE-TEX liner seals the deal, making these our favorite hiking shoes for wet conditions. 

Aside from the tongue, the Rush 2 Pro has an entirely leather upper. There are a few laser-cut perforations for venting, but breathability is not the top design priority here. These have more of a boot feel in terms of durability and overall waterproofing.

Our lead tester post-holed through a foot of snow and made multiple stream crossings in these shoes on an ill-conceived sport-climbing mission. His socks remained dry the entire day, even when water washed over the top of the shoes (but not the ankle cuffs).

Where a mesh upper can get snagged on branches and tear, or eventually just wear thin, the Nubuck leather upper on the Rush 2 Pro holds up well to bushwhacking and off-trail scrambling. We wouldn’t hesitate to do some trail work in these shoes, but that’s not something we’d do in trail runners. The foam midsole will eventually compress and deform in accordance with your stride over hundreds of miles, but that happens with all footwear.

The uppers on these shoes shouldn’t wear out, though. The Presa outsoles performed well on wet rock and snow and have shown no signs of premature wear as of writing. Save these for wet weather, and they’re going to be with you for a long time. 

These shoes fit a bit small, so we’d recommend going up a half size from what you normally wear. Sized and laced correctly, they have a comfortable, stable fit. They aren’t as wide as the Altra Lone Peaks or the Hoka Speedgoats, so if you feel like your feet are swimming in either of those shoes, the Rush 2 Pro may fit better.

Breathability is not a strong suit for these shoes, so you’ll want something else when you’re exclusively hiking in hot and dry conditions. But if you’re looking for a waterproof hiking shoe that’s going to last, we highly recommend the Scarpa Rush 2 Pro GTX. 

The Salomon X Ultra 5 GTX ($170) offers a rare balance of lightweight agility and boot-like stability, making it ideal for hikers who tackle steep, rocky, or otherwise demanding terrain. Its precise fit, grippy outsole, and supportive chassis keep you confident on uneven ground, while the waterproof GORE-TEX membrane ensures feet stay dry in wet conditions.

That said, breathability takes a hit in hot, arid climates, and the snug fit may feel restrictive for wide-footed hikers. The Quicklace system is fast and secure, but lacks a field-repair option if it fails. Still, for most fast-moving hikers and backpackers, the X Ultra 5 GTX delivers exceptional control and comfort without the bulk of a full boot.

The Salomon X Ultra series has several models. While we’re focusing on the waterproof GTX version here, you can also get a similar, more breathable, non-waterproof lowtop version.

GearJunkie also included the Ultra X Mid GTX in the guide for the best hiking boots, as it’s a true boot with more support and a taller ankle.

So, there are good options for many people who are looking for a relatively precise boot for rougher trail conditions. Those who may find a lot of wet grass, shallow water, or snow should consider the X Ultra 5 GTX. Those in hotter, drier climates should consider the non-GORE-TEX X Ultra 5, and those who want more support, protection, and water resistance will be well-served by the X Ultra 5 Mid GTX.

This boot fits nicely for the average foot. Those with wider feet may want to look elsewhere.

The La Sportiva TX4 EVO is the best shoe for hiking up very steep rock. It ranks very highly for this job, but it’s a specialist shoe aimed at rocky approaches and steep terrain. For that, it’s top-notch.

No one is saying you can’t go on a backpacking trip with the La Sportiva TX4 EVO ($189). We just think you’ll find them better adapted to rocky terrain that forces you to scramble around to get where you’re going. That’s where aspects like the eco-friendly Nubuck upper and the insanely sticky Megagrip outsole will outperform the competition.

In the past, we have reviewed the standard TX4s and have loved their balance between stiffness and flexibility. With the EVO model, attention has been paid to using environmentally responsible construction and materials to create a shoe that performs just as well but adds in the feature of being better for the planet. 

In testing, we enjoyed the TX4 EVOs’ overall durability as we traversed up and over scree and other rocky outcrops. Our tester lives in Connecticut, where most of the terrain is composed of trap rock, which is known for being sharp and unforgiving.

The TX4 EVOs took a serious beating on the way to a trailhead and in a situation where they had to climb down from one level of the trail to the next, relying on small footholds. However, the TX4 EVOs were fantastic in keeping our tester from slipping on the way down. Vibram’s Megagrip outsole is second to none in adventures like this.

Approach shoes, like climbing shoes, can be more restrictive due to their lace-to-toe design. But we found that this kept our feet from moving around in the shoe. This proves to be especially beneficial when you’re scrambling around and trying to keep your feet from getting jammed up between the rocks. Additionally, after a few good approaches, the TX4 EVOs broke in well enough and are comfortable enough to wear out and about and on casual hikes.

Hoka has always been about innovation — and can consequently be quite polarizing. From the inception of their brand, the folks at Hoka have churned out futuristic designs with bleeding-edge tech, in wild color schemes that pop off the shelf.

True to their experimental nature, the newly minted Anacapa 2 Low GTX ($180) brings a unique flair to the traditional hiking shoe last, seemingly forcing people to either end of the spectrum. You either love ’em, or you hate ’em, but one thing’s for sure — there are few shoes like them.

Senior Editor Chris Carter recently got to spend several days testing the low and mid versions of the new Anacapa 2 in Zion National Park with Hoka developers, putting the shoes through the wringer and truly picking Hoka’s brain on its interesting design.

While it’s not his steed of choice for long hikes, he’s convinced these are some of the more well-designed and sustainably constructed shoes for those who don’t require an aggressive ride while clocking miles in the backcountry. The supremely tacky outsole and thoughtfully placed Meta-Rocker make these shoo-ins for any serious hiker’s shortlist.

To that last point, we’ve always been fans of Hoka’s Meta-Rocker technology — a curved silhouette with denser foam placed at strategic points in the midsole, giving each stride a degree of smooth propulsion. The Anacapa has a late-stage Meta-Rocker, which puts the rocker point closer to the toe for added stability with slower paces.

Though our editor prefers an early-stage rocker for swifter movement on the trail, this is perfect for those who want stable confidence over variable terrain and aren’t too concerned about chasing FKTs. For most hikers, this is the design of choice.

Vibram Megagrip — hands down our favorite outsole — decorates the bottom of the shoe. Its performance on slippery, rocky terrain, or muddy, uneven trails is second to none. Qualms we’ve had with other Hoka outsoles were addressed with this shoe. Vibram can be rendered useless if mud packs in tight around the lugs, making the sole a single, sleek sheet that easily slips around.

The Anacapa 2 has a “self-cleaning” lug pattern that channels mud away from the lugs as you step, forcing it to slide off the sole, and allowing the deep sticky tread to work its magic. This, paired with a GORE-TEX Invisible Fit liner, makes these shoes power players in wet, sloppy conditions.

The protruding SwallowTail heel is perhaps the first feature you notice on the Anacapa 2 — and isn’t for everyone. It undeniably affords better traction and stability while bombing down uneven hills, but can sometimes snag on roots and rocks (or even the other shoe) as you clunk down the trail. The jury’s still out on whether we dig this design, but it does provide solid surface area on the steeps.

We do find these shoes to be sized a bit large, so make an effort to try them on in-store before snagging a pair. These are also on the heavier (and pricier) end of the spectrum, but the comfort and cushion they afford atone for these sins. Nearly every element of the shoe is designed with recycled components, making this a much more sustainable shoe than the previous iteration, without sacrificing longevity.

For all-day comfort and stability on quick weekend outings, or extended journeys through all sorts of climates, the Anacapa 2 GTX would be a stellar companion for any adventure you could drum up.

Like the popular Merrell Moab 3 (our best budget pick), the Moab Speed 2 ($140) has a wide, comfortable fit. Where the Moab 3 leans more toward stiffness and durability for backpackers, the Speed 2 is more breathable and feels more like a trail running shoe. If you dig the fit of Moab 3 and are hiking or fast packing, mainly in warm conditions, you should check out this speedy entry to the Moab line.

Unlike its cousin, the Speed 2 has no leather in its upper, just breathable mesh and TPU, making it significantly more breathable (as well as vegan). The entire shoe is made from 100% recycled materials. GearJunkie editor Will Brendza tested these shoes during a hot Colorado summer and appreciated the lightweight materials and breathability.

The Speed 2 has a Vibram TC5+ rubber outsole that proved sufficiently grippy on smooth river rocks, while the lugs easily found traction in sand and gravel. These shoes are equipped with a full-length flexplate and extra cushioning. In the field, that translates to better feel and response over uneven and loose surfaces.

If you’re primarily interested in some hiking shoes for traditional backpacking, stick with the Moab 3s. They’re stiffer and more supportive for carrying heavier loads. But for folks looking to do day hikes or have an ultralight backpacking setup, the Moab Speed 2 is a better choice, and at $140, it’s almost as good a deal as our best budget pick.

The new Adidas Terrex Free Hiker GORE-TEX 2.0 Low ($180) is one of the most comfortable pairs of shoes we have ever worn. In fact, there might not be another shoe rated for hiking and trail running that has anywhere near as much spring in its step as these shoes do. When combined with the Continental outsole’s advanced traction on both wet and dry surfaces and overall stability, you’re really in for a treat on the long haul.

Adidas designed the Terrex Free Hiker GORE-TEX 2.0 Low to be a good middle ground between a hiking boot and a trail runner. Although we found it a little bit heavier than the standard trail running shoe, considering the double duty these beauties are pulling off, 2 pounds is acceptable.

The abrasion-resistant upper and the GORE-TEX lining allowed us to run through trails, fields, muddy ruts, meadows, and paved surfaces without worrying about the shoes getting torn up or soaked on the inside.

In terms of overall fitment, the Terrex Free Hiker GORE-TEX 2.0 Low runs roughly half a size bigger. This was quite a surprise for a shoe with so much cushion. That said, the pair we tested was a size 9, and we experienced slight slipping in the heel due to the factory oversizing. We compensated for this by wearing a heavier sock. Either way, it’s worth noting if you’re going right from the store to the trail.

The one gripe we had with the Terrex Free Hiker GORE-TEX 2.0 Low was the choice of colors. The light green color wasn’t much of an issue, but the white foam midsoles and heel turned tan and spotty after a few good runs through a puddle. 

Overall, if you’re buying these shoes to look cool with your friends, take a hard pass. But if you’re buying them for extended comfort and stability on all types of terrain, then the Terrex Free Hiker GORE-TEX 2.0 Low are the right shoes for you.

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

The mesh liner helped keep our feet cool and aided in breathability on hot summer hikes. And realistically, these are some really cool looking shoes. They work great on office days as they do on the trail.

They have good grip, but these aren’t the grippiest shoes on the list. Over years of testing, they’ve proven competent but certainly not top-tier when it comes to traction on really rough trails.

We found them comfortable out of the box and suitable for all manner of day hikes. But they’re not really a top choice for multi-day backpacking.

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.

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 ($140) 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 few signs of wear. Plus, you can feel good knowing that Oboz plants a tree for every pair of shoes sold.