12 best trail hiking shoes

Trail hiking shoes, also known as hiking shoes or trail shoes, are a type of footwear designed specifically for hiking and outdoor activities. They are tailored to provide comfort, support, and protection while navigating various types of terrain. Here are some key characteristics and features associated with trail hiking shoes:

Durable Construction: Trail hiking shoes are constructed with durability in mind. They are made from sturdy materials such as leather, synthetic fabrics, or a combination of both. This ensures they can withstand the rigors of hiking and exposure to the elements.
Traction: One of the most crucial features of hiking shoes is their traction. They typically have rugged, rubber outsoles with deep lugs to provide a firm grip on different surfaces, including rocks, mud, gravel, and uneven trails.
Comfort and Support: Hiking shoes are designed to offer comfort and support during long hikes. They often include cushioning in the midsole and arch support to reduce fatigue and minimize the risk of foot strain.
Water Resistance: Many hiking shoes come with water-resistant or waterproof features to keep your feet dry in wet conditions. This is especially important for hiking in rainy or muddy environments.
Breathability: Good hiking shoes also incorporate breathable materials to allow moisture to escape, keeping your feet cool and comfortable. This helps prevent blisters and discomfort caused by sweat accumulation.
Ankle Support: While hiking shoes are generally lower-cut than hiking boots, they often provide some level of ankle support to help stabilize your feet on uneven terrain.
Weight: Hiking shoes are typically lighter than hiking boots, making them a preferred choice for hikers who want agility and less weight on their feet.
Fit: Proper fit is crucial in hiking shoes.They should have a snug yet comfortable fit to prevent your feet from sliding inside the shoes, which can lead to blisters and discomfort.
Terrain Specific: There are different types of trail hiking shoes designed for specific terrains. Some are tailored for rocky or mountainous trails, while others are better suited for flat or well-maintained paths. Choose a pair that matches your intended hiking environment.
Gender-Specific: Many brands offer gender-specific hiking shoes designed to accommodate the different anatomy and needs of men and women.

When selecting trail hiking shoes, it's essential to consider the specific requirements of your hiking adventures, such as terrain, weather conditions, and the duration of your hikes. Trying on multiple pairs and getting professional fitting advice can help you find the perfect pair of hiking shoes for your needs.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best trail hiking shoes on the market

How the Wild Effect Turned Me into a Hiker at 69: An Appalachian Trail Adventure

Based on 136 reviews Check latest price

GaraTia Mens Minimalist Trail Runner Womens Barefoot Lightweight Cross Trainers Hiking Shoes

Check latest price

Rubber sole: Anti-slip function to ensure the safety of fitness outdoors.
Light weight & Flexible: The flexible synthetic mesh upper provide breathability when you are doing workout or running, breathable mesh design and insoles can keep your feet away from damp conditions.
Comfortable & Breathable: Breathable mesh design and insoles can keep your feet away from damp conditions.
Thick insole: Enhance cushioning function to protect foot safety.
Various Activities: This trail running shoes are suitable for many occasions, such as walking, training, running, jogging, physical exercises, daily gym sports and so on. You can also wear it as a water shoes.

ALTRA Men's AL0A4PE5 Lone Peak 4.5 Trail Running Shoe

Altra Footwear

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

Made in USA or Imported
Weight: 10.5 oz / 298 g
Insole: 5 mm Contour Footbed
Midsole: Dual Layer EVA / A-Bound with StoneGuard
Outsole: MaxTrac Rubber with TrailClaw
Cushion: Moderate
Stack Height: 25 mm
Upper: Durable Quick-Dry Air Mesh

User questions & answers

Question:	Are these shoes waterproof
Answer:	These are more water resistant than water proof ( like a rubber wader) . They become much less water resistant with time . A treatment with a thick rub on type snow proofing product when you get them new will really help . Repeat as needed .
Question:	Do these have good arch support? I am flat footed and have been Solomon user and have been for years but I am looking for a new shoe
Answer:	No, these boots are no longer waterproof. Since 2016 they do not contain goretex. Mine started to leak in slushy snow after 3 weeks of use. These boots have been cheapened but the cost for them went up.
Question:	My toes barely touch the front of the shoe when I lean forward. Do these have a tendency to shrink as you break them in, stretch or remain the same
Answer:	Yes, they are perfect boots for shoveling snow. If you are in deep snow, get some gaiters and you have an awesome set of snow boots. Be sure to care for your boots by using a silicone rub such as kiwi minkoil. By the way, in the last 6 years I have been through 4 pairs of these awesome boots. I use them for my job (package delivery) and use them for outdoor activities like 5-15 mile hikes. Get some SOLE Ultra insoles and these puppies will keep your feet painfree especially if you are on you feet for 10-15 hours/day. The only bad part is that the tread wears out pretty fast. But that is probably my fault because I cover so many miles (~300 miles/pair) on them on the concrete, asphalt and mountain trails. I'll stop there, I love these boots and hope they never change them!!
Question:	What is the width of these shoes? also, i typically wear a 12 ee and am curious if i should order the same size or go up a size. thanks
Answer:	It will take a lot of walking to find a jungle in the Himalayas as the Himalayas are a mountain range, though tigers are found in the Bhutan over 13,000 feet. Yes these boots will hold up - mine are over 12 years old and only now is the rubber starting to perish. Been through bushveld hiking in hot and humid South Africa and below -29 Celsius in the Alps!

ASICS Men's Frequent Trail Running Shoes

ASICS

Based on 4 reviews Check latest price

User questions & answers

Question:	Picture of the sole
Answer:	Not sure what that means but it's says women's hiking boot. I ordered mine according to my size in women's shoes and it fit fine. I ordered a half size bigger for a little more room for thicker socks.
Question:	where are these made
Answer:	Super warm and cozy. My feet were never cold even in wet and freezing conditions.
Question:	Do these shoes run small or they run big
Answer:	Yes, they are.
Question:	Are these shoes comfortable and are they pretty solid made? Ty
Answer:	The water proofing on this boot is columbias waterproofing. It does not have omni-tech any where on the shoe. But it does say waterproof. If there are any other questions please ask.

Product features

OUTDOOR RUNNING

A durable outersole allows for stable running on pavement and hiking trails.

SYNTHETIC LEATHER UPPER

Lightweight and breathable upper reduces friction for a comfortable fit and better performance.

TRAIL SPECIFIC OUTSOLE

Reversed lugs provide uphill and downhill traction on all types of terrain.

WHITIN Men's Minimalist Trail Runner | Wide Toe Box | Barefoot Inspired

Based on 8 reviews Check latest price

Product description

WHITIN Trail Runner

Rubber sole
A wide toe box lets your toes spread and relax.
Produced using animal free products and processes.
Removable sockliner (insole) if you want a “more barefoot” feeling.
True rubber sole provides great protection while still getting the ground feedback.
Note, if between sizes, order next size down.

User questions & answers

Question:	hola buenos dia cual es el costo real de los zapatos y cuanto seria el costo de envio a venezuela
Answer:	No
Question:	How can I make sure I get the correct size the second time around. I ordered a 43 but got a
Answer:	Hi There should be a corresponding women's shoe but if that color is not available you get try a size 8 mens. Best Valerie Gear2Compete
Question:	Are these good for road running as well
Answer:	Not available in wide.
Question:	How are these for hiking? Did anyone try any hiking or camping with these
Answer:	It is a serious Tennis shoe, it has some heft and is stiff... It is NOT a Trainer or Running shoe

Merrell Men's Moab 2 Vent Hiking Shoe

Merrell Footwear

Based on 13 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Experience out of the box comfort in this ventilated hiker - number 1 in hiking shoes.

suede leather, mesh
Imported
Synthetic sole
Performance suede leather and mesh upper
Bellows, closed-cell foam tongue keeps moisture and debris out
Protective rubber toe cap
Breathable mesh lining. 5mm lug depth
Vibram TC5+ sole

User questions & answers

Question:	What is 2E
Answer:	The whole boot is waterproof. I wore them in the snow and accidentally stepped in a puddle. My feet were dry all day.
Question:	Is the shoes waterproof and slippery resistance
Answer:	I don't know what the others are talking about. My husband carried our 3 kids down a mountain about 100 yards or so during a snow storm, up and down to take each one at a time. He was moving the fastest of the whole group. Didn't slip, great traction, and feet stayed the dryest of everyone's.
Question:	Would these be appropriate to wear on a surface like walking for a week at Disney
Answer:	I ordered a size 10.5 and it was too big, so I ordered a size 10 and it was too small. When you put them next to each other, the size difference is huge. The shoes aren't marked by size either, so it seems like a random guess when you order them. Not sure what's going on. Returning them both and just going elsewhere.
Question:	I bought a moab 1 about 2 years ago as a size 9. i bought this moab 2 pair an d the 9 was too small. had to send back. has anyone else had this proble
Answer:	Honestly, in my opinion, I don’t think these boots vent very well. My feet do get sweaty if I do a lot of walking in these boots.

Product features

Moab 2

Experience out-of the-box comfort with durable leathers, a supportive footbed, and Vibram traction, all in a versatile package, you won't doubt why Moab stands for MOTHER OF ALL BOOTS.

VENTILATION

This leather and mesh upper provides breathability and durability on the trail.

VIBRAM

High-performance rubber sole with unmatched durability, stability and slip resistance providing confinece on your feet.

AIR CUSHION

Targeted heel cushioning improves overall comfort by reducing stress on your foot with each step.

Recycled Materials

Repurposing the old to make a better new.

Water Conservation

Every drop counts so we believe in the responsibility to use water thoughtfully

Durability

Creating products that hold up to extensive wear

Waste Not

Reducing landfill contribution through recycling, effiencies, and innovation.

Merrell Men's Yokota 2 Stretch Hiking Shoe

Merrell

Based on 801 reviews Check latest price

Product description

This easy on/easy off all-around hiker features suede for durability and abrasion-resistant mesh panels for breathability.

100% Synthetic
Rubber sole
Shaft measures approximately ankle-high from arch
Suede and textile upper Metal hook and lacing eyelet for secure lacing Bellows tongue keeps debris out Protective rubber toe cap M Select FRESH antimicrobial agents reduces shoe odor Molded TPU heel counter for added stability Breathable mesh lining Kinetic Fit BASE insole is contoured like your foot and provides flexible, intuitive support for connected and protected movement
Molded nylon arch shank Merrell Air Cushion in the heel absorbs shock and adds stability M Select GRIP outsole tunes each outsole with durable traction that grips when and where you need it 4mm Lug Depth Weight: 1lb 1oz / 752g

User questions & answers

Question:	Is this shoe waterproof
Answer:	Yes. They are fantastic boots!! They keep you warm and dry.
Question:	Does these fit like moab2? are they lighter? new moab 2s soles are so stiff it’s like walking on a board. want something better
Answer:	They absolutely are? Not only waterproof but warm and comfortable. A friend of mine who works for a delivery service bought the same boots and said the same thing. She has had numerous boots over the years and said these were the best boots ever! Ten stars!!!
Question:	Do they fit true to size? i am a 10.5. i bought a pair of merrell moab 2 but had to size up to an
Answer:	Yes, these are quite warm. Before I bought these I had to have a separate pair of boots for the winter. But with these, I wore them all winter working outside all day everyday and was warm enough without hot toes.
Question:	Is more boot or tennis shoe
Answer:	Insulated

Salomon Men's Speedcross 4 Trail Running Shoes

Salomon

Based on 14 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The 4Th edition of our iconic and aggressively lugged trail runner for tearing through technical, soft ground with speed.

Salomon was born in 1947 in the heart of the French Alps and the birthplace of modern alpinism. Driven by a passion for skiing and design innovation, Francois Salomon and his son George designed and perfected much of the first modern ski equipment. During the following 60 years, Salomon's commitment to innovative design and passion for mountain sports created a vast range of revolutionary new concepts in boots, skis and apparel and brought innovative solutions to footwear, apparel and equipment for hiking, adventure racing, mountaineering and trail running. Through performance-driven design, Salomon enhances mountain sports by converting new ideas into action and expanding the limits of possibility.

100% Synthetic
Imported
Rubber sole
Shaft measures approximately low-top from arch
Agressive Grip : Obvious and penetrating traction on soft ground
Precise Foothold : Close to foot and comfortable feel
Contragrip rubber sole; MIDSOLE HEIGHT : 30mm/20mm (10mm drop);WEIGHT: 310g

User questions & answers

Question:	I mix trail with road and cross training. Are these versatile enough for this type of use
Answer:	Yes they do. I’ve worked 12 hour shift with no issues
Question:	How are they on asphalt, track
Answer:	The Stellar comes in a steel toe version.
Question:	Is the sole as soft as the speedcross 3? Like will they wear as fast
Answer:	These are not waterproof
Question:	i normally wear a 7.5 or 8 depending on the shoe, What size should i be getting it says on top the shoe runs small
Answer:	Yes they are and also resistant to snake bites, kettlebell drops and pigeon droppings

Product features

Aggressive Grip, Precise Foothold, & Lightweight Protection

The 4th edition of this iconic running shoe turns the normal image of refinement on its head. Lightweight, highly cushioned and with monster grip on soft trail conditions, the SPEEDCROSS 4 delivers more raw fun than ever.

Custom Foothold

SensiFit & Quicklace systems work together to deliver a snug and virtually custom foot-wrapping, cradling the foot from the midsole to the lacing system. Molded OrthoLite sockliner delivers comfort and breathability.

Contragrip Outsole

Built for maximum grip on loose, soft, or rugged, uneven surfaces, Contagrip TA uses deep, sharp lugs made from a compound that balances durability and adhesion.

LT Muscle Midsole

The Speedcross 4 features Salomon's Lightweight Muscle Midsole. Rugged yet cushiony, LT Muscle provides just enough to provide protection for technical trail running.

Timberland Men's Chocorua Trail Mid Waterproof Boot

Timberland

Based on 5 reviews Check latest price

Product description

"Pops of red against rich brown leather enhances our Norwood women's hiking boots sleek, trail-ready good looks. These waterproof leather boots fend off raindrops on your way down the street to the dog park and conquer mountain streams in style. Our legendary Chocorua waterproof hiking boots are better than ever, complete with TimberDry membrane and fully gusseted tongue to keep out water and debris. These men's boots mean business on the trails and lend a rugged aesthetic to your streetwear look."

100% Waterproof Leather
Made in the USA
Rubber sole
Shaft measures approximately 5" from arch
Heel measures approximately 1"
Upper made with premium waterproof leather from an LWG Silver-rated tannery
Timber Dry eco-conscious waterproof membrane

User questions & answers

Question:	are they full water proof, or just water resistant
Answer:	The sole is more less flat, with soft spikes on the surface. Some of these spikes have fallen off due to running on concrete and asphalt, so I should probably not run on roads anymore. Shoes might be a bit soft for doing squats and deadlifts in the gym.
Question:	I need boots for trekking in a tropical jungle like Roraima for a week, I need them to be waterproof and to protect my ancle, is this a good choice
Answer:	I run on asphalt here on base in them. They work great, especially on dirty surfaces. I never tried them on track, but judging by how aggressive the treads are, I think they would be too sticky for that.
Question:	Would these be any good for everyday snow shoveling
Answer:	Very soft, and wears out fast. The sole of my pair of speedcross 4 showed signs of serious wear after only two months and about 50 miles. I am a little disappointed since they are not inexpensive shoes.
Question:	if i was hunting rare tiger's to extinction in the Himalayas in the dead of summer would they hold up to the jungle
Answer:	I wear an 8.5 - 9 in other shoes. I had to buy these in 9.5, the 9 was way too tight on the sides. These shoes are SKINNY

Product features

Timberland Men's Chocorua Trail Gore-Tex Mid Hiking Boot

These men's boots mean business on the trails, lend a rugged aesthetic to your streetwear look and use Gore-Tex membranes to keep your feet dry.

New Balance Men's 481 V3 Trail Running Shoe

New Balance

Based on 9 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Runners looking for a bit of adventure will want to slip on the New Balance 481v3 trail running shoes. The versatile and innovative AT Tread outsole combines trail and running lug designs to provide traction on both on and off-road surfaces, so you can take your run routes off the beaten path. Designed for comfort, these trail running shoes also include Cush+ midsole cushioning to deliver ultra-soft, all-day comfort without sacrificing support, as well as an NB Ultra Soft Comfort Insert to cushion your strides. These outdoor running shoes feature a soft Comfort Collar that helps prevent irritation and hugs the ankle for a superior fit to take you through mile after mile in secure comfort. Inspired by heritage trail designs, these New Balance trail running shoes have a leather and mesh upper for durability and a lightweight feel, plus a stylish silhouette that takes your gear to the next level.

New Balance, is dedicated to helping athletes achieve their goals. It's been their mission for more than a century. It's why they don't spend money on celebrity endorsements. They spend it on research and development. It's why they don't design products to fit an image. They design them to fit. New Balance is driven to make the finest shoes for the same reason athletes lace them up: to achieve the very best.

Rubber sole
Durable versatility

User questions & answers

Question:	How do i fine my size
Answer:	accurate
Question:	Why do none of the new blance shoes on amazon come in men's 12 D (regular, not wide
Answer:	Cambodia. Very well made shoes. Fit perfect.
Question:	For someone with bad feet, what works best cross training or running shoes
Answer:	True to size for me! One of the few brands that runs true to size in my opinion.
Question:	How used are they
Answer:	For sure are. I want to buy one more pair for me. I having been riding my road bike everyday for aost a year now with this tennis shoes 20 miles to commit to my job... And the sole are not giving any sign that is worn out. Plus gym here and there as also some trekking... The impacta absorption is not the greatest but nothing that a orthopedic stuff could not resolve...

Fila Men's, Midland Trail Running Shoe

Fila

Based on 917 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Fila Midland Trail Running Sneakers. These sneakers are perfect for trails and light hiking. Manmade and fabric mesh upperswith logo accents and contrast stitching Lace up closure for a secure fit fabriclinings Padded footbed for added comfort Rubber outsole, and EVA midsole.

fabric
Made in USA or Imported

User questions & answers

Question:	Son zapatos pesados o livianos
Answer:	Not waterproof
Question:	Are those shoes good for winter? Or my feet will be cold
Answer:	I don't have Moab 2 but these have nice and soft soles and shoes in general pretty light wait.
Question:	Is it waterproof
Answer:	I had to return and order a full size up. 12 to 13
Question:	Why can I not order it my shoe in an E I have a wide? foot and there’s no option for it
Answer:	Tennis shoe, definetly.

Merrell Men's Moab 2 Waterproof Hiking Shoe

Merrell Footwear

Based on 5 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Experience out-of-the-box comfort in this waterproof hiker. With durable leathers, a supportive footbed, and Vibram traction, all in a versatile package,you won't doubt why moab stands for mother-of-all-boots.

Performance Suede Leather and Mesh
Imported
Synthetic sole
M Select DRY seals out water and lets moisture escape so you stay dry when you're on the move
Performance suede leather and mesh upper
Bellows, closed-cell foam tongue keeps moisture and debris out
Protective rubber toe cap
Vibram TC5+ sole

User questions & answers

Question:	What country are they manufactured in
Answer:	My foot measures 27 cm and I ordered a 10.5 and they fit perfectly.
Question:	Can you remove the inside for an orthopedic insert
Answer:	The shoes are a bit on the heavy side compared to normal tennis shoes, but in the realm of hiking shoes they are really comfortable. I walk/run A LOT for work and loved them
Question:	Can these be used during times especially for snow days
Answer:	Yes.
Question:	Being waterproof, do they vent well in hot weather
Answer:	Yes. according to my research, these SHOES are 100% vegan