If you’ve arrived on our guide to the best hiking shoes, chances are, you’re looking for the details that actually matter before you buy the pair you’re interested in.
Your hiking shoes are incredibly important to get right: they can make or break your experience, and you need to be able to trust them. If they’re not right, all you’ll remember is your feet hurting, and who needs that?
Every hiking shoe we’ve included in our guide has been tested in detail by us (real, everyday hikers) over a period of years and pushed hard to see where certain pairs limits are.
They’ve been with us around the world in many of the same places we cover in our travel and hiking guides. We’ve purposefully kept our picks below tight: we keep this guide updated and any shoe that’s no longer in our rotation is moved out of our main selection.
So, whether you need waterproof hiking shoes, affordable hiking shoes, a fast and light pair or something with a little more support, read on to find the right hiking shoe for you.
The Best Hiking Shoes
The shoes below are the ones we keep coming back to after repeated use on real hikes, each one standing out for different reasons. We’ve included what each pair is best for and the details that make them stand out too.
Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX Hiking
Our take:
- A really robust hiking shoe that is extremely well made
- Extremely grippy outsole is perfect for alpine adventures and tough ascents/descents
- Fast lacing system isn’t to everyone’s taste
- They don’t offer much flexibility at all
Good to know: We tested the men’s version, but this shoe is also available in a women’s fit
Best for: Rugged hiking
Throughout our time hiking in these shoes, we’ve been consistently impressed by the Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX’s. Their performance is well rounded and they’ve become one of our go-to options for more rugged trails.
Where they come into their own is in terms of durability and how they handle wet, rugged, and less than ideal alpine conditions. Similarly, they are an incredibly comfortable shoe on more well-groomed trails (and don’t feel like overkill).
They make use of a Contragrip MA outsole, and their Gore-Tex membrane gives them reliable protection against even the heaviest of downpours or stream crossings. They’re rigid, but they are also incredibly comfortable, which offers the best of both worlds.
Salomon offer these hiking shoes in a standard and wider fit which is great for a range of hikers. Another area we loved was how the quick lacing system makes adjusting on the trail much easier.
We’ve found ourselves reaching for these on full-on trails and lighter hikes alike. They also make a great travel shoe if you know you’ll be mixing hiking with general exploring as they’re so versatile. Read our full review of the Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX Hiking.
Get a closer look:
Adidas Terrex Free Hiker 2
Our take:
- The design makes the best of stylish looks and comfort
- Recycled materials are used extensively in this shoe
- They are more of an investment compared to some other models in our reviews
- They can look ‘worn in’ relatively quickly, especially on the sole
Good to know: We tested the men’s version, but this shoe is also available in a women’s fit
Best for: Versatile day hikes
The thing we love about the Terrex Free Hiker 2 is that it looks just as good worn whilst tackling a trail as it does later in the evening, wandering around town: they’re extremely versatile in this regard. They’re also waterproof (Gore-Tex), which insulates them extremely well for 2-3 season (at a push) hiking and have great durability.
Matt has loved these shoes for about 3 years plus at this point. They’re so versatile for things like hiking trips where being able to change over to looking around towns or cities matter too. We all know small luggage allowances can make getting the right pair matter, and the Terrex Free Hiker 2 gets a good balance here.
They are still handling exceptionally well and only have a few scuffs on them, even after getting some pretty heavy usage on a number of very sandy trails in Lassen Volcanic.
The fact that they’re between a shoe and a boot makes them a soft hybrid, and the balance between softer sock like materials with a harder shoe makes them feel really comfortable to wear. They also give added protection.
They offer these hiking shoes in a good range of sizes as well, which works perfectly if you have either a normal or slightly wide foot as they’re pretty roomy. These shoes are also comfortable pretty much straight out of the box, and within a couple of short training hikes, we were happy to take them out for longer hikes too.
They’re a great shoe that looks stylish and feels built to last. You won’t have any regrets if you decide to buy these! Read our full review of the Adidas Terrex Free Hiker 2.
Get a closer look:
Merrell Moab 3
Our take:
- Very comfortable with a short break in period
- On the more budget end so great for beginners and enthusiasts alike
- Their classic design does mean they are not as lightweight as some other shoes in our reviews
- This also means that they do look a bit dated in comparison to some other models out there
Good to know: We tested the men’s version, but this shoe is also available in a women’s fit
Best for: Short break in period
These trail shoes are a great addition to anybody’s gear rotation: they’re dependable, well made, durable and waterproof. They’ve built up a bit of a cult following over the years and you’ll have seen them on people of all ages.
The secret to why is that they are actually incredibly comfortable. We’ve found that they’re nearly impossible to take off once you’ve put them on. There aren’t many shoes that make you do that. So we’ve actually found that for lighter weight backpacking set ups, they are perfect as you won’t be rushing to take them off in the evening.
Another winning point about them is they’re a great hiking shoe if you’re in a hurry to buy and need something that’s going to feel comfortable nearly straight away. We found they only needed a couple of short walks before they were comfortable enough to take on longer trails.
As a waterproof hiking shoe, the breathable membrane is a nice addition, as they keep your feet feeling nice and cool on hot summer days and protected when it rains. This makes them really versatile and perfect for a lot of general hiking and hiking based trips.
What is also fantastic about these walking shoes is that they are available in a flexible range of sizes and can even be bought as a standard or wider fit, which makes them the perfect option for pretty much most hikers. Read our full review of the Merrell Moab 3.
Get a closer look:
Danner Trail 2650
Our take:
- Great durability and longevity
- Very comfortable hiking shoes, even straight out the box
- On the pricier side, so an investment
- Can feel colder when wet
Good to know: We tested the women’s version, but this shoe is also available in a men’s fit
Best for: Comfort, longer distances and versatility as they’re waterproof
We love the Danner Trail 2650 shoes, at this point they just feel like some kind of old faithful shoe that we’re a bit too emotionally attached to. They’re just so comfortable. Plus, they look great for both the trail and town afterwards too.
They’re perfect for general hiking, they do well with light mountaineering treks and handle wet conditions very well. You’ll find their comfort comes mostly from the Vibram sole that has a medium to deep tread. This gives a great, chunky grip and really solid traction across all surfaces. We found they feel really confident on slippery surfaces.
If you have a wider foot, the Danner Trail 2650’s will suit you well as the have a wider toe box than some. Their materials are mostly leather suede and synthetic mesh and rubber, which helps with their longer-term comfort.
At this stage, we’ve hiked hundreds of miles in these hiking shoes and they are dependable and reliable. They’re incredibly comfortable and even after long days, we’ve never felt a rush to take them off, which is probably one of the reasons we love them. Read our full review of the Danner Trail 2650.
Get a closer look:
Helly Hansen Women's Skyhawk Trail Running Shoes
Our take:
- Look just as good on the trail as they do in the city
- Extremely comfortable, and work brilliantly for harder surfaces too
- Very much not waterproof!
- Their bright looks may not be for all hikers
Good to know: These hiking shoes are marketed as a women’s only. The men’s version are slightly different and you can see them in more detail here.
Best for: Trail running, lightweight and dry condition hiking
The Helly Hansen Women’s Skyhawk Trail Running Shoes impressed us right from the start. Not only do these trail running shoes work really well for fast and light hiking, but also for wearing sightseeing, making them the perfect hiking shoe for travel too.
Fay wore these hiking shoes on a 5 week trip between China and Vietnam, and put them through their paces in a whole variety of terrain. They’re incredibly comfortable and look cool too, so they work just as well with your day to day clothes.
The Skyhawk Trail Running Shoes are very far from waterproof, as they have a very breathable mesh on the toe and upper. However, what they lack in waterproofing, they make up for in breathability. In fact, Fay found they were incredibly breathable on our trip to Vietnam, which really stood out in the heat and humidity we experienced.
This makes the Skyhawk’s ideal if you find yourself hiking, trail running or traveling in places that are often humid, or on the warmer side, where breathability is everything.
We found that the Helly Hansen Skyhawk’s were very grippy too and made light work of slick rock and created a sense of confidence.
It’s going to take a lot to impress us more in the lightweight trail running category than these shoes, they have been a breath of fresh air. If they’re right for the circumstances you need them for, we’re pretty sure you’ll agree with us!
Get a closer look:
Adidas Terrex Tracerocker Gore-Tex
Our take:
- Stylish looks make them suitable for casual day shoes and the trail
- Very comfortable to wear straight away
- If you’re used to lighter or trail running specific shoes, you may find these hikers rigid
- They feel narrow, so not best suited to hikers with wider feet
Good to know: The Tracerocker 2 is available as both men’s and women’s variants
Best for: Versatile hiking and day to day wear
The Adidas Terrex Tracerocker 2.0 GTX is a great hiking shoe. It’s technically classed as a runner, but it works perfectly on the wide variety of trail terrains we tried them out on.
First off, we were really impressed by their stylish good looks, and we found them great for days where you need to be in town and then hit the trail. They were comfortable right away, which is a usual with all Terrex shoes.
These hikers are also waterproof, making use of a Gore-Tex membrane. We found they performed really well in all but the heaviest of storms and deeper water crossings (which of course makes sense as they are only ankle height). Though great for general winter use.
Adidas have made waves with Terrex since the sub brand first came out, and the Tracerocker 2.0 is no different. We were seriously impressed. A robust shoe that works well on the trail and is understated enough to sit well day to day, makes them a hiker that’s hard to resist.
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Adidas Terrex Swift R3 Gore-Tex
Our take:
- Extremely durable
- Very grippy, with great traction on the most slippery surfaces
- If you’re used to trail runners, you may find this shoe quite stiff
Good to know: We tested the women’s version, but This shoe is also available in a men’s fit
Best for: Some winter trails, as it’s rugged, waterproof and very grippy
The Adidas Terrex Swift R3 Gore-Tex hiking shoes give a really strong level of durability and traction which sees them perform well in a lot of differing and challenging terrain.
Their Continental soles handle really well on slippery surfaces, rock and light alpine. We also found through our testing that the Gore-Tex waterproofing handled exceptionally well in harsh conditions, but they also work well as a fair-weather shoe too.
If you have narrower feet, you may not find these the right shoe for you, as they can feel a little wide. They also do have a slight break in period as they are a little stiff to begin, but once they’re worn in, they feel really comfortable and effortless to wear.
After testing on further trips to places like Norway, the Alps and the Tatra Mountains in Poland, we’ve found these hiking shoes to really come into their own on more technical trails, especially in summer inclement weather. They’ve rapidly become one of our favorite pairs and love the fact that they still look pretty much good as new. Read our full review of the Adidas Terrex Swift R3 Gore-Tex.
Get a closer look:
Keen NXIS EVO Waterproof
Our take:
- Sturdy yet lightweight
- Environmentally focused shoe (and brand)
- Wider fit, so not a great option for buyers with narrow feet
- On the pricier side, more of an investment
Good to know: We tested the women’s version, but This shoe is also available in a men’s fit
Best for: Lightweight trails where you still need some durability
If you want a hiking shoe with the feel of a trainer, then you will like the Keen NXIS EVO Waterproof . We found these shoes comfortable pretty much straight away and needed extremely minimal breaking in, which gave us a lot of confidence to get out on more demanding hikes with them quite quickly.
We’ve found that the soles handle rocks and slippery surfaces really well. We’ve felt really sure footed in them on a really good variety of trails which has been a breath of fresh air considering how lightweight they are. We love that the sole is soft enough to know where you are, but rigid enough to give you support when needed.
The ankle support is also a nice addition to these shoes. Keen use a series of panels in their design that use tension around the ankle and heel which keeps the foot from wiggling around whilst wearing and improves the fit too.
They’re also very lightweight, coming in at 644g/1lb 6oz and this is due in part to their fully synthetic build. Once you try the NXIS EVO’s, we think you’ll be happy you bought them! Read our full review of the Keen NXIS EVO Waterproof.
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Other Notable Hiking Shoes We’ve Tested
Over the years we’ve tested a lot of hiking shoes. The shoes below are ones we’ve loved, but have either been retired from our current gear rotation or have been donated after testing to other hikers. They’re all still solid picks that we’ve reviewed in detail and highly recommend:
- Columbia Facet 75 Outdry
- Merrell Siren Edge 3
- On Cloudwander Women’s Hiking Shoe
- Oboz Sawtooth X Low Waterproof
- Merrell Moab Speed
- La Sportiva Spire GTX
- Altra Lone Peak 7 (Now 9)
- Keen Zionic Speed
- Hoka Speedgoat 5
- Vasque Men’s Juxt Hiking Shoe
- La Sportiva TX
- The North Face Vectiv Fastpack Futurelight
- Lowa Renegade GTX LO
- Black Diamond Men’s Mission Low Approach Shoes
- Hoka Men’s Anacapa Breeze Low
- Nike Pegasus Trail 3
- Columbia Women’s Trailstorm
- KEEN Targhee 3 Waterproof
We’ve also tested a number of pairs of waterproof hybrids and boots that complement these options really well, especially if you’re looking for something more robust for heavier going trails:
If you’d also like to learn more about how we tested the hiking shoes we’ve recommended in this guide, we’ve got some other articles linked below that explain this in more detail:
Related guides:
Why Trust Our Recommendations
We know how important it is to be able to trust reviews before you buy a product. We also know how frustrating it is to just see generic information or the same stuff you could just find on a product listing.
That’s one of the main things that forms our ethos and everything we do with This Expansive Adventure. We’re human beings. This site sits as an extension of us in many ways and is living a breathing too. What this means in reality is that as we develop and grow in our hikes, adventures and general time outdoors, so do our reviews. They don’t stay static.
We’re real hikers and all of the products we recommend to you have gone through the stress of repeated hikes, for as long as possible in order to make our cut. Some of the hiking shoes we’ve included here have been tested for over 4+ years at this point. We don’t take your trust for granted!
Hiking Shoes Buying Guide
Choosing the right hiking shoes for you will be a really personal preference. The main deciding factors first off should be if you need a specific width. If you do, it’s worth checking out if the brand offers a specific width measurement – wide fit or narrow fit for example. In our reviews we always try to make the fit obvious to help you make this easier.
The other main factor will be how you intend to use your hiking shoes – you might be thinking, well hiking, duh! What we mean is a little more specific – if you see yourself taking on lots of rocky conditions, you’ll want to look for a hiking shoe with a more rigid sole and better grip than if you know you’ll be hiking on dirt most of the time, where a softer sole or fastpacking shoe might be more your thing.
Either way, there is a lot to consider when making the right decision for your needs, and below we’ve broken down the main areas to consider when making your new walking shoe purchase. For a more detailed look, you may also want to check out our full buying advice and how we tested hiking shoes articles.
Type and Style
There are a couple of main types of hiking shoes out there – or shoes that fall under the category of being able to be used for hiking.
Hiking Shoes
Your most obvious contender. Most shoes intended for hiking alone and not falling into a sub category are more robust and have a stiffer build than a shoe intended for trail running or fast packing. They generally sit just below the ankle, but that isn’t always the case, especially with sock designs becoming more popular.
They are generally designed to have you carry a light to medium load without feeling overwhelmed by a more traditional or heavier boot style. Their soles are not really intended for wearing so much on pavement as they can wear through a little faster but in general, they’re great for varied terrain and can be worn in all 4 seasons provided you have the right conditions.
Trail Running Shoes
A trail runner is a great shoe if you’re looking to move quickly along the trail, especially for ultralight weight backpackers or fast packers. You’re generally looking at more lightweight options here, but they are not what you’d call the most robust when looking at hiking footwear and their lightness can often be a product of a cutting down of materials with more minimal toe and heel protection. They can make a great option if your trail is well trodden, you live in hotter or desert conditions or want to combine running with hiking.
Approach Shoes
These are more intended for hikers who need to be able to handle rocky terrain, generally steeper and kind of bridges into alpinism. They are also worn by rock climbers to get to a climb before replacing with a more specific climbing shoe (where the word approach comes from).
They generally have a larger than normal rubber toe with a deep grip for being able to cling easily to rock. You can get on well with these for hiking too but are not as comfortable for longer trails or plugging away plenty of miles.
Price
Price is likely going to be one of the most important factors for a lot of hikers – in fact it is likely one of the most important factors in any kit decision. If budget is of concern for you, it is worth thinking about what is most important to you – how are you planning to use your hiking shoes for example? Is it more important to you that your hiking shoes are waterproof?
It’s important not to be overwhelmed by thinking the most expensive shoes on the market are necessarily the best – there are numerous options out there for a lower budget that punch well above their weight, such as the Columbia Facet 75 Outdry and the Regatta Vendevour Pro.
Traction
Traction is an incredibly important part of a hiking shoe, and it is generally the reason that most hikers will move on from a more traditional trainer to a purpose bought hiking shoe. In the outdoors, you need more grip or traction as you hike, especially on varied terrain, slick rock or difficult conditions. This can be the difference between slips or falls and safely reaching your destination.
If you know you’re going to be tackling trickier trails, look for a sole that has a heavier lug or some serious grip which will help with rocks, scrambles and similar. Whereas on less full on trails you can get away with a less full on version such as the Adidas Terrex Free Hiker 2.
Breathability
Breathability is just as important for your hiking shoes as it is for your rain jacket, or waterproof rain pants. With that said, you will never get the kind of breathability with a waterproof hiking shoe as you will with a walking shoe that makes use of substantial mesh materials and design. Sweaty feet can cause blisters, and this can impact your hike in a negative way.
If you’re looking for ultimate breathability, then a mesh shoe is going to be a good option for you, and these are best suited for warmer climates or places where you won’t expect too much rain. However, if you hike or live in an area with heavier rainfall and boggy ground or snowy conditions where you might hike into the alpine, we believe it is better to make the most of waterproofing and go for a more robust design as wet feet are really no better!
Ankle Support
Ankle support is such a selective thing – it will be so dependent on you as a hiker. If you are sure footed and like to move quick and fast, then a lower level ankle support is probably more than adequate for your needs.
However, if you know you are more likely to roll your ankle or can be a little on the ‘clumsy’ side, then looking for a shoe with a slight hybrid may be more appropriate for you. This can either be as a sock format, or a slightly more rigid ankle. You should also consider if you plan to wear your shoes with a heavy backpack load, or plan to go backpacking – if so, a more rigid support will be better suited to your overall comfort.
Arch Support
Most manufacturers provide their shoes with a shaped insole or a gently shaped interior which provides neutral arch support. For most potential buyers this is going to be absolutely perfect, and they won’t think twice about it.
However, for some hikers, extra arch support can make a massive difference to their support and the general feel of the shoe whilst walking. If this is you, it is worth bearing in mind that you can easily swap out the insole for something that is more heavily shaped to increase arch support. That said, some brands are well known for working hard to go the extra mile when it comes to arch support – Hoka are a good example of this, and the Hoka Anacapa Breeze Low fits this bill well.
Fit
Fit is one of the most important factors when it comes to deciding on what shoe to buy, and with this in mind, the best hiking shoe for one person isn’t necessarily the best one for the next. If you have what’s classed as a ‘normal’ foot by most brands (who really has normal feet) then generally, you should be ok all round, but some shoes do run a little on the narrow side. Likewise, if you either have narrow feet or wider feet, this is something you’ll want to look out for too.
Generally, a roomier toe box is what to look out for with a wider shoe, and some brands do offer in a wide fit option as well, which is great. We’ve personally found it tough sometimes when a shoe arrives and it is too narrow to be comfortable, so we’ve provided as much information as possible if a shoe is particularly wide, narrow or just normal.
Our top picks if you have wider feet are Keen NXIS Evo, Danner Trail 2650, and the Merrell Moab 3. For narrower feet, the Adidas Terrex Free Hiker 2 and the La Sportiva Spire are also good options.
Materials
You’ll find a whole range of materials used for hiking shoes, and these can have an impact on the shoes weight or durability.
Leather: Who doesn’t know this material? Used widely as it is exceptional for durability and a long last, leather also provides a good level of waterproofing. There is a reason why it has been popular for a long time and still is. Leather shoes are generally heavier than synthetic ones.
Synthetic: When it comes to synthetic hiking shoes, you’ll normally see materials like nylon or polyester used. These materials are great at offering breathability, and they often come at a much lighter weight than leather. You will often find that shoes intended for backpacking and trail running are synthetic, whereas some brands use a combination of synthetic and leather to create a shoe that hits the best of both worlds. As most brands work to become more sustainable, there is a move to plant based synthetic materials, especially when it comes to DWR coatings.
Appearance
Hiking shoes have generally become a whole lot more interesting looking in the last few years and gone (seemingly) are the boring looking options that we may have seen in the past. Though, not entirely.
Everyone’s thoughts on the appearance of hiking shoes are completely different and that is why some hiking shoes prove divisive, especially in more striking colorways. However, there are also other factors that impact the appearance.
A good example of this is when you look at the shape of a hiking shoe as this can help you determine how much ankle support is offered. If it is lower cut, you can expect to move faster and be more responsive to trail conditions.
If the shoe has a higher cut, you will get more ankle protection and feel more secure on difficult terrain. You may also see reflective patches and fabric used to help with visibility in low light and nighttime conditions. We’d always advise going for functionality over looks when it comes to your hiking shoes, as you need to be confident that your shoes are fit for purpose.
Durability
There are several things that impact how durable your hiking shoe is. One of the most important is material. Synthetics are actually becoming more durable as technology becomes better, so the difference between that and leather is becoming less so. Synthetics also help with flexibility too.
The way you wear your shoes will have an impact on their longevity too – many hiking shoes are made with durable rubber tracks and threads which last extremely long on rockier terrain, but not so well on paved surfaces.
So, you can expect a pair of hiking shoes you use for everyday wear as well to not last as long as a pair specifically for mountainous trails, for example. We always advise to invest in the best you possibly can with the budget you have and look at how you plan to use them to make the best decision here.
Sustainability
Many brands are starting to take sustainability more seriously when it comes to their products, and there are big areas where we’ve seen improvements when it comes to hiking shoes. Generally, this refers to the materials that are being used. Many manufacturers are opting for the use of recycled materials on synthetic areas of their hiking shoes.
You’ll also find plant based or environmentally friendly products often used on the DWR coating (used to help with water resistance), which is a big step up from the harmful plastics that are now being phased out. Generally, a BlueSign symbol or credentials is a good indication of a brands environmental standpoint, so keep a look out for this on their product pages.
Water Resistance
There is a big difference from water resistance, waterproofing and water repellency. It is something that is often misunderstood as to what each one actually means, and the terms seem to be floated around endlessly, leading to you making not necessarily the best purchasing decision.
We have written a whole article about this particular subject, which, if the water resistance of your hiking shoes is important, you’ll find helpful for making your decision about which pair to buy. Read more: Water Resistant vs Waterproof vs Water Repellent – What is the Difference.
Weight
The weight of hiking shoes can vary quite a lot with some manufacturers being more focused on this metric than others. Where this metric is specifically important is with shoes that are a hybrid, like a trail runner or a fastpacking shoe. Synthetic materials are generally used here to keep weight down and help you move faster.
Hiking shoes generally become heavier the more materials that are used, and the more rigid the shoe, the more likely it is to increase its weight. That isn’t always true though, and some manufactures use cutting edge technology to make weight improvements without jeopardizing durability. It is important to consider the type of hiking you plan to do when it comes to the weight of your footwear – as a shoe that is too heavy can actually cause fatigue.
Insoles
For most hikers, the standard insole that comes with a hiking shoe will be more than enough for their needs. You’ll find that most standard insoles will use EVA foam which provides a lightweight cushion for the foot and is a good basis for longer hikes.
If the insole is of concern to you, it is very easy to get replacement insoles for your specific needs. For example, you might find that using a gel insert will give you a good boost and help to soak up shock caused by walking on hard surfaces (great if you have any kind of knee problem).
If you’re going on a longer hike, you may want to look at an antimicrobial insole which helps with odor and the bacteria that can build up over time. This will help to keep your feet fresh, even on a longer hike. This can also help if paired with the right socks – we always recommend Darn Tough socks for longer hikes.
Break-in Period
The break-in period can vary massively from shoe to shoe, with some breaking in much quicker than others. Generally, the break in period isn’t an indication of what to expect longer term when it comes to the shoes you’ve bought and we’ve actually found some hiking shoes with a longer break-in period become the most comfortable, loved favorites over time!
You should never expect to wear any hiking shoes straight out of the box on a long or demanding hike – make sure you do some training walks, for short distances and if needed, build these up until you feel comfortable. There should be no areas of rubbing, and that is when you know they’re ready to take them out on a longer hike.
Lacing System
There are numerous lacing systems used now on hiking shoes, and each has its own benefits.
Traditional laces: These offer customization and allow you to evenly distribute tension to your specific needs. Read more about correct lacing for hiking shoes for your foot type in our article on the subject.
Quick lacing: This type of lacing system usually makes use of a BOA style, which allows you to loosen and tighten your laces easily with one hand. This gives even pressure across the foot.
Elastic lacing: Not quite as common, but elastic lacing allows you to slip on and off with ease.
Speed lacing: This type allows you to use toggle locks which help you to tighten quickly and adjust whilst on the trail.
Hybrid lacing: This, as you might have guessed, usually combines traditional laces with a quick lace or speed lace system for greater adjustability on the go.
Toe Protection
Toe protection is pretty important when it comes to hiking shoes, it can protect you from any bumps and knocks you might experience on the trail, especially in more rocky and alpine conditions.
Many shoes out on the market right now intended for hiking make use of a reinforced toe cap and this is usually made from durable materials – generally rubber, TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane). Some hiking shoes (and this is usually seen more so on approach shoes) make use of a rubber rand that goes around the whole front foot which gives a much higher level of protection.
Conclusion
Finding the right pair of hiking shoes for you is going to be a personal preference, taking into consideration the different kind of hiking you intend to do.
The pairs we’ve included in our guide are the ones we reach to time and time again for a reason. They work well for a whole different number of reasons and their merits really only become entirely obvious once they’ve been worn for a decent amount of time.
We hope we’ve helped make the decision a little easier and you’ve found a pair that feels right for you within your budget!
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