Want to get a handle on how the different hiking shoes in our guide compare in terms of weight, sizes offered, protection, waterproofing and more? Use our comparison table to look at all of the information you need side by side to make an informed decision about the best pair of hiking shoes for your needs. To check up to date prices, click through our buying links to compare prices next to each other.
Editor’s note: This article is part of our guide to the best hiking shoes, be sure to check out the rest of this guide for our top buying tips:
Salomon Men's X Ultra 4 GTX Hiking | Columbia Facet 75 Outdry | Adidas Terrex Free Hiker 2 GTX | KEEN Targhee 3 Waterproof | Hoka Men's Anacapa Aero Low | La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX Hiking Boots | Nike Pegasus Trail 3 | Danner Panorama Mid | Black Diamond Mens Mission Leather Low Waterproof Approach Shoes | Lowa Renegade GTX LO | Regatta Vendeavour Pro | Merrell Moab 3 Waterproof Hiking Shoe | La Sportiva Mens TX Hike GTX Hiking Shoes | The North Face Men's Vectiv Fastpack Futurelight Track Shoe | Vasque Men's Juxt Hiking Shoe | |
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Our Ratings | Best Overall Men's | Best Budget | Most Versatile | Most Comfortable | Best for Summer | Best for Technical Trails | Best Appearance | ||||||||
Pros | Robust whilst feeling light and aerodynamic, excellent traction | Great value. Breathable and water resistant | Striking Design. Makes use of recycled material | Comfortable. Very durable | Light weight. Extremely comfortable and quick to bed in | Relatively lightweight. Good support | Very lightweight. Very comfortable | Rugged build. Clean, minimal sytling | Very low weight. They look great! | short break in, comofrtable, tread grip is substantial | Bargain price. Well made | Reputaton for comfort. Resaonably priced | Relatively light weight. They Look Good | Very comfortable. Low weight | Durable build. Extremely comfortable |
Cons | Fast lacing system won't be for everyone | Not the lightest. They might look a little plain for some | Pricey. Sole material can look tatty with time | Dated design. Pricey | Not as water resistant as some competitors. Divisive Styling | Styling may not be to eveyone's taste. Pricey | Not as durable as some competitors. Not suitable for very cold or wet conditions | Took a little while to break in. We wish there was a little more ankle support | Pricey. Soft rubber sole may wear quickly | Limited range of colors. Long term durability concerns | Limited Color choices. Not the Lightest | No the lightest design and color choices may seem dated to some | Slightly vague sustainability credentials. Sizing guidance is confusing | Limited choice of colors. Potential long-term durability issues | No waterproofing. Limited color choice |
Traction | Very good | Good | Continental outsole with medium/deep thread pattern | Full rubber outsole with deep thread pattern | Very Good | Full rubber outsole with medium/deep thread pattern | Very Good | Full rubber sole with medium/deep thread pattern | Rubber outsole with deep thread pattern. Uses 'Black Label' Sticky rubber for better grip. | Vibram outsole with medium/deep thread pattern. | Full rubber outsole with medium/deep thread pattern | Vibram outsole with medium/deep thread pattern. | Very Good | Very Good | Very Good |
Breathability | Very good | Good | Fine mesh upper with Gore-Tex membrane | Mesh sections on upper backed with waterproof membrane | Very Good | Breathable mesh upper with Gore-Tex | Very good | Minimal use of mesh, and unvented leather in main body of shoe but there is a Gore-tex membrane the boot is not insulated. | Breathable 'BD.dry' waterproof lining with some mesh sections. However unperforated leather will limit breathability. | Mesh lining backed with Gore Tex membrande | Breathable mesh upper with 'Isotex' waterproof membrane. | Breathable mesh upper with waterproof membrane | Good | Good | Very Good |
Ankle Support | Minimal but feels supported | Minimal | Medium - Mid height boot. Support can be adjusted via lacing | Minimal - Low top shoe with minimal ankle support | Minimal | Good - Mid height design with adjustable tensioning via laces | Minimal | Medium - Mid height boot. Support can be adjusted via lacing | Minimal - Low top shoe with minimal ankle support | Minimal - Low top shoe with minimal ankle support | Good - Mid-height design with ankle collar adjustment via laces. | Minimal - Low top shoe with minimal ankle support | Minimal | Minimal | Minimal |
Arch support | Regular | Regular | Gently moulded arch support in insoles | Subtle arch support | Very good | Subtle arch support | Regular | Subtly shaped inner section offers gentle arch support | Subtle arch support | Subtle arch support | Moulded nylon arch shank | Regular | Regular, but rocker-style sole may help comfort for some wearers | Regular | |
Fit | Fits true to size - regular | Regular - can run slightly large | Available in sizes from US 6/UK 5.5/ EU 38.6 up to US 15/UK 14.5/EU 50.6. Suitable for normal to wide feet. Runs small, so recommended to buy a slightly larger than normal size. | Meant to be very comfortable for a slighhtly wider foot - with lots of toe room. Available in sizes from US 7/uk 6/EU 39.5 up to US 16/UK 16/EU 49 | Regular | Availalble in standard and wide versions. Available in sizes from US 5.5/UK 5 /EU 38 up to US 14/UK 13.5/ EU 49.5 | Regular | Available in standard and wide fit. Standard is good for narrow/normal width feet. Available in sizes from US 7/ UK 6.5/EU 40 up to US 15/UK 14.5/ EU 50.6 | Typically suitable for normal width feet. Some reports indicate it's wise to size up a little. Availalble in sizes from US 6/UK 5/EU 38 to US 14/ UK 13/ EU 48.5 | Santadard - nothing to note, can be good for wide feet and standard feet may be a bit wide for narrow feet. Available in sizes from US7.5/UK 6.5/EU40 to US 16/UK 15/ EU 51 | Suitable for normal to wide feet. Available in sizes from US6.5/UK 6/EU 39.3 to US 12.5/UK 12/EU 48 | Suitable for normal width feet - have a reputation for out-of-the-box comfort. Also available in a wide version. Available in sizes from US 7/UK 6.5/ EU 40 up to US 16/ UK 15/EU 51 | Regular - can run a little small | Regular to narrow fit | Regular and Wide versions available |
Materials | Synthetic | Fully synthetic | Fully synthetic with Gore-Tex membrane. Minimum of 50% recycled material used in upper. High density foam sole can degrade with time. | Nubuck Leather and synthetic upper with Waterproof Membrane | Synthetic and nubuck leather | Fully synthetic with Gore-Tex membrane | Fully synthetic | Suede and synthetic with Gore-Tex membrane | Nubuck leather and synthetic | Nubuck Leather and synthetic upper with Gore-Tex Membrane | Fully synthetic with waterproof Isotex membrane | Pig suede and synthetic. Mesh lining, laces and webbing are made from 100% recycled materials. | Fully synthetic | Fully Synthetic | Suede leather and synthetic |
Appearance | Modern, grippy hiking shoe | Modern hiking shoe | Ultra-contemporary style with a wide range of colour ways - many are quite vivid | Slightly dated styling compared some newer designs | Modern hiking shoe with oversized sole | Contemporary styling. Available in a number of colour ways ranging from neutral to very striking. | Modern running shoe | The sytling is reminiscent of a hi-top basketball boot, but with with a clear modern interpretation. | Contemporary styling referencing classic sports shoe. Available in two colour ways | Design inspired by traditional hiking shoes. Limited color choices | Unintrusive styling. Available in a range of colours - some with vivid colour accents. | Unintrusive styling. Available in a range of colour options - mostly muted, 'earthy' colours. | Modern hiking shoe | Modern hiking shoe with oversized sole | Modern hiking shoe in earthy colors |
Durability | Very good | Good | Medium to high | High | Good | Medium to high | Good | High | High | Medium to high | Medium to high | Medium to high | Very good | Good | Excellent |
Weight (pair) | 800g/1lb 11.2oz (pair) | 833g/1lb 14oz (pair) | 910g/2lb | 861g/1lb.14.8oz | 706g/1lb 9oz (pair) | 940g/2lb 1oz | 642.8g/1lb 7oz (pair) | 1048g/2lb 5oz | 666g/1lb 7oz | 950g/2lb 1.5oz | 1080g/2lb 6oz | 900g/2lb | 790g/1lb 12oz (pair) | 646g/1lb 7oz | 822g/1lb 13oz (pair) |
Insoles | Padded removable insole | Padded removable insole | Removable insoles | Removable, dual-density EVA footbeds cushion your stride | Padded removable insole | Removable insoles | Padded removable insole | Removable three-layer cushioned insoles | Removable insoles | Removable insoles | Removable foam insoles | Removable insoles | Padded removable insole | Padded removable insole | Padded removable insole |
Break-in Period | Minimal | Minimal | Minimal | Straight away | Minimal | Minimal | Minimal | Medium | Minimal | Meant to be able to wear straight out the box | Minimal to medium | Minimal | Minimal | Minimal | Minimal |
Lacing system | Quick lacing system | Regular laces | Standard laces | Standard laces | Regular laces | Multizone lacing system allows control over fit | Regular laces | Standard laces | Standard laces | Standard laces | Multizone lacing system allows for precise fit control | Standard Laces | Regular laces | Regular laces | Regular laces |
Toe Protection | Reinforced rubber rand on toe | Reinforced rubber cap on toe | Hardened rubber toe cap and thin but full boot rand. | Hardened rubber toe cap | Reinforced rubber cap on toe | Hardened rubber toe cap | Reinforced rubber cap on toe | Hardened rubber toe cap and full boot rand. | Hardened rubber toe cap | Hardened rubber toe cap | Hardened rubber toe cap and rand on front section | Hardened rubber toe cap and rand on front section | Reinforced rubber rand at front | Reinforced rubber cap on toe | Reinforced rubber rand and toe cap |
Women’s:
Product | Danner Womens Trail 2650 | Columbia Women's Trailstorm | Hoka Speedgoat 5 | Adidas Terrex Swift R3 Gore-Tex | Keen Zionic Speed | Altra Lone Peak 7 | Adidas Terrex AX4 Gore-Tex Hiking Shoes | Keen NXIS EVO Low Height Waterproof Hiking Shoe | La Sportiva Spire GTX | Merrell Moab Speed | Oboz Sawtooth X Low Waterproof | On Cloudwander Waterproof | Merrell Siren Edge 3 |
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Our Ratings | Best Overall Women's | Best Budget | Best Lightweight | Best for Winter | Best for Long Distances | Best for Trail Running | |||||||
Pros | Durable build. Extremely comfortable | Exceptionally good hiking shoe for the price point. Clever traction design in the lugs | Extremely well cushioned and comfortable fit. Deep lugs offer good traction on slippery surfaces | Well protected and durable. Great traction and feels very grippy | A great fast and light shoe. Roomy toe box, and comfortable for wider feet | Roomy toe box. Excellent traction. | Striking design. Makes use of recycled material | Light weight. Good environmental credentials | Light Weight. Ultra breathable | Lightweight. Iconic Moab fit and comfort | Durable build. Good water resistance | Excellent balance of weight and waterproofing. Stiffer design gives a more technical feel | Very light. Often very reasonably priced |
Cons | Not the cheapest. We found they didn't keep our feet warm in wet conditions | Breathability concerns in warmer temperatures | Colorways are divisive. lacking in stiffness between outsole and midsole | Pretty rigid - not the most fast and light shoe on the market, can feel a little big | Not waterproof. Durability concerns on the sole | Less durable. Pricey | Looks may be too much for some. Slightly narrow fit may be unsuitalbe for wider feet. | May not be best fit for narrower feet. A bit pricey | Pricey. Some may prefer a more rigid shoe | Not most supportive. More expensive than the regular Moab | Heavy. Longer break-in period | Some may find them too stiff. Can be pricey. | Not Waterproof. Some durability concerns |
Traction | Vibram outsole with medium/deep thread pattern | Extremely good | Very good | Extremely good | Average | Full rubber outsole with medium/deep thread pattern | Continental outsole with medium deep thread depth | Full rubber outsole with medium thread depth | Vibram outsole with deep thread pattern | Vibram outsole with medium/deep thread pattern. | Very good | Very good | Good |
Breathability | Perforated suede outer with breathable mesh inner | Not so great | Good | Good, but Gore-Tex membrane does play in here | Excellent | Full mesh upper | Breathable mesh upper with Core-Tex membrane | Breathable mesh upper and lining with anti-odor treatment | Breathable mesh upper with Gore-Tex | Full mesh upper | Average | Good | Very good |
Ankle Support | Minimal - Low top shoe with minimal ankle support | Minimal | Minimal | Minimal | Minimal | Minimal - Low top shoe with minimal ankle support | Minimal - Low top shoe with minimal ankle support | Minimal - Low top shoe with minimal ankle support | Minimal - Low top shoe with minimal ankle support | Minimal - Low top shoe with minimal ankle support | Minimal | Minimal | Minimal |
Arch support | Gentle arch support | Regular | Regular | Regular | Minimal | Gentle | Subtle arch support | Gentle arch support | Gentle arch support | Gentle | Good | Regular | Regular |
Fit | Available in medium width and in sizes from US 5/ UK 3.5/ EU 36 up to US 11/ UK 9.5/ EU 44 | Regular | Standard/slightly wide | Regular/wide | Standard/slightly wide | Roomy and good for wider feet with natural movement. Available in sizes from US 5.5/UK 3.5/EU 36 to US 12/UK 10/EU 44.5 | Available in sizes from US 5/ UK 3.5 /EU 36 up to US 12/ UK 10.5/ EU 45.3 | Iconic Keen fit' - Wider fit with extra space at forefoot. Available in sizes from US 5/ UK 3.5/ EU 36 up to US 12/ UK 9/ EU 43 | Fits true. Typically suitable for normal to narrow feet. Available in sizes from US 5/ UK 3/EU 36 up to US 11/ UK 9/ EU 42 | Similar to the Moab 3 - but a little more narrow but still suitable for most hikers. Available in sizes from US 5/UK 2.5/EU 35 to US 11.5/UK 9/EU 43 | Normal and wide verisons available | Standard/slightly narrow | Normal and wide versions available |
Materials | Suede and synthetic | Synthetic | Synthetic | Synthetic with 50% recycled upper | Synthetic | Fully synthetic | Fully synthetic with Gore-Tex membrane. Adidas claims upper contains a minimum of 50% recycled material | Fully synthetic with waterproof 'KEEN.DRY' membrane | Fully synthetic with Gore-Tex membrane | Fully synthetic. Merrell claim these sheos are vegan. | Synthetic and leather | Synthetic | Synthetic |
Appearance | Modern design with classic elements and materials. Available in a wide range of colour ways. | Modern cross between hiking shoe and trail runner | Trail running shoe | Modern hiking shoe | Trail running shoe | A really nice looking shoe that could work well for multiple purposes such as hiking and trail running - with a variety of striking color designs | Striking angluar design available in a wide rang eof colour ways | Distinctive good looks available in multiple colour ways | Available in multiple colour ways with striking styling, typical of La Sportiva. | Does something inbetween a hiking shoe and trail runner and comes in a variety of striking colourways | Modern hiking shoe | Modern hiking shoe | Modern hiking shoe |
Durability | Very high | Considering the price point, seems durable | Average | Rip resistant synethetic finish with durable Continental sole | Longer term durability concerns | Medium to high | Medium to high | Medium to high | Medium to high | Medium to high | Excellent | Good | Some durability concerns |
Weight (pair) | 680g/1lb 08oz | 500g/1lb 3oz | 460g/1lb | 700g/1lb 7oz | 544g/1lb 2oz | 635g/1lb 4.5oz | 758g/1lb 11oz | 644g/1lb 6oz | 740g/1lb 10oz | 640g/1lb5oz | 800g/1lb 12oz | 640g/1lb 7oz | 560g/1lb 4oz |
Insoles | Removable three-layer cushioned insoles | Standard insole | Standard insole | Standard insole | Standard insole | Removable padded insole | Removable insoles | Removable padded insole | Removable padded insole | Removable padded insole | Paded, shaped 'O FIT' insole | Standard insole | Standard insole |
Break-in Period | Minimal | Minimal break in | Minimal | Minimal break in | Minimal break in | Very minimal | Minimal | Minimal | Minimal | Very minimal | Short break in period | Short break in period | Very minimal |
Lacing system | Standard laces | Ghillie lacing | Standard lacing system | Traditional laces | Traditional laces | Standard laces | Standard laces | Standard laces | Standard laces | Standard laces | Standard laces | Standard laces | Standard laces |
Toe Protection | Rubeerized, semi-rigid toe cap with rubber rand around front section of shoe | Rubber toe rand | Rubber toe rand | Rubber toe rand | Minimal rubber toe rand | Hard but not solid | Rubberized, reinforced, but non-rigid toe and front section | Hard, but not solid, rubber toe cap. | Non-rigid PU 'TechLite' toe cap | Hardened rubber toe cap | Reinforced toe | Rubber toe rand and small toe cap | Reinforced toe |
Conclusion
As you can see, there is a lot to consider when buying hiking shoes and choosing a model that is right for your needs outdoors. Ultimately this is personal choice and you should consider your terrain, your confidence and the type of hiking you do when making your decision. Use our overall guide to the best hiking shoes and also our buying guide to hiking shoes to help you know what to look out for.
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