The 13 best hiking shoes and boots for men and women

Rebecca Carhart
5 hiking shoes and boots
We assembled a brain trust of experienced trekkers to make sure that your next day on the trail doesn't leave your tootsies blistered, bloody or beaten up. (Photo: Amazon, Zappos, REI)

Seasoned hikers know through hard, often extremely painful, experience how important the right footwear is. Taking to the trails with the wrong shoes can not only lead to foot pain, blisters,"hot spots" and other uncomfortable ailments, it can land you in the hospital. According to Backcountry Gearhead expert, Kenton Matthaei, a reliable hiking shoe needs to be “supportive, preferably lightweight, and breathable. Shoe preferences can vary greatly from user to user, but these main factors are what contribute to a good hiking shoe.” To help you find the right footwear for your upcoming treks, we talked to various experts to find out exactly what to look.

What makes a good hiking shoe/boot?

Wesley Trimble, the Creative Director of the American Hiking Society, told Yahoo Style there are four main factors to look for when shopping for a pair of hiking shoes: fit, traction, support and protection. “Hiking footwear is literally the foundation of the hiking experience, and no gear is as important as great-fitting, supportive, and adequate-traction footwear,” he said before adding, “Hiking footwear needs to provide adequate support for the intended terrain, distance, and the amount of weight being carried.”

For a flatter, less challenging trail he said “a simple cross-trainer athletic shoes may suffice,” but as you advance on to steeper more uneven terrains, “it’s more important to have a shoe or boot with good deep lugs on the outsole to provide adequate traction.” And, he warned, don’t forget to choose an option that'll shield your feet from hazardous flora, fauna and obstacles: “Different regions will have different factors to account for, but a protective shoe will generally decrease abrasions and injury from rocks, brush, thorns, prickles, insects, and even the sun.”

Above all, chimed in Dr. Hillary Brenner, DPM (doctor of podiatric medicine) at NYC Private Medical, a hiking shoe “needs a balance of light weight/support/stability, cushion/functionality, stiffness/breathability and durability.”

Are there any features/materials that are best?

It will all depend “on what type of hiking you’ll be doing, the weather conditions, and trail conditions,” said outdoor enthusiast and Hoka Global Advocate, Nicole Snell. When it comes to uppers for trail runners and other flexible hiking shoes, “mesh is great for breathability and keeping the weight of the boot/shoe low,” she added.

When it comes to more heavy-hitting hiking boots, Matthaei recommends looking for an option with a full grain leather upper “due to the excellent durability, abrasion resistance, and water resistance. Most commonly used in the classic style boots intended for carrying heavy loads, they provide additional support for traveling through rugged terrain.”

Keeping feet as dry as possible is also key to decreasing the number of blisters and other foot ailments you’ll get, so if you’ll be in rainy or snowy conditions, you might want a pair with Gore-Tex protection to keep the water out. If, on the other hand, you'll be trekking in dry, desert-like climes, it’s smart to opt for a pair of well-ventilated shoes that will help with sweating. “The majority of the time, I wear breathable, well-ventilated footwear," said Trimble. "For years I used waterproof hiking boots, and I'd get blisters several times each season. After making switching to breathable footwear with a wider toe box, I've nearly eliminated blisters. In my last 5,000-plus trail miles, I can almost count the number of blisters on one hand.” (Or foot.)

What types of insoles/outsoles should you look for?

Hiking expert Cris Hazzard of HikingGuy.com, suggests looking for footwear with Vibram outsoles, because “the material does an excellent job for all-around traction.” He added, “If you're hiking in really muddy or loose terrain, you might want to find a shoe with more oversized lugs that are spaced out, but for most folks, the standard Vibram outsole that comes with your shoe will do the trick.”

As for insoles, Kenton said the best options “provide a range of support including heel and arch. And they should also assist in absorbing shock and moisture.” If you don’t like the insoles that come in your hiking shoe or boot, Cris recommends replacing them with these popular Superfeet numbers that provide ample support and cushioning.

Are lacing systems important?

The short answer? Yes! Says Snell: “Lacing systems often don’t get the attention they deserve! How you lace your shoes/boots can change the fit of the footwear. It gives you options if you’re wearing thick socks vs. thin socks and can help make adjustments to the shoe’s fit if you need more or less stability based on your own physiology or trail conditions,”

When should you opt for a shoe over a boot, and vice versa?

“Boots provide more support than shoes overall, but that doesn't mean all boots will work for you,” explained Gabaccia Moreno, executive director of the Outdoorist Oath. “But, honestly, this one comes to trial and error, which isn't feasible for all people due to the high cost of gear. But once you have a few seasons in you'll know what and when works best for you.”

According to Snell, choosing a shoe versus a boot depends on a few factors. “How long is your hike, how much gear are you carrying, and what type of terrain can you expect?" she said. "Shoes are great if you prefer lighter weight, more flexibility and more breathability. The trade-off is a bit less stability and the likelihood of getting more rocks/dirt inside your shoe (unless you're using gaiters).” She added: “Boots are great if you need a bit more stability, support, and a higher collar to protect your ankle from the elements. If you’re okay with a bit more weight, boots can be more cushioned as well as having thicker soles to withstand heavier pack/gear weights.”

Do you need specific shoes for specific types of trails?

Most experts say it’s not necessary to have different shoes for different trails, as most will work on all types of terrains. Instead, the deciding factor on what to wear is usually the conditions of the trail on the day of your hike.

With all this expert advice in mind, we rounded up the best hiking shoes and boots for men and women, according to hiking experts, podiatrists, editors and shoppers alike. Whether you’re looking for a lightweight trail runner or a sturdy waterproof boot, there's an option on this list for just about everyone. Read on to find the pair that's best for you.

Topping the list of editors, experts and shoppers alike, Merrell's Moab 3 Hiking Shoes are among the most popular hiking shoes around. Famous for their out-of-the-box comfort, the Amazon bestsellers are also super supportive and extra cushioned to keep your feet happy all day long. The webbing along the tongue keeps debris from entering your shoe, while the protective toe cap keeps your feet safe from harm. They also boast a Vibram TC5+ rubber sole that provides excellent traction and a molded arch shank and shock-absorbing heel for added support.

Yahoo Style’s Executive Editor Nicole Sforza has been wearing Merrell’s since college and listed these as her fave pair. She even wears them off the trails when she needs a little extra support too. She recalled: “I once had a bad foot issue and had to wear supportive hiking boots (even when not hiking!!!!) and the doc recommended these.” The sporty kicks also made Cris Hazzard's list of favorites because “they're tough, grippy, and very comfortable.”

According to Dr. Brenner, the key to a good hiking shoe is “a balance of light weight/support/stability, cushion/functionality, stiffness/breathability and durability,” and these On's Cloudrock 2 Waterproof Mid Hiking Boots find that sweet spot, and then some. Their Flex-Lock lacing system guarantees a secure and comfortable fit, while their patented Missiongrip rubber outsoles and built-in shanks provide the stability and grip you need to tackle trails in both wet and dry conditions.

The boots weigh in at less than two pounds, so they won’t drag you down, and they have EVA foam midsoles for added cushioning. Even better; they’re waterproof, so you can wear them in the rain and snow. One shopper raved, “Took these out for the first time today on a tough seven-mile hike. They were very comfortable.”

Gabaccia Moreno recommends these because they’re “not only super stylish but also very comfortable. I've owned three pairs that lasted me several years and hundreds of miles of backpacking, hunting and hiking. These do require a break-in period, but it's worth it because the leather on these is beautiful and comfortable.”

Our Home and Garden Writer, Kristen Granero, is also a fan of Vasque boots because they were super comfortable and provided great traction as she hiked through Yosemite National Park, thanks to cushioning pods in the insoles and Vibram Frontier outsoles.

Employing waterproof leather uppers to protect your feet against all types of weather conditions, Grandviews also boast Gore-Tex Leaf bootie waterproofing to seal out the elements and keep your feet as dry and comfortable as possible. They even have a quick-dry webbing system throughout and a water-repellent finish to repel water and prevent it from seeping through.

Aside from being weatherproof, these have wider toe boxes to give your feet more space, and responsive polyurethane footbeds for extra comfort and cushioning. Bonus: Their patented Vibram Megagrip outsoles will keep you from slipping and sliding on the wettest terrains. “I just hiked about 20 miles up and down muddy/snowy mountains in these and I must say, I am shocked by the comfort,” raved one shopper. “The wide toe is probably the best feature on this boot. It's also warm and definitely waterproof. I'm in love and just bought my boyfriend the same pair.”

Sounds counterintuitive, but while a waterproof shoe will help water from seeping in, a hiking shoe with good ventilation is also essential for keeping your feet dry. “Wearing a well-vented shoe with a wicking sock will dry your feet quicker and means you're not sloshing around with water trapped in your shoes,” Hazzard told Yahoo Style. He added: “My go-to shoe this year has been the Topo Athletic Pursuit. It's roomy, light, grippy, and vents well.”

In addition to ample airing, the hiking shoes also boast a protective bumper toe, a cushioned footbed and midsole and foam padding around the ankle collar and under the tongue to prevent unwanted rubbing and painful blisters. What’s more? They weigh only 11 ounces — that's crazy light!

When Hazzard needs a little extra cushioning for a long day on the trails, he says he reaches for these trail-running Hokas. That's thanks to their Compression Molded EVA midsole. Stinsons also have the brand’s signature Meta-Rocker for extra forefoot support and a TPU-reinforced toe cap for added durability.

The mesh uppers are also moisture-wicking and breathable. “I feel I’m floating on air when I have these on. They’re the most padded, comfy shoes you can wear for long hikes. Very happy with them,” wrote one of Zappos' hundreds of five-star reviewers.

Gabaccia Moreno has been wearing her Quest 4s for over three years now and keeps going back to them because they “perform amazing on trails but also in cross-country environments, and are the most durable boots I've ever owned. They breathe great, though waterproof, and I trust every step I take with them. My favorite thing about them, and why they are my top boots, is that they did not require a break-in period for me at all.”

She’s worn them everywhere from Continental Divide hunting expedition to a trek to the base camp of Sagarmatha (Everest) and said she would do it all again in the same pair of boots. That’s likely thanks to their Gore-Tex waterproofing, Contagrip rubber outsole that provides maximum traction on mixed terrains, and a high-rise design that offers more-than-ample ankle support.

Kenton Matthaei listed these as one of his top picks because they are the “best middle ground between a boot and a trail runner” and provide the support you need for a full day on the trails. The Contagrip outsole has chevron-shaped lugs to help you trek through wet, dry, hard and loose surfaces, while the "mobile wings" help hold your feet in place for extra support.

Also: Their Gore-Tex waterproofing keeps your feet nice and dry and patented SensiFit lacing system lets you find a custom, comfy fit. “Comfortable with great support. Makes the difference for traversing gravel and branches. Ideal for low challenge hiking up to the point you need a boot,” raved one happy customer.

Their dual-density midsoles, Ortholite insoles and Vibram Megagrip outsole are just a few of the reasons these stylish shoes made Matthaei’s list of faves. The breathable mesh upper has drainage ports to let out any water you may have taken on during a storm or while crossing streams. Keaton said they are also gaiter-compatible if you want to clip one on for even more protection from mud and water. (What are gaiters, you ask? These things.)

Besides boasting a roomy toe box, Terraventure 3s also have flexible ESS plates to protect your feet from bruising as you run on top of sharp roots, rocks and other types of debris.

“In the snow, I like Hoka Anacapa Mid GTX Hiking Boots. They feel like trail runners but offer the extra protection I need in cooler temperatures,” Hazzard told Yahoo Style. The boots are made with Leather Working Group Gold–certified waterproof nubuck leather and have been treated to work with PFC-Free water repellency to keep snow, slush and water from seeping in.

Their Vibram Megagrip soles boast 5mm lugs that keep you stable on slick trails, while their extended heel provides stability and an overall smooth ride. Shoppers also say they are great at keeping your feet warm in cooler weather. “These are absolutely perfect! I did an eight-mile strenuous/wet hike in Yosemite National Park, and these were very comfortable — amazing grip, and kept my feet warm the entire time,” wrote one.

Said Moreno of these double winners: “These are less bulky and lighter than other hiking boots I've tried (especially in comparison to the Salomon Quest 4) ... a great in-between bulky boot and hiking shoe from my perspective.”

The durable leather boots have an All Terrain Compound Midsole that features EVA Cushioning Pods for added comfort. They also have Gore-Tex lining to keep your feet dry and a molded rubber toe cap to keep your feet protected from the elements.

While most hiking shoes will help you tackle flat terrains, if you heading to a trail with a lot of ups and downs, you need a pair that offers extra grip or traction, like these babies. Their Quicklace system offers one-pull tightening for a secure fit, while their OrthoLite sockliner and stitch-free upper provide a comfortable ride.

The Contagrip rubber sole grips wet and loose terrains easily and they even have Descent Control Technology to help you with complicated downhills. “I’m in Norway now. Whole day up and down mountains in the rain, and they stayed dry and performed great. They are a little bit wide in the toes, which is good for wiggle room,” wrote one five-star reviewer.

These Hoka boots have a traditional lace-up closure that offers a secure fit, an abrasion-resistant toecap and heel for added protection and an Anatomical Achilles construction with a heel pull tab that makes them super easy to put on and take off. Perhaps best of all, shoppers say the “ankle support is flawless.”

Nicole Snell called the Hoka Kahas her “all-time favorite hiking boots,” adding, “I first tried them in 2019 and fell in love! I put over 800 aggressive miles on that pair before I had to retire them and get a new pair. The Kaha is comfortable and cushioned right out of the box. It feels like you’re hiking on clouds! They are also completely waterproof. I’ve crossed many rivers, streams and puddles with my Kahas and hiked in the rain, and the water just beads off. I’ve never once ended up with wet feet or blisters. They are also rugged and can handle all types of terrain. I’ve hiked around the world with these boots and even summited Mt. Whitney as part of a 50-mile section hike.” We think she likes them!

Our Experts:

The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.

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