We walked miles to test the best hiking shoes 2025

Not so long ago, it was taken as gospel that every hiker needed a big pair of solid, chunky hiking boot to help them stomp over any terrain. Things have changed a little in recent years, however, with some people starting to move towards a lighter, nimbler approach to footwear and choosing hiking shoes, walking shoes or trail running shoes instead.

Main image: Trail runners for the win | Credit: Peter Macfarlane

While a pair of hiking boots can come in at as much as a 35 ounces or a kilogram in weight, hiking shoes can come in as light as 14 ounces or 400g. Over the course of a day, especially if you’re carrying a heavy backpacking pack or covering a big distance with ascent thrown in too, that weight saving can make a real difference to your energy levels.

These days, it’s possible to find hiking shoes that will offer many of the benefits that hiking boots bring too. Many options have just as much grip, waterproofing and protection. But the trade-off to consider, however, is that hiking shoes don’t provide as much ankle support as some hiking boots and that support can be important if you’re hiking with a heavy backpack. The same goes for if you’re hiking over very uneven or boggy terrain.

If you’re wondering whether you should buy hiking boots or hiking shoes, you should make a decision based on your own requirements and the types of trips you’ll be needing the footwear for. If you’re taking on some rocky alpine climbs, for instance, then you might be better off with some footwear that’ll provide some ankle support, whereas if you’re heading off into a hot area to take on some well-defined trails, you’ll more than likely benefit from something low cut and light that’ll let your feet breathe.

Most hikers will have a pair of hiking boots and a pair of hiking shoes and will wear the pair that suits hike they’re taking on. When I hiked the Cambrian Way a few years ago, for example, I decided to wear a pair of Danner boots as I knew that I’d be facing bogs, boulders and scree slopes but when I walked the Camino de Santiago through Spain during a hot summer, I wore a breathable pair of trail shoes.

Our pick of the best hiking shoes

In this article you’ll find our selection of the best hiking shoes – from trail runners to approach shoes – we’ve tested. We’ve also added some budget hiking shoes into the mix here.

Quick List
Best approach shoe: Scarpa Rapid XT (available from Cotswold Outdoor)
Best value: Altra Lone Peak 9+ (available from Altra)
Lightest in test: Salomon Genesis Gore-Tex (available from Salomon)

Scarpa Rapid XT WMN

Quick specs
Price: $179 / £165 (available from Cotswold Outdoor) Weight: 684g pair, UK5.5 Material: Water- resistant suede upper with TPU rand Features: Vibram MegaGrip sole, Dynamic Protection System in forefoot, EVA midsole Waterproof?: No (but with a Gore-Tex version available) Sizes: EU37 – 42 Men’s version: yes scarpa.co.uk

The Rapid XT are a non-waterproof option (there is a Rapid XT GTX with Gore-Tex membrane) and are classed as an approach shoe, making them ideal for rough walk-ins on scrambles and climbs, but also aimed at hiking and trail use. A sturdily built 1.8mm suede leather upper is paired with a generous, tough and protective rand that stretches around the whole shoe. The asymmetric toe shape combines well with a generous (but not over-wide) forefoot fit, to give the foot plenty of space to spread into a natural shape, giving maximum contact area with the terrain.

The Vibram Megagrip outsole features a forefoot zone specifically designed for superior grip on rocky surfaces. This functions well in partnership with the shape of the shoe and its good levels of lateral stability to give the wearer confidence on all sorts of ground, even more technical scrambly sections. It copes well with wet surfaces, as well as looser gravel and mud. It’s a reasonably stiff shoe in wear, thanks to a TPU insert in the medial area, and yet far from rigid, still giving a comfortable and accommodating ride for hours with no impact on a natural walking gait. Thanks to the shape and secure fit, I had no concerns at all about wearing them straight out, untried, on an 8-mile, hilly hike and they continue to perform reliably and with no dramas.

Read more: Lara’s full Scarpa Rapid XT WMN review

Altra Lone Peak 9+

Quick specs
Price: $155 / £130 (available from Altra) Weight: 670g pair, UK9 Materials: Vibram Mega grip outsole, EGO midsole, No-sew overlays, 100% RPET ripstop mesh upper Features: low heel-to-toe drop, original foot shape fit, gaiter clips Waterproof: No Sizes: UK 6 to 15 (half size 6. To 11.5) Women’s version: yes www.altrarunning.eu

The Altra Lone Peak 9+ shoes are the lightest shoes in my test group and the one most likely to be described as a runner’s shoe, but for me the comfort and performance make them compatible with any outdoor activity. The heel curves up slightly but is aggressively lugged so there is good traction downhill if you dig your heels in. The midsole is lower profile than the last Altras I reviewed which engenders a more connected groundfeel, while the cushioning is still excellent. There is plenty flex at the toe but it’s not overly soft, and with good stiffness under the heel it’s a combination I’ve found to be dexterous and nimble. It’s as lively as softer and lighter shoes, but less tiring over a long day.

The fit is very individual to Altra with a very wide forefoot that can feel unusual if you haven’t worn this style before. There is room for your toes to spread wide, which has two noticeable benefits – your toes move naturally as you walk, and after a long day with hot swollen feet, there is no additional discomfort. The Lone Peaks are an excellent shoe and currently my first choice of footwear. There might be some initial acclimatisation to the unusual fit and softer flex compared to boots but the intuitive feel and long-term performance I think are worth it.

Read more: Peter’s full Altra Lone Peak 9+ review

Meindl Lite Trail GTX

Quick specs
Price: no US shipping / £177.50 (available from Cotswold Outdoor) Weight: 724g pair, UK5.5 Material: Suede and fabric upper Features: Air-Active footbed, Meindl Lite-Trail outsole, EVA shock absorber Waterproof? Goretex liner Men’s version: yes meindl.co.uk

Made from rugged suede and mesh fabric, along with an Active-Air footbed, these are designed to be particularly useful in the warmer months, maximising airflow and minimising moisture build-up. They do still employ the weatherproofing capabilities of a Gore-Tex membrane, making them a good choice for most British walking conditions between March and November.

The level of stiffness and stability of these is spot-on for long-wear comfort over even quite rugged terrain, again much more so than Meindl’s ‘Leisure Grade A’ might suggest, and they’re easily up to the job of a bit of load-carrying too. The soles decently grippy, although the shape of the lugs does make them better suited to established trails rather than mud-fest or rock-hopping adventures. The relatively slimline round laces which finish about half-way up the front of the shoe do make it a bit tricky to create a truly secure fit that prevents any movement at the rear of the shoe, which also limits their technical use a little, but they remain comfortable in wear, and secure enough for all but the most uneven ground.

Read more: Lara’s full Meindl Lite Trail Lady GTX review

Oboz Sypes Mid Leather Waterproof

Quick specs
Price: $165 / £165 (available from Zappos) Weight: 934g pair, UK9 Materials: Waterproof nubuck leather, 100% Recycled Polyester Laces, 100% Recycled Polyester Webbing. Features: Trail Tread outsole, Bend midsole, O Fit insole Waterproof? B-Dry liner Sizes: UK 6 to 12 inc half sizes from 6.5 to 10.5 Woman’s version? Yes obozfootwear.com

The Oboz Sypes Mid Leather Waterproof is a slightly higher version of the Low, and therefore an interesting comparison with the other shoes in this test. It has a nubuck leather upper leather upper with synthetic heel reinforcement and a thick plastic toe bumper where is also a double layer of nubuck. The outsole has quite aggressive lugs which grip well in most conditions although they do tend to slip a little on steep or wet ground (I have worked around this with more sideways foot placements on steeper downhills).

The laces run through simple punched holes in the nubuck, and while the leather has stretched a little there are no worrying signs of wear. At the cuff the laces run through 2 metal hooks, which is where the more boot-like feel comes from. This higher ankle cuff consists almost entirely of padding and mesh and does not inhibit ankle movement, which means the Mid feels very similar to a low-cut trail shoe.

Read more: Peter’s full Oboz Sypes Mid leather review

Mammut Alnasca Knit III Low GTX Women

Quick specs
Price: $229 / £180 (available from Mammut) Weight: 670g pair, UK5.5 Material: Knitted textile upper with protective rand Features: Vibram Megagrip sole, elastic knitted sock construction, anatomically shaped footbed Waterproof? Gore-Tex membrane Sizes: UK3.5-8.5 Men’s Version? Yes www.mammut.com

They are the lightest hiking shoes in my test, yet still manage to feature a stiff, supportive fit with an aggressively lugged Vibram Megagrip sole, thanks to a lightweight but rugged knitted fabric upper – protected by a broad toe rand. Ortholite insoles add underfoot support and comfort. This shoe is designed to wrap securely around the foot thanks to the way the knitted sock chassis interacts with the lacing. However, I did find the very narrow gauge round laces tricky to tighten and they finish further down the shoe than ideal for a truly snug fit around the upper foot. I also found the fit to be unusual, being narrow at the forefoot and yet roomy (for me) at the heels.

These are the most expensive shoes on test, but provided the fit suits your foot shape, the build quality and performance make them a sound investment if you are looking for a shoe for more challenging trail and mountain adventures.

Read more: Lara’s full Mammut Alnasca Knit III Low GTX Women review

Salomon Genesis

Quick specs
Price: $170 / £160 (available from Salomon) Weight: 526g pair, UK5.5 Material: Synthetic and textile upper Features: Quicklace system, All Terrain Contagrip outsole, EVA midsole, EndoFit internal sleeve for improved fit Waterproof? Gore-Tex membrane Sizes: UK3.5-9.5 Men’s Version? Yes www.salomon.com

Designed as a technical trail running shoe, the Salomon Genesis Gore-Tex shoes are also well-suited to those looking for footwear for faster paced hikes and active runs. Ultra lightweight and very flexible, they have a shape, build and features aimed at enabling rapid and comfortable progress whatever the terrain. A tough reinforced fabric upper with a protective toe rand is backed up by a Gore-Tex membrane for weatherproof protection.

The Quicklace system cinches the fit in to firmly envelope the foot and finishes nice and high up on the forefoot to make it more secure. Those with low volume feet though may find they have a lot of lace left over to tuck into the handy pocket on the tongue. For runs, it helps prevent fatigue, thanks to the rebound, and for fast hikes it injects fun and bounce. The flexibility of the shoe means it’s best suited to those confident in their movement on more challenging terrain, or else kept to well-established trails and paths.

Read more: Lara’s full Salomon Genesis Gore-Tex review

Salomon X Ultra 360

Quick specs
Price: $145 / £140 (available from Salomon) Weight: 804g pair, UK9 Materials: Nubuck leather and synthetic upper, EVA Midsole, GORE-TEX waterproof liner Features: Contagrip outsole with Advanced Chassis insert, Quicklace lacing, toe bumper, recycled material content Waterproof? Gore-Tex liner Sizes: UK 6.5 to 13.5 inc half sizes Women’s version? Yes salomon.com

The Salomon X Ultra 360 leather Gore-Tex shoe is a slightly chunkier offering from Salomon, but one which feels nicely hill-walking specific to me. The uppers are mostly synthetic with large suede overlays and a synthetic rand, and the toe has a large, stiff synthetic bumper. The outsole is aggressive with deep cut lugs, although the heel tapers off with tightly spaced lugs which means that while in most conditions grip is excellent, on steep or wet descents, the heels can slip away (meaning I opt for more sideways foot placements when descending).

The Ultras are Gore-Tex lined and a reasonably high ankle cuff helps keep water ingress to a minimum until you are bog hopping. The flex is very good at the toe for easy walking, and firm at the heel area. The draw cord lacing is excellent with good padding in the tongue underneath, and I’ve had no issues with lace pressure. Once tightened, the laces tuck into a little pocket in the tongue to keep them clean and stop any snagging. The suede outer may give these an approach, or casual outdoor shoe look, but in use the Ultras feel like a tough running shoe.

Read more: Peter’s full Salomon X Ultra 360 review

La Sportiva Akyra II GTX

Quick specs
Price: $168.95 / £160 (available from Nevis Sport) Weight: 822g pair UK9 Materials: recycled polyester upper, recycled laces Features: Injection moulded EVA midsole, Dual Compound Frixion XT Red outsole, KPU 3D Grid 3 layer upper Waterproof? PFC free Gore-tex liner Sizes: UK 5.5 to 14 inc half sizes Woman’s version? Yes lasportiva.com

The La Sportiva Akyra II GTX are nimble, flexible shoes with trail running roots but mountain hiking features. They have a very close fit – I would choose to go up a half or full size if I was wearing them in cooler weather with thicker socks. The upper is synthetic mesh and is overlaid with a plastic exoskeleton which protects the mesh fabric from abrasion. The upper also has a Gore-Tex waterproof lining which works as expected with a slightly higher ankle cuff keeping most water out. The outsole is aggressively lugged and grips well in dry, soft and wet conditions, but does lose traction on hard wet surfaces, and on my local wet clay.

Lacing is through a mix of slots through the plastic upper and via webbing loops and this works well, but has to be kept clean to keep it running smoothly. The tongue although only lightly padded has a tougher material on its outer surface which combines to eliminate lace pressure, even with the thin socks I used with these shoes. A good, if pricey choice for a trail runner with mountain capability, but do check the fit first, as they are low volume shoes.

Read more: Peter’s full La Sportiva Akyra II GTX review

Keen Zionic WP

Quick specs
Price: $102 / £150 (available from Keen) Weight: 626g pair, UK6 Material: Ripstop mesh upper Features: High rebound foam cushioning, PFC free water repellency, 4mm lugged outsole Waterproof?: KEEN.DRY membrane Sizes: UK2.5-9.5 Men’s Version? Yes www.keenfootwear.co.uk

Looking distinctly more sports trainer-like than many hiking shoes, these textile-based shoes – the Keen Zionic WP – are very lightweight, yet have numerous features that make them well-suited to hill walks and hikes. The mesh fabric uppers are reinforced with an overlay vinyl print while Keen’s own waterproof membrane makes sure that despite their breathable and ventilating appearance, they do offer decent levels of water-resistance in the face of unexpected (or expected!) puddle-jumping.

The fit is on the generous side at the forefoot and those with wide feet will appreciate the extra space, although these aren’t as broad as some Keen models. There’s plenty of space throughout the shoe, but the lacing system does make it straightforward to secure the foot within. Thanks to the waterproof membrane and the water repellent treatment on the uppers, there’s pretty good protection from rain and wet mud, but in mid-term use, the fabric does tend to show signs of wear where it creases and the outsole tread also wears quite quickly too.

Read more: Lara’s full Keen Zionic WP review

Salewa Mountain Trainer Lite GORE-TEX

Quick specs
Price: no US shipping / £175 (available from Salewa) Materials: synthetic (no other information available) Features: Pomoca Outsole, 3F system upper with Kevlar Cables, armoured mesh, protective TPU rand, rubber toe rand Waterproof? Gore-tex liner Sizes: UK 6.5 to 14 inc half sizes to 12.5 Women version? Yes salewa.com

With the Salewa Mountain Trainer Lite GORE-TEX, the brand has based the shoe on a hybrid between a rock and an approach shoe. But there is enough flex for comfortable walking but the sole is more rigid than others in my test. There’s a robust upper which includes Kevlar fibres and rubber randing, but also a very firm toe box. The lacing goes down to the toe to tune the fit, which ensures a very nimble and connected feel at the forefoot. The outsole is excellent with a very aggressive lug pattern which grips across all conditions outside of hard wet surfaces and the wet clay I regularly encounter on my local trails.

The Salewa’s have a Gore-Tex lining, which has been handy for those wet trails. However, water coming in at the ankle is more of a problem with the Mountain Lite, accentuated by the very low-cut ankle cuff. That low ankle height plus a soft construction and a slightly wide heel cup also meant the Mountain Lite’s were not the best fit for my feet. I tuned the fit by removing the lightly padded insole, which allowed more volume in the heel to let me to get the miles in for this test, but it was a compromise. Otherwise, the shoe is very comfortable with light padding all round and a padded tongue which remains comfortable under the rock-shoe style lacing.

Read more: Peter’s full Salewa Mountain Trainer Lite GORE-TEX review

How we test hiking shoes

Lara Dunn usually takes a size UK5.5/6 or EU38.5/39 depending on fit/shape/purpose of footwear. She does find that heel lift can often be a problem due to particularly narrow heels. These shoes were mostly tested on short and longer day walks in the Malvern Hills during an unusually wet autumn and winter, with additional forays to the Brecon Beacons and Black Mountains, with and without a rucksack.

Peter Macfarlane walked Munros and ran his local trails in the Kilpatrick Hills for this test and is a long term fan of trail shoes for general outdoor use. He is a UK9, has a narrow heel and wide forefoot, and the weights are taken from his own digital scales.

Alex Roddie tested his hiking shoes on a series of day hikes and overnight backpacking trips in the Cairngorms and West Highlands. All weights are as measured on Alex’s digital scale (size UK 11).

How to choose a pair of hiking shoes

Hiking shoes actually come in a surprising amount of forms. There are out-and-out hiking shoes, approach shoes and then there are also trail running shoes. What’s the difference between trail shoes and hiking shoes? Which type of hiking shoes is best for you? That all depends on your preferences and needs. Let’s break down each category.

Hiking shoes

Imagine a hiking boot that has had the ankle cut off the top. That’s basically what an out-and-out hiking shoe is. It’ll have a grippy outsole, a slightly stiff but still slightly flexible sole, plenty of cushioning and usually a plate in the sole to block out things like protruding roots. Hiking shoes tend to have a tougher build than trail running shoes, with increased use of leather and durable nylons as opposed to mesh. The weight for a standard pair of hiking shoes will usually be around 1kg or just under 2 lb.

Approach shoes

An approach shoe is a versatile and hardy type of outdoor footwear that’s specifically designed to bridge the gap between hiking boots and climbing shoes. They’re usually made from materials like leather or synthetics and have grippy outsoles for traction on various surfaces. You’ll also often find them with a climbing zone on the sole for tackling mild climbing sections. With features like toe protection, cushioned midsoles, and a customizable lacing system, approach shoes offer a balance of comfort and support for both hiking and scrambling.

Generally, approach shoes will be comfortable for short to medium distance hikes but might be a little restrictive on long hikes – particularly multi-day stuff.

Trail running shoes

Hikers often opt for trail running shoes for several reasons. Firstly, trail running shoes offer a balance between lightweight comfort and durability, which is beneficial for covering long distances and varied terrain. Their design emphasizes agility and flexibility, allowing hikers to navigate uneven surfaces with ease. Additionally, the grippy outsoles of trail running shoes provide reliable traction on different trail conditions, enhancing stability and preventing slips. The breathable construction of these shoes helps keep feet cool during strenuous hikes and they’re often designed for fast drainage, so if your feet get wet, they won’t stay wet for long.

Waterproof or non-waterproof?

The choice between hiking shoes that are lined or unlined depends on a few things. First of all, I’d say that the climate and terrain that you’ll mainly be hiking in should dictate your choice. If you’re likely to be wearing the shoes in some wet conditions on a regular basis, you might want to opt for waterproof shoes. If you’ll mainly be hiking in hot and dry conditions, then your priority should be ventilation – and non waterproof shoes will suit you better in that case.

There’s another school of thought, however and that’s that non waterproof shoes are better, whatever the weather. Those who choose this approach would argue that hiking shoes are always going to let in some moisture when it rains (at the ankle), and it’s better to have shoes that can let that water out. These people will therefore favour hiking shoes that have good drainage and that can dry out quickly once the conditions improve.

For me, if I know I’m going to be hiking in wet weather for hours on end then I’ll favour the unlined, non waterproof approach. That’s because I’ve had long hikes where my waterproof shoes have basically turned into bath tubs for my feet and caused what could be diagnosed as trench foot! I’ll wear waterproof hiking shoes on days where I know there might be a bit of rain – but not too much – and I’ll want something to keep moisture from puddles and wet grass out. Then, of course, when it’s super hot and dry, I’ll always favour non-waterproof shoes just to keep my feet nice and ventilated.

Features to look for in hiking shoes

Comfort and fit

Although shoes tend to be more forgiving than boots, comfort is key in all footwear. Fit varies between brands, as different lasts are used. If you can, try footwear on before buying – and take your new shoes on a few easy walks before committing to a big hill day. A snug fit often feels more precise for scrambling. Look for the ability to adjust fit via the laces.

Cushioning

Most hiking shoes have more cushioning than lightweight running shoes, but may have less than boots. More cushioning generally results in more comfort but less precision on technical ground.

Stiffness and support

Although your own ankle strength is more important than a shoe’s ankle support, a stiffer midsole and a shoe offering more torsional support may feel more secure on rough, technical terrain – and may feel more forgiving if you’re used to traditional boots.

Durability

Hiking shoes are not as expensive as boots, but can be less durable. For better durability, look for thicker soles and uppers made from more durable materials, such as leather (natural or synthetic). Mesh uppers are less durable. A thick rubber rand can help protect the uppers.

Sole

Grip is just as important in hiking shoes as boots. Look for deep, well-spaced lugs. A positive edge to the sole will improve scrambling performance.

Waterproof?

Most hiking shoes have a waterproof/breathable liner. This helps keep feet try, but can also feel stuffy in hotter conditions, and on wet long-distance trails can actually result in wetter feet, as the shoes take longer to dry.

Environmental factors

Some shoes are partly made from recycled materials. However, few shoes can be resoled or completely recycled themselves. A shoe that lasts longer is a more environmentally friendly shoe.