Shoes may be the most important piece of gear for hiking or backpacking. They are with us every step of the way, and we are relying on them to be steady and supportive. If we are thinking about shoes while hiking, it is usually because there is a problem. Maybe they don’t fit properly – too tight or too loose? Are they not grippy enough for rock slabs? Are my feet sore from feeling every rock on the trail?

Instead, we want to count on them to provide the right level of support and comfort while getting us where we want to go. Finding the right shoes for hiking can be a real challenge, but it’s worth it to have shoes that we can rely on for every hike.

Best Long Distance Backpacking and Thru-Hiking Shoes

Many backpackers find that trail running shoes are a good and lightweight choice for hitting the trails day after day. For years, one of the most popular in this category has been the Altra Lone Peak ($145). With its natural foot shape, which gives plenty of room for your toes, as well as a 25mm stack height and zero drop, it is quite a comfortable shoe. It has a rock plate to protect your feet from rough trails, as well as an outsole with lots of grip. The current 9+ version has a Vibram outsole for even more grip.

La Sportiva offers several suitable hiking shoes, including the Bushido III trail running shoe ($160), with a lower stack height for good control and ground feel. Be sure to try these on and make sure the foot shape works for you. Another option from La Sportiva is the Akyra II ($159), a rugged yet breathable shoe with extra grip in muddy and wet conditions.

The Topo Athletic Traverse ($155) is a low drop option (5mm), that has a roomy toebox and 30mm stack height at the heel. There is a rock plate on the forefoot for protection against rugged terrain. One thing to note is that the midfoot can be a bit snug for those like myself with high arches, which makes the eyestay (area around the eyelets & laces) uncomfortable as it is stiffer than some other shoes. As always, you should try them on to see how they might work for you before heading out on a trip.

Another long distance hiking option is the Saucony Peregrine ($150), with a comfortable fit and a rock plate in the forefoot and standard plus wide sizes. The toebox isn’t quite as wide as an Altra shoe, but it is wider than many others on the market. I found it to have a surprisingly cushioned feel with only 28mm stack in the heel and 24mm in the toe.

Summary: Best Long Distance Backpacking and Thru-Hiking Shoes

Altra Lone Peak 9+
La Sportiva Bushido III
La Sportiva Akyra II
Topo Athletic Traverse
Saucony Peregrine 16

Best Waterproof Backpacking and Hiking Shoes

Depending on the time of year, current weather conditions, and specific trails that are to be traversed, sometimes a waterproof hiking shoe is in order. Breathability is a trade-off for the water-proofing, so these shoes are not the best choice for a hot, summer hike on a mostly dry trail. These can be slower to dry after creek crossings and may keep your feet hot. However, in cold and wet conditions, they can preserve heat by keeping snow and rain out, as well as keeping body heat in. They can also be helpful in sandy conditions to keep the sand out.

Water resistance becomes more important in a shoe during the shoulder seasons and when encountering moisture (whether in the form of rain or snow) combined with colder temperatures.

Hoka has a good waterproof option with the Anacapa Low GTX ($180), and some hikers with narrower feet have said these fit them perfectly, while those with wider feet like myself might find them too snug. There is plenty of cushion, while still being a fairly lightweight shoe and has Vibram outsoles and GORE-TEX bootie construction.

The La Sportiva Spire GTX ($219) is another popular choice with a GORE-TEX liner and a breathable upper. These shoes give the support and stability of a hiking boot, along with Vibram outsoles to provide excellent traction. They have an 11mm drop and are a bit heavy compared to other trail shoes (15.5oz per shoe), so these may not work for more ultralight hikers. However, they are very well rated for both breathability and waterproofness.

When hiking on wet or snowy terrain, traction becomes all that much more important. While durability is always appreciated, sticky outsoles are a priority in these conditions (Lone Peak 9+ shown).

Altra has a top choice in this category as well with the Lone Peak 9+ GTX Trail-Running shoes ($180). This shoe has a breathable, waterproof and windproof GORE-TEX Invisible Fit lightweight upper and Vibram Megragrip outsoles. It has the usual perks of an Altra shoe (wider toe box, zero drop, lightweight, etc.), but it is made to keep your feet dry in wet and muddy conditions.

Summary: Best Waterproof Backpacking and Hiking Shoes

Hoka Anacapa Low GTX
La Sportiva Spire GTX
Lone Peak 9+ GTX

Best Maximum Cushion Hiking and Backpacking Shoes

If you’re looking for more of a cushioned ride, shoes with a high stack height will be in order. While opinions are a bit mixed among the staff here at TrailGroove on the benefit of these types of shoes – there will always be the minimal vs. cushioned camps and discussion – if you’ll be hiking on more graded and maintained trails (on difficult terrain, lower stack heights will offer more stability) this category can be worth a look.

Altra provides options in the maximum cushioning category including the Altra Olympus 6 ($185). This shoe’s shape is similar to the Lone Peak, with extra room in the toes, and of course it is zero drop. Unlike the Lone Peak, this shoe has no rock plate and instead provides several more mm of cushion along with a grippy Vibram outsole. These shoes became a favorite of mine while I was healing from an injury and required extra impact absorption, and I continue to wear them from time to time.

In this category, Hoka is well-known for offering a wide array of comfortable shoes with plenty of cushioning that absorbs impact. Their top all-round choice is the Hoka Speedgoat 6 ($155) that has a 40mm stack height as well as Vibram outsoles for extra grip. The upper is made of breathable, lightweight materials.

Topo Athletic offers the Ultraventure ($155), with plenty of cushioning and an Ortholite performance insole. It has a 5mm drop, a roomy toebox, and Vibram outsoles. It manages to stay lightweight (listed at 10.4oz each for Mens size 9), while using a proprietary midsole that claims to be springier than EVA with more rebound.

Summary: Best Maximum Cushion Hiking and Backpacking Shoes

Altra Olympus 6
Hoka Speedgoat 6
Topo Athletic Ultraventure

Best Budget Hiking Footwear Options

While your hiking shoes might not be the best place to save a few dollars, if you’re looking to hit the trail and must do so on a limited budget, take a look at these options for budget-friendly trail shoes.

The ASICS Gel-Excite trail running shoes ($85) have plenty of cushion as well as a rear-foot gel technology that improves impact absorption for longer hikes. They may not be as rugged as other hiking shoes, making them not the best choice for technical terrain, but for daily hikes on easier trails, these shoes could be an affordable choice.

One way to find the right treads for the trail is to watch for closeout deals on popular shoes and previous models, although finding the right size can be a challenge with this strategy.

Another option is the DynaSoft Nitrel line by New Balance, which retails for $80. It is recommended for average foot widths and average arch heights, and has a fairly low heel drop of 6mm. It has an EVA foam insert for extra hiking comfort and is lightweight and versatile. Like the ASICS, the Nitrel shoe does not have the structure for technical trails (e.g. no rock plate), but it could do well for easy trails.

A long-time provider of affordable outdoor gear, Columbia offers several hiking footwear choices including the Crestwood Hiking Shoe. The Crestwood is lightweight and versatile, with the shoe retailing for only $70, and offering a waterproof version and a mid-boot option ($90 and $100, respectively).

Sometimes the trade-off for choosing a lower budget shoe is that you may have less durability. Make sure to also check the REI Co-op Outlet for clearance sales on some of the higher priced shoes, although sizes and styles will be limited.

Summary: Best Budget Hiking Footwear Options

ASICS Gel-Excite 2
New Balance DynaSoft Nitrel v6
Columbia Crestwood Hiking Shoes
REI Co-op Outlet Shoes

Women’s Backpacking and Hiking Shoes

All the shoes listed here are available in both men’s and women’s versions. The features and technology used are generally the same for women’s shoes as they are for the men’s; however, sizing and styles/color options will differ.

In general, the men’s version is created to be slightly wider than the women’s for a similar size. For example, Topo Athletic states that the standard men’s width is an E in the toe box and D in the midfoot/heel area, while the standard women’s width is a D in the toe box and a B in the midfoot/heel area. For women that need a wider width, a men’s shoe in the similar equivalent size may do the trick. Also, men that need a narrower fit particularly in the instep or heel, may wish to try a women’s size to see if it fits more perfectly.

Conclusion

Perhaps nothing is more personal in regards to hiking and backpacking gear than your shoes; everyone’s feet and preferences vary. That said, once you determine the category that works best for you (do you want to take the minimal approach, max cushion, or somewhere in between?) appropriate, well-built, and trail-ready choices do quickly become narrowed.

The best hiking shoes will be the ones that you’re frankly not thinking about as the miles go by. In the end, try out as many shoes as you can – and comfort with acceptable durability is king when it comes to the best hiking and backpacking shoes that will work and be best for your upcoming hikes.

For more on what to look for in general and categorized by hiking season, see our article on how to choose backpacking and hiking footwear. For a full selection of hiking and backpacking shoes check out this page at REI Co-op.