Updated April 26, 2024
Many hikers look for something faster and more comfortable than what heavier, bulkier boots can deliver. Although some support is lost, for a more agile hiking experience, lightweight, low-top hiking shoes are the choice of quite a few casual and seasoned hikers.
Finding shoes that fit the type of hiking you do regarding comfort, stability, and support requires a bit of research. To help in that process some of the best in the range available for different styles of hiking have been selected as an introduction. First, there’s a comparison table, followed by reviews with specs, features, photos, videos, and a buying guide.
If you have any questions or concerns, please use the comments section at the bottom. I’d love to know your thoughts.
For more information on hiking and camping gear, please check out these reviews:
Hiking Boots Portable Showers for Camping Backpacking Water Filters Headlamps Night Vision Binoculars Marine Binoculars Backpacking Stoves Backpacking Tarp Shelters Camping Knives Backpacking Tents Backpacking Backpacks Backpacking Sleeping Pads Camping Beds Portable Toilets Bivy Sacks Camping Hammocks Backpacking Sleeping Bags Ultralight Tents SUV Tents 4 Season Tents Truck Tents 4 Person Tents Beach Tents
Best Hiking Shoes for 2023
- Salomon X Ultra 3 Low GTX
- Salomon Outline Low GTX
- Vasque Breeze LT Low GTX
- Oboz Sawtooth II Low B-Dry
- La Sportiva Spire GTX
- Arc’teryx Aerios FL Low GTX
- Merrell Moab 2 WP
- KEEN Targhee III WP
- HOKA ONE ONE Speedgoat 4 Trail Runner
- The North Face Ultra 109
Best Hiking Shoe Comparison Table
| Picture | Hiking Shoe | Weight Waterproofing | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
  | Salomon X Ultra 3 Low GTX | 1 lb 10.8 oz Gore-Tex | 4.8 | $$ |
  | Salomon Outline Low GTX | 1 lb 8.6 oz GTX | 4.7 | $ |
  | Vasque Breeze LT Low GTX | 1 lb 6 oz Gore-Tex | 4.8 | $$ |
  | Oboz Sawtooth II Low B-Dry | 2 lbs 2.8 oz B-Dry Membrane | 4.6 | $$ |
  | La Sportiva Spire GTX | 1 lb 12.8 oz Gore-Tex | 4.9 | $$$ |
  | Arc'teryx Aerios FL Low GTX | 1 lb 8.4 oz Gore-Tex | 4.6 | $$$ |
  | Merrell Moab 2 WP | 2 lbs 1 oz WP Breathable Membrane | 4.5 | $$ |
  | KEEN Targhee III WP | 1 lb 14.8 oz KEEN.Dry WP Breathable Membrane | 4.6 | $$ |
  | HOKA ONE ONE Speedgoat 4 Trail Runner | 1 lb 5.6 oz None | 4.8 | $$$ |
  | The North Face Ultra 109 | 1 lb 15 oz DryVent membrane | 4.4 | $ |
| Picture | Hiking Shoe | Weight Waterproofing | Rating | Price |
The Solomon X Ultra Mid 3 GTX is a lightweight and durable shoe, and a versatile choice great for anyone who does a lot of trail hiking or light backpacking.
Breathable with strong water resistance, it is comfortable without a break-in period and has a dual-rubber sole with an outsole pattern that provides good traction even in wet conditions.
- Best For: hiking
- Gender: men’s, available in a women’s version
- Weight: 1 lb 10.8 oz
- Waterproofing: Gore-Tex
- Upper: synthetic leather/textile
- Lining: Gore-Tex waterproof breathable membrane
- Midsole: injected EVA
- Outsole: Contagrip rubber
- Other Features: single-pull quick lace system, Ortholite foam and contoured EVA heel cups for better cushioning and heel support, comfortable foam-cushioned chassis, outsole line pattern increases flexibility and reduces fatigue, tongue gussets block out debris, mudguards, and integrated rubber toe caps
- Warranty: 2-year limited
- Rating: 4.8
- Price: $$
Pros: good all-around traction, comfortable out of the box, excellent water resistance, versatile, strong performance on trails, lightweight
Cons: not everyone likes the quick lace system, if water comes over the top, it’s slow to dry out
The Salomon Outline Low GTX hiking shoe is lightweight with a running shoe feel. It has good traction by employing a Contragrip outsole with 5-inch lugs and anti-microbial footbeds to eliminate bacteria that can cause foot odor.
Adding to comfort and functionality there’s a breathable waterproof Gore-Tex lining, an arch shank for stability, and a gusseted tongue (attached at its sides) that keeps irritating debris out.
This combination makes the Salomon Outline GTX a great choice for agile trail-hiking adventures and it comes at a fairly low price.
- Best For: hiking
- Gender: men’s
- Weight: 1 lb 8.6 oz
- Waterproofing: Gore-Tex
- Upper: waterproof textile/synthetic
- Lining: Gore-Tex waterproof breathable membrane
- Midsole: injected EVA
- Outsole: non-marking Contagrip rubber with 5mm deep lugs with reverse chevron pattern
- Other Features: TPU arch shank for stability, removable anti-microbially treated footbeds to combat bacteria and odor and for shock absorption, protective toe caps, gusseted tongues to keep trail debris out
- Warranty: 2-year limited
- Rating: 4.7
- Price: $
Pros: low-priced, lightweight, excellent traction, waterproof, stable
Cons: questionable durability, sizing tends to be narrow
The Vasque Breeze LT Low GTX is an ultra-lightweight, waterproof entry from the Breeze line of hiking shoes.
It has excellent all-weather traction on a variety of surfaces with the Vibram Megagrip outsole. Employing Vibram Litebase technology Vasque is able to cut the outsole weight by 25%.
In the same weight-saving vein, the upper uses highly breathable abrasion-resistant microfiber mesh and a premium Gore-Tex lining to keep you dry.
Adding to the comfort and security is an anatomic, shock-absorbing footbed.
These features are just what you need for long days of hiking or a bit of trail running.
- Best For: hiking, trail running
- Gender: men’s, available in a women’s version
- Weight: 1 lb 6 oz
- Waterproofing: Gore-Tex
- Upper: breathable abrasion-resistant synthetic microfiber/TPU mesh
- Lining: Gore-Tex waterproof breathable membrane
- Midsole: dual-density compression-molded EVA Enduralast
- Outsole: Vibram Megagrip rubber
- Other Features: anatomic high-rebound footbeds, moisture-wicking materials to resist moisture build-up, extra lightweight, gripping outsole
- Warranty: 1-year limited
- Rating: 4.8
- Price: $$
Pros: ultra-lightweight, waterproof, breathable, good shock absorption, good all-around traction
Cons: questionable durability
The Oboz Sawtooth II Low B-Dry shoe is durable and comfortable with a package of features great for all-terrain and long days on the trail.
It has excellent natural water resistance from the Nubuck leather uppers bolstered by a proprietary B-Dry breathable, waterproof membrane.
The proprietary O Fit insole and asymmetrical collars, which can accommodate a range of movement, provide a high level of comfort.
It also has a gripping outsole with side-wall lugs for added traction on hill climbs.
This shoe from Oboz (which is a combination of the words “outside” and “Bozeman,” Montana, with its rugged countryside) is a little heavy but not too unreasonable for one with a leather upper.
- Best For: hiking
- Gender: men’s, available in a women’s version
- Weight: 2 lbs 2.8 oz
- Waterproofing: B-Dry breathable waterproof membrane
- Upper: waterproof Nubuck leather
- Lining: moisture-wicking nylon mesh
- Midsole: dual-density EVA
- Outsole: non-marking carbon rubber
- Other Features: toe overlays protect against abrasions, nylon shanks for stability, O Fit insoles for good fit and feel, heel counters made of abrasion-resistant textile and rubber, comfortable ankle-friendly, asymmetric collars, side-wall lugs for extra grip
- Warranty: 1-year limited
- Rating: 4.6
- Price: $$
Pros: durable, waterproof, moisture-wicking and breathable, comfortable, stable, protective design, versatile gripping all-terrain outsole
Cons: upper won’t leak but absorbs water, heavier than most in this class
The Spire GTX by the Italian manufacturer, La Sportiva, employs concepts and technology they call “Gore-Tex Surround” derived from their mountain running and running categories to create a waterproof, supremely breathable hiking shoe.
The design ranks high for stability while using a flexible Vibram XS Trek rubber outsole that provides good traction on all surfaces and enough support for light backpacking.
Many users have commented on comfort right out of the box with few questions or problems in sizing.
- Best For: hiking, light backpacking
- Gender: men’s, available in a women’s version
- Weight: 1 lb 12.8 oz
- Waterproofing: Gore-Tex
- Upper:abrasion-resistant PU mesh
- Lining: Gore-Tex Surround breathable membrane
- Midsole: compressed EVA with TPU sides
- Outsole: Vibram XS Trek rubber with excellent grip on all surfaces
- Other Features: Ortholite 5mm mountain hiking footbed, Gore-Tex ventilation channels in the footbed and midsole, TechLite toe cap and heel for protection,
- Warranty: ask the seller for details
- Rating: 4.9
- Price: $$$
Pros: fairly durable, comfortable, waterproof, great breathability, good traction on all surfaces
Cons: a little expensive
The Arc’teryx Aerios FL Low GTX is an agile lightweight shoe great for fast and light hikes.
It has a comfortable low-friction design that employs a compressed EVA midsole with an integrated TPU shank for stability and superior water resistance using a Gore-Tex breathable membrane.
The Vibram Megagrip outsoles deliver good traction on a variety of surfaces and toe caps add some protection against stubs.
- Best For: hiking
- Gender: men’s, available in a women’s version
- Weight: 1 lb 8.4 oz
- Waterproofing: Gore-Tex
- Upper: Cordura mesh with TPU film for abrasion-resistance
- Lining: Gore-Tex waterproof breathable membrane
- Midsole: compressed EVA
- Outsole: Vibram Megagrip rubber
- Other Features: toe caps for protection against bumps and stubs, 4mm thick OrthoLite molded insert for added cushioning, streamlined design, integrated TPU shank for stability
- Warranty: ask the seller for details
- Rating: 4.6
- Price: $$$
Pros: lightweight, quality craftsmanship, waterproof, comfortable
Cons: expensive, only moderately durable
The Merrell Moab 2 WP hiking shoe is comfortable and durable with attractive suede styling.
Mesh and a waterproof breathable membrane provide pretty good breathability for a WP shoe.
Stability is enhanced by a nylon shank and further protection against stubbed toes with rubber toe caps.
A deep 5mm lug on the Vibram outsoles delivers excellent traction.
If you are looking for a step higher quality in waterproofing, the shoe is also available in a Gore-Tex version.
- Best For: hiking
- Gender: men’s, available in a women’s version
- Weight: 2 lbs 1 oz
- Waterproofing: waterproof breathable membrane
- Upper: suede leather/mesh
- Lining: mesh
- Midsole: EVA, contoured footbeds
- Outsole: Vibram TC5+ rubber with 5mm lug for grip
- Other Features: molded nylon shanks for stability, air cushion heels absorb shock, bellowed, foam tongues keep debris and moisture out, protective rubber toe-caps
- Warranty: 60-day guarantee
- Rating: 4.5
- Price: $$
Pros: water-resistant, durable, good traction, stylish looks, comfortable, breathable
Cons: some criticism of the water-proofing by users
The KEEN Targhee III WP is a traditional hiking shoe that is a bit of an upgrade from the Targhee II employing better quality more pliable oiled Nubuck leather paired with mesh and a proprietary waterproof breathable membrane for good aeration and water resistance.
The rubber outsole is equipped with 4mm multi-directional lugs for above-average traction.
It well suits wide feet with a roomy toe-box.
A good option for day hiking on easy-to-moderate terrain, there’s a nylon shank for stability, a comfortable removable dual-density EVA footbed, and a rubber mud shield for durability.
- Best For: hiking
- Gender: men’s, available in a women’s version
- Weight: 1lb 14.8 oz
- Waterproofing: Keen Dry waterproof breathable membrane
- Upper: oiled Nubuck leather/mesh
- Lining: breathable mesh
- Midsole: dual-density compression-molded EVA
- Outsole: rubber with 4mm multi-directional lugs
- Other Features: removable dual-density EVA footbed, leather mud shield for durability, natural odor control treatment, TPU heel capture system
- Warranty: 60-day guarantee
- Rating: 4.6
- Price: $$
Pros: water-resistant, durable, good traction, comfortable, good option for wide feet
Cons: a bit roomy for narrow feet
HOKA ONE ONE Speedgoat 4 Trail Runner
The HOKA ONE ONE Speedgoat 4 Trail Runner is an ultralight, comfortable, supportive shoe great for moving quickly over technical trails.
The rugged breathable mesh has 3D printed overlays for enhanced midfoot support, while the thick EVA foam midsole provides a nice cushion, and the wide toe box is accommodating.
The Vibram Megagrip sole has 5mm stepped lugs for added stability, support, and traction on the inclines and declines of rugged trails.
- Best For: hiking, rugged trail running
- Gender: men’s, available in a women’s version
- Weight: 1lb 5.6 oz
- Waterproofing: none
- Upper: synthetic mesh
- Heal to Toe Drop: 4mm
- Midsole: lightweight EVA foam
- Outsole: Vibram Megagrip rubber with zonal rubber and 5mm stepped lugs
- Other Features: gusseted tongues with cutouts for breathability, 3D-printed overlays to enhance midfoot support and lockdown for a secure feel, lacing eye-rows have a winged component for a more secure fit, wider forefoot
- Warranty: 1-year limited
- Rating: 4.8
- Price: $$$
Pros: lightweight, great traction, comfortable, roomy toe box, supportive, maximum cushioning, very protective underside
Cons: roomy toe area may not suit some narrow feet
The North Face Ultra 109 is a versatile shoe suitable for trail running that provides strong support through the midfoot and midsole and has superior Gore-Tex waterproofing.
The mesh side and waterproof membrane are breathable and a shank, Snake Plate under the ball of the foot, and TPU toe cap enhance foot protection against a rugged trail terrain, while UltrATAC rubber soles deliver traction whether wet or dry.
- Best For: trail running
- Gender: men’s, available in a women’s version
- Weight: 1lb 15 oz
- Waterproofing: performance-mesh upper and DryVent membrane
- Upper: PU-coated leather upper midfoot support, synthetic mesh
- Lining: synthetic mesh
- Midsole: compression-molded EVA
- Outsole: UltrATAC rubber
- Other Features: ESS midfoot shank, TPU protective toe cap, rigid Snake Plate under the ball of the foot for added protection
- Warranty: 1-year limited
- Rating: 4.4
- Price: $
Pros: good water resistance, versatile, good traction, affordable pricing, lightweight
Cons: questionable durability
Hiking Shoe Buying Guide
Shoes Versus Boots & Type of Hiking
Why go with low-top hiking shoes as opposed to mid or high-top hiking boots? Boots provide more support and stability for ankles and better overall foot protection that can be especially valuable when carrying a heavy load backpacking over rugged trails. They are heavier and hotter than lighter low-top footwear and if you’re traveling light and looking for a faster pace, perhaps, a low-top hiking shoe will be more mobile, and breathable. The decision of which footwear to choose really depends on the type of hiking you plan to do. Designs are continuously improving such that the trend for today’s low-tops is for more support and stability and at the same time decreasing weight and adding breathability.
Materials & Shoe Components
Upper – This is the top section of the shoe that is connected to the outsole. Several materials can be used in construction including leather, synthetics, or a combination. The materials chosen will impact the weight, durability, waterproofing, and breathability. Leather is durable and often waterproof but has the drawback of being relatively heavy. A variety of synthetics are commonly used because they are lighter in weight and often offer breathability and water resistance.
Midsole – This is the part that is positioned just above the outsole. It absorbs shock and provides cushioning and support. The most commonly used materials are EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) foam or PU (polyurethane). EVA is softer and more cushiony than PU which is usually more durable and stiffer.
Outsole – This is the sole or bottom of the shoe and is most often fabricated from rubber. The heel brake, tread pattern, and type of lugs are key features that will determine the traction and the conditions, terrain, and weather that it can handle effectively.
Internal Support – This refers to the components between the midsole and outsole that add to the structural support. A shank can be used to increase torsional rigidity and stiffness. Otherwise, plates can be employed to act as a barrier against hard objects like rocks or roots to protect against bruises or other injuries.
Insole – This is the layer between your foot and the midsole. The version that comes with the shoe is often basic. Fortunately, it is easily removable and can be replaced with an aftermarket model that has characteristics suitable to your special needs. This can include more or less cushioning, more arch support, or greater volume to fill out the shoe.
Toe Protection – Extra coverage to protect toes from hazards of the trail like rocks and roots is usually included in hiking shoe design in the form of a rubber toe cap or wraparound rubber rand. It can help to avoid stubs and bruises and dangerous tripping and give you the confidence to take a look around and enjoy the beauty of the environment with less worry of a mishap.
Waterproofing
A lot of hikers don’t find waterproofing to be that important for hiking shoes, especially in warmer conditions. If you are planning to go to wet or snowy areas it will probably make a big difference for you to help in keeping your feet dry and in avoiding discomfort, blisters, and other injuries.
Waterproofing can be accomplished with a treated leather upper, which is a more heavyweight option generally to be avoided if you are looking for more agile performance. Otherwise, breathable waterproof liners are a good lightweight option. Gore-Tex is the material with the top reputation for the purpose but there are a number of effective materials also used.
Breathability
The exertion of hiking can generate a significant amount of heat and sweat which can become uncomfortable, so it is important to have breathability in the materials employed. Synthetic materials in the upper and lining and mesh ventilation can all go a long way to create the necessary breathability.
Stability and Support
Hiking shoes don’t have the support for the ankles that the mid and high-tops have inherent to the design. With an emphasis on being lightweight and agile footwear designs are becoming more flexible and less supportive. That said, it is important that support and stability are adequate to prevent injury and provide comfort for the type of hiking you plan to do. Except for the most minimalist designs for trail runners, there are likely to be internal supports or shanks built-in to accomplish this.
For more information on hiking and camping gear, please check out these reviews:
Hiking Boots Portable Showers for Camping Backpacking Water Filters Headlamps Night Vision Binoculars Marine Binoculars Backpacking Stoves Backpacking Tarp Shelters Camping Knives Backpacking Tents Backpacking Backpacks Backpacking Sleeping Pads Camping Beds Portable Toilets Bivy Sacks Camping Hammocks Backpacking Sleeping Bags Ultralight Tents SUV Tents 4 Season Tents Truck Tents 4 Person Tents Beach Tents
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