Best Hiking Shoes 2023 - Forbes Vetted

Hiking footwear exists on a spectrum: At one end, hiking sandals keep you light and nimble on your feet, and at the opposite end, hiking boots offer unparalleled durability and protection. But right in the center of this spectrum lies hiking shoes that strike a balance between lightweight agility, unbeatable comfort and protection that rivals their bulkier boot counterparts (without the unwanted weight). Sure, even the best hiking shoes sacrifice a bit of ankle support, but the improved comfort and performance is often worth the trade-off.

The Altra Lone Peak 7 offered the most comfort and support for wide feet during testing. Girls Hiking Shoes

Because hiking footwear can make or break your experience, finding the right pair of hiking shoes for you is paramount. Once you lace up a pair that offers optimal comfort and support, you may be able to get by with them throughout the year on every adventure. Below you’ll find our favorite hiking shoes of 2023, from lightweight options that prioritize speed (like the Adidas Terrex Speed Ultra) to versatile models for extended travel (like the Astral TR1 Mesh). If you’ve got questions or concerns, visit our FAQ section below to learn more about your options and what to consider.

Weight: 1.43 pounds (pair) | Materials: Mesh, synthetics, Vibram Megagrip outsole | Closure: Tie laces | Waterproof: Yes

Whether you’re going for a rocky desert hike, a steep mountain climb or a rainy run through the woods, the Hoka Speedgoat 5 GTX shoes have your back. What we love about these hiking shoes is that they offer the perfect blend of interior support and exterior traction that can tackle different terrains. Add in the fact that they’re waterproof, and you have yourself a shoe that can keep you walking on clouds even if you’re walking through puddles. Not only will your feet stay wet during a downpour, but the 5-millimeter lugs are super grippy, so you’re not sliding around wet and sloppy trails. While we’d never recommend taking a brand-new pair of shoes on a multi-day backpacking trip, this pair is well-known for being comfortable right out of the box, so they’re unlikely to give you blisters while you start breaking them in. The shoes are available in men’s and women’s styles, and come in a lighter, non-waterproof version for men and women as well.

Weight: 1.94 pounds (pair) | Materials: Leather, mesh, rubber | Closure: Tie laces | Waterproof: No

Merrell’s Moab 3 is the budget-conscious hiker's dream come true. Built with a combination of pigskin leather and breathable mesh in the upper, it offer the durability adventurers require without breaking the bank. And it’s environmentally conscious, boasting 100% recycled laces, webbing and mesh lining.

But it's not just about eco-friendliness; the Moab 3 means business on the trail. Its lace-up design effectively wards off trail debris, and the protective toe cap adds an extra layer of security that our feet really appreciated while traversing boulder fields.

Merrell’s removable contoured insole, complete with reinforced heel cushioning, provides ample support, making this shoe perfect for extended treks. A molded arch shank offers stability, and a cushioned heel provides a surprising amount of shock absorption and enhanced stability to reduce long-term fatigue. And underfoot, Vibram’s TC5+ rubber sole is a trusted addition, offering superb traction. While we wouldn’t recommend these shoes for technical ascents, they excel at day hikes on regular terrain, and you won’t find a much better option for the price.

Weight: 1.3 pounds (pair) | Materials: Synthetic, rubber, Gore-Tex | Closure: Tie laces | Waterproof: Yes

They say there’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad gear. A few sprinkles can add a bit of ambiance to a short and easy hike, but when it comes to a long, cold and muddy trek, a downpour can be miserable in the wrong footwear. Fortunately, the Salomon Outpulse is a low hiking shoe with a waterproof Gore-Tex membrane that actually protects your feet from the rain while also maintaining breathability. In addition to the treated upper that shields your toes from the elements, a sticky rubber outsole provides grip in the wet, muddy conditions that can cause chaos in the wrong footwear.

Salomon’s Fuze Surge foam delivers cushioning and energy return to every step while a full rubber toe cap protects against roots and rocks. Note that while this shoe isn’t specifically designed for narrow feet, several customers note that the heel is abit narrow, which could be a huge bonus if that’s the shape of your foot. Find the Outpulse GTX for men and women in various colors.

Weight: 1.15 pounds (pair) | Materials: Mesh, nylon | Closure: Tie laces | Waterproof: No

Many so-called “wide” shoes come in wider widths for your midfoot, but they still have narrow toe boxes that feel a bit cramped. Altra solves this problem dutifully with the Lone Peak 7—we can’t get enough of this shoe. In fact, the Lone Peak series is so comfortable that it’s become my personal favorite hiking, walking, travel and everyday-wear shoe for years. Altra is best known for two things: building wide toe boxes and offering zero drop. Officially, their signature wide toe box and Balanced Cushioning platform promote stability, alignment and better form, particularly on uneven terrain. Unofficially, it’s just plain comfortable to let my toes splay out the same way they do when I’m barefoot, instead of cramming them into a narrow toe box. I’ve also found it helps with my balance better when moving quicker.

Thee shoe’s zero-drop design (which means there’s no height difference between the front and back of the shoe) promotes striking about the midfoot, though there is sufficient cushion in the heel if that’s where your foot normally strikes the ground. The shoe comes in their “original” footshape, which is the widest shoe Altra offers, and it’s available for men and women.

Weight: 1.3 pounds (pair) | Materials: Rubber, EVA foam | Closure: Tie laces | Waterproof: No

What makes the Astral TR1 shoes stand out from other hiking shoes on this list is their appearance—they don’t exactly look like hiking shoes, which makes it easier to sport them across activities, including those beyond the trail. Many customers report not only using them for hiking, but also for everything from walking the dog and going out to dinner to wearing them at the office. That versatility makes the TR1 a capable travel hiking shoe that’s well-suited for different scenarios.

Most people don’t have a ton of space in their luggage to pack multiple footwear options for different activities, which makes a pair of shoes that can pull double duty all the more valuable. The Astral TR1 Mesh shoes are sleek and attractive, but their grippy outsoles, ventilated design and wide toe box make them sturdy and comfortable enough for any outdoorsy activities you may add to your travel itinerary. Add in the fact that they drain water and dry quickly, and you have yourself a hiking shoe that works across various climates. Find them in men’s and women’s versions.

Weight: 1.08 pounds (pair) | Materials: Rubber, EVA, PU, mesh | Closure: Tie laces | Waterproof: No

At just over half a pound per shoe (and even less for the women’s version), the Adidas Terrex Speed Ultra shoes are an incredibly light pair of kicks that won’t hold you back during long hikes or runs. Adidas uses two materials in the midsole: EVA, which keeps the form factor light and airy, and PU, which provides a durable spring that will last longer than a pure EVA construction. The mesh upper adds little weight to the shoe and ensures they’re ultra-breathable. Keep in mind that while these shoes are great for warm weather and dry hikes, they wouldn’t afford a ton of protection about the top of your foot during very cold or rainy treks. That said, they dry quickly, and the grippy rubber sole is lugged, so though the top of your feet may get wet, the bottoms are built to withstand the elements. One of my good friends (and unofficial hiking mentors) wears the mid-rise, waterproof version of these shoes and says they’re her absolute favorite for hiking.

As hardcore hikers, backpackers and trail runners, we understand the importance of strong and sturdy kicks that work across a variety of conditions. When it came to choosing the best hiking shoes, our team of dedicated staffers and experienced freelancers took to the trails to test out these hiking shoes. When first-person testing wasn't feasible, we spoke with friends and industry experts that have decades of experience under the belts to better understand which shoes are better than others and why. We also took a deep dive into the specs and poured over hundreds of online reviews to ensure that our recommendations are backed by real-world insights, expertise and experience. If and when we find better hiking shoes than what’s recommended here, you’ll be the first to know. We frequently update this story to ensure accuracy; it was last updated in September, 2023.

Running shoes are not normally recommended for hiking as they lack the necessary support, durability and protection needed for dynamic terrain. Hiking involves unfavorable elements, irritating debris and exposure to rocks and roots that running shoes aren't designed to handle. With that said, hiking shoes can be just as supportive as running shoes, but they provide better ankle support, all-around protection and traction, making them a safer and more comfortable choice for hiking adventures.

Yes, there is a difference between hiking shoes and hiking boots. Hiking shoes are typically lighter, lower-cut and offer more flexibility and breathability, while hiking boots are taller, provide better ankle support and offer more durability and protection, particularly on rugged terrain. The choice between them depends on the type of hiking you do as well as your personal preferences.

I'm a senior editor at Forbes covering venture capital and startups, especially in cloud and AI, out of New York. I edit the Midas List and Under 30 for VC, and created the Midas List Europe and Cloud 100 lists. I've written more than a dozen cover stories on business leaders including Marc Benioff, Patrick Collison and Melanie Perkins. Previously, I worked at Fortune and WNYC, and studied medieval history and archaeology at Harvard University. Follow me on Twitter, Instagram and Threads: @alexrkonrad. Email me: akonrad@forbes.com.

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