Something happens when you go off the grid. Your mind quiets. Your breath deepens. You feel calm. Energized. Happy. Until you get blisters.
Yeah, clocking miles on uneven ground and scaling mountains isn’t just about being fit. You need some good footwear to carry you through.
How to pick the best hiking shoes: First, examine the water resistance, weight, and durability of your kicks, says Irene Loi, D.P.M., a podiatrist at NYU Langone’s Department of Orthopedic Surgery. “Look for a water resistant or waterproof label, insulation to maintain warmth of the boot if you’re hiking in cold weather, and a lug pattern [the spikes on the bottom of the shoe]—the deeper and wider the lug, the better the grip and stability,” she says.
The midsoles—that layer between the inner and outer soles of the shoe—are important too, says Loi. “Polyurethrene (PU) is firmer and usually fit for backpackers. Ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) is lighter and more cushioned, but also provides good support for the foot.”
Roll your ankles all the damn time? Ramona Brooks, D.P.M., a podiatrist with the American Society of Podiatric Surgeons, says to consider a higher-cut shoe. You should also consider more breathable materials for warmer weather.
Both experts suggest trying on boots at the end of the day when your feet are a little more swollen. Make sure you have about a finger-width amount of space in the toe and bring your orthotics along if you have them.
Of course, it also ultimately comes down to preference. These are the best hiking shoes out there, according to the outdoor gear experts and athletes who know their stuff.
Altra
Altra
amazon.com
$89.90
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Ashleigh McClary, an outdoor gear expert and tester for Backcountry, laces up these sneakers for shorter hikes, sans seriously rocky trails. Weighing less than nine ounces, they’re super light, while still offering a tough outsole.
Hoka
HOKA ONE ONE
amazon.com
$139.99
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You’ll get tons of cushioning in this neutral shoe, another preferred pick from McClary. In addition to the thick yet still light bottom, the lugs make for sturdy steps. To top it off: They come in lots of bright colors.
Mammut
Mammut
us.mammut.com
$99.00
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Erin Smart, a guide with the International Federation of Mountain Guides Associations, likes this shoe for its lightweight construction and trail-running sole (meaning it’s super grippy). You can easily pick up the pace in these, if you’re looking for a speedy ascent.
Merrell
Merrell
merrell.com
$50.00
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Outdoor blogger and hiker Brooke Froelich stands by these boots as the best for days when she’s carrying a heavy pack—or her toddler—up the mountain. They offer solid ankle support, a breathable mesh lining, and an outer layer that keeps water away.
Salomon
Salomon
amazon.com
$139.95
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Get breathability without sacrificing durability with this shoe, one of Backcountry tester and expert Hannah Novit’s go-to’s. It’s more lightweight than an intense hiker, but still provides rugged protection and solid bounce-back for a little pep in your step.
La Sportiva
amazon.com
$184.96
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A favorite of McClary, you never have to worry about your laces coming untied in this boot. You also get GoreTex on the inside and outside, for waterproof protection all over.
LOWA Boots
amazon.com
$140.97
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These will easily become your hiking buddy (they’re McClary-approved), thanks to a construction that wraps around your foot for extra stability, without adding too much weight.
Vioz
Zamberlan
zappos.com
$305.00
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Novit says her must-have for an extra durable, supportive shoe is one made of full-grain leather, like this one (hence the higher price point). It also has big lugs to hold on to any trail, plus a waterproof GoreTex outer layer.
Merrell
zappos.com
$180.00
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It’s not all about appearance in this shoe, though they’re pretty beautiful. Nicole Brown, founder of Women Who Hike, swears by them (she did help with the design!). You get all the good features, including a grippy sole, mesh upper, waterproof materials, and an insole that contours to your foot—all in a lightweight design.
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