11 Best Hiking Shoes, According to Outdoor Gear Editors

Most decent hiking shoes are priced north of $150. Newcomer Nortiv 8 isn’t quite a household name, but it’s already setting the standard for what’s possible in a sub-$100 hiker. The no-frills DualStride Armadillo FieldLite is all business (available in just three rather bland colorways), but it more than makes up for its lack of flair with legit trail-ready function. It’s comfortable straight out of the box with a minimal break-in period (even in wide sizes), and the brand’s proprietary cushioning system balances impact absorption with a stable base for reliable trekking. Most notable, though, is the legit breathable waterproofing—a pleasant surprise in any budget hiker.

The latest addition to Adidas’ Terrex line, the Freehiker 3 Low GTX, is a comfort-first hiking sneaker. Powerful and propulsive, tough without being overly bulky, this hiker proved proficient in just about every outing. It’s a dynamic hiking shoe that effortlessly takes to the trail or pretty much anything else you throw its way. The fit is ideal, the grip is mountain goat–esque, and the comfort level is high. Our only gripe is the slightly above median price for this category, but that’s thanks largely to the Adidas branding. Once you get past the initial lace-up and take in the high-functioning and versatile nature of this shoe, we think it’s worth the premium spend and is an admirable addition to the iconic Terrex Freehiker line.

Read More: Our Review of the Adidas Terrex Freehiker 3

Danner hits another home run this year with the MTN45 Low. This understated hiker offers a versatile design with low-key, street-friendly good looks but the DNA of a real hiking shoe. The nitrogen-infused EnduroFoam Plus midsole is soft yet supportive while being lightweight and springy for maximum comfort and energy return. A TPU mudguard and built-in rock plate help protect your foot and the shoe itself. Our only two issues are the heavier-than-average build (at more than a pound per shoe) and the premium price tag thanks entirely to the legendary Danner name. That price does, however, get you a 365-day warranty and a completely resolable/recraftable design that’s likely to save you money in the long run.

If you prefer the featherweight feel of a trail runner, even while hiking, Nike’s latest ACG Zegama Trail is your man. At 11.8 ounces per shoe, it’s crazy light for a hiking shoe, making it perfect for rapid summit assaults and fast-packing day hikes. Senior Gear and Reviews Editor recently wore the Zegama on a day hike in Muir Woods to much success: “It’s light enough to still push your pace in, but the new foot geometry gives it an incredibly stable base that makes good for hiking speeds on any terrain.”

The ZoomX midsole balances comfort and stability and combines perfectly with a Vibram Megagrip outsole with traction lugs for true hiking shoe grip. The upper remains just as lightweight and durable as its predecessor, while an updated stretchy ankle cuff works to keep out dirt and other trail debris.

Read More: Best Trail Running Shoes

It's billed as Merrell's most tech-forward hiking shoe ever, and, after testing many of its models over the last decade, I have to agree. The upper blends nubuck leather with synthetics for maximum waterproofing, even in extremely wet conditions. For a fairly beefy and supportive shoe, it feels surprisingly light on the foot despite its nearly 15-ounce weight. I found it to be the brand's most comfy hiking shoe I've ever personally tested.

The Vibram TC5+ outsole is insanely grippy, as I found in the slippery, sloppy slush that makes up most of the trails in New Hampshire's White Mountains this time of year. (For a bit more foot protection and ankle support, opt for the taller Mid model.)

Helly Hansen built its brand on extreme wet-weather apparel, and that DNA is evident in the new-for-2026 AWE Hiker. It boasts proprietary Helly Tech waterproofing that holds its own against most of its “true” Gore-Tex competitors while also allowing HH to maintain a more budget-friendly price. Helly’s own Fast Foam midsole and Trail Grip rubber outsole provide solid comfort and stability with the tackiness to keep you surefooted on the gnarliest terrain. The heavy use of recycled materials throughout also makes this more eco-friendly than most hikers at this price point.

Brower wore the Mid Boot version of these hiking in Norway earlier this year. On one particular hike, it rained the whole time and there was a little bit of waterfall exploring—yet his feet stayed dry the entire day.

The new-for-2026 Ribelle Cross 2 GTX is a lightweight hiking shoe that pulls heavy inspiration from Scarpa’s own trail runners. The technical hybrid design blends the agility of a trail runner with the ruggedness of a low-cut hiker. The chassis is stiff and stable for fast summit assaults with built-in support for longer hikes when speed counts. I especially love the use of Gore-Tex ePE in the latest version, providing the most eco-friendly waterproofing on the market. This is easily a $200-plus hiker for less than $200. My one beef? It’s only available in the black/olive colorway shown here.

This one from Salomon is surprisingly light at 13 ounces per shoe despite its ultra-techy, tank-like build. The proprietary Matryx upper combines Kevlar and technical yarn, making it durable and highly abrasion-resistant to protect both the shoe and your feet. A molded insert embedded in the sole guarantees extra support while allowing for flexibility, too.

I especially love the finishing touches, like a minimalist lacing system with one-pull tightening and a soft breathable liner that helps your feet shed sweat and heat on the trail. It all rides on an all-terrain Contragrip outsole with chunky lugs for serious traction in any terrain.

Hoka brings its considerable trail running footwear design chops to bear on its best-selling Anacapa 2—this time with a focus on premium, ethically sourced, environmentally friendly materials throughout. This ankle-height hiking shoe boasts a Nubuck leather upper paired with Gore-Tex Invisible Fit for a fully waterproof design.

And get this: The sugarcane EVA midsole is purpose-built to offer more neutral stability and balanced cushioning than most hiking shoes. Translation: Compared to the other models we recommend, this is the closest thing to a road shoe. The only downside? The low-cut silhouette offers less ankle support than other hiking shoes we’ve tested.

Read More: Best Hiking Sandals