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Here are our top picks for the best hiking shoes to buy this year. These hiking shoes are ranked based on their features, specifications and pricing.
What are the best hiking shoes?
If you’re in the market for a good pair of hiking shoes, you’re in luck. We’ve compiled a list of the 5 best hiking shoes of 2023. Our ranking is based on factors such as durability, comfort and traction. We’ve also included customer reviews to give you an idea of what others are saying about these shoes. So whether you’re looking for a lightweight pair for day hikes or something more heavy-duty for backpacking trips, we’ve got you covered!
Let’s face it — shoes can make or break your hike.
Whether you’re planning a gruelling backpacking trek or a simple hike in the woods, every hiker needs to invest in a good pair of hiking shoes. They not only provide substantial foot cushioning, but also offer proper support and good traction on steep, slippery or rough terrain.
Unfortunately, not all shoes are created equal. And with dozens of choices on the market today, choosing the right pair can be challenging.
Our 5 favourite Hiking Shoes
Not sure where to start? Here is our rundown of the best hiking shoes to help you go the extra mile (or kilometre)!
What are the best hiking shoes?
Best overall hiking shoes:
The best hiking shoes for overall quality and value for money is the Salomon X Ultra 3 GTX. This shoe is comfortable, lightweight and has great traction for wet or dry conditions.
Best lightweight hiking shoes:
Here are our top picks for the best hiking shoes to buy this year. These hiking shoes are ranked based on their features, specifications and pricing.
Best heavy-duty hiking shoes:
If you’re looking for a heavy-duty hiking shoe, the The North Face Hedgehog Fastpack GTX is our top choice.
Our Recommendation for the Best Hiking Shoes Australia
The Salomon X Ultra tops our list because it combines the best of both worlds — the comfort of a low-top trail running shoe with the support of a high-top hiking boot. It provides great stability and offers superb traction on all surfaces. Despite being light on the soles, it holds up extremely well through extended use.
Key features:
- Multi-directional grip for improved traction
- Gore-Tex waterproof liners
- Injection-moulded EVA foam midsoles for underfoot cushioning and shock attenuation
- Mud guards and integrated rubber toe caps
- Double type rubber outsole for better grip
- Ortholite sock liners and contoured heel cups
- Stitch-free upper construction for a better customized fit
- Gusseted tongue attached to both sides of the upper
Verdict: The Salomon X Ultra is the overall best hiking shoes for any terrain. Compared to other hiking shoes on the market today, this one offers more comfort and articulation while still providing the support and stability required by every hiker.
If comfort is your main priority, then the Hoka One One Speedgoat 4 is the best choice for you. This hiking shoe is equipped with a thick EVA foam that offers optimum underfoot protection and support. Despite being lightweight, the sole has enough grip for on-trail performance.
Key features:
- VIBRAM Megagrip rubber outsole for better grip
- 3D print overlays for midfoot support and additional security
- Breathable mesh upper
- Lacing eye-rows for a more secure fit
- Gusseted tongue with strategic cut-outs
- Lightweight foam midsole
- Wider forefoot for a more accommodating fit
- Zonal rubber placement for support
Verdict: The Hoka One One Speedgoat 4 may not be for faster and more rough terrain, but it definitely makes up for it by being one of the most comfortable and durable hiking shoes on the market today.
Looking for a hiking shoe that won’t empty out your wallet? The Merrel Moab 2 Ventilator is a budget-friendly choice, without sacrificing any of its best features. It stands out because of its contoured footbed that offers better arch support and padded upper material for increased comfort.
Key features:
- Vibram TC5 inner sole
- Breathable mesh lining for better comfort
- Closed-cell foam tongue to keep debris out
- Blended EVA contoured footbed with added zonal arch and heel support
- Air heel cushion for shock absorption
- Protective rubber toe cap
- Combination of suede leather and mesh upper
- EVA midsole for better stability
- 5mm lug depth
Verdict: Offering both affordability and stability, the Merrell Moab 2 Ventilator does not disappoint. It’s also versatile enough to wear on and off the trail.
The Salomon XA Pro 3D V8 GTX is becoming increasingly popular, and for good reason — it works extremely well in wet climates. With its Contragrip rubber and deep lugs, this hiking shoe gives excellent traction and good grip on slippery terrain — yes, even on ice. Its durable build ensures that this pair will last for multiple seasons.
Key features:
- All Terrain Contragrip
- 3D Advanced Chassis between the outsole and midsole that optimizes motion control
- GORE-TEX that ensures feet are dry from the outside
- EnergyCell EVA foam for shock attenuation
- 3D open mesh upper for maximum breathability
- Quicklace lacing system for easy closure
- SensiFit midsole for a snug and virtually customized fit
- Stitch-free upper construction
- OrthoLite insole for superior cushioning
Verdict: Regardless of the weather, you can rely on the Salomon XA Pro 3D V8 GTX. It’s a great option for hikers looking for an all-terrain running companion.
What makes La Sportiva Spire GTX stand out is its versatility. From day hikes to long backpacking trips, this hiking shoe has the durability and resistance to handle any terrain. Its standout feature is its Vibram rubber outsole with a well-rounded tread design that performs excellently both uphill and downhill.
Key features:
- 5mm OrthoLite EVA midsole with polyurethane inserts
- GORE-TEX waterproof breathable membrane
- Mesh Techlite toe and heel
- Vibram XS Trek rubber outsole
- Nano Cell 2.0 Technology for extreme breathability
- STB Control System for torsional stability
- Impact Brake System outsoles for additional traction
Price: $300
Pros
- Extra waterproof
- Durable and strong construction
- Abrasion resistant with good support
Cons
- Expensive
- Heavier than most hiking shoes
Verdict: The La Sportiva Spire GTX offers the sturdiness and protection of a traditional hiking boot in a more stylish and modern low-cut design. It’s reliable grip makes it a versatile choice for most hikers.
The Best Hiking Shoes -- Why Buy Them?
Hiking shoes ensure that you get the best protection without sacrificing comfort.
These shoes have been designed with hiking in mind — meaning they provide the required support, durability and comfort that you need while on the trail.
Support and Stability
Hiking shoes have stiffer midsoles and more ankle coverage than ordinary shoes. This ensures that the shoes have enough stiffness to resist compression. This also helps resist twisting to prevent injury.
Comfort
Here are our top picks for the best hiking shoes to buy this year. These hiking shoes are ranked based on their features, specifications and pricing.
Durability
Hiking shoes are generally built with a stronger overall construction as they are intended to withstand the seasons. Most of them are also waterproof and skid-proof.
Lightweight
Despite its sturdy build, hiking shoes are still lightweight enough for you to carry your backpack with ease and flexibility.
What is the Best Hiking Shoe?
Without a doubt, the Salomon X Ultra 3 GTX is every hiker’s ultimate companion.
Weighing only 1 pound 10 ounces, the Salomon X Ultra 3 GTX is one of the lightest hiking shoes on the market today. With its full cushioned inner and breathable lining, this shoe gives you all the comfort you need to enjoy your trail. It boasts of an impressive grip for all kinds of terrain, with enough traction and stability needed for almost any trail.
What other hiking footwear are available?
Not really after hiking boots or hiking shoes? There are plenty of other options available. Here are some of our favourite aqua shoes, sandals, trail running shoes and thongs (flip flops).
