By Marnie Kunz, NASM-certified trainer, USATF- RRCA-certified run coach
In partnership with adidas

If you’d like to hit the trails but need some footwear, this guide will help you find good hiking shoes for the best possible hiking experience. Whether you’re a new hiker or an avid trail runner, the right hiking shoes are essential to keep your feet dry and comfortable on your adventures. If your shoes don’t fit right or aren’t well-suited for the terrain, you could end up with blisters and a rough hiking experience. The best hiking shoes will fit comfortably and allow your feet room to expand as the day progresses. Good hiking shoes will also offer traction and support so you can hike for many miles.

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Types of Hiking Footwear

Before you go out and buy hiking shoes, consider what type of footwear you need.

Hiking Shoes

Hiking shoes are perfect for beginner hikers and light terrain. If you’re heading out to hike on well-maintained trails that are relatively even, then hiking shoes will keep your feet comfortable while offering extra traction on the bottom for uneven terrain. Hiking shoes are lighter than boots but usually do not offer ankle support.

Hiking Boots

Hiking boots are perfect for rough and technical terrain and long, multi-day hikes. Boots provide the most ankle protection and support. If you’re hiking in mountainous terrain or have ankle stability concerns, hiking boots are an ideal solution. Boots are also best for winter hikes as they provide more cold protection.

Hiking boots can be mid-cut or high-cut, depending on your desired coverage. As for weight, lighter boots are generally better suited for summer hikes. Extra insulation offers more warmth for winter hikers.

Waterproof hiking boots offer protection from rain and snow, keeping your feet dry with a waterproof outer shell. In rainy places like where I live in New York, waterproof hiking boots are especially helpful for all-weather hikes.

Trail Running Shoes

If you’re a trail runner, regular running shoes may go the distance for short or well-maintained trail runs. But you’ll need trail running shoes for a lot of trail running or hitting rough terrain. Trail running shoes can also be helpful for fast hikers.

Trail running shoes have more traction on the bottom than regular running shoes. They have deeper, multi-directional lugs on the outsole for better grip and stability on different surfaces. This helps your feet grip the ground and maintain balance on uneven terrain.

Trail running shoes are not as lightweight as regular running shoes. They usually have reinforced uppers and toe caps to shield your feet from rocks, roots, and other trail hazards. As with hiking shoes and boots, trail running shoes can come in waterproof varieties, with a waterproof membrane that makes them well-suited for running in rain or snow.

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Features of Good Hiking Shoes

Good hiking shoes offer a comfortable fit that protects your feet on the trails. They come in a variety of styles but share some common features. Here’s what to look for in your next pair of hiking shoes or boots:

Upper Materials

Hiking boots or shoes should be made with durable, comfortable materials that suit your hiking environment. The best material for your hiking boots will depend on your hiking climate, budget, and preferences. Here’s a brief rundown of common hiking shoe materials:

Leather

Pros: Very durable, provides good ankle support, water-resistant (especially with treatment). A leather upper can form to your feet over time.
Cons: Heavier than synthetic materials, requires breaking in, can be less breathable, and more expensive.

Synthetics

Pros: Lighter than leather, often more breathable, dries faster, comes in a wider range of prices, and requires less maintenance.
Cons: May not be as durable as leather, especially over time, might not provide the same level of ankle support (depending on the shoe).

Mesh

Pros: Very lightweight and breathable, suitable for hot weather hiking.
Cons: Less durable than other materials, offers minimal protection for your feet.

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Common Combinations

Leather and mesh: Combines leather’s durability with mesh’s breathability for a good balance of features.
Synthetic and mesh: A lighter-weight option that offers breathability and decent durability.

Waterproof Shoes

Waterproofing. Many hiking boots and shoes use waterproof liners like Gore-Tex to keep your feet dry in wet conditions. These waterproof hiking shoes are ideal for cooler temperatures and damp conditions but may be hot when hiking in higher temps.

Fit

Good hiking shoes or boots offer a comfortable fit. To ensure a good fit, try on the hiking shoes at the end of the day when your feet are slightly swollen. Wear the same socks you plan to hike in. There should be enough space to wiggle your toes, but your heel shouldn’t slip when you walk.

Head to your local outdoor or sportswear shop to try on hiking shoes. Walk around the store in the shoes, including on inclines if possible, to ensure a comfortable fit.

Some other features to look for in your hiking shoes include sufficient arch support. If you have wide feet or wear thick hiking socks, you’ll also need a wide toe box.

Traction

Good traction is crucial for hiking footwear to help you avoid trips and falls on the trails. Most hiking shoes have rubber outsoles that include treads for gripping the ground. Look for deep lugs, which are the treads on the bottom of hiking shoes. Deeper lugs provide better grip on loose surfaces like dirt, rocks, and mud.

Consider the lug pattern. Multi-directional lugs are versatile, offering good grip in all directions, from uphill to downhill. Aggressive lugs are best for loose terrains like scree or deep mud. Less aggressive lugs are suitable for well-maintained trails or firmer surfaces.

When it comes to rubber outsoles, softer rubber tends to offer better traction, but the tradeoff is that the shoes can wear down faster. Harder rubber outsoles will last longer but usually have less grip.

Ultimately, the best traction and material for your hiking shoes depends on where you’ll be hiking and the weather conditions. Consider the terrain, weather, and your hiking intensity when choosing your footwear.

Weight

Hiking shoes can weigh anywhere from less than a pound to over 3 pounds, depending on the shoe. Trail running shoes are the lightest option, while hiking boots tend to be the heaviest. Hiking shoes fall in the middle weight range, usually between 1 and 2 pounds per pair. They provide good support and traction for moderate trails while being lighter than boots.

The weight of your ideal hiking footwear depends on the trails you’ll be exploring and your individual preference and speed. Choose the shoes that fit your hiking style. For instance, if you want a lightweight shoe for even trails, a lighter trail running shoe would be perfect. A heavier pair of hiking boots will be ideal for mountainous, uneven terrain and protection from the cold.

Durability

Good hiking shoes are built to last. Durability ties in with material as some materials are more durable than others. Leather, especially full-grain leather, is known for exceptional durability and abrasion resistance. Leather hiking shoes are ideal for backpacking or rugged trails with heavy wear and tear.

High-quality synthetics with ballistic nylon or other robust synthetic materials provide good durability with a lighter weight.

Construction also has a significant influence on durability. Double or triple stitching throughout a hiking shoe reinforces high-stress areas and improves overall durability. Avoid shoes with glued seams, which might come apart under pressure. A rubber rand around the shoe’s base protects your toes and the lower part of the upper from rocks and abrasions. Look for a thicker, higher rand for increased durability.

Tips for Finding the Best Hiking Shoes

With the right pair of kicks, you’ll enjoy endless hiking adventures. Here are some tips to help you find good hiking shoes to suit your needs:

Do your research. Look online for reviews of different hiking shoe brands and models. Read what hikers have to say about the shoes’ comfort, durability, and wear.
Try before you buy. Visit a reputable outdoor or sportswear brand for help selecting the best shoes. Wear your shoes around the store and walk in different directions to test them out.
Break in your new shoes before hiking. Wear them for short walks to avoid blisters on the trail.
Invest in good quality hiking socks made from synthetic materials to wick away moisture.

What are your favorite hiking shoes or boots? Follow and tag @Runstreet on Instagram to share your fitness journey and get cheered on. If you need a training plan to help you crush your walking or running goals, head to the Runstreet Training Center. Happy hiking to you!

Marnie Kunz is a NASM-certified personal trainer and USATF- and RRCA-certified running coach based in Brooklyn, NY. Marnie likes helping people get and stay active to enjoy a better quality of life. When she’s not doing fitness things, Marnie enjoys exploring with her dog, a mischievous rescue Akita.

How to Find Good Hiking Shoes to Enjoy the Trails