Outdoor activities are a great way to immerse yourself in nature and get into shape. Sadly, many of us underestimate how vital it is to invest in the right pair of workout shoes.
Hiking shoes provide your feet with the comfort and support they need when you’re outside. When overlooked, the shoes can put extra pressure on your joints which can cause you to be in pain the next day. Thus, the best type of hiking shoes are designed to not only give you extra support but also to ensure that your feet are ventilated, protected, and cushioned in all the right places.
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Hiking Shoes Reviews
1. Merrell Men’s Moab Hiking Shoes
Discover how the Merrell Men’s Moab Hiking Shoes support your feet by being crafted from breathable and lightweight materials. They also have the perfect shape when it comes to biking or hiking trails.
On the outside of the shoes are a bumper and a heel counter which ensures that the sensitive parts of your feet are protected from external objects. It also features a synthetic sole that is water resistant. Additionally, the whole shoe is compression molded with an added air cushion as well as a Vibram multisport TC5+ exterior for lasting durability and wear and tear protection.
Pros:
- Comfortable to wear
- Provides enough ankle support
- Keeps feet dry
- Sufficient feet protection
Con:
- Sizing is off
Who It’s Best For
These shoes are geared towards men who have 8D/8.5D/7.5D/8.5W shoe sizes. They’re also recommended for anyone who is looking for that extra comfort and breathability for outdoor activities.
They’re specially designed for men who want a pair of high-quality hiking shoes. Just be sure to check your exact size and account for the sizing being slightly smaller than what they list online.
2. KEEN Women’s Voyageur Hiking Shoes (Best for Women)
The KEEN Women’s Voyageur Hiking Shoes is a unique pair of outdoor shoes that features a sporty look and feel. The exterior of the shoes is crafted from leather and mesh materials while the soles are made from rubber. There is also a midsole that is crafted from dual-density compressed EVA which can help with shock absorption on the joints.
This product also comes with laced leather shoelaces, and a bonus to these shoes is that they are non-marking and will not leave any residue or skid marks on inside flooring.
Pros:
- Comfortable to wear
- Breathable
- Waterproof
- Great traction even on rocky surfaces
Con:
- Needs to be broken in
Who it’s Best For
These shoes are designed for women who are looking for stylish yet fully functional sporty shoes that can be conveniently used both indoors and outdoors. The shoe sizes range from size 5 all the way to size 11. Just keep in mind though that these shoes are going to feel very stiff at first and would need to be broken in before you use them for hiking.
3. Adidas Outdoor Men’s Hiking Shoes
The Adidas Outdoor Men’s Hiking Shoes are designed for intensive climbing, running, and hiking. The bottom is lined with a sturdy rubber grip which gives you more traction to prevent your foot from slipping. This makes it great for sprinting and hiking because you reduce your risk of falling or having an injury.
These men’s shoes come in various colors ranging from light blue, black, to purple, and the sizes that are offered are 6D through 14D.
Pros:
- Durable
- Great traction
- Comfortable to wear
- Lightweight
- Easy to break in
- Versatile
Con:
- Not waterproof
Who it’s Best For
These shoes are designed for those who are looking for hiking shoes that are meant to last for an extended period. Since these shoes are anti-abrasion, they will stay good looking for a longer period.
4. RAX Men’s Lightweight Hiking Shoes (Best Lightweight)
The RAX Men’s Lightweight Hiking Shoes are built to be durable and shock absorbent. This is perfect for hiking outdoors when you need to put pressure on your feet to stay in place. The toe area of the shoes is also made of leather and TPU to protect the front of your foot from bending and other forms of a collision.
Pros:
- Great traction
- Anti-collision
- Lightweight
- Provides enough support
- Breathable
- Comfortable to wear
Cons:
- Not waterproof
- Size is larger than advertised
Who it’s Best For
These hiking shoes are designed to be used by men who want a lightweight pair of shoes. They are designed to be comfortable but also provide you with the protection you need without all the hindrances. Just be sure to account for the fact that these hiking shoes are larger than the size listed.
5. Columbia Women’s Trail Shoes (Waterproof)
The Columbia Women’s Trail Shoes are an excellent pair of waterproof hiking shoes. The manufacturer included Omni tech to make the whole shoes waterproof but still provide your feet with enough room to breathe with the seam sealed construction.
Pros:
- Comfortable to use
- Can be used in any weather condition
- Breathable
- Suited for any ground surfaces
Con:
- No arch support
Who it’s Best For
This pair of shoes is best used by women who are looking to be outdoors whether it’s rainy or sunny. These are specifically designed to be waterproof, which makes them suitable for hiking on trails, jogging at parks, and even outdoors after it rains. Sizing ranges from size 5 shoes all the way to size 11.
6. Troadlop Men’s Hiking Shoes (Best for Trail Running)
The Troadlop Men’s Hiking Shoes are designed to provide you with flexibility, comfort, and protection. It comes with a five-toe design, which allows each of your toes to fit into its space, similar to a glove. The fabric that is used in its construction is polyester, which helps introduce fresh air inside the shoes.
Pros:
- Comfortable to use
- Breathable
- Lightweight
- Durable
- Non-slip
- Great support
- Quick-dry technology
Con:
- Sizes run smaller
Who it’s Best For
This pair of shoes is best for those who feel comfortable with the fact that the shoes literally fit like a glove. The design and feel of the shoes can sometimes put off a lot of people because it’s unusual to feel your toes separated. The benefit to the design is that it offers you better control over what you’re doing and allows your foot to mold to the environment when you’re out on the trails.
7. ALEADER Women’s Drying Water Shoes (Best Water Shoes)
The ALEADER Women’s Drying Water Shoes are designed to be durable, and with the installed air mesh on the top, your feet will have enough ventilation even when it’s hot outside. The open mesh on the shoes can also help prevent your feet from getting stuffy and overheated, keeping your feet dry and less sweaty.
The ComforDry sock liner inside the shoes gives you extra cushioning and increases the performance of the shoes by making it more refreshing, comfortable, and drier. The shoe size ranges from 7.5 to 11, and the shoes come in many vibrant designs and colors.
Pros:
- Breathable
- Anti-slip
- Lightweight
- Keeps feet dry
- Comfortable to use
Con:
- Dirt gets stuck on the bottom of the shoes
Who it’s Best For
This pair of shoes is best for the avid beach-goer who is looking to take strolls or wants to run along the waterline of the shore. This is also suited for those who want to hike on a trail next to a river.
8. Columbia Men’s Peakfreak Venture Hiking Shoes (Best for Wide Feet)
The Columbia Men’s Peakfreak Venture Hiking Shoes is one of the best shoes when it comes to providing enough space for wide feet without looking too big. They are crafted from leather and other synthetic materials that cannot be penetrated by water to make them long lasting.
Pros:
- Durable
- Lightweight
- Sufficient traction
- Waterproof
- Breathable
Con:
- Very tight
Who it’s Best For
These shoes are excellent for men who are planning to wear their shoes inside and outside. The shoes provide you with enough traction so you won’t slip, and the materials provide your feet with enough ventilation so you won’t get too cold or overheated.
9. Hanagal Men’s Evoque II Shoes (Best for Plantar Fasciitis)
The Hanagal Men’s Evoque II Shoes are one of the best shoes for individuals who suffer from plantar fasciitis because they are designed to be lightweight and provide the heels with the comfort you need. The shoes are created from soft leather materials which ensure that the shoes have both flexibility and durability. Additionally, there is a rubber toe bumper which can reduce abrasions from the outside environment.
EVA midsoles are installed inside, and there is an anatomically shaped footbed which can help absorb liquids, ventilate your feet, and provide you with more comfort. The size ranges from 7.5 to 13 and they come in either gray or brown styles.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Durable
- Enhanced Traction
- Comfortable to wear
- Provides great arch and heel support
Con:
- Size runs small
Who it’s Best For
These shoes are specifically designed for men who need to have well supported and form-fitting shoes. The company specifically designed the inside of the shoes to put less pressure on the ankle, heel, and the arch of your foot.
10. Hawkwell Men’s Outdoor Hiking Shoes (Budget Hiking Shoes)
The Hawkwell Men’s Outdoor Hiking Shoes are top of the line waterproof hiking shoes that won’t cost you a fortune. The design of these shoes is meant to protect your feet while keeping them dry and ventilated.
There is also a mesh lining which provides you with ventilation but doesn’t allow moisture to go in your shoes. The shoes come in a standard 8.5 or 9 shoe size option, and there are three separate colors which you can choose from namely brown, black, and grey.
Pros:
- Durable
- Waterproof
- Breathable
- Great traction
- Stretchy topline
Con:
- Size runs large
Who it’s Best For
These shoes are designed for individuals who are opting for affordable shoes that are effective at keeping the feet protected and dry. When you purchase this pair, be sure though to account for the sizing difference.
11. KEEN Koven Hiking Shoes (Best for Kids)
The KEEN Koven Hiking Shoes are perfect for younger children who are always on the move. These shoes are specifically designed to ensure that your child’s feet will be protected at all times.
Pros:
- Durable
- Breathable
- Suited for indoors and outdoors
Con:
- Lace straps wear down easily
Who it’s Best For
These shoes are designed to be used by children who are a 10 M size. The shoes don’t have that many sizes, so be sure to measure your child’s foot and add a little for your children’s foot size to grow in.
Buying Guide: What to Look for in a Pair of Hiking Shoes
When hiking, every step you take gets more and more exciting and exhausting at the same time. For this reason, as well as for the sake of your precious feet, you should invest in the best hiking shoes money has to offer. Here are some of the things you should take into consideration when buying hiking shoes.
The Material
As with all outdoor clothes, when you need a certain kind of performance, it’s important to be careful about the material that you use. With shoes, it can make or break your hike. It might cause you to feel uncomfortable, cramped, and hot. Some of the most common materials used in hiking shoes are as follows.
- Fabric – Hiking shoes that are made from synthetic fabric, such as nylon and polyester, are very easy to break in, dry faster, and are lightweight. However, they provide little to no water-resistant properties.
- Fabric + Leather – These are hiking shoes that are made from a mix of synthetic materials and leather. Similar to the ones made from nylon and polyester, a pair of these hiking shoes is also quite breathable. However, they are not really water-resistant.
The Ideal Size
Similar to any other footwear, hiking shoe sizes vary from brand to brand. As such, you should make sure that you try on different shoes to find the perfect size for you. It is also advised that you bring a pair of your hiking socks and try the shoes on while wearing them.
The Right Fit
In addition, you should also ensure that the shoe wraps around your entire foot snugly yet comfortably and without any slippage on all sides. Then again, you should also still be able to wiggle your toes.
These factors are among the most important points you would need to consider when buying a pair of hiking shoes. While it is convenient to check out the latest in hiking shoes online, you should always visit a store in person so as to be able to check not just the size but also the overall comfort they can offer.
Best Hiking Shoes FAQs
Is it possible to make hiking shoes more comfortable?
If you are certain that you have the right size of hiking shoes but still feel as though your feet are being choked, break them in several times before your hike. You could also purchase high-quality insoles that will not only improve how the shoes fit you but also provide more support.
Do they have to be waterproof?
This depends on where and when you will be wearing your shoes. Waterproof shoes are a great option for wet and cold conditions. However, in warm environments, it is not always advised. The reason for this is that, while waterproof shoes are breathable, they still won’t be as breathable as non-waterproof shoes. If your shoes do not offer much ventilation, then your feet are more prone to having blisters.
How do I know if they are the right hiking shoes for me?
Apart from checking off the list of the factors to consider when buying hiking shoes we listed above, you would know a pair of shoes is right for you if they can give you firm support. A good hiking shoe must be able to support the arch area of the foot. It should also not bend at the middle but flex at the forefoot exactly where your foot bends. Lastly, it should be able to hold your heel in place when walking.
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