When you’re hiking in warmer or dryer weather, you don’t need to use a tall hiking boot, you can use the best hiking shoes instead!
To choose the best hiking shoes, we made sure our picks were well-reviewed by users and popular with different types of hikers.
We took into consideration the shoes’ outer material, durability, tread, and ranked them by their popularity.
So here are our picks of great hiking shoes for men and women you can get!
Top 5 Best Hiking Shoes – Editor’s Pick
Product Name |
Material |
Waterproof |
Get It AT |
| Keen Men’s and Women’s Targhee II Hiking Shoe | Leather and mesh | Yes: Keen.dry |
|
| Adidas Outdoor Men’s Terrex Swift R Hiking Shoes | Mech and synthetic textile | Yes: Gore-Tex | |
| Salomon Men’s and Women’s X Ultra 2 GTX Hiking Shoe | Leather/Textile/Synthetic | Yes: Gore-Tex |
|
| Merrell Women’s Siren Sport 2 Hiking Shoe | Leather and Mesh | Water-resistant nubuck | |
| Merrell Men’s and Woman’s Moab Ventilator Hiking Shoe | Leather/Mesh | Water-resistant |
10. Columbia Men’s Redmond Waterproof Hiking Shoes
Ideal for: Any trails and hikes
These hiking shoes are made from a combination of suede leather, mesh, and webbing.
They are waterproof and will always keep your feet protected from rain and puddles.
Also, they come with an Omni-tech breathable seam-sealed midsole.
This offers comfort and superior cushioning, as well as traction rubber for a great grip.
Heights:
- Comfortable and breathable
- Very sturdy
Plains:
- Not very water-resistant
9. Merrell Men’s Chameleon Hiking Shoe
Ideal for: Light to moderate hikes
The Chameleon from Merrell is ranked tenth on our list because it’s made from quality leather and fabric and stretched to conform to your feet.
They have a padded collar for ankle support.
These shoes don’t have much traction, however, and the laces must be stretched to fit and can’t be securely tied.
Heights:
- Leather material
- Durable outer layer
- Aggressive tread
Plains:
- Non-padded sole nor waterproof
- Too form-fitting for some
8. Ahnu Women’s Sugarpine Air Mesh Hiking Shoe
Ideal for: Light to moderate trails and hikes
Next on our list, we have one of the best hiking shoes for women, the popular Sugarpine shoe from Ahnu which has a simple streamlined design.
It’s made from leather and fabric, with a removable EVA footbed.
Users say the Sugarpine is supportive and comfortable right out of the box.
Though they may run a little too wide for some, just so you know.
Heights:
- Arch support
- Strong traction
- Breathable mesh
Plains:
- Not waterproof
- No ankle support
7. Columbia Men’s North Plains II Hiking Shoe
Ideal for: All-purpose hiking needs
The North Plains II will blend right in with the trail.
They’re made of a leather and textile webbing, with Columbia’s signature Omni-Grip tread technology and a comfortable footbed.
They are waterproof and seam-sealed.
You can safely and securely use these hiking shoes on a wide range of different hikes.
Heights:
- Waterproof and seam-sealed
- Lightweight
- Strong tread
Plains:
- Run small/narrow
Suggested: For more hiking shoes options, you can check out this lightweight hiking shoes selection as well!
6. Merrell Ridgepass Men’s and Women’s Hiking Shoes
Ideal for: All-purpose hiking needs
The Ridgepass from Merrell is popular for both men and women.
It features breathable mesh on the leather and fabric upper.
They’re durable and well-made, and they’re comfortable to wear even though the sole is a bit thin.
Also, they offer a great grip.
Heights:
- Durable and sturdy
- Breathable fabric
- Strong grip and traction
Plains:
- Not much arch support
- Not particularly lightweight
5. Keen Men’s and Women’s Targhee II Hiking Shoe
 |
 |
Ideal for: Moderate hikes, rainy weather
Hikers of all genders and experience levels use the Targhee II by Keen.
With a leather upper, this hiking shoe has a snug secure fit and a lugged outsole for strong grip on a variety of terrain.
They’re waterproof, but also contain a mesh lining so your feet get some ventilation during long hikes.
Heights:
- Strong traction
- Waterproof
- Breathable
Plains:
- Some quality control issues
- Narrow fit
4. Adidas Outdoor Men’s Terrex Swift R Hiking Shoes
Ideal for: Moderate hikes, everyday wear
The Terrex Swift R hiking shoe is comfortable and well-made.
It has a comfortable sole, and the outsole is made of high-traction rubber that won’t slip on rainy days.
It’s lined with Gore-Tex, keeping your feet safe and dry.
The plainer colors are also simple-looking enough for everyday wear.
Heights:
- Comfortable out of the box
- Great traction
- Weatherproof
Plains:
- Narrow fit
- Quality control
3. Salomon Men’s and Women’s X Ultra Mid 2 GTX Hiking Shoe
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 |
Ideal for: Moderate hikes
If you’re looking for a hiking shoe with more ankle support, yet not quite tall enough to be a boot, the X Ultra Mid 2 is right up your alley!
This mid-cut hiking shoe is made from synthetic materials and is waterproofed with Gore-Tex.
Users say they’re comfortable out of the box, although they do run wide.
They have good tread and are medium weight.
Heights:
- Ankle support
- Comfortable
- Waterproof
Plains:
- Dry slowly
- Run large/wide
2. Merrell Women’s Siren Sport 2 Hiking Shoe
Ideal for: Light hikes
The Siren Sport 2 from Merrell is one of the best women’s hiking shoes.
They are designed to securely fit and support your foot, with an Ortholite footbed.
The Vibram soles provide adequate traction for a range of terrain.
However, you should know that they are at their best only on shorter hikes.
They’re also breathable, so that makes them perfect for warmer and drier weather.
Heights:
- Comfortable on short hikes
- Breathable
- Odor prevention
Plains:
- Not waterproof
1. Merrell Men’s and Women’s Moab Ventilator Hiking Shoe
Ideal for: Year-round light to difficult hikes
At last, we come to our number one most popular pair of best hiking shoes.
These shoes are made of leather and mesh and they also have a Vibram sole for comfort and traction.
They’re water-resistant but are still ventilated well enough that your feet won’t get hot in them.
They’re usually durable and feel sturdy on the feet.
Heights:
- Very breathable
- Sturdy
- Strong traction
Plains:
- Not much padding or support
- Run wide
Conclusion
Everybody’s feet are different, and we all have our own favorite type of trails to hike.
Still, the shoes we presented above will work for a variety of different needs.
As you’ve seen, they have a shape more similar to sneakers than boots, yet come with all the rugged features you need for an adventure on the trail.
Hiking shoes that work for one person may not work for another, so let us know your own tried-and-true hiking shoe picks by leaving a comment!
Recommended Read: Also, don’t forget to check your (or our) hiking checklist to make sure you’ve packed all you need: tent, sleeping pad, and of course, backpack included!