The Best Hiking Shoes of 2024: Staff Picks

The Speedgoat 5 by HOKA is a trail runner designed with help from legendary ultrarunner Karl “Speedgoat” Meltzer, who’s won more 100-mile races than any runner. Naturally, it’s intended for extralong pushes on terrain where traction matters. While it was made for higher-speed off-roading, these shoes are also beloved by long-haul hikers. That’s why one hostel popular with Appalachian Trail hikers has a framed photo of trail-worn Speedgoat 4s. “Certainly there is a huge following among hikers for what was engineered as a trail runner,” Rodriguez says, “even though we hopefully will never be running from a bear.”

With its most recent update, the Speedgoat 5 is a half-ounce lighter per shoe (thanks to a lighter CMEVA midsole compound) while retaining its just-over-30 mm stack height, known for its blend of comfort and agility over different types of terrain, no matter the distance traveled. “Traditional hiking boots and hiking shoes can be heavy,” says thru-hiker Elizabeth Nguyen, who works as a senior retail specialist in the camping department at the Atlanta REI store. “These aren’t. It feels like you’re wearing an everyday sneaker.” Meanwhile, the late-stage Meta-Rocker profile in the forefoot boosts stability and offers smooth-as-butter launches by letting the forefoot rest on the ground just a touch longer between strides.

For ultimate grip, the Speedgoat 5 boasts 5 mm lugs and Vibram® Megagrip, a no-nonsense outsole that holds tight to the trail and doesn’t let go. “They absolutely cling to the ground as I run through the slippery leaves of Smoky Mountain trails,” says Elizabeth Pratt, store sales specialist at the REI store in Knoxville, Tennessee. Pratt is a big fan of the snug grip around the heel (courtesy of the molded EVA sockliners), which prevents blister-causing friction. Protective rubber toe rands prevent wear in vulnerable spots.

The Speedgoat 5 features recycled, double-layer jacquard mesh uppers in can’t-miss-‘em colors—and the whole construction happens to be vegan-friendly. The combination of tactical grip, trustworthy stability and plush, lightweight comfort—all at a mid-range price point—earned the Speedgoat 5 a spot at the top of our list. (Also available with a waterproof GORE-TEX membrane in men’s and women’s.) Buy here.

Its widespread familiarity makes adidas a great entry point for someone looking for a new pair of hiking shoes, says senior retail specialist Elizabeth Nguyen from the REI store in Atlanta, and it certainly helps that the Terrex Free Hiker is a comfort-first shoe with serious outdoor-activity cred. Adidas has taken on the trails over the last few years, and the Terrex Free Hiker demonstrates the brand's goal to help people move fast in the mountains.

Proprietary Boost™ technology in the midsoles contributes the hiking shoe's comfy-from-the-first-step sensation. Introduced in 2013, Boost is made from thermoplastic polyurethane particles expanded to create closed cells encasing small air pockets, adding delicious cushion while delivering standout energy return and durability. The resulting "bounce" effect proves to be a knee-saver on descents, according to one reviewer, who also appreciates the inclusion of soft materials in the upper where the shoe brushes against their skin. "Most comfortable trail running shoes," they say. "These will replace my backpacking shoes!"

The midsole also features an EVA frame and external heel clips to increase lateral stability on uneven and unstable terrain. Underfoot, Continental rubber (from a leading car and bike tire manufacturer) delivers dependable traction, while a waterproof but breathable GORE-TEX Performance Comfort membrane and abrasion-resistant mesh grace the shoe's upper. (Vegans will be glad to hear the Terrex Free Hiker is made without animal-derived products.)

Those powers combine to form a "well-protected trail shoe," says another customer-reviewer from Washington, who took them for a 40-mile spin with a 35-pound pack. "The beefy Continental outsole was grippy on wet rocks and slick dirt and provides a secure feeling platform for the entire shoe. … It's built to get knocked around and provides great protection from rough trails."

Note that the Terrex Free Hikers tend to run about a half-size big, so consider sizing down. Buy women's. Buy men's.

Have a craggy, chossy, slick or otherwise technical trail in your sights? Reach for a workhorse like the X Ultra 4 GORE-TEX Hiking Shoes from Salomon. "I'm a big fan of the Salomon hikers," says Komilla Bhatty, who works at REI as a senior manager of environmental health and safety. She calls them her go-to shoes for hiking. "I love the fit, the comfort and the grip. They're flexible and provide a lot of support, even on longer hikes," she says.

The X Ultra 4s feature a waterproof GORE-TEX exterior so splashes won't penetrate to your skin, and an updated midsole equipped with an ADV-C chassis. The result: optimized stability on gnarly paths while remaining flexible at the shoe's front. Salomon SensiFit™ technology further boosts your foot's feeling of security because it works with the single-pull QuickLace system to effectively cradle the foot securely in the shoe. It's kind of like a full-foot hug. Active Support "wings," or side material that envelopes the foot when the QuickLaces are engaged, further enhance the effect. Contagrip® MA outsoles marry multidirectional lugs with a stick-to-anything proprietary rubber. "I absolutely love them," says Don Ely, REI principal software engineer. "Little to no break-in period, sturdy, comfortable and keep my feet dry in the moist Pacific Northwest."

The women's X Ultra 4 uses softer materials around the shoe collar and heel and includes a lower-density (therefore lighter weight and slightly less stiff) chassis. (Also available without a waterproof GORE-TEX membrane in women's and men's.) Buy women's. Buy men's.

Carlos Rodriguez doesn't mince words when describing the Lone Peak line from Altra. The long-distance mountain runner and department manager for REI in Wichita, Kansas, notes the shoes were originally designed for the ultra-trail-running community. "They're a juggernaut," he says. "These shoes can take a hell of a beating." That's because their refined, ripstop upper defies tears and scratches, while sturdy TPU StoneGuards™ protect against any boulders, scree or pointy pebbles the trail serves up underfoot. The Lone Peak 8 strikes a balance between cushion and responsiveness through its EVA-derived, compression-molded Altra EGO™ midsole foam and finds equilibrium between traction and durability with rubber-based MaxTrac™ outsoles.

What really differentiates any Altra shoe is the brand's zero-drop construction. While traditional running shoes have a 10- to-12 millimeter height difference between the heel and toe, zero-drop shoes remain level throughout. This framework encourages landing on your midfoot or forefoot more than your heel, which can help prevent stress on knees and help with kicker turnover, among other things. If you're new to zero-drop shoes, be ready for an adjustment period, but don't be intimidated. (For more information about zero-drop shoes and how to begin wearing them, read Minimalist/Barefoot Running Basics. Note that the other zero-drop shoe on this list is the Xero Shoes Scrambler Low Hiking Shoes.)

One self-described "flat-footed" reviewer from Delaware, who uses the Lone Peak 8 for hiking, running and walking, says, "I tried these on recommendation of the staff at the Las Vegas REI. They were very comfortable, and the roomy toe box was great, [but] I almost put them back as the design is such a departure from typical shoes. I am glad I didn't. These are excellent."

Speaking of that toe box, the Lone Peak 8 features the Altra Original Footshape™ fit, what the brand calls the roomiest of its fit options. That noticeably broad-in-the-forefoot silhouette allows toes to splay wide for better stability, for a footfall that mimics barefoot running while still delivering cushion and protection. Another reviewer from Texas agrees: "The wide fit is a foot-saver for me," he says. "Good trail hiking shoe, and still in good condition [after two years]." Buy women's. Buy men's.

Thru-hiker Elizabeth Nguyen, who works as a senior retail specialist at the REI store in Atlanta, trusts the traction, comfort and durability of the Moab 3 Hiking Shoes from Merrell. That's why she wore them on her 2016 push on the Appalachian Trail. It's also why the Moab is often the first shoe she recommends, yes for those going long distances but also for beginners or when helping hiking boot users transition into a hiking shoe. "It's the shoe that does everything," she says. "It's great for hiking. No breaking-in is needed at all. You wear it and it's comfortable. That's it. You're good to go."

Many aspects of the Moab 3 are drawn from the brand's 40-plus-year boot-making history. The shoe's no-slip grip comes from its versatile, Merrell-exclusive Vibram® TC5+ non-marking outsoles, which are designed for reliable traction on a wide range of surfaces, including everyday indoor wear. Molded nylon arch shanks keep feet steady on rough trails. Comfort takes shape in the Kinetic Fit™ Advanced removable, contoured insoles with reinforced cushioning in the heel delivering moderate support; shock-absorbing Super Rebound Compound in the midsole; and stabilizing Merrell Air Cushion in the heels. The shoe's top-shelf materials —including dual gold-rated leather/mesh uppers—contribute to its impressive durability. All that, and this updated Moab features recycled materials in the mesh lining, laces and webbing.

"I own and love the Merrell Moab 3," says Kristi Wisen, a program manager with the REI finance team. "They are my go-to hiking boots. I have tried so many others and always go back to Merrell." (Also available with a waterproof membrane in women's and men's.) Buy women's. Buy men's.

Not every hike has to be about snagging a PR, but for the outings that are, look to the Cloudhorizon Waterproof Hiking Shoes from speed specialist brand On. Breathable and lighter than many other hiking shoes, the all-new Cloudhorizon still promises durability and traction. When going fast is the goal, you'll appreciate how the brand's signature CloudTec Phase® midsole technology, which uses Helion™ superfoam to provide just-enough cushion while facilitating a smooth toe-off, helps you roll smoothly through your stride. Missiongrip™ rubber outsoles might have lower lugs than competitors, but they provide ample hold on mild and moderate trails, even when the path ahead is wet.

"These Cloudhorizon hiking shoes feel stable and give the right amount of cushion, without being mushy. … I've read they can be narrow, but the Cloudhorizon is plenty roomy for my wide-ish feet. The true test will be distance walking in the UK in May, where I expect to be walking off-road 7-12 mi/day for a week," says one customer-reviewer from Spokane, Washington.

The fast-tracker isn't just about fast, however. Sustainability features also come into play with an impressive 32% recycled content overall including 85% recycled polyester. Buy women's. Buy men's.

Many feel that function over fashion is the only way to go when gearing up for time on the trail. But the Speed Solo hiking shoes from Merrell provide both in equal measure—and approachably priced. "Let's be honest: A lot of hiking shoes, they're very boring," says Elizabeth Nguyen, an experienced thru-hiker and senior retail specialist at the Atlanta REI store. Talking up the shoe's trail-to-town versatility, she adds, "You go hiking, and then you go have coffee with your friends."

Nguyen appreciates how the Speed Solo pairs multiple performance-focused elements—lightweight FloatPro Foam™ midsoles, Vibram® ECOSTEP (designed with 30% recycled rubber) outsoles, a protective rock plate, 4-millimeter lugs and waterproof suede—with multiple color options (go bold ... or don't) and an on-trend retro look.

The Speed Solo includes a variety of sustainability features, like fully recycled laces, webbing and mesh linings, and BLOOM™ performance foam made with renewable algae. You'd be hard-pressed to find a better hiker at or under this price point, especially from a brand that knows the trail like Merrell, which has been making shoes since 1981. Buy women's. Buy men's.

Minimalist shoes are designed to offer as close to a barefoot running experience as possible while wearing something protective on your feet, which is often argued as helping improve cadence and speed, encourage a more natural running stance and lessen recovery time. They're highly flexible, generally lightweight and have a flatter profile with less of a drop from heel to toe. The Scrambler Low hiking shoes from Xero Shoes is a no-brainer choice as the top minimalist hiking shoe on this list. "That shoe is as close as you can go to barefoot and still have close-toed shoes," REI Atlanta senior retail specialist and experienced thru-hiker Elizabeth Nguyen says.

The shoe's barely-there feel comes from a combo of lightweight materials (like Michelin fiberlite technology in the outsole), a wide toe box that allows the forefoot to splay naturally and a low-to-the-ground profile with zero-drop construction. Mountain bike tires inspired the nubby soles, which provide far better traction than actually going barefoot.

"The shoe is phenomenal," says Carlos Rodriguez, a long-distance mountain runner and department manager at the REI store in Wichita, Kansas. "It's extremely light. It's extremely pliable. The lugs are aggressive, so you can run in these guys. They're the real deal when it comes to minimalist hiking shoes." Says one customer-reviewer in Los Angeles, "This is an amazing minimalist hiking shoe and exactly what I was looking for. … The tread grips dirt better than any other shoes I've worn and the rubber compound inspires full confidence on smooth rock. Were a pleasure to wear while exploring Zion."

As with the zero-drop Altra Lone Peak 8 Hiking Shoes, you may need to transition gradually to these if you're new to minimalist or barefoot-style shoes. For more information about zero-drop shoes and how to begin wearing them, read Minimalist/Barefoot Running Basics. Buy women's. Buy men's.

Salomon knows that kids get after it on the trail too, which is why the brand's best-selling XA Pro 3D V8 Trail-Running Shoes come in a pint-size version. Like the grown-up version, the kids' pair has abrasion-resistant linings, lightweight yet cushioned EVA midsoles and a stabilizing, integrated midfoot wrap to handle youngsters' inability to resist rock hopping. Have a puddle? Fully waterproof booties mean they can splash away. The shoe's gusseted tongue keeps moisture and debris out, while a handy loop on the forefoot holds the easy on-off Quicklace™ closure. Rubber outsoles feature a grip-enhancing, chevron lug pattern, and the odor-fighting antimicrobial treatment inside the shoe ensures everyone can breathe easy on the post-adventure car ride.

Most importantly, the XA Pro 3Ds are kid-approved. "I highly recommend them," says one grom (the author's own kiddo). He's worn them on multiple mixed-terrain hikes, 9-mile gravel runs and as a daily driver at the school playground. "You don't slide on rocks. You don't trip over your laces. And they come in bright, pazammo orange and red," he says. Buy here.