The 10 Best Hiking Shoes of 2025: Staff Picks

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. Over the last few years, adidas has taken on the trails, 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.

Additional versions: nonwaterproof in women's and men's

If you scour thru-hiker website, blogs and YouTube reviews, you might notice that Altra Lone Peak trail-running shoes are especially popular on the Appalachian Trail nowadays: A roomy, foot-shaped toe box, grippy outsoles and zero-drop platform make them a trail angel for your toes. For the ALL-WTHR Low 2 version, Altra beefs up the beloved shoe with a water-resistant bootie to help shed muck and moisture on sploshy days.

The tradeoff: This weather protection makes the Lone Peaks warmer and less breathable than other shoes on the list. "I only use them in colder environments since it tends to warm my foot comfortably and keep my feet dry," says Mimi Alvarez, a retail sales specialist at the REI store in Albuquerque, New Mexico. "Hiked Whitney, Rim to Rim and all my high-altitude hikes in Altras and I never feel my feet tired." Altra loyalists will recognize the same dual-density EVA midsole and 25 millimeter stack height found in other versions of the shoe. And of course, you can't miss that extra-spacious toe box. Buy women's. Buy men's.

Looking for a shoe that can go the distance without a lot of bulk? Look no further. The Danner Trail 2650 was designed for folks who might want to tackle a long walk like the 2,650-mile Pacific Crest Trail it's named for. Unlike clunkier boots, the 2650 has a lightweight yet oversized EVA midsole (no hard plastic TPU here!) for a softer step that's reminiscent of a trail-running shoe. Yet, the TPU shank adds stiffness and support for backpack loads of up to 25 pounds, as one Colorado-based REI Co-op gear tester learned on a three-day trip in the Mount Sneffels Wilderness. "These hit my sweet spot: nimble and agile to scamper around the rock fields, but supportive enough to carry a moderate backpack for a few nights," she reports.

Of course, everything comes with a trade-off. While our crop of REI Co-op field testers loved the ground feel of the slim-and-trim 2650s, they did notice a few jagged rocks underfoot when scrambling in high alpine. Still, the Vibram® Megagrip outsole stole our hearts as one of the stickiest rubbers in our tests. "I carted our daughter over drenched boardwalks covered in moss and I never slipped," says one Washington state-based tester of her voyage into the Hoh Rain Forest (complete with daughter pulling her ponytail).

The light and relatively breathable upper (even on the waterproof version) preserves the trail-shoe-like feel, but it's the weight savings we couldn't get over for such a durable pair of kicks. If you're a hiker waffling between the agility of trail runners versus the support of backpacking boots, the Trail 2650 may have your number. Buy women's. Buy men's.

Additional versions: women's mesh upper and GORE-TEX waterproof; men's mesh upper and GORE-TEX waterproof

Meet your favorite maximalist hiking shoe: the HOKA Anacapa 2 Freedom, a great option for hikers looking to go far and fast. In fact, you won't even lose time lacing them, thanks to flexible slide-in heels that spring back into shape as soon as you slip them on. Of course, as with any HOKA shoe, you can expect a generous stack height that has you hiking on air, and a deliciously plush EVA cushion under the heel that's especially appealing for hikers with recurring foot pain or injuries. A moderate heel-to-toe drop (8 mm in the women's, 10 mm in men's) and a meta-rocker sole (slightly curved upward, like a smile) help absorb impact and propel forward motion. One customer-reviewer says that these are her first HOKA shoes after an overpronation diagnosis (doctor's orders), and after a "sweltering day" at an animal sanctuary and other parks on a Colorado visit, she's sold. The Vibram® Megagrip outsole and moderately deep lugs stick to a variety of terrain and are designed for speed, and the sole outsizes the upper just slightly, providing extra traction.

All that, and sustainability features too: The Anacapa 2 Freedom features 55% recycled polyester mesh, soy-based polyurethane sockliners and EVA that's 30% derived from natural sugarcane. 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." Buy women's. Buy men's.

Additional versions: waterproof in women's and men's

The Moab Speed 2 Hiking Shoes from Merrell give happy feet to anyone wanting a supportive hiking shoe with the traction to handle slick pavement as well as any off-road scramble—and everything in between.

One customer-reviewer picked up a pair for a five-day, 75-mile trek on Spain’s Camino de Santiago, over trails that “consisted mostly of pavement, boardwalk, cobblestone, and some light to moderate rocks and tree roots.” They happily reported “zero issues” even after one 20-mile day. “They are not a stiff hiking boot style and for the Camino, the shoes were absolutely perfect. I could feel the cushion in every step and they provided the correct amount of support.” 

These ankle-height boots feature a lightweight proprietary foam midsole that offers structure and comfort for extended wear, while forefoot support comes courtesy of a strategically placed lightweight underfoot plate and stabilizing outsole pods. A combo of ripstop nylon mesh and TPU in the upper provides durability without sacrificing breathability. Debris-shedding, closely spaced 4 mm lugs on Vibram® TC5+ outsoles provide exceptional grip, whether taking on an urban trek or more challenging backcountry terrain. What could feel better? How about 100% recycled shoelaces, breathable mesh linings and footbed covers, and 50% recycled foam in the insoles?

Fit note: Some customer-reviewers found their foot sliding around in the wider toe box: To prevent that, consider an alternate lacing technique. Buy women’s. Buy men’s.

Additional versions: women's with GORE-TEX waterproofing, leather uppers and enhanced mesh uppers; men's with GORE-TEX waterproofing, leather uppers and enhanced mesh uppers; toddlers' and kids'

New from The North Face in 2024, the Offtrail GORE-TEX waterproof hiking shoes fit squarely in the center of the trail-running versus hiking Venn diagram: They've got the fit and fleetness of a sneaker with a technical hiking shoe's traction and durability.

Woven, coated nylon uppers and ballistic rubber toe caps with nubuck leather reinforcements mean these shoes are ready to rock while being unfazed by any pebbles you might kick up or boulders you scramble over. The Offtrail features fully waterproof with breathable PFAS-free GORE-TEX 3L membrane to keep water our while letting sweat evaporate. A full-length rock plate helps you build and maintain momentum with fluid forward motion even though the shoes are stiffer than typical trail-runners, and rock guards as well as heel and forefoot rubber wraps offer more protection and stability. The outsole's lightweight rubber compound, 5 mm lugs and traction pattern are ideal for tackling wet rocks and mud, though the sleek design fits in just about anywhere, on or off trail. 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.

Additional versions: waterproof in women's and men's

Have a craggy, chossy, slick or otherwise technical trail in your sights? Reach for a workhorse like the X Ultra 5 GORE-TEX Low 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 5s 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® all-terrain 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." Fit note: The X Ultra 5 Lows run a bit wider than the 4s did, so consider that when determining size. Buy women's. Buy men's.

Additional versions: nonwaterproof in women's and 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 Trail Low WP 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, 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." That grip comes courtesy of proprietary, gently contoured FeelTrue® outsoles, co-created with former Nike and Reebok designers from Reebok. The dual chevron tread ups that traction and lets you speed away on ascents and descents with confidence.

As with the zero-drop Altra Lone Peak 9, 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.

Additional versions: nonwaterproof EV in women's and men's