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Stylish and comfortable hiking shoes are essential for an enjoyable outdoor excursion. I’ve tested and reviewed several pairs. If you’re in the market for a pair, this article will help you find them. If you just want to browse some of the best-rated picks currently available, here’s my list.
Best stylish hiking shoes
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Stylish hiking shoes
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1. Salomon X Ultra 3 GTX ($150)
Category: Hiking shoe
Weight: 1 lb. 10.8 oz.
Waterproof: Yes (non-GTX available)
What we like: Great mix of lightness, on-trail performance, and durability.
What we don’t: Gore-Tex model runs warm.
The Salomon X Ultra 3 is our top hiking shoe for 2022, combining a feathery feel with impressive on-trail performance. As with each iteration of this popular model, the third edition puts it all together: the shoe is competitively light at 1 pound 10 ounces (for a men’s size 9), the tread design offers impressive grip in just about all conditions, and the stable chassis and cushioned interior are great for long trail days. All told, we highly recommend the X Ultra for day hikes, quick summits, and even lightweight backpacking.
Salomon drew heavily from their trail running expertise with the X Ultra 3’s design. The single-pull laces are fast to use and provide a secure fit, and the shoe is far nimbler than traditional hikers like the Merrell Moab 2 or Keen Targhee below. But you don’t sacrifice protection like with a trail runner—Salomon includes a substantial toe cap and enough cushioning underfoot for hauling a pack. We found the fit runs narrow in the toe box, but the good news is that the low-top GTX version is offered in wide sizes. Tack on the non-waterproof “Aero” model, and the X Ultra 3 stands out as the best all-around hiking shoe line on the market. Finally, it’s worth noting Salomon recently released the X Ultra 4 GTX, which we break down below… Read in-depth review
See the Men’s Salomon X Ultra 3 See the Women’s Salomon X Ultra 3
Best Budget Hiking Shoe
2. Merrell Moab 2 Ventilator ($100)
Category: Hiking shoe
Weight: 1 lb. 15 oz.
Waterproof: No (waterproof available)
What we like: Very comfortable and a great price.
What we don’t: Not built for technical terrain.
These may not be your long-distance or ultra-rugged hiking shoes, but there is a lot to like about Merrell’s flagship Moab 2. What has made this shoe so popular over the years? Most notably, it’s the lightweight but planted feel, comfortable fit, and attractive price point. Merrell updated the Moab a couple of years ago including a more durable upper and greater cushioning in the heel of the footbed, but the formula largely remains the same. For day hikers sticking to established trails, the Moab 2 is a great value.
In terms of downsides, on rocky and muddy trails, we found that traction and stability fall short of a performance shoe like the Salomon X Ultra 3 above. And despite a competitive 1-pound-15-ounce weight for a pair, the shoe feels a little slow and cumbersome compared with some lighter models. But these are small complaints about an otherwise fantastic shoe, and we highly recommend the Moab 2 for day hikes and lightweight backpacking. Keep in mind that we included the non-waterproof “Vent” here, but Merrell also makes a waterproof version that costs $125 and weighs slightly more at 2 pounds 1 ounce per pair… Read in-depth review
See the Men’s Merrell Moab 2 See the Women’s Merrell Moab 2
Best Ultralight and Cushioned Hiking Shoe
3. Hoka One One Speedgoat 4 ($145)
Category: Trail runner
Weight: 1 lb. 5.6 oz.
Waterproof: No (GTX available)
What we like: Plush cushioning makes these shoes extremely comfortable; grippy outsole.
What we don’t: Unfortunately, they wear down quicker than we would like.
Hoka One One used to be a niche brand for runners, but that has changed dramatically over the past few years and the brand is now a go-to options for hikers. This trajectory makes sense: more and more people are ditching their burly boots for hiking shoes and trail runners, and if you stay mostly on established trails and aren’t scrambling or carrying a heavy pack, it’s our preferred way to go. With thick cushioning and a lightweight build, the Hoka Speedgoat 4 is the most comfortable trail shoe we’ve ever worn, the sole is surprisingly grippy, and we have few complaints about on-trail performance.
What are the shortcomings of the Hoka Speedgoat 4? We have been surprised at how quickly they wear down, and the sole in particular. When standing at our local running store recently, a gentleman in front of us was buying new Hokas and said, “I absolutely love these shoes but am bummed by how quickly they pack out,” which sums up our experiences as well. In addition, while the performance is superb on established trails, we took them scrambling over steep terrain and realized the limitations. As a trail running shoe, the Speedgoat is light on protection around the foot and the stability can waver when really put to the test. But again, if you hike or run mostly on established trails, you simply won’t find a more comfortable shoe for the job.
See the Men’s Hoka One One Speedgoat 4 See the Women’s Hoka One One Speedgoat 4
Best Shoe for Backpacking and Technical Trails
4. La Sportiva Spire GTX ($190)
Category: Hiking shoe
Weight: 1 lb. 15 oz.
Waterproof: Yes (Gore-Tex Surround)
What we like: A backpacking-ready shoe that is tough, comfortable, and well-made.
What we don’t: Super pricey and a bit heavy.
Many of the designs on our list are lightweight or almost trail runner-like in nature, but La Sportiva’s burly Spire is backpacking-ready—or just about as close as a hiking shoe gets. It feels sturdy and substantial with good stiffness and a thick midsole, effectively isolating you from rough and rocky trails (La Sportiva even goes so far as calling it a low-cut hiking boot). Throw in excellent protection and grip over a variety of terrain, plus a quality build that we’ve come to expect from this Italian climbing brand, and you have one of the more capable hiking shoes on the market.
Why isn’t the La Sportiva Spire ranked higher? At nearly 2 pounds, it’s heavy for a low-top hiking shoe and sits relatively high on the ankle. Second, the $190 price tag makes it the most expensive model on this list, even topping the high-end Arc’teryx Aerios FL below. Finally, we appreciate the accommodating fit that should work well for most foot types, but the shoe is a little wide at the heel and we had to cinch it down tightly to avoid slippage. These issues aside, it’s hard to knock the performance chops or build quality of the La Sportiva, and it offers a nice step up in on-trail performance and durability compared to the TX4 below… Read in-depth review
See the Men’s La Sportiva Spire See the Women’s La Sportiva Spire
Best Hiking Shoe for Off-Trail Scrambling
5. La Sportiva TX4 ($140)
Category: Approach shoe
Weight: 1 lb. 10 oz.
Waterproof: No
What we like: Approach shoe grip with hiking shoe comfort and weight.
What we don’t: Leather upper limits breathability in hot weather.
The La Sportiva TX4 certainly isn’t a traditional pick, but boy do we love this shoe. It’s built as an approach shoe, which means that it’s grippy and tough for long hikes to climbing objectives or traveling over steep, rocky terrain. The Vibram outsole, full rubber rand, and smooth area of sticky rubber under the toe make it a great option for scrambling, smearing, and edging on rock. But what we have been impressed with most is its versatility: the TX4 does equally well moving fast on the trail with its light and moderately flexible construction. We even like it for everyday use due to the high levels of comfort and attractive design.
As with most approach shoes, the La Sportiva TX4 does have limitations. The dotty tread grips exceptionally well on wet and dry rock and even impressed us with traction on snow, but it will fall short of a true hiking shoe in dirt and mud. Further, some hikers—mostly those of the fast-and-light variety—might find that the stiffer sole feels clunky and inflexible. But overall, don’t be dissuaded by the approach shoe label: the TX4 is a worthy companion for long days on the trail. And keep in mind that La Sportiva does make this shoe in a number of versions, including the mesh TX3 (more breathability) up to the burly TXS (a full-on hiking boot)… Read in-depth review
See the Men’s La Sportiva TX4 See the Women’s La Sportiva TX4
Best of the Rest
6. Salomon X Raise GTX ($130)
Category: Hiking shoe/trail runner
Weight: 1 lb. 7.6 oz.
Waterproof: Yes (non-GTX available)
What we like: Excellent cushioning and comfort in a lightweight and flexible package.
What we don’t: Disappointing traction in wet conditions.
Salomon has attempted light and flexible hikers in the past with mixed results, but we think they have a real winner with the X Raise line. We tested the low-top shoe on multiple backpacking trips in Patagonia and concluded it’s a true standout in terms of comfort. The cushioning underfoot nicely balances plushness and protection for high-mileage days, there’s a generous amount of padding around the collar, and the interior is smooth and soft. And for those who have had issues squeezing into Salomon shoes in the past—including the narrow X Ultra 3 above—the X Raise has an average fit with plenty of room in the toe box.
At 1 pound 7.6 ounces for the Gore-Tex version, the X Raise has the look, performance, and feel of a trail running shoe. That said, Salomon has done a nice job in reinforcing the upper material and beefing up the heel for a step up in durability and support compared with the Hoka One One Speedgoat above (and it’s still quite a bit more flexible than the X Ultra 3). Our only real complaint with the shoe relates to its traction over wet rock, where it was surprisingly slippery and hard to trust. Despite this, the X Raise should be a top candidate for everything from short day hikes to backpacking… Read in-depth review
See the Men’s Salomon X Raise See the Women’s Salomon X Raise
7. Danner Trail 2650 ($160)
Category: Hiking shoe
Weight: 1 lb. 8 oz.
Waterproof: No (GTX available)
What we like: Comfortable, grippy, and looks good for use around town.
What we don’t: Can’t match the X Ultra above in stability.
Danner is best known for its work boots, but the long-time footwear brand has made a nice transition to hikers of late. The Trail 2650 has a lot going for it: it’s comfortable right out of the box, grippy with a Vibram outsole, and impressively light at 1 pound 8 ounces per pair. And this shoe manages do what most hiking shoes don’t: look good in the process. All in all, we’re impressed with the direction that Danner is headed, and the Trail 2650 is one of the more versatile options on this list.
The version of the Trail 2650 included here isn’t waterproof, but Danner also makes a GTX model for $180 and 1 pound 11 ounces per pair, along with a Mid GTX for those who want more ankle support. The only major downsides with this shoe line are a lack of stability when hauling a heavy pack (it falls short of the Salomon X Ultra above in this respect) and the rather massive piece of rubber on the heel that seems to go above and beyond the necessary levels of protection (and adds a bit of weight that won’t help you much on the trail). But those are small complaints about an otherwise comfortable and modern lightweight hiking shoe… Read in-depth review
See the Men’s Danner Trail 2650 See the Women’s Danner Trail 2650
8. Altra Lone Peak 6 ($140)
Category: Trail runner
Weight: 1 lb. 5.2 oz.
Waterproof: No (waterproof available)
What we like: It’s a thru-hiker favorite thanks to its light feel, cushioning, and wide toe box.
What we don’t: Roomy fit and flexible design aren’t ideal for difficult terrain.
Like the Speedgoat above, Altra’s Lone Peak was designed first as a running shoe and has since become a thru-hiker favorite thanks to its minimalist yet comfortable build. In place of the stiff midsole and reinforced heel common among many traditional designs, the Lone Peak uses thick cushioning to isolate your foot from uneven terrain, resulting in a shoe that’s both lightweight (just 1 lb. 5.2 oz. for a pair) and protective. It’s also extremely comfortable with Altra’s trademark zero-drop design and extra-wide toe box—in fact, this is the shoe we recommend most for hikers that regularly suffer from hot spots and blisters.
Among thru-hikers, the Lone Peak’s biggest competitor is the Speedgoat above. With the Lone Peak, you get trail-ready features like an integrated stone guard, built-in drainage ports, and gaiter trap. The Altra’s shorter stack height also puts you closer to the trail, which increases stability for many hikers (the Hoka can feel a little tippy and harder to trust on rocky terrain). But the Lone Peak’s wide fit is polarizing—hikers with narrow feet are usually much happier with the Speedgoat—and we’ve had durability issues with various iterations of the Lone Peak (the rubber toe cap has a tendency to peel away from the upper). In the end, both are great options for those traveling fast and light, and a final decision will likely come down to preferences on fit and cushioning.
See the Men’s Altra Lone Peak 6 See the Women’s Altra Lone Peak 6
9. Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX ($150)
Category: Hiking shoe
Weight: 1 lb. 11.5 oz.
Waterproof: Yes (non-GTX available)
What we like: A near-ideal balance of weight and on-trail performance.
What we don’t: Taller ankle height can lead to rubbing and discomfort.
Released last spring, Salomon’s X Ultra 4 is the replacement for our top-rated X Ultra 3 above. What’s changed? Beyond its sleeker and more modern look, Salomon revised the lacing system and chassis, and the fit is a bit wider in the toe box. Importantly, they’ve retained the X Ultra’s fantastic mix of a running shoe-like nimble feel with true trail chops for everything from day hikes to extended backpacking trips. It balances support with flexibility extremely well, is plenty beefed-up for rough conditions, and there’s enough cushioning underfoot for full days with a loaded pack. And at 1 pound 9 ounces for our men’s size 9, the X Ultra 4 matches its predecessor in weight.
Why hasn’t the latest X Ultra taken our top spot? While we didn’t have any comfort-related issues throughout our test of the shoe, the raised collar around the front of the ankle can be a source of rubbing and discomfort for some users. In comparing the X Ultra 3 and 4, the difference in height is noticeable, and the sheer number of complaints is enough for us to hesitate in moving the shoe any higher on our list at the moment. That said, if you can try it on before you purchase (or buy from a retailer with a good return policy), the latest X Ultra is undeniably a high-performance, quality option… Read in-depth review
See the Men’s Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX See the Women’s Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX
10. Keen Targhee Low Vent ($155)
Category: Hiking shoe
Weight: 1 lb. 13.6 oz.
Waterproof: No (waterproof available)
What we like: A nice update that modernizes the classic Targhee design.
What we don’t: Pricier than the Merrell Moab above without enough to show for it.
Like Merrell’s Moab, the Targhee is Keen’s signature everyday hiker. Updated a couple years ago, the changes weren’t groundbreaking but did a nice job at modernizing the classic design. Most importantly, the super wide foot bed of the previous model has been trimmed down slightly to give the shoe a slightly less sloppy feel over rocky terrain. The Targhee Low Vent still won’t be confused with an aggressive model like the Salomon X Ultra 3 above, but its tough leather construction, reasonable weight, and well-cushioned interior make it a great casual hiking shoe.
Among day hiking options, the Keen Targhee Low and Merrell Moab 2 are two of the most popular on the market. Both are very comfortable right out of the box, offer plenty of support and traction for non-technical trails, and can even do the trick on shorter backpacking trips. The Targhee’s Nubuck leather upper is a little more durable than the mesh used on the Moab, but the Keen isn’t as good of a value at $155. That price difference and the wide fit are what push it slightly down our list, but you can’t go wrong with either model.
See the Men’s Keen Targhee Low See the Women’s Keen Targhee Low
11. Arc’teryx Aerios FL GTX ($170)
Category: Hiking shoe/trail runner
Weight: 1 lb. 8.4 oz.
Waterproof: Yes
What we like: Light, tough, and extremely well-built.
What we don’t: Pricey and a bit stiffer than some more heavily cushioned models.
Arc’teryx has been experimenting with footwear for years, from the Bora2 hiking boots to the Norvan trail runners. But until fairly recently, the legendary Canadian brand had yet to release a true hiking shoe. Enter the Aerios FL, which is superlight at just over 1.5 pounds for the pair, waterproof with a Gore-Tex membrane, and tough with a burly toe cap and a large swath of TPU around the bottom portion of the shoe. All told, the Aerios likely is lighter than your day hiker, more protective than your trail runner, and more comfortable than your approach shoe. For these reasons, it’s our favorite pair of Arc’teryx hiking footwear to date.
In terms of performance, we took the Aerios FL on the multi-day Escalante Route through the Grand Canyon, which included off-trail scrambling with a loaded pack. The shoe felt a bit stiff at first—particularly under the heel—but it broke in nicely and ended up being comfortable during long days on the trail. It also was light on ankle support in a couple of spots, but still did a great job covering ground over a variety of tough terrain. Overall, we came away impressed: the Aerios is an excellent lightweight shoe for day hiking and likely will be a favorite among the minimalist backpacking crowd. For more ankle support, Arc’teryx also makes an Aerios Mid (1 lb. 10 oz. and $185)… Read in-depth review
See the Men’s Arc’teryx Aerios FL See the Women’s Arc’teryx Aerios FL
12. Brooks Cascadia 16 ($130)
Category: Trail runner
Weight: 1 lb. 5 oz.
Waterproof: No (GTX available)
What we like: Latest model is competitively light yet stable and well-cushioned.
What we don’t: Lightened-up build hasn’t proven itself in long-term durability.
Brooks’ Cascadia was one of the first trail runners to really break into the ultralight backpacking and thru-hiking communities. Its mix of weight and comfort were a revelation for those looking to cover serious distances, and the shoe exceeded expectations in terms of durability as well. Now in its 16th generation, the Cascadia remains a fantastic crossover trail running/hiking option: the latest model has a soft, cushioned feel, a rock plate underfoot helps take the sting out of a rough trail, and it’s very competitive in terms of weight at 1 pound 5 ounces for the men’s version (the women’s is 1 lb. 3 oz.).
How does the Cascadia compare with another darling of the thru-hiking world, Altra’s Lone Peak above? Both offer a nice array of trail-ready features like tacky and aggressive rubber outsoles, drainage ports in the upper, and attachment points for gaiters. One key difference is the Altra’s zero-drop shape compared with the Cascadia’s more traditional 8-millimeter drop (a choice here will come down to personal preference). And while the Cascadia’s toe box is pretty roomy, the Lone Peak has the wide shape that many thru-hikers desire. The flipside is that the Brooks is more stable and would be our pick for technical terrain. In truth, both are quality options, and as we put more miles on the Cascadia, it could easily work its way up our rankings.
See the Men’s Brooks Cascadia 16 See the Women’s Brooks Cascadia 16
13. Oboz Sawtooth II Low ($115)
Category: Hiking shoe
Weight: 1 lb. 15.2 oz.
Waterproof: No (WP available)
What we like: Sturdy and quite comfortable.
What we don’t: A little slow and ungainly in this crowd.
Based in Montana in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that Oboz footwear is noted for its stability and protection. Their popular Sawtooth II Low—also offered in a mid-height boot—features a sturdy build that is a nice option for folks looking to upgrade in stiffness and support from their Merrell Moabs. The shoe’s proprietary heel counter holds it shape well and provides a steady feel over uneven terrain. In addition, you get a comfortable all-around fit with plenty of room in the toe box and good arch and heel support thanks to Oboz’s sculpted O Fit insole.
Where the Sawtooth comes up short is among the fast-hiking crowd. If you like to cover serious ground and want a light and flexible shoe, we recommend an alternative like the Salomon X Raise or Danner’s Trail 2650 above (even the Moab is nimbler on the trail). And for those considering the waterproof BDry version of the Sawtooth, we found that it runs very warm and had us overheating when backpacking even in moderate temperatures. As such, we prefer the non-waterproof model, which also happens to save you $25 in the process.
See the Men’s Oboz Sawtooth II See the Women’s Oboz Sawtooth II
14. The North Face Vectiv Exploris ($159)
Category: Hiking shoe
Weight: 1 lb. 10.3 oz.
Waterproof: Yes
What we like: Thoroughly modern and packed with trail running-inspired tech.
What we don’t: Not everyone will like the rockered shape; unproven over the long term.
A number of The North Face’s hiking models have throwback styling and fairly heavy constructions, but the Vectiv Exploris is a thoroughly modern and lightweight shoe. Taking inspiration from their Vectiv trail running collection, this hiking-specific variation features a rockered profile for moving fast on the trail, full-length TPU plate in the midsole for stability, and a lightweight yet durable Cordura ripstop upper. In addition, they utilized their in-house Futurelight waterproofing, and the 3-layer construction helps minimize overheating when working hard in mild temperatures. The styling may be a little polarizing—it’s not as around town-friendly as alternatives like the Oboz Sypes below—but it’s clear a lot of thought and effort went into the design.
We took the Vectiv Exploris backpacking in Washington’s Olympic National Park and returned with mostly positive impressions. The shoe gripped well on everything from slippery downed trees to mud, and there was little to no break-in period. Further, the waterproof membrane held up extremely well despite the sloppy conditions and numerous creek crossings. The rockered shape did feel a little awkward at first—especially when standing still or walking slowly—but it really came to life and gave the shoe a natural and balanced feel when hiking quickly. All told, the newer design has a way to go to prove itself in terms of durability—plus we’d like to see how it performs on more technical terrain—but the Vectiv’s early report is a good one… Read in-depth review
See the Men’s TNF Vectiv Exploris See the Women’s TNF Vectiv Exploris
15. Adidas Terrex Swift R3 GTX ($150)
Category: Hiking shoe
Weight: 1 lb. 11.9 oz.
Waterproof: Yes
What we like: Sturdy and durable with great traction.
What we don’t: Stiff and less comfortable for moving fast.
With a light but sturdy and supportive build, Adidas’ Terrex Swift R has consistently been a trail favorite. The 3rd generation brought a more traditional lacing system—which we consider a positive as the quick-lace design on the R2 was finicky—but otherwise, they stuck to the winning formula. Its outsole grips well on everything from mud to rock, and the moderately stiff construction makes it a nice pairing for more technical terrain and when carrying an overnight or multi-day load. Finally, we appreciate the tough and long-lasting materials used throughout: there’s no open mesh in the upper like you’ll find on less durable trail runners, and protection is great around the toes and sides of the feet. For hikers wanting a boot-like feel in a low-top shoe, the Swift R3 is a worthy option.
Some of the Swift’s closest competitors include the La Sportiva Spire and Salomon X Ultra above. All the designs balance weight, cushioning, and trail performance well, although the Salomons (both the X Ultra 3 and 4) are the lightest and nimblest of the bunch. For those that like a little more structure and stiffness, the Adidas and La Sportiva have their appeals, but the tradeoff is a longer break-in period and a somewhat clunky feel when you’re trying to move quickly. We also found the R3 runs a little big, which led to a fair amount of heel slippage on extended climbs (some may need to size down). These complaints push the Swift R3 down our rankings, but if it fits you well, the shoe offers a nice combination of durability, support, and price.
See the Men’s Adidas Terrex Swift R3 GTX See the Women’s Terrex Swift R3 GTX
16. Merrell MQM Flex 2 ($110)
Category: Hiking shoe/trail runner
Weight: 1 lb. 9 oz.
Waterproof: No (GTX available)
What we like: A nice option for fast-moving day hikers.
What we don’t: Durability concerns with the outsole.
In sharp contrast to the sturdy and comfortable Moab above is Merrell’s fast and light MQM Flex series. Offered in both mid-height and low-top shoes, the latter model resembles a slightly built-up trail runner with a thin mesh upper, nimble feel, and 1-pound-9-ounce listed weight (our men’s size 9s are even lighter at 1 lb. 7.7 oz.). But as we found while hiking throughout Washington’s Cascade Range, the MQM is at home on the trail with good toe and heel protection, a rock plate underfoot, and a secure fit.
We think the MQM Flex 2 is a great choice for ambitious day hikes or possibly short ultralight backpacking trips, but it isn’t as well-rounded as the Salomon X Ultra 3 (we’ve listed the GTX version above, but Salomon also makes a non-waterproof “Aero” that is 1 lb. 9.8 oz. and $120). To start, you get less cushioning with the Merrell, which translates to more foot soreness when hauling a heavy load or while moving over particularly rough terrain. Further, we’ve been disappointed with the durability of the outsole. The aggressive lugs do a great job biting into everything from hardpack dirt to rock and mud, but the rubber is too flexible, and we’ve broken multiple chunks off of the tread in only one season of testing. At a similar weight and price point, we prefer the longer-lasting and comfier Salomon… Read in-depth review
See the Men’s Merrell MQM Flex 2 See the Women’s Merrell MQM Flex 2
17. Oboz Sypes Low Leather Waterproof ($145)
Category: Hiking shoe
Weight: 1 lb. 15.4 oz.
Waterproof: Yes
What we like: Like the Danner Trail, this is a good-looking hiking shoe with everyday appeal.
What we don’t: Lacking in performance chops.
Oboz has been a long-time favorite among a certain crowd with hiking shoes like the Sawtooth (above) and Bridger, but the brand has taken a turn toward to being hipper and more modern with the Sypes. We’ll start by noting that like the Danner Trail 2650 above, this shoe has a lot of everyday appeal with a sleek leather upper that looks much less like a hiker than the aforementioned models. In addition, you get Oboz’s proprietary BDry waterproof membrane, decent support and stability, and a fairly aggressive lug pattern for traction. All in all, the Sypes is a stylish yet moderately capable hiking shoe.
Keep in mind that if you’re looking for serious cushioning and comfort on long trail days, the Oboz Sypes is not your best bet. The shoe is comfortable but feels flatter than some of the more technical models on the market, and if you plan on covering serious mileage, the performance chops and ruggedness are limited. In addition, you certainly can go cheaper and lighter, and especially if you are willing to give up things like waterproofing and the full-leather upper. But for a good-looking hiking shoe that can be worn to work and on short hikes after, the Sypes is a nice choice.
See the Men’s Oboz Sypes See the Women’s Oboz Sypes
18. Vasque Breeze LT Low GTX ($160)
Category: Hiking shoe/trail runner
Weight: 1 lb. 6 oz.
Waterproof: Yes
What we like: Light and grippy with fun styling.
What we don’t: Compromises too much in durability.
The majority of Vasque’s hiking footwear line trends towards the traditional end of the spectrum with substantial leather uppers and stiff constructions. But their Breeze LT Low GTX is a whole different animal: the shoe is a featherlight at 1 pound 6 ounces, flexes quite a bit underfoot, and is among the more stylish options out there with a fun, multi-colored look. Moreover, Vasque didn’t skimp on its performance chops with Vibram’s proven MegaGrip rubber and a comfortable and energetic midsole.
Our primary concern with the Breeze LT is that its trimmed-down build will impact long-term durability. For reference, the shoe weighs less than an ounce more than the Hoka Speedgoat trail runner above, yet the Vasque includes a Gore-Tex lining (the Hoka isn’t waterproof). As a result, the mesh upper is quite thin and the mix of fabrics has us concerned with how they’ll hold up over rocky and rough terrain. Overall, we commend Vasque for the ambitious ultralight design, but we think it’s worth sticking with a slightly heavier but more durable alternative like the Salomon X Raise above. For another superlight option from Vasque with a less technical look, check out their 1-pound-4-ounce Satoru.
See the Men’s Vasque Breeze LT See the Women’s Vasque Breeze LT
19. La Sportiva Wildcat ($120)
Category: Trail runner
Weight: 1 lb. 9 oz.
Waterproof: No
What we like: Lightweight but stable; long-distance comfort.
What we don’t: A step down in durability and toe protection from a true hiking shoe.
Years ago, we took a chance on the La Sportiva Wildcats as our daily trail runners. Quickly, we transitioned them to their better usage—fast-moving summer day hikes—thanks to the excellent shock absorption and breathability. We’re not alone, as the Wildcat has garnered a lot of praise over the past few years, helping propel trail running shoes fully into the hiking footwear market. The outsole design, optimized for running over varied and rough terrain, is equally at home on the rocky and rooty hiking trails in the Cascades. Notably, we’ve also seen the shoes on a number of PCT thru-hikers.
One warning in turning to a true trail runner style for hiking: the minimalist toe cap does not offer nearly as much protection as a traditional hiking shoe. Further, the La Sportiva’s thin mesh upper is more prone to tearing than an option like the Altra Lone Peak above. But despite a few sore toes and a couple pairs that didn’t last as long as we hoped, the Wildcat remains a favorite for trail runs and day hikes throughout the summer months… Read in-depth review
See the Men’s La Sportiva Wildcat See the Women’s La Sportiva Wildcat
20. Salomon OUTline Low GTX ($130)
Category: Hiking shoe
Weight: 1 lb. 8.6 oz.
Waterproof: Yes (non-GTX available)
What we like: Light and modern with a running shoe-like feel.
What we don’t: Unimpressive in both comfort and durability.
Salomon’s ever-expanding hiking footwear line added the lightweight OUTline boot and shoe collection a couple years ago. And on paper, there was a lot to like with the low-top model: its 1-pound-8.6-ounce weight easily undercuts the X Ultra 3 and 4 above, the shoe has a modern aesthetic that crosses over reasonably well to daily use, and its build quality appeared to be up to the French brand’s typical standards. Moreover, when we first tried it on, the OUTline immediately stood out with its running shoe-like feel.
Despite the positive first impressions, however, the OUTline disappointed in some key areas. First off, the fit is on the narrow side throughout, so even those with average-width feet could run into issues here. In addition, both of our testers dealt with quite a bit of foot soreness due to the minimalist cushioning. It’s worth noting we were hiking on relatively rocky trails, but they certainly weren’t overly technical, and we were only carrying light daypacks. Finally, the toe cap started to peel back on one pair only 13 miles into its test. The nimble build may do the trick for short day hikes, but we’ve concluded the OUTline isn’t Salomon’s best offering… Read in-depth review
See the Men’s Salomon OUTline See the Women’s Salomon OUTline
Hiking Shoe Comparison Table
SHOEPRICECATEGORYWEIGHTWATERPROOFUPPERSalomon X Ultra 3 GTX$150Hiking shoe1 lb. 10.8 oz.Yes (Gore-Tex)SyntheticMerrell Moab 2 Vent$100Hiking shoe1 lb. 15 oz.NoLeather / meshHoka One One Speedgoat 4$145Trail runner1 lb. 5.6 oz.NoMeshLa Sportiva Spire GTX$190Hiking shoe1 lb. 15 oz.Yes (Gore-Tex)MeshLa Sportiva TX4$140Approach shoe1 lb. 10 oz.NoLeatherSalomon X Raise GTX$130Hiking shoe/trail runner1 lb. 7.6 oz.Yes (Gore-Tex)SyntheticDanner Trail 2650$160Hiking shoe1 lb. 8 oz.NoLeatherAltra Lone Peak 6$140Trail runner1 lb. 5.2 oz.NoMeshSalomon X Ultra 4 GTX$150Hiking shoe1 lb. 11.5 oz.Yes (Gore-Tex)SyntheticKeen Targhee Low Vent$155Hiking shoe1 lb. 13.6 oz.NoLeatherArc’teryx Aerios FL GTX$170Hiking shoe/trail runner1 lb. 8.4 oz.Yes (Gore-Tex)SyntheticBrooks Cascadia 16$130Trail runner1 lb. 5 oz.NoSyntheticOboz Sawtooth II Low$115Hiking shoe1 lb. 15.2 oz.NoLeather / textileTNF Vectiv Exploris$159Hiking shoe1 lb. 10.3 oz.Yes (Futurelight)MeshAdidas Terrex Swift R3 GTX$150Hiking shoe1 lb. 11.9 oz.Yes (Gore-Tex)SyntheticMerrell MQM Flex 2$110Hiking shoe/trail runner1 lb. 9 oz.NoMeshOboz Sypes Low$145Hiking shoe1 lb. 15.4 oz.Yes (BDry)LeatherVasque Breeze LT Low GTX$160Hiking shoe/trail runner1 lb. 6 oz.Yes (Gore-Tex)MeshLa Sportiva Wildcat$120Trail runner1 lb. 9 oz.NoNylon meshSalomon OUTline Low GTX$130Hiking shoe1 lb. 8.6 oz.Yes (Gore-Tex)Synthetic
