Comparison: Top 8 Best Hiking Shoes 2026

Going hiking requires being well-shod. For proper practice, whether on a day hike, trekking or even mountaineering, it is important to have your foot well supported and above all be comfortable. Hiking shoes provide good ankle support and protect your feet thanks to a rock plate located at the front of the shoe. They are often waterproof to withstand the changing mountain weather and breathable so your foot can breathe. 

Summary of the best hiking shoes 2026

• Our top 4 best low-cut hiking shoes:
  • Salomon X Ultra 5 GTX, the best hiking shoe to go everywhere without thinking!
  • Merrell Moab Speed 2 GTX, the best hiking shoe for walking fast without feeling like you’re wearing anvils
  • Columbia Konos TRS II OutDry, the most comfortable low-cut hiking shoe
  • Scarpa Ribelle Cross 2 Gore-Tex, the best hiking shoe for steep terrains and scree fields!
• Our top 4 best medium/high-cut hiking shoes
  • Lowa Renegade Evo GTX Mid, the best for multi-day trips with a backpack
  • Hoka Mafate X Hike, the best fast-hiking shoe
  • Mammut Ducan III High GTX, ideal for dynamic trekking
  • Millet Ubic Trek Gore-Tex, the best hiking shoe for the most "wild" terrains
• How to choose the best hiking shoes?

Our top 4 best low-cut hiking shoes:

Salomon X Ultra 5 GTX, the best hiking shoe to go everywhere without thinking!

Ah, Salomon... It’s hard to do a hike in the French Alps, Norwegian fjords, or now on the Champs-Élysées, even on the Super Bowl stage, without coming across the French brand. You have to say Salomon knows how to offer very good, tough shoes. The Salomon X Ultra 5 GTX is no exception and positions itself as an excellent versatile shoe. Its main argument? The ability to adapt to almost all types of trails without demanding major compromises from the hiker. It’s not a specialized shoe, nor ultra-light for speed, nor heavy for technical mountaineering, but a model designed for the majority of outings, where elevation changes, rocky passages, and muddy ground follow each other with no predictable logic. 

Its weight of 380 g per shoe places it in an intermediate category, light enough not to tire you on long distances, but structured enough to offer effective lateral support. The Advanced Chassis™, combined with Active Support, plays a key role here: it limits foot twisting without stiffening the sole, an asset for technical descents where placement precision matters as much as shock resistance. The 11 mm drop, standard for a hiking shoe, avoids excessive strain on the Achilles tendon, but those used to lower drops (6-8 mm) might find it slightly high for very long outings.

Regarding grip, as expected from Salomon, you’ll find a very good Contagrip® "All-Terrain" sole. Your foot will also stay dry thanks to a Gore-Tex membrane. The upper is made of Matryx®, a blend of synthetic fibers and polyamide. It will be perfect to resist stones, branches... However, this robustness comes with a slightly higher weight than more breathable mesh models. Still, the main compromise of the X Ultra 5 GTX remains its standard width. While it suits most feet, those with a wide forefoot or long toes might feel lateral pressure after several hours of walking. Added to this is moderate cushioning confirming its orientation towards day outings. It is made for you if you hike on rugged trails for a day, but not designed for multi-day treks with a very heavy backpack.

Merrell Moab Speed 2 GTX, the best hiking shoe to walk fast without feeling like you’re carrying anvils

A hiking shoe is never very light. Except maybe this Merrell Moab Speed 2 GTX, which does quite well on the scale with only 350 grams. A record in our comparison that earns it the title of best lightweight hiking shoe. Be careful though, don’t expect a ballet slipper. We’re still talking about a shoe with Gore-Tex membrane, Vibram sole, FlexPlate technology... This technology aims to improve stability and rigidity at the front of the foot, while the FloatPro™ midsole guarantees lasting comfort, even on long distances.

The Gore-Tex membrane, which you already know, will provide you with exceptional waterproofing and breathability, keeping your feet dry whatever the conditions. Finally, the Vibram® TC5+ outsole will give you unmatched grip, especially on slippery or rocky terrain. In short, a shoe designed for lovers of lightness and performance.

Columbia Konos TRS II OutDry, the most comfortable low-cut hiking shoes

We continue this comparison with the Columbia Konos TRS II OutDry, aimed directly at those who primarily seek a comfortable and well-cushioned shoe. To keep this promise, this model relies on a blend of technologies focused on shock absorption and protection, while featuring a very light weight of 336 g (in size 42).

Technically, Columbia opted for a global approach: the Techlite+ midsole, combined with Omni-MAX deflection pods, forms a solid setup to absorb impacts both at the heel and forefoot. For the upper part, the reinforced mesh upper integrates the in-house OutDry membrane. This guarantees total waterproofing, but above all, this membrane has the particularity of avoiding the unpleasant "plastic bag" effect often found in waterproof models. We also note the environmental effort with a PFAS-free durable water repellent treatment, even if it requires a bit more care over time than a classic coating.

Regarding grip, the Adapt Trax sole does its job on mixed, dry, or wet terrains. However, it quickly shows its limits on slippery rocks or very steep slopes, where more aggressive lugs are missing. That’s where the Navic Fit lacing system comes in: it manages the feat of securely locking the heel without compressing the midfoot, thus reducing friction while remaining precise.

Obviously, this lightness imposes some trade-offs, mainly on durability. While the mesh resists minor abrasions, it may wear prematurely on very technical terrain or after high mileage. Similarly, the weight savings result in fairly thin lateral protection, which can be a weak point if you carry a heavy pack or move across scree slopes.

Scarpa Ribelle Cross 2 Gore-Tex, the best hiking shoe for steep terrain and scree!

We finish this top 4 with the Scarpa Ribelle Cross 2 Gore-Tex, a shoe designed for those who want to tackle technical terrain without opting for a true mountaineering boot. With 355 g (size 38 for the women's version) or 420 g in the men's size 42 version, it places itself in an intermediate category: more robust than a trail running shoe, but much less bulky than a traditional heavy mountain boot.

To achieve this, Scarpa uses a "One-Layer" upper that combines technical mesh and TPU reinforcements. This choice stiffens the structure without weighing it down, while still keeping enough flexibility to not restrict the foot. For comfort, the lacing is designed to distribute pressure evenly, avoiding pressure points during long outings. Moisture protection is ensured by the new Gore-Tex ePE membrane, more ecological as it’s PFAS-free, although it remains to be seen how this thinner version withstands repeated abrasion over the long term.

The major strength is clearly the Presa HIK-06 sole. It was developed for medium and long distances with well-defined lugs that offer excellent grip, especially descending on loose ground. Scarpa highlights good results on both dry and wet surfaces, but there is still a lack of feedback on the rubber’s abrasion resistance. You sense that a compromise was made here favoring pure performance rather than absolute sole longevity.

In the end, this Ribelle Cross 2 is an excellent choice for hikers moving on steep or rocky trails who want to stay reactive. It will be perfect for technical elevation, even if those who mainly stay on well-marked, stable paths will probably find lighter options less mountain-specific.

Our top 4 best hiking shoes with medium/high cut

Lowa Renegade Evo GTX Mid, the best for multi-day backpacking trips

The Lowa Renegade Evo GTX Mid is a cult shoe, redesigned to offer even more durability and longevity. Made from high-quality nubuck leather, it guarantees exceptional durability, ideal for regular and demanding hikers. Its GORE-TEX membrane makes it waterproof and breathable, ensuring optimal comfort regardless of the weather.

With a perfect fit and a versatile outsole, this shoe offers excellent foot support, even on rugged terrains. Its total weight of 1180 g (pair) is well balanced for increased comfort and stability. If you’re looking for a shoe able to withstand years and kilometers, the Renegade Evo GTX Mid is a top investment.

Hoka Mafate X Hike, the best fast-hiking shoe

Next up is the Hoka Mafate X Hike, a hybrid shoe trying to bridge the trail running world and long-distance hiking. The idea here is to offer maximum comfort on technical terrain without losing reactivity, a fairly rare balance for a high-top model. It clearly targets those who want to cover distance with true ankle support but without the rigidity or weight of a traditional trekking shoe.

Technically, this version takes the DNA of the Mafate running shoe and adapts it for walking. You find a core in PEBA (a light and lively polymer) combined with a carbon fiber plate to boost propulsion, which helps a lot on climbs or when re-accelerating. The cushioning relies on a supercritical EVA foam that absorbs shocks to limit muscle fatigue over kilometers. At 463 g on the scale, the weight remains reasonable for a high-top shoe, even if you feel the focus is more on comfort and stability than pure ultralightness.

For grip, Hoka went safe with a Vibram MegaGrip sole, effective on both dry and wet ground. Support comes from a neoprene cuff at ankle level: it’s flexible, doesn’t rub, and offers good freedom of movement. The quick hooks for adjusting lacing in a snap are much appreciated. A little safety bonus: the integration of RECCO reflectors, always useful in high mountains. However, though the shaft is said to be durable, it probably won’t have the toughness of classic leather against abrasion from sharp rocks.

In the end, the Mafate X Hike is made for hikers who prioritize long-distance comfort and a natural stride, while needing ankle support. It will also please trail runners looking for a versatile shoe for mixed outings. On the other hand, if you swear by minimalism or are looking for an indestructible model for very harsh terrain, it might be a little off target.

Mammut Ducan III High GTX, ideal for dynamic trekking

We continue with the Swiss brand Mammut and its Ducan III High Gore-Tex, a shoe made for terrains that don’t forgive, where stability and protection are non-negotiable. Its major asset is managing to stay relatively light (530 g in size 42⅔) without seeming fragile. 

Technically, the sole Vibram XS Trek stands out thanks to the Traction Lug technology. Mammut announces 25% better grip compared to classic cleats, which is reassuring when tackling slippery descents or rocky slabs. Under the foot, there is the Flextron PRO plate: it stiffens the sole to prevent foot torsion while trying to maintain a natural gait. It’s an interesting balance, even though this rigidity might surprise those used to softer models. For cushioning, the EVA foam and Ortholite insole combo does the job to protect joints over time. However, be careful with fit: the upper is quite bulky, which is a plus for wide feet comfort but might lack precision for narrower feet despite standard lacing.

There is also an ethical effort with a PFC-free water-repellent treatment and Fair Wear certification. With a 10 mm drop and a rather firm flex index, you can feel that Mammut prioritized pure support over stride liveliness. This shoe sometimes requires a bit of adaptation if you come from very flat or very flexible models.

Millet Ubic Trek Gore-Tex, the best hiking shoe for the wildest terrains

We end our 2026 hiking shoe comparison with one of the leading brands on the French market, the Millet Ubic Trek Gore-Tex. Millet offers us here a robust shoe able to face changing conditions without tipping into the excessive rigidity of pure mountaineering models. 

On the manufacturing side, the French brand chose a mid-height suede leather upper (1.6-1.8 mm). It’s an excellent choice: leather eventually molds to the foot shape after a few outings and offers much better abrasion resistance than synthetic materials. For waterproofing, we find the Gore-Tex ePE membrane, lighter and more ecological, which does its job regarding breathability. Note however that leather requires a bit more maintenance than a 100% textile shoe.

Underfoot, the Vibram HighTrek sole with the Megagrip compound ensures excellent traction whether the ground is rocky or wet. Cushioning relies on an EVA midsole, providing lightness and responsiveness, although this material may compress faster than polyurethane on very long self-supported treks. At 630 g per shoe, it’s a medium-high weight model: this is very decent for multi-day trips with a loaded backpack, but forget ultralight approaches.

Comfort is not left behind with an Ortholite insole and a fairly generous "Grand Trek" shape, ideal for wide feet or those who fear pressure points after several hours of walking. Finally, we also appreciate the molded rubber toe cap that protects the front of the foot well against shocks.

How to choose the best hiking shoes?

Choosing the right pair of hiking shoes is essential for comfort and safety on the trails. It’s the key element that can make the difference between a pleasant hike and an uncomfortable experience. But how do you choose the best hiking shoes? Here are some elements to consider.

A hiking shoe for every activity  

As mentioned, hiking shoes are suited for distinctly different practices: day hikes, sport hiking, trekking.

• For day hikes or casual walks, go for lightweight low-cut shoes. They are ideal for easy trails with little elevation gain.  
   
• For more “sporty” outings or multi-day trips, you can choose mid-height hiking shoes (“mid”). They offer a good compromise between casual walking shoes and trekking boots. They are light, provide good grip, and support the ankle well.  
   
• For trekking or long hikes, rather choose high-cut trekking boots. They are higher and stiffer, thus more secure in technical passages notably.

You can also find versatile shoes that combine lightness, grip, and ankle support. They won’t perform as well as specialized hiking shoes but will give you what you need for all terrain types and any weather condition. 

Type of shoes:

There are several types of hiking shoes, each adapted to specific terrains and weather conditions.

1. Low hiking shoes: Light and flexible, perfect for day hikes on mild terrain.
2. High hiking shoes: Offering better ankle protection, ideal for harder terrain and multi-day hikes.
3. Mountaineering boots: Stiff and durable, designed for high mountain terrain and extreme weather conditions.

Fit and comfort:

It’s essential that your shoes fit well and are comfortable. Make sure to try your shoes with the socks you’ll wear during your hike. Your feet tend to swell after long walking, so ensure there is a bit of space at the front of the shoe to avoid blisters and black toenails.

Materials and waterproofing:

The choice of material depends on where and when you plan to hike. If you expect to walk in wet conditions, go for shoes with a waterproof membrane like Gore-Tex. For warmer, drier climates, choose breathable materials to avoid overheating.

Sole and grip:

To avoid slipping and falling, look for shoes with good grip. Vibram soles are generally rated well for grip and durability. Also, make sure the sole has good shock absorption for more comfort on long distances.

How to choose the best hiking shoe?

Choosing the right pair of hiking shoes is an important task that requires considering several factors including shoe type, comfort, material, and grip. Ultimately, the best hiking shoes will be those that best meet your individual needs. So take the time to do your research, try different models, and remember, good gear is the first step toward a great hiking adventure!

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