Hiking shoes are a lower cost and lighter alternative to high-cut boots. Apart from the low cut, they tend to have the same construction as boots and therefore offer similar support and comfort. They are best used when carrying lighter packs and on formed trails.
Outsole
Widely spaced and deep lugs are designed to shed mud and offer grip in all conditions. A pronounced instep will provide braking on a descent.
Midsole
Most midsoles are EVA, a foam designed to handle the stress and impact of walking over uneven ground. Varying densities of EVA provide firm or soft support: soft-flex shoes offer greater rebound when moving fast. These midsoles are likely to compress over time.
Some midsoles are PU (polyurethane), which is firmer and more durable than EVA. These are better when precise footholds are needed on rocky terrain, or when sidling steep slopes and climbing or scrambling.
Upper
Most hiking shoes are made from a combination of leather and synthetic materials such as mesh or thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), which is a rubber-like material. They are light, easy to break in and care for, highly breathable and quick-drying.
Heel
Your heel should be held firmly in place for stability and to prevent heel lift, which can cause blisters. A shock absorber minimises heel strike.
Fit and width
The toe box should have a thumb-width of space in front of your longest toe. The overall fit should be snug – not tight – across the arch and forefoot.
Eyelets and laces
Fabric lace loops are common, with some metal or hard plastic eyelets used on shoes intended for demanding use.
Stability
A nylon or plastic shank sandwiched between the midsole and outsole provides load-bearing stiffness and prevents the shoe from twisting and being overly flexible. Shanks also protect the foot from stones and trail debris.
Protection
Rubber or fabric overlays may be used at the toe box, heel and on the sides of the shoe. They protect feet from knocks and the upper material from abrasion.
Waterproofing
Waterproof shoes have a membrane that also provides breathability to move moisture away from the foot. Non-waterproof shoes are naturally breathable and tend to cost less. It’s worth considering a non-waterproof model if you’re hiking mostly in dry conditions.
The North Face Fastpack Ultra GTX $350
Designed for comfort over long distances, this shoe has the DREAM nitrogen midsole for cushioned rebound and a broad platform for stability. There’s an EVA stability chassis, a Gore-Tex membrane, a high-tenacity ripstop upper with synthetic reinforcements and a Vibram XS Trek EVO outsole with 5mm traction lugs for enhanced traction and durability.
Scarpa Moraine GTX $379.99
This entry-level shoe offers comfort straight from the box. It has a Nubuck and mesh upper with toe and heel guards, Gore-Tex membrane, an ActivFit moulded sock liner, a TPU shank for stability and anti-torsional control, an integrated RECCO reflector and a PRESA HIK-04 outsole. 950g (m), 800g (w).
The North Face Offtrail Hike GTX $330
With durable Cordura uppers, a Gore-Tex membrane and rock guard for protection, this shoe is designed for use on technical terrain. It has a rubber toe cap with TPU overlays, a reinforced heel cup, a comfort-padded collar and tongue to lock the foot in place, and a Surface CTRL rubber outsole with 5mm lugs. 858g (m), 782g (w).
Salewa Pedroc 2 PTX $299.90
A waterproof and breathable speed-hiker with a versatile sole for use in mixed mountain and urban environments. It has a reinforced heel and toe, EVA midsole, a dual-density recycled footbed, ripstop mesh upper, Salewa’s 3F System for support and stability and a Pomoca outsole. 760g (m), 620g (w).
Scarpa Rush 2 Pro GTX $429.99
This hybrid shoe offers trail-running agility with hiking-shoe stability and support. It has a rigid TPU heel, a dual density PU midsole, an ergonomic shank for anti-torsional control, a Nubuck leather upper with mesh tongue, Gore-Tex ePE membrane and a Presa HIK-03 outsole with 7 cushioning areas for progressive support. 910g (m), 670g (w).
Aku Rocket DFS GTX $389.99
A lightweight shoe designed for fast hiking. It has a crossed rib fabric and microfibre upper protected by a 3D print layer, a Gore-Tex membrane, a double-lacing system for precise fit, a dual-density EVA midsole and a 2mm PU shank for stability and support. It features Aku’s Elica Natural Stride System to promote walking efficiency. Vibram Rocket Traction outsole. 740g (m), 620g (w).
Salewa Wildfire NXT $359.99
An approach shoe offering light weight and durability. It has a seamless Kevlar-reinforced Matryx fabric upper, an oversized heel for cushioning and smoother landing, Salewa’s 3F System for support and stability, custom-fit footbed, EVA midsole, protective rand and Vibram All-Terrain Megagrip outsole. 690g (m), 590g (w).
Scarpa Ribelle Run 2 $349.99
A trail-running shoe for precision on technical terrain and over short to medium distances. It has Scarpa’s 3S Frame (secure, stable, sensitive), an abrasion-resistant mesh upper with heat-sealed reinforcements, Sock-Fit slip-on construction with integrated tongue, a quick-cinch lacing system and a PRESA high-performance rubber outsole. 650g (m), 560g (w).
Oboz Sawtooth Ascent Low $229
This durable shoe has a suede upper using Leather Working Group’s ‘gold standard leather’, which meets high environmental standards. It’s a wide fit and has abrasion-resistant mesh panels, a PU toe cap, heel stabiliser, a rolled collar lining, B-DRY membrane, EVA midsole, O-Fit insole and Vibram XS Trek EVO outsole. 952g (m/w).
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