Hiking shoes are a lightweight alternative to boots but offer the same performance, support and comfort. 

Heel

The heel should be held firmly in place for stability and to prevent heel lift, which can cause blisters. A shock absorber at the heel minimises heel strike. 

Waterproofing

Waterproof shoes have a membrane that also provides breathability – i.e. it will move moisture from the foot, through the shoe and into the atmosphere. Non-waterproof shoes are naturally breathable. It might be worth considering, and paying less for, a non-waterproof model if you’re mostly hiking in summer.

Upper

Most hiking shoes are made from a combination of leather and/or 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. 

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, with soft-flex shoes offering greater rebound for moving fast. Firmer shoes are better for when precise footholds are needed on rocky terrain, or when sidling steep slopes and climbing or scrambling. Some midsoles are PU (polyurethane), which is firmer and more durable than EVA.

Outsole

Wide-spaced and deep lugs are designed to shed mud and offer grip in all conditions. A pronounced instep will provide braking power on descent.

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.

Eyelets and laces

Fabric lace loops are common, with some metal or hard plastic eyelets used on shoes intended for demanding use.

Protection

Rubber overlays – also known as a rand – may be used at the toe box, heel and on the sides. They protect feet from knocks and the upper material from abrasion.

Fit and width

The toe box should have a thumb-width of space in front of the longest toe. The overall fit should be snug–not tight– across the arch and forefoot.

Salewa Mountain Trainer Lite GTX $339.90

Approach shoe with synthetic fabric upper and a Gore-Tex membrane, 3F heel hold system to prevent heel lift, TPU film protects uppers, climbing lacing, heel stabiliser, rubber toe cup, EVA midsole, nylon shank, vegan friendly, Pomoca compound rubber outsole. 896g (m), 736g (w). www.bobo.co.nz

Salewa Alp Trainer 2 GTX $349.90

Alpine hiking shoe with suede leather upper and a Gore-Tex membrane, full rubber rand, 3F heel hold system to prevent heel lift, climbing lacing, Ortholite footbed, EVA midsole, Vibram Alpine Hiking outsole. 940g (m), 740g (w). www.bobo.co.nz

The North Face Vectiv Exploris FutureLight $300

Hiking shoe with Cordura ripstop and mesh upper, waterproof FutureLight membrane, protective toe cap, rand and heel overlays, TPU footplate and high-rebound Vectiv EVA midsole, OrthoLite footbed, Surface Control rubber outsole. 746g (m), 640g (w). www.thenorthface.co.nz

Asolo Megaton GV $299

A light hiker for all-season use and with a one-piece water-resistant 1.8mm suede leather upper, Gore-Tex Extended Comfort membrane, TPU rock plate, EVA mono density midsole, toe and heel overlays, self-cleaning Vibram Megagrip sole. 710g (m), 580g (w). www.oms.co.nz

Salewa Wildfire Leather $299.90

A light hiker for trail and everyday use with 1.4mm suede leather upper, reinforced rand, rubber toe cap, 3F heel hold system to prevent heel lift, climbing lacing, Ortholite footbed, EVA midsole, Pomoca S Path outsole. 720g (m), 550g (w). www.bobo.co.nz

Asolo Pipe GV $299

A flexible hiker with water-resistant 1.6-1.8mm suede and polyester upper, Schoeller soft shell collar, Gore-Tex Extended Comfort membrane, mono density EVA midsole, rubber toe cap, self-cleaning Vibram Megagrip sole. 740g. www.oms.co.nz

Merrell MTL MQM $289

An approach shoe combining climbing and hiking features. Breathable mesh and TPU upper, waterproof shell, recycled components, internal bootie locks the foot in, rock plate, Super Rebound Compound midsole, Vibram Megagrip and Idrogrip outsole. 640g (m), 510g (w). www.merrell.co.nz

Merrell Moab 3 $229

Merrell’s best-seller is made with pigskin leather and recycled mesh, laces and webbing. Protective toe cap, moulded nylon arch shank, Super Rebound Compound EVA midsole, contoured insole with forefoot and heel cushioning pods, Vibram TC5+ outsole. 920g (m), 720g (w). www.merrell.co.nz

The North Face Vectiv Fastpack Futurelight $280

A speed-hiking shoe with abrasion-resistant mesh upper, waterproof FutureLight membrane, double-punched eyelets for fine-tuned lacing, toe cap and mudguard, gusseted tongue, Ortholite footbed, rocker midsole, high-rebound EVA midsole, Surface Control rubber outsole. 512g (m), 620g (w). www.thenorthface.co.nz