The Best Hiking Shoes of 2025

Summer time means lengthy days, heat temps, and miles on the path. And whereas we love a superb pair of mountain climbing boots, a mountain climbing shoe is right for a lot of path adventures. They’re gentle and simple to maneuver in, and so they preserve your ft cool. You’ll hand over a little bit of ankle help with a shoe, however many discover that the elevated consolation and efficiency are effectively definitely worth the trade-off.

This information combines the views of prolific thru-hiker Chris Carter, consummate woodsman Nick LeFort, and Matt Bento, a former climbing dirtbag who lives within the Jap Sierra. Between them, they’ve spent 1000’s of miles testing mountain climbing footwear from the japanese forest of Appalachia to granite peaks in California. In any case that rambling, the Hoka Speedgoat 6 emerges as this season’s prime decide, with the Merrell Moab 3 retains its spot as one of the best funds shoe for extra informal hikers.

We’re agency believers that mountain climbing footwear can carry out higher than mountain climbing boots for long-distance hikes and backpacking. With lighter gear turning into mainstream, even learners can simply get their package beneath 30 kilos and negate the necessity for heavy, all-leather high-top boots. The listing beneath highlights our favourite mountain climbing footwear, subject examined and in contrast side-by-side. You’ll discover lots of our prime selections are additionally wonderful path trainers.

Editor’s Word: Up to date February twenty eighth, 2025, we gave our mountain climbing footwear information an actual shake-up, crowning the Hoka Speedgoat 6 as one of the best total mountain climbing shoe. We additionally examined the newly up to date Altra Lone Peak 9, and for individuals who need a mountain climbing shoe that’s as robust as a boot, take a look at the Scarpa Rush 2 Professional GTX.

The Finest Mountaineering Footwear of 2025

Different Rock Strong Mountaineering Footwear We Examined

Whereas the Mountaineering footwear beneath didn’t make the highest of our listing, they’re all well-designed and well-constructed. In the event you’re procuring gross sales or simply don’t like all of the footwear we’ve highlighted above, check out one of the best of the remainder, and relaxation assured they wouldn’t make the listing in the event that they weren’t high quality choices.

Mountaineering Shoe Comparability Desk

How We Examined Mountaineering Footwear

In our seek for one of the best mountain climbing footwear, we spent months on the path. From the dry Arizona desert to the recent and humid Appalachian Path, and the Rocky Mountains — we’ve logged a whole lot of miles.

The suggestions on this listing are the results of intensive testing and thorough commentary. “Mountaineering” is a broad time period, and never all hikers have the identical wants. Whereas compiling our roundup, we thought-about every particular person mannequin’s meant use. We paid cautious consideration to consolation, stability, outsole traction and grip, and long-term sturdiness.

Our Skilled Testers

Senior Editor Chris Carter took the wheel on this information in August 2022, and has been rummaging round his shoe rack and brushing the web ever to convey you probably the most present, deserving choice attainable. Chris has thru-hiked the Triple Crown of lengthy trails in the US: the Pacific Crest Path, the Continental Divide Path, and the Appalachian Path. He’s plodded backwards and forwards throughout the nation in numerous completely different fashions of footwear and is aware of the significance of dialing in on the proper match for varied adventures and terrain.

Extra lately, hiker and GearJunkie contributor Nick LeFort has been taking the most recent and best mountain climbing footwear for a spin. Nick is a former boot fitter who is aware of his means round a Brannock machine and may make stable suggestions for any foot form.

Moreover, Gearjunkie editors Will Brendza and Matt Bento have added their 2 cents after which some to this information, testing and reviewing the latest updates to fashionable fashions just like the Hoka Speedgoat and the Altra Lone Peak 9. As a Journalist masking outside gear and information, Will has examined footwear and boots from each main model. Matt spent his faculty years becoming boots and footwear at a small clothing store in Greensboro, North Carolina after which moved to Yosemite the place he labored as a Ranger and on the Yosemite Search and Rescue staff. Now as an editor at GearJunkie, he checks and completely trashes all method of footwear whereas he explores his huge yard in Bishop, CA.

Our Testing Grounds

We take a look at mountain climbing footwear on and off path, largely within the western US. Will Brendza lives within the Denver space the place he has fast entry to native canyons and trails, and Rocky Mountian Nationwide park is only a quick drive away. Matt Bento may be in on the path and trudging within the John Muir Wilderness and on to Sequoia Nationwide Park after a 15-minute drive from his doorstep. Each Mountain areas supply a variety of path circumstances all year long due to dramatic elevation good points. On the identical day, our testers discover themselves scrambling up clean rock slabs, crossing snow fields, and bombing down free gravel and scree, all wonderful situations for evaluating mountain climbing footwear. The American West is fairly dry, and our testers typically draw back from waterproof footwear with Gore-tex in favor of extra breathable, non-waterproof fashions. To even out their bias, tester Nick LeFort is out in Middletown, Connecticut the place a mean of 48″ of rain typically makes a water-proof mountain climbing shoe a necessity.

Bench Testing

We attempt to have as many footwear in hand as attainable for comparative testing. Pulling out insoles to measure them with calipers and evaluate their shapes, strolling laps up the identical hill with a distinct shoe on every foot, and standing in a bucket stuffed with water are all in a day’s work for our shoe testers. These checks give us fast, goal information factors that assist us determine which footwear are one of the best. We use our detailed write-ups to develop upon the subjective — how the footwear really feel underfoot, how they reply to completely different terrain, and whether or not or not we get blisters or hotspots. Match is an important facet to contemplate when purchasing for a pair of mountain climbing footwear, and in addition the toughest factor to dicerne from studying critiques on the web, so we expound on how a shoe suits as a lot as we are able to.

If it’s essential carry tremendous heavy hundreds or are simply searching for some extra ankle help, be sure you take a look at our information to one of the best mountain climbing boots. For a women-specific perspective, take a look on the finest ladies’s mountain climbing footwear.

Purchaser’s Information: Learn how to Select the Finest Mountaineering Footwear

From day mountain climbing to thru-hiking, the appropriate pair of mountain climbing footwear can change into probably the most beloved and important piece of substances in your package. As the first contact between you and the path, your footwear make your adventures attainable, and it’s crucial that they’re dependable.

Whereas some nonetheless favor the ankle help and strong construction of mountain climbing boots, increasingly more hikers and backpackers are choosing the burden financial savings and nimble efficiency of mountain climbing footwear. For any mountain climbing endeavor, good-quality footwear are greater than able to dealing with all kinds of terrain.

As a result of there are such a lot of kinds and variables, selecting the right mountain climbing footwear on your distinctive wants may be tough. On this information, we embrace every thing it’s essential know to pick out a pair of footwear that may deal with your ft effectively and instill confidence in your stride.

Mountaineering Footwear vs. Boots

One of many fundamental variations between mountain climbing footwear and boots is the peak. Whereas footwear have a below-the-ankle peak, mountain climbing boots supply full ankle help and high-top building. What you hand over in ankle help, you make up for in weight financial savings and out-of-the-box consolation.

Mountaineering footwear are nice for day hikes, clean trails, and anytime you need to go quick and light-weight. For larger backpacking journeys with a heavier backpacking pack, it’s possible you’ll need to take into account a full mountain climbing boot. That stated, we all know thru-hikers who swear by light-weight mountain climbing footwear and day-trippers who gained’t head out with out their boots. It’s all about desire.

And whereas there isn’t a single finest mountain climbing shoe for everybody on the market, we’ve damaged down this listing into classes to assist discover one of the best mountain climbing shoe for you.

Weight

Lately, mountain climbing shoe expertise has moved towards low-profile and light-weight designs. Fashionable materials and soles handle to be thinner and lighter with out sacrificing efficiency on the path. For lengthy hikes and thru-hikes, the advantages of a lightweight pair of footwear solely develop because the miles put on on.

Whereas many burly mountain climbing boots weigh over 4 kilos per pair, mountain climbing footwear are likely to weigh round 2 kilos or much less. In the event you wish to go quick on the path, or in case you plan to do some path operating in your mountain climbing footwear, gentle is undoubtedly higher.

Sure, shaving ounces typically does cut back long-term sturdiness. Nonetheless, plenty of pairs of footwear on this listing are greater than able to holding up simply so long as a hefty pair of trainers.

With fashionable supplies and developments in design, you don’t want to surrender sturdiness to chop weight and achieve consolation. The footwear on this listing vary from speedy light-weight fashions, like Hoka’s Speedgoat 5s at 1 pound, 4.6 ounces, to beefy however stalwart footwear just like the Oboz Sawtooth X Low, tipping the scales at 1 pound, 15.6 ounces.

Consolation and Match

Consolation is an important issue for any pair of energetic footwear. The form of the human foot varies wildly, and the shoe that feels comfy to another person won’t be comfy for you. Ft may be vast or slender, arches may be excessive or flat, and heels may be bulbous or low quantity.

When deciding on a pair of mountain climbing footwear, there’s actually no substitute for making an attempt them on and being attentive to how they really feel in motion. Most individuals will need to search out a match that minimizes unfavorable area however doesn’t actively constrict or compress their ft or toes.

In case your foot strikes within the shoe, you’ll seemingly be coping with blisters earlier than lengthy. Usually, mountain climbing footwear are typically extra comfy than mountain climbing boots. It’s completely attainable to discover a pair that you may fortunately put on all day lengthy.

Waterproof

There are professionals and cons to mountain climbing in a pair of footwear which are billed as “waterproof.” When mountain climbing on muddy and moist terrain, waterproof mountain climbing footwear assist preserve your ft dry and cozy. When your ft are moist, you’ll be extra more likely to develop blisters and different foot points.

Nonetheless, waterproof mountain climbing footwear additionally are typically hotter and fewer breathable. As soon as moist, waterproof footwear often take longer to completely dry.

Most waterproof mountain climbing footwear embrace a membrane of their liner (GORE-TEX is the most typical) that retains water from reaching the within of the shoe. As well as, many mountain climbing footwear are handled with a sturdy water-repellent coating, which may be reapplied after it wears off.

Whereas it’s good to prioritize dry ft, it’s also necessary to keep in mind that by sealing moisture out, you’re additionally sealing it in. Footwear with a water-proof liner are susceptible to turning into scorching and sweaty in heat or humid circumstances. All mountain climbing footwear will soak by way of in the event that they get very moist or change into totally submerged, even when they’re labeled as waterproof.

Sturdiness and Supplies

The 2 main areas of a mountain climbing shoe that may undergo probably the most from put on are the higher and the outsole. On the highest of the shoe, the higher is the fabric that determines how waterproof, sturdy, and breathable the shoe is total.

Most mountain climbing footwear embrace an higher created from nylon, mesh, leather-based, or a mixture. Nylon is light-weight and breathable, however it could not maintain up effectively to repeated abrasion.

Mesh tends to be the least hardy, however it’s tremendous breathable and makes a snug alternative for the tongue of a shoe. Leather-based is considerably much less breathable, and it’s typically discovered on heavier-duty mountain climbing footwear as a result of it holds as much as put on.

Though heavier and burlier mountain climbing footwear typically have the benefit of sturdiness, many fashionable light-weight choices are impressively long-lasting, too. Softer rubber outsoles will put on by way of sooner than dense, agency outsoles.

Mountaineering Footwear Lifespan

It’s necessary that you simply don’t put on your mountain climbing footwear (or boots) for longer than you need to. Simply because your toes aren’t hanging out of holes on the facet, doesn’t imply the shoe has extra life in it. Every producer recommends completely different mileage for every shoe, however as a common rule, you need to exchange your mountain climbing footwear after 300-800 miles.

Many path operating shoes-turned-hiking footwear (corresponding to Altra’s Lone Peak and Brooks’ Cascadia) are usually not designed to deal with the identical stage of abuse as devoted mountain climbing footwear. It’s a good suggestion to retire footwear like these after between 300 and 500 miles.

Stalwart mountain climbing footwear (like Merrell’s Moab or Salomon’s X Extremely 4 Low Aero), crafted for countless days on path sporting a heavy pack will final you between 500 and 800 miles earlier than you need to lay them to relaxation.

It’s necessary to maintain a tough estimate of the variety of miles in your mountain climbing footwear to keep away from damage on path. We wish to preserve a operating doc on our pc with an inventory of what journeys we’ve executed on every shoe, and what number of miles had been added every time. This is probably not mandatory for you personally — however we clock a heck of a whole lot of miles annually and have a number of completely different footwear in rotation.

Stability and Assist

A shoe’s help comes from the development of its elements, together with the only real and the midsole. These underfoot layers may be thick and durable, or skinny and floppy.

For mountain climbing, most individuals favor a shoe that’s stiff and secure by way of the center a part of the foot, however barely extra versatile close to the toe. This enables your foot to really feel supported with out sacrificing the power to flex your toes.

Most mountain climbing footwear have a low-cut ankle collar. If you’re searching for plenty of ankle help, mountain climbing boots are in all probability a more sensible choice.

Lacing Techniques

The way in which a shoe laces up could make or break your big-mile journey. Not with the ability to discover a comfortably comfortable match or combating with fixed loosening are each irritating path experiences.

Some footwear have a single-pull system. And whereas it appears to be like delicate and breakable, we’ve had no points with long-term sturdiness. Many testers discover this method permits for a dialed match, and we respect the power to make fast changes.

That stated, it’s more durable to create a extra customized tightness with fast laces. They have an inclination to supply the identical rigidity throughout your entire foot. In the event you favor to create pockets of snugness throughout your foot, go together with a standard lacing system.

Traction

The underside of a superb mountain climbing shoe will function a agency and grippy outsole. Vibram is the most typical producer of outsoles, though some footwear corporations make their very own.

A sturdy outsole is a significant function that units a mountain climbing shoe aside from a sneaker or tennis shoe. On a variety of surfaces from free scree to slick rock, a superb mountain climbing shoe will keep dependable traction.

Many mountain climbing shoe soles are designed to focus on sure varieties of terrain. In the event you’ll be often mountain climbing by way of unstable surfaces like deep mud, you’ll need a sole with agency, giant rubber lugs underfoot.

In the event you plan to do a whole lot of scrambling and smearing your ft on slabs of rock, a gentle and sticky rubber sole with a flat toe edge is the way in which to go. Many entry-level mountain climbing footwear will embrace a flexible sole that may carry out pretty effectively on any mountain climbing floor.

Some producers have particular, area of interest strategy footwear for technical rock scrambling on lengthy approaches and walk-offs of massive rock climbs. These footwear, just like the La Sportiva TX4 on this information, have tremendous cheesy rubber, and midsoles designed for smearing and adhering to rocks.

Breathability

A shoe’s breathability comes from the supplies that make up its building. Areas of open artificial mesh and woven nylon will enormously improve breathability.

In the meantime, giant patches of leather-based and waterproof membranes like GORE-TEX will lower breathability, however add vital sturdiness. A breathable shoe will really feel cooler and fewer sweaty over the course of a rigorous mountain climbing day, however often gained’t final as lengthy.

Nonetheless, breathable footwear usually tend to soak by way of to your socks when mountain climbing within the rain or trudging by way of puddles. Footwear billed as “waterproof” could really feel scorching and sweaty at occasions, however in addition they assist preserve mud and moisture from reaching your socks and ft.

Value & Worth

In contrast to their all-leather, high-top counterparts, mountain climbing footwear are pretty cheap and infrequently price greater than $200. Nonetheless, there’s worth in longevity, and a snug breathable pair with breathable artificial uppers simply isn’t going to final so long as a sturdy leather-based beater. Footwear with a water-proof breathable liner like Gore-tex may also price extra. Word that most of the footwear on our listing can be found in a water-proof model for somewhat bit more cash.

Price range

The Merrell Moab 3 is the least costly shoe we examined and our prime decide for one of the best funds mountain climbing shoe. It isn’t waterproof and has a mixture of Nubuck leather-based and mesh for its higher. The Moab 3 is on the heavy facet, and they’re designed strictly as mountain climbing footwear, not for path operating. Whereas they’ve a large, accommodating match that isn’t for everybody, particularly these with slender ft. The Oboz Sawtooths ($135) have an analogous design and are a worthy various if the Moab 3s don’t fairly match. Moreover, the Merrel Moab Pace 2s supply a lighter, extra breathable various for simply $140

Mid-Tier

Many of the footwear on this listing price from $140 to $180, and our favourite footwear fall on this tier. If that is your value vary then the controversy must be between the Hoka Speedgoat 6 ($155) and the Altra Lone Peak 9 ($140). Each are path runner crossovers constructed to go lengthy distances however supply very completely different suits and options. In the event you’re searching for a shoe that matches like your street trainers, however has extra cushion is extra sturdy for the path, then the Speedgoat 6 is the way in which. The Altra Lone Peak 9 is a zero drop shoe with a large forefoot so your toes can totally splay out. They’re effectively regarded amongst thru-hikers, however take some getting used to, as they work your calfs a bit greater than a present with average heel-to-toe drop.

Premium

The HOKA Anacapa 2 Low GTX ($180) and the Adidas Terrex Free Hiker GORE-TEX 2.0 Low ($180) are the most costly footwear on the listing. The additional price is clearly attributed to the Gore-tex liners. Whereas not as breathable as having no waterproof liner in any respect, a Gore-tex liner remains to be the business commonplace in waterproof, breathable membranes. Corporations who need to use Gore-tex of their footwear must have every mannequin totally examined, evaluated, after which accepted by Gore-tex. This course of and the supplies all add to the price of the footwear. Our favourite waterproof shoe is the Scarpa Rush 2 Professional GTX ($179) and it’s additionally one of many extra sturdy footwear we examined, so in case you’re searching for one thing with an extended lifespan, it’s a sensible choice.

Regularly Requested Questions

The perfect mountain climbing footwear are those that suit your ft comfortably and will let you take pleasure in your time on the path. When combing by way of the choices, your first priorities must be match and luxury.

Sturdiness, help, and traction are necessary, too, however in the end none of that issues if the footwear damage your ft.

Additionally, no single pair of mountain climbing footwear would be the perfect for each software. The supplies, design, and tread sample will add as much as a set of strengths and weaknesses in each shoe.

The present momentum in mountain climbing footwear has shifted away from cumbersome ankle-high boots in favor of nimble, lower-cut mountain climbing footwear. Mountaineering boots are heavier, and weight carried in your ft can really feel very uncomfortable on the finish of a full day. Switching out a 4-pound pair of trainers for a 2-pound pair of mountain climbing footwear could make an enormous distinction in your efficiency.

Additionally, many mountain climbing boots have very stiff soles that preserve the foot from flexing correctly. Many boots are constructed with nonbreathable supplies, which means that your ft usually tend to get sweaty and type blisters. That stated, mountain climbing boots could be a nice possibility for individuals who favor plenty of ankle stability or underfoot stiffness.

Mountaineering footwear are typically related in form to a pair of trainers or tennis footwear. The distinction is that mountain climbing footwear are constructed with sturdy supplies and have an outsole that’s made to grip filth, rocks, and dirt. In comparison with boots, mountain climbing footwear really feel gentle, nimble, and considerably much less supportive.

That relies upon. Take into account that no pair of mountain climbing footwear is solely waterproof. Though some are marketed this fashion, full submersion in a puddle for various seconds will soak by way of nearly any pair of mountain climbing footwear. Additionally, as a result of they’re low reduce across the ankle, water is susceptible to getting in on the prime of the shoe anyway.

Nonetheless, waterproof footwear do embrace membranes, like GORE-TEX, that may preserve a big quantity of moisture out. When strolling by way of dewy grass or muddy trails, waterproof footwear will preserve your socks and ft drier than non-waterproof footwear.

Footwear with waterproof membranes are much less breathable. If you can be mountain climbing in scorching and dry areas, you’ll in all probability really feel extra comfy in non-waterproof footwear.

For probably the most half, sneakers are designed to carry out on synthetic surfaces corresponding to asphalt or cement. Many sneakers have flimsy soles and lack the suitable stage of help that’s wanted for mountain climbing on uneven terrain. Moreover, sneakers are much less more likely to maintain as much as the abrasion and put on that’s widespread whereas mountain climbing on tough trails.

In the event you plan to largely stroll on flat trails in city parks or backyards, you’ll in all probability be simply high-quality with sneakers. Nonetheless, for hikes of any vital size — and particularly backpacking — mountain climbing footwear are a a lot better alternative.

Barefoot footwear are designed to permit your foot to flex naturally with each step. Because of their skinny and versatile supplies, barefoot footwear allow you to really feel the feel of the path within the soles of your ft.

With every step, the tissues of your ft immediately reply to the path, conforming and contracting as wanted. Because the title suggests, the expertise is just like strolling barefoot.

Whereas barefoot footwear are recognized for serving to hikers and runners develop sturdy ft, they do take some getting used to. If in case you have been mountain climbing in boots or mountain climbing footwear, the transition to barefoot footwear will have to be gradual. In the event you do an excessive amount of barefoot shoe mountain climbing too quickly, it’s possible you’ll expertise discomfort or shortly develop an damage.

Barefoot footwear lack insulation. In addition they won’t defend your ft from sharp objects underfoot and could also be fast to wear down. Whereas some skilled hikers have made the transition to barefoot footwear, we typically don’t advocate them to learners.