Sure, new hiking shoes can have higher-than-expected price tags, but the financial investment is worth it if you’re an avid outdoor adventurer. The last thing you want is to wear a pair that’ll cut your backpacking experiences short, or cause ankle injury while you’re uphill or downhilling.
That’s why we gathered some outdoor life intel and decided to bring forth some solid options that won’t necessarily break the bank. Will they cost you a pretty penny? Yes, but they’ll last you through the season and keep you safe. There’s no better wish come true than that.
The Best Light-On-Your-Feet Hiking Shoe
Our Pick: Danner Trail 2650 Hiking Shoes ($169.95, shop here)
What boxes does this trail shoe offer? Let’s go down the list:
- Flexible material
- Lightweight profile
- Provides plenty of support
- Optimum comfort
- Advantageous breathability
Need we say more? Because this brand is made of leather, mesh, EVA foam, and rubber, the materials can easily stretch and mold to your feet once broken in. Now, that may take a long walk or two, but we can assure you that past users have not experienced hot spots or blisters in the beginning like other branded shoes.
The only negative we could find? These durable, performance-ready professional hiking sneaks do run a bit narrow. So keep that in mind when trying on or ordering online.
The Highly Favored Hiking Shoe
Our Pick: Merrell Women’s Moab 3 Hiking Shoe ($88.79, shop here)
Opposite of our last suggestion, this perfect hiking shoe is great for wide feet. With excellent shock absorption technologies and optimum traction, you’ll be able to flex through dust, dirt, and water. It won’t matter if the road is slick or fine, you’ll feel quite stable and safe the whole venture.
What’s more is that the strategic tongue will thwart off rocks and brush trying to make their way into the shoe. Isn’t that a satisfying feeling?
The Highest Ranked Comfort Hiking Shoe
Our Pick: Adidas Terrex AX3 Hiking Shoes ($76.83, shop here)
Whether you’re walking or running, Adidas has your back with this pair of shoes that’ll emphasize your confidence and keep you fully equipped for whatever the road/trail has to offer. Even if you’re adventuring past some waterfalls or up and down mountains; these lightweight, mesh and sturdy creations will keep you safe. The cushioned midsole is just an added perk to prioritize comfort for as many hours as you wish to keep on going.
The Best Hiking Boot for Ankle Stability
Our Pick: Salomon Quest-4 GTX Hiking Boots ($149.47-$229.95, shop here)
What do you get when you combine old-school boots and new-school trail runners? A masterpiece brought to you by Salomon. These hardy shoes will grip any terrain you come in contact with, while keeping your feet nice and dry. The breathable portfolio allows you the freedom to walk hours on end, and the interior flexibility cancels out any possibility of blisters. We could go on and on, but we’ll leave you with this pro: Quest-4s are super easy to break in, so you won’t have to wear them around the house for weeks before taking them outside.
The Best Waterproof Hiking Boots
Our Pick: KEEN Women’s Targhee 2 Mid-Height Waterproof Hiking Boots ($119.59, shop here)
Did someone say moisture-wicking lining? Add in a roomy toe-box, lightweight design, and next-level durability and you’ve got us zooming over to the link below to purchase. We do love a good waterproof hiking boot, because most of the time, we encounter some sort of pond or waterfall on exquisite trails.
With certainty, we can say that KEEN will keep your feet cool throughout hot temps and dry throughout wet walking surfaces. It’s all in the robust rubber exterior, giving your feet the ability to swat muddy textures and rocky terrain with every step.