Hiking is a great outdoor recreational activity. It calls for physical strength, determination, and an outgoing spirit. However, as long as you have the physical and mental capabilities to handle hiking, you need to watch what you are wearing including your footwear.
You need high-quality and best hiking shoes that will take you through the miles in the woods and mountain areas. There are the best brands for both men and women. In connection to that, here is a review of the seven best hiking shoes of all time.
Best Pick – Timberland White Ledge Ankle Boot
Durable, Reliable & Top Rated
Timberland is a brand that has been around for decades, and it is not a surprise that they make the best hiking shoes. The Timberland white ledge ankle boot is constructed with high quality leather material that makes them both reliable and long lasting. The shoes are athlete-inspired and are guaranteed to give users the much-needed hiking experience. It is seam-sealed to make it waterproof which makes it perfect for any outdoor activity. Any outdoor junkie who wants a hiking shoe that they can count on will surely love this one.
Best Hiking Shoes 2023
Here is a countdown of the 7 best hiking shoes worth getting.
7. Addidas Men’s Terrex Swift R Best Hiking Shoes
Price: Low price range.
Special features: Synthetic mesh overlays, traxion sole, Heel pull loop.
Weight: 15 Ounces.
There are several reasons as to why Addidas is on the list of best hiking shoes. The shows are low to the ground, which means there is no fatigue whatsoever as is the case with some raised or say heeled shoes. Lacing up is fast and an easy to do thing.
The Traxion outsole is a guarantee for great traction preventing slips and the like. With the adiPRENE insert, your feet are protected from shock. The midsole is light, and it works to offer cushioning. The sockliner makes this shoe even better at giving you the best service.
Pros and Cons
- It is comfortable and breathable.
- The shoe is lightweight and can be used on other outdoor activities.
- Some users feel that it is too narrow.
6. Merrell Men’s Moab 2 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot
Price: Wide price range.
Special features: Mesh upper design, Molded nylon arch, EVA midsole.
Weight: 2 lbs.
Merrell is one of the best shoe brands which undoubtedly deserves a spot on our list. The Moab 2 hiking boot is well designed with high quality leather material and fitted with an upper mesh. With its high attention to detail and sophisticated interior design, it guarantees users an out-of-the-box comfort.
It has a molded nylon arch and an EVA midsole, both of which help the user achieve the much needed comfort. Overall, this is a good quality shoe that is worth investing in.
Pros and Cons
- It is made of high quality durable materials.
- The hiking boots feel comfortable and fits nicely.
- Some people have reported it sipping in water.
5. Vasque Men’s Juxt Multi-Sport Shoe
Price: Modest price range.
Special features: TPU Plate midsole, Grid rubber.
Weight: 1 pound.
This Vasque’s men’s off-grid shoes are made from a variety of materials under excellent craftsmanship. The construction of the hiking shoe has factored in comfort, which is lauded mostly by its hundreds of users. The materials used to make it are of excellent quality and durability.
A TPU Plate and midsole and arch reinforcement have been used to enhance user stability which is necessary for hiking. It is an excellent sporty shoe that can be worn for any outdoor activity.
Pros and Cons
- The shoe runs true to size.
- It has good support, stability and comfort.
- The laces are made using a slippery material which can easily get untied.
4. Skechers Men’s Verdict Men’s Boot
Price: Fair price range.
Special features: Light sole padding, Rubber sole.
Weight: 1.14 pounds.
Sketchers are a well known brand that have been making shoes for many years. These hiking boots are made of high quality leather material and designed for the ultimate outdoor experience. The sole is made of a lightweight rubber material which ensures that it is easy to walk in them.
The ankle hiking boots come in a variety of colors that one can choose from. The shaft on the sole is about 5-inches from the arch which ensure ease of movement without any hassles.
Pros and Cons
- The boots are made of good quality and durable leather.
- They fit nicely and feel comfortable.
- The upper leather tends to break in after some time.
3. KEEN Men’s Targhee II Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot
Price: Modest price range.
Special features: Flexible rubber sole, Breathable membrane, Lug pattern sole.
Weight: 12 Ounces.
This KEEN hiking boot comes with a stylish yet sporty design. It is made using waterproof Nubuck leather material and a flexible rubber sole that makes walking easy. It is comfortable and breathable, thanks to the breathable membrane it has.
The sole of these boots have a unique lug pattern design that ensures users of good grip and friction when hiking. Stability is also a non-issue as it comes with a supportive shank that comes handy in uneven terrains.
Pros and Cons
- The boots are comfortable and breathable.
- The shank and sole structure ensures good support to the user.
- Some people feel that the quality could be better.
2. Columbia Men’s Newton Ridge Plus II Waterproof Hiking Boot
Price: Fair price range.
Special features: High traction grip, Breathable mesh, Techlite midsole.
Weight: 1 pounds.
This Columbia hiking boot prides itself as one of the best quality hiking boots one can find. The incredible craftsmanship that has been employed in the design and construction of this boot sets it apart from many in the market. Its rubber sole is also crafted with a high traction grip that makes it slide-proof.
It is comfortable and the upper mesh that it comes with makes it breathable. To ensure a long lasting comfort, it has been designed using a unique Techlite midsole technology which adds a superior cushioning.
Pros and Cons
- It is durable, thanks to its quality material and construction.
- Washing this hiking boots is easy.
- The rubber sole could be of a better quality.
1. Timberland White Ledge Men’s Boot
Price: Fair price range.
Special features: Seam-sealed design, Rustproof speed lace with hooks, High quality construction.
Weight: 12 ounces.
Timberland is a trusted name when it comes to the shoe industry. The shoe is waterproof so you do not have to worry about dew in the morning or rains. Your feet will be dry at all times as long as you are wearing Timberland boots. The dual density EVA midsole provides great cushioning to protect your feet from any kind of shock. Besides, it is light, which contributes to the light weight of the boot.
The breathable footbed ensures great air circulation. This prevents sweating and foul smells. The multi-directional rubber lugs never disappoint. They ensure an easy time hiking by offering good traction and with its unique B.S.F.P (Brake, support, flex and propels) system makes the boot even better.
Pros and Cons
- It has a high quality design that is durable.
- The hiking shoes come with a high customer rating.
- It is comfortable and runs true to size.
- A little more improvement for toe comfort would make it even better.
Choosing the Best Hiking Shoes
Here are some of the most important things to consider when you are shopping for the perfect hiking shoes to buy.
Quality
Hiking shoes are designed differently, and the most important thing that you should be looking for when it comes to this is the material used in making the shoe. Most of the high quality hiking shoes that you will find in the market are made of leather material and lines with other materials like nylon. When choosing, you need to make sure that the materials used will last a long time and stand up to the test of time.
Comfort
Nobody wants a shoe that doesn’t fit well, and if you are not careful on the one you are getting. Hiking and outdoor shoes have been improving for ages and hikers and athletes can now enjoy one of the best comfort in these shoes. Among some of the things that ensures that you have good comfortable shoes includes the inner padding, in-sole and the arch support that it offers.
Ease Of Cleaning
Cleaning your hiking shoes can sometimes be a problem. The materials that has been used to make it and the design determines how easy it is to clean. Some need different kinds of cleaning such as the use of suede while for others you can just clean with a brush and common detergent. Understanding how the shoe can be cleaned makes it easier on your end.
Final Verdict
Now that you know the best hiking shoes, you are in a position to make better purchasing decisions. Yes, you are looking for shoes but the thing is that some boots in the review have the same design as shoes and they are the best in the market. Therefore, identify what pleases you and buy it for your hiking endeavors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can you wear running shoes for hiking?
A: Running shoes are designed to be used on tracks and are usually lightweight. Their padding is also different as compared to hiking shoes. However, there are some running shoes that are comfortable enough to be used in tough and rugged terrains and can also be used as hiking shoes. Anyone planning on hiking on dry packed trails with little packing can use some running shoes. But they might not give users comfort and consistency for a long time, hence necessary to use specialty hiking shoes.
Q: Do I need hiking shoes?
A: Hiking shoes are a bit different from other kinds of shoes, and have been purposely designed for use in outdoor environments. Not any shoe can give users the ability and comfort to hike. Among some of the things that you will find in hiking shoes and in other shoes includes high-traction soles, better arch support and comfortable interior padding. These design features set them apart from other types of shoes and this is why getting specialized shoes for hiking is a good idea.
Q: Is it bad to run in hiking shoes?
A: As aforementioned, hiking shoes are designed to handle the harsh terrain that hikers go through. Running in hiking shoes might not be a good idea, but can be used when running a short distance. This is because hiking shoes tend to be generally heavier than running shoes. The discomfort that comes with it will not give you the experience that you expect in your running exercise routine.
Q: How long do hiking shoes last?
A: The durability and quality of the hiking shoes that you get depend on the kind of hiker you are and the materials used to make them. On average, users can expect to use their hiking shoes for 500-1000 miles before needing to change them. You don’t have to wait until the shoes are completely worn out to change them.
