The best hiking shoes reviewed (2023)

Sturdy high-ankle walking boots or trainer-like hiking shoes – which are best in the mountains? This question has become one of the great gear debates of modern times. Truthfully, with impressive strengths on each side, the answer will always depend on what you're looking for.

Obviously, the major advantage of going for shoes over boots is their lighter weight. This makes even more sense in the prime hiking seasons, from late spring through to early autumn. Experienced hillwalkers often ditch their heavier gear for minimalist options once winter starts winding down. Once the sun's out, even super breathable lightweight walking boots aren't immune to overheating. And nobody wants hot feet!

Another oft-quoted bit of walkers’ wisdom – ‘One pound on your feet equals five pounds on your back’. This rule of thumb was (supposedly) developed by Sir Edmund Hillary and fellow climbers training for the 1953 Everest expedition. It’s a sage bit of advice, still repeated by some of the greatest exponents of ‘fast and light’ backpacking.

The best hiking shoes at a glance:

Gear of the Year 2023 Winner: Hoka Ancapa Breeze Low - view offer on Hoka

Best in Test: Arc'teryx Norvan LD3 - view offer on Arc'teryx

Best Value: Keen WK400 - view offer on Sports Shoes

Best women's hiking shoe: Salomon Outpulse GTX - view offer on Sports Shoes

If you're attracted to the idea of being a bit swifter and more agile in the hills, you've come to the right place. We've selected those that struck the best balance between comfort, support, cushioning, weight and grip – while also presenting something for everyone. So, there are stiffer, more technical approach shoes for hillwalkers who love rocky scrambles, plus a few lightweight, trainer-inspired hikers that promise instant out-of-the-box comfort – perfect for fast-paced hill-bagging.

The best hiking shoes in detail

How to buy the best hiking shoe

Walking shoes vs. trail running trainers: There is a huge variety in hiking footwear now. A current trend is to wear modern trail running trainers for hiking – they can be light, fast and grippy with excellent energy return, thanks to cutting-edge tech. Alternatively, you can go for shoes specifically designed for hiking, which tend to be slightly heavier and less cushioned but with better stability, protection and durability.

Upper: The upper is the exterior material of a walking shoe. Leather uppers (nubuck or suede) are generally stronger and firmer. Synthetic uppers are less durable but will be comfier and lighter, with enhanced flex and breathability.

Fit: Everyone's feet are shaped differently, and what fits comfortably for you might be blister-inducing for someone else. Fit is, therefore, absolutely critical. Even sock thickness affects fit. Your best bet is to try for size in a shop, ideally with a skilled footwear fitter. Aim for a secure, comfy fit without excessive compression or pinching. Space in the toe box for your toes to splay and the right volume at the forefoot are important.

Weight: One of the advantages of shoes is that they're lighter than boots. But a reduction in weight can mean a loss of protection and support, so consider what's important to you. All weights quoted are per individual shoe.

Tongue: A padded tongue will provide improved comfort, while a gusseted or bellows tongue – which is fully attached to the uppers – will provide better protection from water and debris.

Toe bumper: A toe bumper provides additional durability and protection for the front of the foot, particularly on rocky ground.

Heel counter: This is the stiffened cup that encloses the heel, providing protection and support. A firm heel counter helps to lock the foot in place and offers additional stability.

Ankle cuff: Unlike boots, walking shoes have a low cuff around the ankle. Some will be cut a little higher than others, helping to prevent water, mud and debris from entering the shoe, but all walking shoes generally prioritise comfort and flex over ankle support and protection.

Waterproof lining: A waterproof-breathable membrane liner will help keep your feet dry. This is often Gore-Tex or a brand's proprietary technology. But do you really need a waterproof shoe? In spring and summer, a non-waterproof shoe will be far more breathable, quick-drying and ventilated – an approach favoured by many experienced hillwalkers.

Insole: For enhanced comfort and stability, you might prefer to switch out the shoe's supplied insole for a higher quality, specialist insole instead.

Midsole: The midsole – usually made from EVA or PU foam rubber – provides cushioning and stability, and its design will affect how rigid and energetic a shoe feels underfoot. Oversized and mega-cushioned midsoles are currently popular, providing a very springy, forward-propelling sensation as you walk.

Outsole: The outsole provides traction via a tread pattern of rubber cleats and lugs. Different rubber compounds are employed – softer compounds offer better grip, but harder compounds will last longer. In general, deep and widely-spaced lugs will provide improved grip and won't get clogged with mud.

Hiking shoe care and maintenance

Hiking footwear get a hard life, and it's a wonder some of them last as long as they do. In order to keep your hiking shoes (or boots) performing as well as they can for as long as they can, proper cleaning and care is key. Fortunately, it's very easy. Head to our comprehensive guide to find out how to care for your hiking footwear.

How we tested these hiking shoes

Our test footwear are always subject to many miles of walking and hiking in the terrains they're designed to be used for. Our experienced and professional reviewers are thorough and objective, with the aim of finding the best options for our audience.

These hiking shoes were all (except one) rigorously tested by the author, Matt, on testing trips across the UK. The Hoka Ancapa shoe was tested as part of our Gear of the Year trip, which saw James Forrest scuttling around the Lakes in these plush footpillows.

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Matt Jones is a freelance gear tester for Live For The Outdoors and Trail Magazine. He has walked several long-distance backpacking trails in New Zealand, the USA and throughout the UK.