Cool hiking shoes

Switchback Travel Jason Hummel. We use affiliate links and may receive a small commission on purchases. Read more about us.

Summer means long days, warm temps, and miles on the trail. And while we love a good pair of hiking boots, a hiking shoe is ideal for many trail adventures. With so many brands and designs on the market, it can be difficult to choose which hiking shoe is best for you. We hope this guide assists in wading through the masses of models out there, and helps you dial in on the perfect fit. With the traditional pressure to wear hiking boots for long treks wringing in his ears, current author Chris Carter set off on each trail of the Triple Crown PCT, CDT, and AT in lightweight hiking shoes — and never looked back. Chris is always lacing up in the newest kicks as soon as they surface, testing the competition, and seeing if they deserve any real estate in this guide. Scrambling across alpine scree in the San Juans, slogging up muddy Appalachian slopes, and plodding across the blistering African savanna, he put a multitude of different models through the wringer to bring you the streamlined selection you see today.

Cool hiking shoes

We use affiliate links and may receive a small commission on purchases. Read more about us. Hiking boots are critical to your comfort and performance on the trail, but this no longer means a stiff and burly model that will weigh you down. The trend is toward lighter materials that still offer decent support, and waterproof boots are the most popular by far some are offered in a non-waterproof version for hiking in hot or dry climates. Our picks for the best hiking boots of below are broken down into three categories: lightweight boots for day hiking and fastpacking, midweight options that work well for most backpacking trips, and heavyweights for rough terrain or hauling a large load. For more information, see the comparison table and buying advice below the picks. If you prefer to go even lighter and faster, check out our article on the best hiking shoes. Category: Lightweight Weight: 1 lb. Built like a trail running shoe but with added ankle support and protection, the Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid is our favorite all-around hiking boot for Updated last spring with a sleeker upper and revised chassis, the latest version of the boot offers an impressive combination of comfort and low weight—all while retaining solid toe protection, stability, and well-rounded traction. For fast-moving day hikers, lightweight backpackers, and even thru-hikers, we heartily recommend the X Ultra 4 Mid. The most significant is the lack of underfoot protection, which is thinner than the burly Salomon Quest 4 and max-cushioned HOKA Anacapa below.

Despite its lightweight build, the Danner offers a step up in protection compared to the trail runners above and below, cool hiking shoes, with generous heel and toe protection and a fairly stiff rubber sole. The cushy soft material takes some of the sting out of your heel or midfoot impacts and is also extremely lightweight.

They are breathable and waterproof, and they provide solid traction and support. These boots also have several essential features—including a wide toe box, sturdy heel protection, and a gusseted tongue—that allowed us to hike comfortably for miles. These versatile boots offer trustworthy traction, top-notch cushioning, and the widest toe box of any that we tested. These versatile boots offer trustworthy traction, top-notch cushioning, and the widest toe box of any boots we tested. These lower-priced boots are a reliable choice for people who plan to hike short distances and for those with wider feet. These flexible, lightweight hiking boots work well in many different types of terrain, and they last over time.

Finding the right balance of comfort, traction, weight, and durability will make a huge difference with every step along the trail. It can be tricky to find the perfect pair, and we expect our footwear to withstand a lot of rough use on the trail. Our team has trail-tested over 50 pairs of hiking shoes on trails all over the world. If you want something even more rugged for your feet, take a look at our favorite hiking boots. For truly cold-weather hiking, our winter boots guide has what you need. Check out this quick list of our favorite hiking shoes, or continue scrolling to see our full list with in-depth reviews.

Cool hiking shoes

Are you searching for the best hiking shoes around? We've trail-tested over of the best trail running and hiking shoes to get the top 10 rounded up. Over the years, we've worn these shoes on hundreds of miles of trails, going for runs, backpacking trips, and day hikes. We evaluated their comfort and support over long miles with heavy packs. We tested their traction on challenging surfaces, crossing streams, logs, and slippery boulders. We noted how well our feet were protected from obstacles and water and how versatile each pair was for all possible conditions. Whether you need a lightweight pair for fast missions or a sturdy pair for difficult terrain, we've found the perfect hiking shoe for just about any use. Do you need more ankle support and overall coverage? We've tested the best boots on the market, including the best men's hiking boots and the top-rated women's hiking boots.

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Thanks to mesh uppers, they are breathable and lighter, so they dry faster and keep your feet cool — perfect for sunny summer days. They are our favorite trail running shoes. Fastpacking calls for lightweight shoes with great traction and responsiveness. Below, we spell out the pros and cons for the most common materials used for hiking footwear. The next morning, her feet were killing her. The extra protection that comes with a waterproof and breathable membrane inserted into the shoe is great for creek crossings, surprise rainfall or if you hit snow on an early season trek. That said, the Rush is still overbuilt for easy trails, especially compared to many of the lightweight designs here. If you prioritize out-of-the-box comfort, styling, and everyday versatility, the Mountain Leaf remains a top boot option for day hikes and occasional backpacking. The Facet did well at keeping us secure thanks to its wide width. The X Ultra 4 Mid GTX uses Salomon's proven Contagrip rubber Toe Protection Toe caps or rubber rands cover the front of many hiking boots, and we consider them an essential element of backpacking boot design. Further, some hikers—mostly those of the fast-and-light variety—might find that the stiffer sole feels clunky and inflexible. Cons Expensive compared to other options. Hoka Speedgoat 5.

Summer means long days, warm temps, and miles on the trail.

We love wearing the new design around town and at the pub after a day of putting in the miles. The Salomon X Ultra 4 Gore-Tex is a solid choice for hikers looking for a lightweight, supportive, grippy, and waterproof shoe. The choice is yours, not mine, but any of the boots on this list will make you a master outdoorsman or lung busting hiker in no time. Do you love a classic pair of leather boots, like myself? Coming down, we again loved outsoles with heel brakes, which tended to catch a sliding foot. We wore the first-gen Scarpa Rush while trekking in southern Patagonia and were impressed with its prowess on everything from hardpacked trail to talus and smooth rock. Luckily, we are past the days of excruciating break-in periods; modern hiking shoes are lighter and use less rigid materials, which allows them to be ready to hit the trail from the moment you lace them up. All told, if you stick mostly to established trails and prioritize cushy comfort and a nimble feel, the Anacapa is well worth a try. Email address. View at Hoka. The salespeople I spoke with offered me a few pointers on fit. We buy all the products we test — no freebies from companies. Where the Nucleo truly differentiates itself from other 2-pound models is durability: The boot has large swaths of leather rather than mesh for scrambling and hiking over rough terrain. Best Hiking Shorts.