The 14 Best Hiking Shoes and Boots, According to Reviews

Rebecca Carhart

Nothing can ruin a hike faster than wearing the wrong shoes. So if you plan on immersing yourself in the Great Outdoors this season, it’s time to invest in a top-notch pair of hiking shoes. The perfect pair will not only protect your feet from the element, but will also offer enough support and comfort to help you get through a full day on the trails.

There’s an overwhelming number of hiking shoes and boots available in stores, and seasoned hikers have probably found out the hard way that many don’t live up to their claims. So to help you avoid achy feet and painful blisters, we’ve combed through hundreds of reviews from real shoppers and found options that are sturdy and comfortable enough to last on even the rockiest terrains.

Related: 9 Cute Hiking Boots to Take You From Trail to Town

Not only do these best-selling options have an overwhelming amount of glowing customer reviews, but they also have thousands of five-star ratings between them. Many of these hiking shoes feature additional good-for-you details like cushioned, shock-absorbing insoles, ample arch support, and great traction.

Whether you’re looking for a lightweight pair of women’s hiking shoes or a sturdy pair of men’s leather hiking boots, there’s an option on this list for everyone. Keep reading to shop the 14 pairs of hiking shoes and boots that customers love the most.

These are the best hiking shoes and boots to buy:

Best Shock-absorbing Option for Women: Merrell Siren Edge Hiker

Courtesy of Amazon
Courtesy of Amazon

These adorable hiking shoes by Merrell are the number one best-selling women’s hiking shoes on Amazon for a reason. The comfortable shoes feature a breathable mesh lining as well as a contoured footbed for extra comfort. Along with ample arch support, the functional footwear also offers organic odor control, so your feet won’t smell no matter how sweaty you get. Plus, there are 13 stylish colors to choose from. “I bought these shoes for a trip to Ireland and wore them to hike down every path and over every rock for a week,” said one customer. “They were equally good on uneven streets. They have great tread on the bottom and held on slippery surfaces and just enough cushion for comfort and conforms to the foot well. Most importantly, after miles a day not a single blister!”

To buy: amazon.com, from $60

Best Women’s Waterproof Boot: Columbia Newton Ridge Plus Waterproof Amped

Courtesy of Zappos
Courtesy of Zappos

In the market for a quality waterproof hiking boot? Check out this option by Columbia. It features a patented Omni-Grip rubber sole that offers excellent traction on even the slickest of terrains and has a super cushioned insole for extra comfort. With over 1,000 likes and a four-star rating at Zappos, you can trust that these boots will hold up in rainy, stormy weather. “These got me through a week in Iceland and kept me warm, dry, and comfortable through hikes, wind, and cold,” said one customer. “It was between 30 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit during the trip, some rain, a lot of mud, trekking through snow and a glacier hike (with crampons) and these shoes did the trick and barely got dirty.”

To buy: zappos.com, $80

Best Women’s Option for Trail Running: Salomon Speedcross 4 Trail Sneaker

Courtesy of Amazon
Courtesy of Amazon

If you love to switch between hiking and jogging, opt for these multi-functional running shoes from Salomon. Not only are they super lightweight, but the soles also have excellent grip so you won’t slip and slide as you run or hike along different types of terrain. Made with water-resistant fabric, the hiking shoes also have quicklaces that are super easy to slip on and off. Over 1,100 Amazon customers have given the hiking shoes their seal of approval with an impressive 4.6-star rating. “I wore them for the first time when I hiked the Haiku Stairs on Oahu and they were amazingly comfortable! They didn't need to be broken in at all. I hiked 10.5 miles and my feet didn't hurt at the end. They have a nice sleek design and are not clunky like most hiking shoes. I would highly recommend,” raved one customer.

To buy: amazon.com, from $100

Best Women’s Boots for Traction: Merrell Moab 2 Mid Waterproof

Courtesy of Merrell
Courtesy of Merrell

These Merrell hiking boots feature an incredibly supportive footbed, a protective toe cap, and patented Vibram traction that’ll help you grip the terrain easily. They’re also waterproof, so your feet with stay dry and comfortable even if you get caught in the rain. “I had done two short hikes before hiking the Pin-Chin-Sky loop in Alabama, just to test them out and they felt great,” said one customer. “After 17 miles of rocks, mud, and river crossings, not only did my feet stay dry and comfortable, but by the end of the hike, my feet didn’t even hurt when I took them off at home. Love that Vibram sole too, could not recommend them more.”

To buy: merrell.com, $130

Best Women’s Option for Heel Support: Keen Women’s Targhee II Hiking Shoe

Courtesy of Amazon
Courtesy of Amazon

It’s easy to see why these hiking shoes by Keen have a 4.3-star rating with over 1,200 reviews on Amazon. The functional shoes have a torsional-stability ESS shank in the midsole that helps stabilize your foot and keep you balanced on rocky trails. It also boasts multi-directional lugs for added traction, and durable, waterproof fabrics that keep your feet dry. One reviewer wrote, “I love these shoes so much I have an extra pair. They are waterproof, supportive, and fit very well. I like the extra room for the front of the foot without any slipping of the heel. The sole is very stiff which I like, but also contoured perfectly for support. These are good sturdy shoes that will take you absolutely anywhere and last a long time.”

To buy: amazon.com, from $72

Best Women’s Option for Wet Trails: Salomon X Ultra 3 Mid GTX

Courtesy of Zappos
Courtesy of Zappos

These Salomon hiking boots feature a padded EVA foam insole that’s been injected with EnergyCell technology for maximum comfort and shock absorption. It also boasts a patented Contragrip outsole, which provides grip and traction on even the most slippery terrains. The shoes gusseted tongue helps keep water and debris from getting inside, while the mesh lining offers added ventilation. Almost 200 customers have liked the shoes at Zappos, with one saying, “I got these for a trip to Iceland which I knew would be pretty wet and cold. They are my new favorite thing! They were comfy right out of the box, super cozy but not too hot, fit my narrowish foot perfectly. They were waterproof through days of wet hikes and horseback rides, and treks around a glacier.”

To buy: zappos.com, $165

Best Breathable Women’s Option: L.L.Bean Trail Model 4 Ventilated Hiking Shoe

Courtesy of L.L.Bean
Courtesy of L.L.Bean

These lightweight hiking shoes are one of the most popular options at L.L.Bean, thanks to the mesh fabrics that increase ventilation and help keep your feet cool and comfortable. They also boast a VertiGrip outsole for added traction and a dual-density EVA midsole for extra cushioning. They have a 4.6-star rating at L.L.Bean, with 90 percent of reviewers saying they would recommend the shoes. “I bought these hiking shoes after healing from a foot injury because I needed a stiff shoe for continued support,” said one customer. “This ventilated pair are breathable and do not hold in moisture. They are very comfortable and my feet do not get too hot in the hot weather. Will definitely order these again in the future.”

To buy: llbean.com, $79

Best Men’s Option for Arch Support: Merrell Moab Vent Hiking Shoe

Courtesy of Merrell
Courtesy of Merrell

In need of a durable hiking shoe with ample arch support? Check out this pair by Merrell. They have a coveted Amazon’s Choice recommendation, thanks to over 1,200 customers giving them an impressive 4.5-star rating. They feature a protective toe cap, a molded arch shank, and a fully-cushioned insole that adds both comfort and stability. “I needed something with an aggressive sole pattern so I can walk on sloped hillsides, said one shopper. “They have great arch support and are very comfortable. I took them on a couple of one mile walks to break them in.”

To buy: amazon.com, from $70

Best Men’s Boots for Wide Feet: Columbia Newton Ridge Waterproof Hiking Boot

Courtesy of Amazon
Courtesy of Amazon

If you’re in the market for a pair of hiking boots that offer a comfortable fit for wide feet, over 2,500 Amazon customers recommend this pair from Columbia. They feature a lightweight cushioned midsole, rubber outsole, and an adjustable lace-up closure for a secure and stable fit. One customer wrote, “I am loving this pair of boots so far. They fit really well. They needed very little breaking in. They support my feet and ankles. I have extra-wide feet, a very high arch, and a narrow heel. These boots are incredibly comfortable and do NOT rub blisters into my heels and small toe. I would recommend this boot for everyone.”

To buy: amazon.com, from $54

Best Waterproof Boot for Men: Ecco Track II High Waterproof Boot

Courtesy of Nordstrom
Courtesy of Nordstrom

With over 400 reviews and a 4.6-star rating, these Ecco hiking boots are one of the most popular options at Nordstrom. Not only are they super breathable, but they’re also made with a patented waterproof Gore-Tex material that helps keep feet dry and comfortable. They also boast a dual-density polyurethane sole for extra shock absorption. “I have never written a review for any shoe I have ever purchased, but these boots are the one,” said one reviewer. “I bought these shoes specifically for my trip to Kenya. Traveling to Kenya during the rain season requires a special type of footwear. These boots not only kept me dry, but allowed me to hike some of the toughest terrain I have ever encountered. With its light material and sturdy bison leather, I was able to climb the hills of Mount Kilimanjaro like a pro. Best investment I have ever made when pertaining to footwear!”

To buy: nordstrom.com, $250

Best Men’s Option With Extra Cushioning: Dunham Cloud Waterproof Boot

Courtesy of Zappos
Courtesy of Zappos

Prefer your hiking boots with extra cushioning? Zappos customers suggest trying this pair by Dunham. They boast a cushioned footbed along with a padded tongue and collar for maximum comfort. The shoes are also made with seam-sealed waterproof construction and feature a multi-directional rubber outsole. “These are the best hiking boots I have ever owned,” said one customer. “I have a large, wide foot with a high arch and these fit great. I have a hard time finding hiking boots that do the job with comfort and these are great. I wore these on my recent trip to Israel where we were walking and hiking every day and these boots did great! I also took them on a recent fishing trip and they are waterproof as long as you don’t submerge the whole boot.”

To buy: zappos.com, $145

Best Supportive Men’s Option: Keen Targhee Exp Mid WP

Courtesy of Zappos
Courtesy of Zappos

Need hiking boots with extra support? Check out this pair by Keen. The compression-molded EVA midsole offers ample foot support and cushioning, while the carbon rubber outsole provides excellent grip and traction. What’s more, they have a removable anatomical footbed that molds to your feet and provides extra arch support. “These are really great boots. They feel great, look great and seem to be great quality. They are comfortable, I could wear them all day just for walking around and I plan to wear them for 10 days in the Rockies this fall,” said one reviewer. “They are said to be waterproof, but have mesh on the top of the shoe, so should be breathable as well. Ankle support is great, not so high that it will restrict mobility but not too low that it won’t be supportive. The treads seem good and deep for that extra grab on a steep rocky mountainside. These are amazing for the price.”

To buy: zappos.com, $140

Best Men’s Memory Foam Option: Skechers Afterburn Memory Foam Lace Up Sneakers

Courtesy of Amazon
Courtesy of Amazon

These hiking shoes by Skechers boast a super comfortable memory foam insole and a rubber outsole that provides excellent grip. Along with a mesh upper for added breathability, the shoes also feature a cushioned tongue that’ll keep the tops of your feet very comfortable. Over 7,000 Amazon customers are fans of the hiking shoes and have given them a 4.3-star rating. “Highly impressed with these shoes,” said one customer. “These fit perfectly and very pleasantly surprised with the memory foam. Takes a little getting used to, but not in a bad way, just a something new and different way. The color and build is very high quality and should last many many years I imagine. These are nice enough to wear out and about as well as a good hike.”

To buy: amazon.com, from $32

Best Men’s Option for Slippery Trails: The North Face Hedgehog Fastpack GTX

Courtesy of Zappos
Courtesy of Zappos

Avoid slipping and sliding on slick trails with these hiking shoes from The North Face. They feature a patented Vibram outsole for grip and a cushioned insole that molds to your foot. The waterproof Gore-Tex material protects the shoe from the elements, while the padded tongue and collar add extra cushioning and comfort. Zappos customers have given it a four-star rating, with one saying “Purchased these shoes prior to a hiking trip to Utah. We hiked at least twice a day for a week, with some hikes being 7-9 miles in length. Shoes felt good and had excellent grip regardless of trail type.”

To buy: zappos.com, $120