Best hiking shoes 2024: Our expert testers reveal the top shoes for every trail and terrain

Another trail running trainer that hits all the right notes as a hiking shoe, the Norvan LD3 is ultra-light, grippy, comfortable and supportive – a lovely balancing act between competing priorities. 

Other than the outrageously springy Keen WK400, it's the second most cushioned shoe in our round-up, with its InFuse midsole providing active rebound, good shock absorption and plush cushioning. Yet the Norvan LD3 isn't so highly stacked and squidgy that you lose your sense of connection to and feel for the trail. Some waterproofing is sacrificed for all the plush cushioning, but this is easily remedied by pairing the shoes with some quality, waterproof walking socks.

It's easily the lightest shoe on test too (at 268g, it's 46g lighter per shoe than the Scarpa Ribelle Run, the second lightest), meaning you feel somewhat weightless and free on-trail. The upper is made from a soft and flexible mesh, ensuring the shoe is air-permeable and quick-drying, while more durable upper inserts, a wraparound rand, stiffened toe cap, and well-designed heel cup add all the toughness you need for gnarly terrain.

The ankle cuff is soft and forgiving, and the tongue is connected to a stretchy sock-like inner for a comfy fit. The Vibram outsole is sticky, and we particularly loved the way the wide toe box allows your toes to splay – something that's crucial for avoiding blisters on long-distance walks. 

Check out the women's version here

Read our full Arc'teryx Norvan LD 3 Shoe review

Hikers will probably be familiar with KEEN's rockstar products – its Newport sandal and Targhee boot (and shoe) – but the Versacore Speed is slightly different approach for KEEN.

The trend for hiking footwear is moving in favour of a lighter, trail running-style contruction and KEEN is using the Versacore Speed to get in on the action. So, this is, as KEEN describes, a lightweight, athletic, multitalented hiking shoe.

On test in the UK's northern national parks we found this is exactly what the Versacore Speed is. It's very lightweight, exceptionally breathable, and boy is it comfortable thanks to a reasonably plush midsole and generous KEEN fit. Although, it's not quite as wide as some of the brand's other models, we liked it better because it has a better fitting heel.

As a non-technical hiking shoe for summer, the Versacore Speed is brilliant. As is the way with all lightweight synthetic shoes, the Versacore Speed isn't a heavy duty shoe like some of the heavier leather options here, but it's well made nevertheless and very good value compared to many rivals.

Check out the women's version here

Read our full KEEN Versacore Speed Shoe review

Born from La Sportiva’s mountain running expertise, the Ultra Raptor II Leather GTX is a solid yet relatively low weight mountain hiking shoe. The uppers feel almost as soft and forgiving as a trainer, even though they are made from nubuck leather which brings a little more structure at the cost of some increased weight. A breathable Gore-Tex Extended Comfort liner boosts waterproof protection.

The rear of the shoe features a sculpted collar, an elevated heel section with an Achilles cutaway, and an unusual heel cage for improved stability, while the forward section has a prominent toe cap to guard against impacts.

Underfoot, you get high levels of comfort from a shock absorbing EVA midsole, which we felt was noticeably more cushioned than more minimalist trail shoes, but still offers plenty of lateral stability.

The soft and tacky Frixion Blue rubber outsole grips brilliantly on dry, rocky ground, but isn’t quite so impressive on wet or muddy terrain, probably because the 4mm sole lugs aren’t the most aggressive. It also tends to wear more quickly than harder rubber compounds despite being La Sportiva's supposedly more durable compound.

It is worth noting that the fit is relatively narrow, and although a wide version is available it seems tricky to find in the UK.

Check out the women's version here

Read our full La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II Leather GTX review

The Roclite GTX is Inov8’s latest in its run of lightweight, agile hiking shoes. Built on a completely redesigned wider fitting last compared to previous Roclite models, it mimics the natural shape of the foot with a roomy forefoot and a broad toe box with ample space for the toes to splay.

This trainer-style hiking shoe has a superlight mesh upper, overlaid with an ‘exoskeleton’-style TPU cage to provide a little structure and protection and lined with a Gore-Tex membrane. A generous toe bumper protects the front of the shoe, and a raised heel counter at the rear offers some Achilles support.

The Powerflow Pro EVA foam midsole is lightweight but responsive and is embedded with a flexible Meta-plate rock plate for underfoot protection. Sitting on top of the midsole, the Boomerang footbed is made from expanded TPU foam rubber ‘beads’ which, Inov8 claim, are designed to compress on impact and spring back, giving up to 40% greater energy rebound.

The undersole is Inov8’s Stickygrip rubber with 6mm lugs shaped like the hooves of a mountain goat. This is very much a mud and trail-orientated shoe, so there’s no climbing zone at the toe as you might find on approach-style footwear designed for steeper or more technical terrain.

Check out the women's version here

Read our full Inov8 Roclite GTX review

Developed as a ‘fast hiking shoe’, the Rocket is more structured than many lightweight hikers. It’s also packed with tech, including AKU’s renowned Elica Natural Stride System for biodynamic efficiency, a ‘DFS’ dual fit lacing system, and innovative Vibram Traction Lug technology.

The upper is a combination of synthetic textiles, designed to offer durability and protection in a sleek package. A laminated TPU rand protects the front of the shoe, adding rigidity to the toebox and helping to fend off impacts. AKU’s Dual Fit System (DFS) features two sets of laces: a primary set and a secondary ‘quicklace’ set. This allows you to quickly adjust the fit around the midfoot for increased precision on technical terrain.

The midsole is double density PU. This is a little more solid than EVA foam, but more resistant to long-term compression. It ensures a stable platform with plenty of lateral stability, reducing torsional twisting that can fatigue the foot. The outsole features Vibram’s Megagrip rubber compound and ‘Traction Lug’ technology, which consists of stacked 4mm lugs, each of which has a series of serrations in the form of tiny, moulded rubber teeth. According to Vibram, this can improve overall traction by up to 25%.

Check out the women's version here

Read our full AKU Rocket DFS GTX review

The Scarpa Moraine GTX is designed for day hikes and easier treks of varying distance and duration. They are built on Scarpa’s Activ Fit lasts, which are developed separately for men and women. They have a roomy forefoot with a broad, blunt toe box ensuring ample space for toes to splay, but feeling less precise than some trail shoes.

The upper is built from quality 1.6-1.8mm Idro oiled nubuck leather, interspersed with smaller mesh panels for additional comfort and breathability. Rubber bumpers at the heel and toe cap add protection and durability, while the waterproof lining is a PFCec-free Gore-Tex Bluesign-approved membrane.

The midsole features double density PU foam rubber with a built-up heel to increase walking comfort, plus a medial shank to add a little stiffness and stability. As a result, the shoe feels more structured than many trainer-style hiking shoes.

The outsole is made from Scarpa’s Presa Supergum compound with a hiking-focused lug arrangement designed to offer all-round performance on mixed terrain. The widely spaced lugs clear out mud well but still grip competently on sticky mud and slick grass. A pronounced heel brake with blocky, undercut lugs provides reassuring traction when descending.

Check out the women's version here

Read our full Scarpa Moraine GTX review

These hiking shoes are unique, bold and succeed in their singular aim: comfort. While they aren't our first choice for super-technical scrambling, the Hoka Anacapa Breeze Low still performs very well and certainly wouldn't let you down if you strayed from the beaten path.

But, truly, the beaten path is where these shoes belong. The Anacapa Breeze low is designed to keep your feet supported and safe over multiple solid days of trekking and to stay in one piece by the end. For their excellence in long-distance trekking, the are former Gear of the Year award-winners.

The compression moulded EVA foam midsole combines elegantly with Hoka's unique Hubble heel® technology. The idea is to gently catch your step, soften the foot strike, and smoothly transition (or 'rock') you onto your forefoot. All the while, the thick rubber outsole handily absorbs any bumps or rocks as you walk. An ideal tool for a long day on the trails. 

Along with the plush cushioning, the Anacapa Breeze Low has a pleasantly breathable upper made from 100% recycled yarns. Earning bonus sustainability points is the liner, which is made from 50% soy-based material.

Check out the women's version here

Read our full Hoka Anacapa Breeze Low review

On test, the Adidas Terrex Free Hiker 2.0 Low GTX was our pick for a shoe that performs best as a general-use hiker that people can wear from their doorstep to a hill summit. It's reasonable value, very comfortable, while also delivering a good level of performance, agility, and protection.

To us, one of the standout features of this shoe is its fit and comfort, securely cupping the heel and contouring the foot nicely, while also providing lots of cushioning around the ankle and underfoot. Adidas claims the BOOST midsole on the 2.0 improves comfort and cushioning by 15% over the previous version. Is it noticeable? Not really but it's a brilliant shoe for long hikes.

Although not as durable as a leather hiking shoe, the Free Hiker 2.0 is still quite robust. The base of the upper has an abrasion-resistant coating, and at over 430g per shoe, it's a bit more heavy duty than it looks and certainly compared to other trainer-style rivals.

In terms of grip, the Continental rubber outsole delivers surprisingly decent traction on wet and dry surfaces, providing confidence on non-technical trails.

Read our full Adidas Terrex Free Hiker 2.0 Low GTX review

Named after the 2650-mile Pacific Crest Trail, this versatile trail shoe from has proven to be a favourite with the LFTO team, even picking up a Gear of the Year award in 2023. In our opinion it's the best lightweight hiking shoe for spring and summer use.

The toe box and midfoot feature superlight laminated overlays to add a little more durability and protection, while the heel section includes Danner’s lightweight EXO external heel counter. Just note that the toe cap is not as burly as that found in some other hiking shoes.

Underfoot cushioning comes from an EVA midsole and a simple foam footbed. A plastic shank adds a little stiffness, reduces torsional flex, and offers some underfoot protection. The width of the forefoot adds stability and leaves plenty of room for toes to splay.

The Vibram 460 outsole has aggressively angled 4mm lugs, made from Megagrip rubber compound. We found it grips well on a multitude of surfaces, in both the wet and the dry. Only in the sloppiest mud did the sole unit start to struggle a little.

So, from performance and comfort perspectives the Trail 2650 GTX is superb. But it's main drawback is that it's expensive.

Check out the women's version here

Read our full Danner Trail 2650 GTX review

Despite demand for outdoor footwear arguably trending away from tradtional leather walking shoes, they do have their fans and a rightful place on the store shelves because they are far more durable than the lightweight alternatives flooding the market.

German brand Hanwag is one of Europe's long-established shoemakers and has produced a superb modern iteration of the leather hiking shoe with its Blueridge Low ES. Our testing revealed it's a triumph of durability and quality blended with sustainability and innovation.

The upper is almost fully leather, with just the tongue and ankle cuff being made from recycled nylon. Every part of this shoe, including the waterproof membrane and the outsole, is Hanwag's own, which means all the components don't skimp on quality. This is a very high quality item, which, considering its pretty mid-range price tag, makes it very good value indeed.

It's not a super plush or cushioned shoe because its midsole is designed for longevity, but it's still comfy in its own right and if paired with supportive insoles, it makes for a great long-distance trekking shoe.

We were also impressed with this shoe's eco credentials. It's made in Europe and the materials are sourced in Europe also, which lowers production and shipping emissions; it's also PFC-free and the nylon it uses is recycled; you can also get this shoe resoled, which massively extends the life of the shoe and makes it very economic in the longer run.

Check out the women's version here

Read our full Hanwag Blueridge Low ES review

With the Elixir series, Salomon has moved into new territory. These are plush, ultra-cushioned trainer-hikers that compete with the maximalist shoes pioneered by brands like Hoka. That said, the Elixir Activ GTX has borrowed a few features from its running shoe stablemates: Active Chassis technology for lateral guidance, a plush midsole foam compound, and reverse camber sole geometry for comfortable strides.

The uppers are made from lightweight mesh with textile overlays and a laminated TPU layer at the heel and toe. They are lined with a Gore-Tex membrane. The seriously chunky EVA-based midsole is made from Salomon’s Fuze Foam compound. It’s all about bounce – or ‘energy return’ – as well as elevated, lofty cushioning. The trade-off is that you lose ground feel, making it a bit tricky to tell where you’re putting your feet on more uneven terrain.

The sole unit is Salomon’s proprietary Contagrip rubber with a pattern of 4mm chevron-shaped lugs which do a decent job in terms of overall grip, though we found that they do tend to clog with mud in sloppier conditions. Contagrip isn't as soft and sticky as some rubber compounds, which limits grip on slick rock but ensures improved durability and more consistent lifetime performance.

Check out the women's version here

Read our full Salomon Elixir Activ GTX review

The quality of Scarpa's footwear will need little introduction to regular hillwalkers because they've been earning accolades from us for many years. But how does the current kids' range shape up?

Our youngest gear tester has recently worn this excellent shoe for adventures on Scafell Pike, Helm Crag, Hallin Fell and Harter Fell, where the Rush GTX has had to handle rocky scrambles, boulder fields, stone steps, bogs, stream crossings and plenty of long, wet grass.

Not only did it do the job fantastically, both shoes still look as good as new. The meshy upper has proved protective enough for 7-year-old feet, as has the hardened internal toe cap when he's clattered it against rocks. The rubbery outsole has provided plenty of grip on everything from dry crags to slippery stepping stones, and the Gore-Tex lining did its job even when fully submerged in Lingmell Gill.

The fact that he's also been using them to cycle and play sport says a lot about how versatile they are too.

Eco-friendly, PFC-free footwear and gear spray-on spot cleaner and reproofer. These versatile sprays and can be used on almost all your gear, for those smaller stains and marks.

Leather and fabric footwear care kit including brush and dry bag. The sustainability credentials on this care kit are great, and the included dry bag becomes a big help on multi-day hikes or camping trips.