Best hiking boots and shoes for every budget

You can learn a lot about someone by looking at their feet on the road. Some hikers move through the trees in lightweight trail running shoes, while others take heavier steps in thicker shoes. Somewhere between those two extremes is the best place for hiking shoes.

After years of testing, we’ve found that the difference between a $155 multi-sport shoe and a $390 specialty shoe comes down to just one thing: purpose. If you need a versatile hiking shoe for casual trail running on the weekend, you may be able to save a few bucks. On the other hand, if you have a major mountaineering mission coming up, it’s probably worth your time to invest a little extra in your boots.

After testing over 63 pairs of hiking boots and shoes men And womenAll three stood out as striking the perfect balance of weight, durability, and versatility at three different price points. All three of our recommendations can handle day hikes, but the higher the price you pay, the more exclusive features you get.

Best hiking boots and shoes: at a glance

Best budget hiking shoe: Topo Athletic Traverse ($155)

weight: 8.7 ounces
size: Women’s 6-11 & 12; for men

Pros and cons
+ versatile
+ light
+ feature rich
– not overprotective

The best option for your money is a hiking shoe that pulls double duty. For under $200, you can wear the Topo Athletic Traverse Trail Running And Backpacking increases your carry costs even more. Its next greatest feature is how light it weighs – only 8.7 ounces per shoe – and how much protection it provides. The mesh upper made of a tightly woven polyester blend is safe, flexible, and hides dirt and stains. Forefoot rock plate prevents sharp rocks, tree roots and other obstacles from injuring toes. Dual-density EVA midsole with TPU heel wrap provides stability and support for hikers carrying heavy loads for many miles. And while closed-cell foam absorbs less water than traditional foam, its dimpled texture helps it drain quickly when it gets wet.

what makes them different other path runners? Thoughtful details, including a generous heel loop for easy entry and gaiter attachment points at both the toe and heel, make the shoe particularly hiker-friendly. Fit Tip: If you’ve never worn Topo athletic shoes before, they’re known for having a wide toe box, which is good for natural toe play and evenly distributing weight.

Best mid-range hiking shoe: Arc’teryx Copeck Mid ($200)

weight: 12 ounces
size: Men’s 7-13; women

Pros and cons
+ light
+ excellent grip
+ Responsive
– strong cushion

Whether you’re an occasional hiker or a hiker every weekend, a supportive pair of shoes can make every step more comfortable. tester in backpacker named kopex The best hiking shoes for superior traction from the 4mm-lug Vibram MegaGrip outsole and stability from the dual-density midsole. You won’t get a lot of cushioning – the sole is quite firm compared to other shoes – but you’ll feel supported the whole way. A TPU toe cap warded off scratches, while the canvas-like Cordura upper showed virtually no wear after an entire season of testing.

We believe that the molded and padded collars of mid-height boots are best for hikers carrying up to approximately 30 pounds overnight. But for $20 less, the low-cut version is good enough for day trippers. Both models use a Gore-Tex liner that kept testers’ feet dry without compromising breathability. For $200, you’re getting a boot that’s built to last for many years of hiking.

Best Premium Hiking Boots: Danner Crag Rat EVO ($390)

weight: 2.1 pounds
size: women 5-11

Pros and cons
+ incredible traction
+ crampon compatibility
– Cost
– break-in time

At nearly twice the price of mid-priced boots, buying the Danner Crag Rat EVO hiking boots means you’re paying more for features designed for mountaineering rather than everyday hiking. Danner worked with the Crag Rats, a local search and rescue team in Hood River, Oregon, to create a fast-drying and durable boot that would hold up and remain stable in treacherous terrain ranging from slippery rocks to loose trails. That means its features are built for technical terrain, like the Crag Rat EVO’s incredible traction and crampon compatibility.

You can rely on this boot for tough climbs and descents: the Vibram Mulze outsole is sticky with deep lugs, designed for alpine climbing and mountaineering. An open-cell polyurethane footbed with three layers of density provides ample support and comfort for someone carrying a heavy pack, and the PrimaLoft Airgel toecap provides warmth without bulking up in the winter elements. For even more traction, there’s a heel welt for semi-automatic crampons.

The downside of bulkiness? Rather than being comfortable right out of the box, these require a long break-in period. They’re quite stiff, and during their first few hikes, some testers reported hot spots after their feet slid inward on steep slopes. Our advice: Plan short day trips before setting out on a longer trip.