Best Hiking Shoes of 2025
Be prepared to challenge yourself on the trails this summer with our Footwear Experts' top picks of the best hiking shoes for the season. Having a properly fitting shoe while hiking can set a new standard for your performance. Our Experts picked top-notch options for various purposes, from trail running to backpacking. Explore our best hiking shoes for women and men from brands who lead the way in excellence, like On, HOKA, Nike, and more!
Best Hiking Shoes Overall
The KEEN Targhee IV Waterproof Hiking Shoes offer generous space across the forefoot, allowing your toes to splay naturally for enabling long treks on various terrain.
Why we love it:
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Heel-capture system for added stability
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Removable Luftcell air-injected midsole
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Multi-directional lugs for increased traction
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Stability shank for extra lightweight stability
Tech Specs:
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Weight: 16.65 oz. (W) | 19.26 oz. (M)
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Heel Drop: 14 mm
Best Waterproof Hiking Shoes
The Salomon X Ultra 5 GORE-TEX hiking shoe is known for its exceptional traction, while the angular lugs offer enhanced stability and confidence on challenging trails.
Why we love it:
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Gore-Tex waterproofing
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Great for all kinds of terrain
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Molded OrthoLite® sockliner
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Lateral stability to ensure foot stability and freedom of movement
Tech Specs:
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Weight: 11.28 oz. (W) | 13.4 oz. (M)
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Heel Drop: 11 mm
Best Hiking Shoes for Support
The Oboz Sawtooth II Low Waterproof hiking shoe stands out for its O FIT Insole®, ensuring superior underfoot support and comfort.
Why we love it:
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B-DRY waterproof, breathable membrane
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Asymmetric collars articulate ankle motion
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High-friction, nonmarking rubber outsoles enhanced traction
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Heel counters with abrasion-resistant textile increase comfort
Tech Specs:
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Weight: 13.8 oz. (W) | 17.4 oz. (M)
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Heel Drop: 15 mm
Best Trail Running Shoes for Hiking
The HOKA Stinson 7 trail running shoe showcases its maximum cushioning, offering the highest foam stack among HOKA's trail lineup. These shoes are best for both roads and trails!
Why we love it:
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Durable toe cap
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Muti-directional lugs
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Deep active foot frame™ to enhance comfort for side walls
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H-frame™ technology to stabilize your feet on uneven terrain
Tech Specs:
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Weight: 10.8 oz. (W) | 12.9 oz. (M)
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Heel Drop: 5 mm
Best Backpacking Shoes
The Merrell Moab 3 Waterproof hiking shoe has exceptional comfort and support straight out of the box, making it great for both single- and multi-day trips.
Why we love it:
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Removable contoured insole
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Bellows tongue to keep out debris
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Merrell Air Cushion for maximum shock absorption
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Kinetic Fit™ Advanced footbed contours to your foot for comfort
Tech Specs:
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Weight: 12.55 oz. (W) | 13.04 oz. (M)
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Heel Drop: 11.5 mm
Choosing the right pair of hiking shoes is important for safety and performance on the trails. Whether you need protection from debris or waterproof material, our Experts have picked the top options to level up your performance. If you have additional questions about choosing the right pair of hiking shoes, stop into your local SCHEELS to speak with a Footwear Expert.