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Best Hiking Shoes of 2026 | Unsponsored
In this article, I am going to share my picks for the Best Hiking Shoes of 2026.
With testing over 60 models of hiking shoes over the last 10 years I have been able to compile a list based on objective testing measures with my case study of each hiking shoe.
I have spent hundreds of hours testing each shoe on real trails, specifically against technical terrain and challenging conditions.
Testing included comfort, traction, durability, fit, breathability, weight, and value.
Related: Best Trail Running Shoes, Best Waterproof Hiking Shoes, Most Comfortable Hiking Shoes
Watch this Full Review on YouTube(Over 100k Views!)
Top 5 Hiking Shoes Of 2026
1
Best Overall Hiking Shoe of 2026
Merrell Moab Speed 2
PROS
- Versatile Vibram TC5+ Traction
- Excellent FloatPro EVA Insole Comfort
- Lightweight design
- Durable Ripstop Construction
CONS
- Breathability
- Stiff outsole
Price: $145
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The Merrell Moab Speed 2 emerges as the premier choice for the best hiking shoe in 2026, delivering the perfect balance of lightweight construction, solid traction, and immediate comfort that works for beginner hikers through experienced trekkers.
With its updated specs compared to the original Moab Speed, it’s easily my choice for the best hiking shoe of 2026.
With its comfort level rated at an impressive 8.5 (among the highest I have rated for hiking shoes), the Moab Speed 2 boasts exceptional comfort with a FloatPro EVA foam midsole that cradles your foot without adding excess weight.
The Moab Speed 2 offers exceptional traction and stability on the trail, with the Vibram TC5+ outsole featuring 5mm lugs that excel at shedding mud and providing grip on wet rock.
The 10mm heel-to-toe drop (with the added rocker) aids forward momentum on day hikes and moderate trails alike.
The shoe’s GORE-TEX waterproof membrane keeps feet dry while the mesh upper maintains breathability during warm weather hiking, a balance many waterproof hiking shoes struggle to achieve.
With a weight of just 1 lb 8.6 oz per pair, your stride feels much lighter compared to traditional hiking boots.
While testing over 50 miles in the White Mountains, I noticed that the generous toe box volume accommodates foot swelling much better than traditional hiking shoes. While it doesn’t have the foot shape fit of the Altra models, it still has a quite roomy toe box.
The Moab Speed 2 handles 10-15% pack weights up to 35 lbs with ease on mixed terrain, making it ideal for fast-paced day hikes or light backpacking trips on established trails.
Taking a look at my Garmin watch after each hike, I noticed I was at my fastest hiking paces while wearing the Moab Speed 2.
At under $150, this true hiking shoe delivers exceptional value, outperforming bulkier rivals in breathability and agility.
Read More: Merrell Moab Speed 2 Review | The Most Versatile Hiking Shoe Of 2026
Hiking Shoe MVP
Brooks Cascadia 19
Pros
- Comfortable Footbed
- 11 ounces
- DNA Loft V3 Stability
- Rockplate Protection
- Precise Midfoot Lockdown
Cons
- Narrow Toebox
- Premium Price Point
Price: $150
The Brooks Cascadia 19 stands out as a do-everything hybrid with DNA Loft V3 nitrogen-infused EVA midsole providing balanced cushioning at just 1 lb 5 oz per pair.
While this hiking shoe is not a top-rated one, it is definitely the one most users will find best.
Let me explain why it’s rated our MVP hiking shoe. First off, the comfort is exceptionally balanced with a 35mm Stackheight, which is perfect for comfort without sacrificing trail feel.
The TrailTack Green Outsole is always the forgotten child when it comes to Contagrip vs Vibram. While it may not grip as well as the Vibram outsole. The exceptionally engineered lug placement makes the Cascadia 19 an excellent choice for traction.
Braking lugs in the back provide excellent downhill traction at higher speeds, especially on loose gravel, while the upgraded lugs in the front give excellent grip, especially on rocky uphill terrain.
The rock plate technology provides essential underfoot protection on rocky ground, while the 8mm heel-to-toe drop offers a stable ride that keeps you sure-footed on uneven terrain.
The secure fit keeps your foot planted with excellent stability. I felt Brooks really nailed the engineering of this model without adding any annoying plastic posts or internal shanks, yet creating a contoured upper that really keeps your foot on lockdown, especially on uneven terrain.
Durability is a strong point too. After testing the Cascadia 19 over 100 miles, the outsole and lugs haven’t shown any signs of wear or tear.
One consideration is the narrower toe box (10% smaller than Altra), which may cause issues for wide feet. Hikers with wider feet should consider sizing up or exploring wide-fit alternatives.
The breathable mesh upper handles most conditions well; I did start to overheat a bit in 90+ degree weather, but nothing unbearable.
Read More: Brooks Cascadia 19 Review
Most Comfortable Hiking Shoe
Altra Olympus 6
Pros
- Exceptional toe room with Altra’s Original FootShape design
- Maximum EGO MAX Cushioning
- Wide Toe Box For Splay
- Excellent For Thru-Hiking Distances
Cons
- Heavy 15.5 Oz
- May feel unstable on technical terrain due to high stack
- Breathability Issues
Price: $180
The Altra Olympus 6 caters to hikers who prefer comfort, offering maximum cushioning, a secure heel cup, and the signature FootShape wide toe box for an accommodating fit.
Ideal for thru-hiking and ultra-distances where comfort matters most, this shoe stays easy on your feet even as the miles stack up. The materials feel tough and built to last through demanding trails.
The zero-drop platform is transformative. As you can see in my testing videos, the 0mm heel-to-toe drop promotes a natural gait and balanced forefoot loading, reducing Achilles strain on extended hikes.
Although you have to be careful transitioning to this hiking shoe, as it can cause strain or injury if you’re not used to a zero-drop platform.
Easily one of the most comfortable hiking shoes I have tested for 2026, the Altra Olympus 6 feels inviting the second you slip it on. On ten-plus-mile hikes, I felt the higher stack height really helped me go further when it came to impact absorption.
With a 33mm stack height, this shoe provides maximum cushioning for hikers prioritizing comfort over trail feel.
The upgraded Vibram Megagrip outsole with 3.5mm lugs handles loose terrain, loose gravel, and even snow with confidence.
One area where these shoes struggled with traction was loose downhill scree. The blockier sections of the shoe definitely grip well, but it hurts you when you need to be more agile and quick on your feet.
The Altra Olympus 6 stands out as a very good option for those seeking the most comfortable shoe for extended adventures.
Read Review: Altra Olympus 6 Review | The Ultimate Comfort Hiking Shoe
Best Traction Hiking Shoe
Salomon Speedcross 6
Pros
- Aggresive Contagrip Lug Pattern
- Lightweight Design
- Gore-Tex Waterproofness
- Secure Quicklace System
Cons
- Lugs Wear Quickly On Pavement
- Narrow Fit
Price: $150
The Salomon Speedcross 6 claims the crown for technical terrain dominance, particularly in mud, loose dirt, and soft terrain where other hiking shoes struggle.
The aggressive Contagrip outsole features 5 mm chevron lugs that dominated during my testing, especially on wet and loose terrain.
While the traction is a highlight of this shoe, it is not for those who are looking for an extremely comfortable hiking shoe. The footbed is quite stiff, with little bounce and give.
With a 10mm drop and 25mm stack height, the Speedcross 6 offers rugged capability, especially for technical trails.
The stiff heel counter prevents slippage under weighted trips. While testing out the Speedcross 6 with a 25 lb pack, I felt the stiff heel counter prevented me from overpronating quite well.
The impact absorption is definitely one of the downsides of this shoe here. If you are pounding on your heel all day, that stiff footbed can become quite annoying, especially around the 6-7 mile marker, compared to other, more comfortable shoes.
The main limitation is the narrow fit (D width only), which excludes some of the wider-footed hikers.
The high heel-to-toe drop also tends to fatigue your calves much quicker on long-distance days.
Read Review: Salomon Speedcross 6 Review
Best Value Hiking Shoe
Hoka Transport 2
Pros
- Exceptional Traction
- Excellent CMEVA Cushioning
- Roomy Toe Box
Cons
- Weight
- Wide Fit
Price: $180
The Hoka Transport 2 offers plush asphalt-to-trail versatility with a 5mm drop and 32mm stack of CMEVA midsole that is an exremly comfortable ride.
What sets the Transport 2 apart is the ability for it to be a commuter-to-trail shoe. Use it as a walking shoe and as a hiking shoe on mild to moderate terrain and trails.
The toe box has a nice, accommodating feel; however, the upper itself is not very conforming. I found the upper to be quite wide and loose, which hindered stability on more technical trails because it didn’t wrap around my foot and limit any internal motion.
The Vibram Megagrip outsole handles mixed surfaces, including pavement approaches to trailheads, making it ideal go-to footwear for urban hiking and varied terrain.
While the transport tube offers great versatility, it is definitely not meant for technical trails or 10+ mile hikes per day.
At $180, it offers features comparable to premium hiking footwear, with excellent cushioning and waterproofing.
Read More: Hoka Transport 2 Review
6. Salomon X Ultra 5 GTX
The Salomon X Ultra 5 GTX remains an excellent lightweight choice with its Advanced Chassis for torsional stability, but the Moab Speed 2 edges it out for overall versatility and value in 2026. The
7. Hoka Speedgoat 7
The brand new Hoka Speedgoat 7 is an excellent hiking choice. However, Kama is not as comfortable as the Cascadia 19, nor does it have the stability ratings of the Moab 2. The Speedgoat 7 should be used only as a trail running shoe by most hikers.
8. Altra Lone Peak 9+
The Altra Lone Peak 9+ has some great makeup as a hiking shoe. However, the ripstop mesh and welded materials did not hold up well in more serious hiking environments.
How We Objectively Test For The Best Hiking Shoes Of 2026
I like to objectively rate all my hiking shoes in specific categories before writing reviews.
I have compiled a list of specific categories, weighted to give you the best possible overall score, before deciding on a hiking shoe.
Over the past 11 years, I’ve fine-tuned this formula to perfection! Each shoe is personally selected for genuine testing, ensuring my rankings are completely unbiased and trustworthy. Exciting, right?
Our weighted categories are:
Comfort: (20% of weighted score)
Traction: (20% of weighted score)
Stability & Support : (20% of weighted score)
Weight: (15% of weighted score)
Overall Protection: (10% of weighted score)
Durability: (10% of weighted score)
Value: (5% of weighted score)
Based on these objective measures, we can calculate an overall score for each hiking shoe review.
Comfort
I will go over each testing category and how I objectively test for each to give you the best possible selections.
When it comes to the comfort of a hiking shoe, my first impression is how does the midsole feel?
When first slipping on the shoe, does my foot sink into comfortable cushioning? Or do I feel pressure points when first trying them on?
When I first slipped on the Altra Olympus 6, I immediately felt the plush EGO MAX foam that cradles the foot. The zero-drop platform felt natural and balanced from the first step. Compared to the Speedcross 6, the footbed is much firmer.
The next objective measure for comfort is the toe box room. Some hiking shoes offer generous toe box space, while others can be more compressive. The Altra Olympus 6 excels here with its FootShape design, which promotes natural toe splay—critical for preventing blisters, and adds a stable platform.
One of the last objective measures for comfort I use is heel cup and ankle comfort. The Merrell Moab Speed 2 is a great example of a shoe that offers excellent comfort without unnecessary restriction. Excessive pressure on your heel and ankle can make for a bad hiking experience.
Additional measures I use for comfort include ease of walking, cushioning response over distance, and how comfort changes after 20+ miles. The Cascadia 19 is one of the top performers in this area up here at
All of these objective measures help me determine an overall comfort score. Comfort is the most important score when testing hiking shoes.
I have been reiterating this formula to make it as objective and accurate as possible.
Traction
The next measuring category is traction. Traction is mainly measured by the performance of the lugs and outsole compounds.
Many hiking shoes outsource their outsole to companies like Vibram. Other companies, like Salomon, produce their own compounds, such as Contagrip.
I test outsoles directly and compare them. For example, I did a case study of Salomon Contagrip vs Vibram. Both perform excellently, with slight advantages depending on terrain type.
I assess the general makeup of the outsole itself. Is it stiffer or softer? A soft outsole tends to conform to uneven surfaces differently than rigid compounds.
Next, I measure the lugs. Deeper lugs, like the Speedcross 6’s 5 mm chevrons, work better on muddy trails, loose terrain, and steep descents. Shallower lugs excel on rocky ground and established trails.
I always test my hiking shoes on rocky trails, moderate terrain, steep ascents, and wet conditions, including deep mud.
Stability & Support
Stability and support are critical factors for hiking shoes, especially when navigating uneven terrain or carrying a heavy pack. When comparing hiking shoes to hiking boots, stability and support are critical, since you typically don’t get ankle protection in hiking shoes.
To objectively test stability, I evaluate how well the shoe maintains balance and prevents excessive foot roll during various movements, including steep descents and side slopes. The internal membrane of the hiking shoe should hug your foot tightly so there’s no excess foot movement inside the shoe.
I pay close attention to the midsole stiffness and the construction of the heel cup, as these elements contribute significantly to overall stability.I assess these objectively on both uphill and downhill terrain, making notes during my testing.
Support is assessed by examining arch support, heel lockdown, and the shoe’s ability to keep the foot securely in place without causing pressure points.
I test shoes on technical terrain where lateral stability is essential, noting how they perform when shifting weight or making quick directional changes.
A secure fit, combined with structural features like a firm heel counter and supportive overlays, enhances both stability and support. However, properly engineered shoes, like the Cascadia 19, don’t need a heel shank or plastic post to enhance stability. They rely on the shoe’s makeup.
Overall Protection
When testing overall protection, I focus on how well the hiking shoe shields your feet from common trail hazards like sharp rocks, roots, and uneven terrain.
One important lesson I learned after years of testing these shoes is the fact that a rock light does not always indicate excellent overall protection. I have had hiking shoes such as the Speedcross 6, which have better footbed protection without a plate, compared to the Altra Lone Peak 9 +, which has a rock plate
I evaluate the presence and effectiveness of a protective toe cap, the sturdiness of the midsole to guard against impacts, and the shoe’s ability to provide support and cushioning that minimizes injury risk.
I also consider how well the shoe’s upper material resists abrasion and punctures in off-trail terrain. Many embedded welded meshes tend to scratch and rip easily.
Testing involves real-world hikes over rocky ground and rough trails to see how the shoe protects your feet across various challenges.
Durability
What’s the point of purchasing a hiking shoe that won’t last? For durability scoring, I start by assessing the overall construction and upper material quality. Synthetic mesh uppers save weight but may wear more quickly than reinforced designs.
The Merrell Moab Speed 2’s nylon ripstop and TPU upper prove durable over 100+ miles, though the mesh portions show abrasion during granite scrambles.
The next is midsole compression and lug wear and tear. Softer outsoles like the Contagrip tend to wear more quickly than more robust ones like the Green Trailtack. Take a look at the Brooks Cascadia 19.
After 100 miles, there’s no midsole compression or lug wear. I still feel the same amount of impact absorption I felt testing them on day one. This is exactly what you want when it comes to durability.
Having lightweight hiking shoes that last saves time and money in the long term. I always update my reviews after 6+ months of testing to reflect real-world durability.
Value
My last objective testing measure puts it all together. Do the previous measures represent the product well for what it costs?
The Merrell Moab Speed 2, at under $150, delivers exceptional performance that rivals $200+ outdoor footwear. The Hoka Transport 2 at $180 offers features comparable to premium alternatives; it excels on paved roads, so you must choose wisely.
Value means getting maximum performance for your investment. Budget hiking shoes may score lower overall, but can represent excellent value for recreational hikers on established trails.
At $155-180, premium options like the Brooks Cascadia 19 and Altra Olympus 6 justify their pricing through superior durability and performance on challenging terrain.
I calculate the effective cost-per-mile based on durability testing. The most durable models, averaging 400+ miles, often offer better long-term value than cheaper alternatives that wear out at 200 miles.
Tyler
Tyler is the founder Mountaineer Journey and a professional Mountain Guide with 15+ years of technical experience in trekking, mountaineering, and trail sports. Having logged thousands of miles from rugged alpine summits to urban paths, Tyler provides rigorous, field-tested insights on hiking, walking, and trail running gear. All reviews are 100% unsponsored and unbiased, ensuring you get honest scoring based on real-world performance. His mission is to help outdoor enthusiasts of all levels find reliable equipment that ensures comfort, safety, and performance on any terrain.
