Best Hiking Shoes of 2026
Take on the trails this summer with confidence in a pair of hiking shoes recommended by our Footwear Experts. The right fit can make all the difference in comfort, stability, and performance on every hike. From lightweight day hikes to rugged backpacking trips, our Experts selected the best hiking shoes for a variety of trail conditions and adventures.
Best Men’s Hiking Shoes
Whether you prioritize cushioning, waterproof protection, or stability on technical terrain, these are our top men’s hiking shoes for the season.
Best Overall Hiking Shoe for Men
Why our Experts love it:
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Plush, responsive cushioning
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Missiongrip™ outsole for reliable grip on terrain
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Versatile in a variety of conditions, especially for day hikes
Tech Specs:
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Weight: 15.2 oz.
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Heel-to-Toe Drop: 8 mm
Best Waterproof Hiking Shoe for Men
Why our Experts love it:
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Durable leather upper
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Vibram® Megagrip for traction in a variety of conditions
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GORE-TEX Invisible Fit technology for breathable, waterproof protection
Tech Specs:
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Weight: 15.3 oz.
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Heel-To-Toe Drop: 8mm
Best Technical Hiking Shoe for Men
Why our Experts love it:
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advancedChassis provides lateral support and protection
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All Terrain contaGRIP® outsole is designed for the widest variety of surfaces
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Durable Matryx® upper and GORE-TEX waterproof membrane for protection
Tech Specs:
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Weight: 13.4 oz.
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Heel-To-Toe Drop: 11mm
Expert Pick for Men’s Hiking Shoes
Why our Experts love it:
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Synthetic heel and toe cap for protection
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Vibram TC5+ outsole with 4mm lugs for traction and grip
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FlexPlate™ technology provides lateral stability and forefoot flexibility
Tech Specs:
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Weight: 11.9 oz.
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Heel-to-Toe Drop: 10mm
Best Women’s Hiking Shoes
Take on your next hike with the right pair of hiking shoes. Whether you need a waterproof style or one built for technical terrain, here are our Experts' top hiking shoes for women.
Best Overall Hiking Shoe for Women
Why our Experts love it:
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Vibram® TC5+ outsole for grip on varied terrain
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Merrell Air Cushion for shock absorption and stability
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Added support built into the ankle for stability on uneven terrain
Tech Specs:
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Weight: 12.55 oz.
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Heel-to-Toe Drop: 11.5mm
Best Waterproof Hiking Shoe for Women
Why our Experts love it:
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GORE-TEX waterproof membrane keeps feet dry
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advancedCHASSIS™ for lateral support and flexibility
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Matryx® upper for durability and Quicklace® lacing system for easy tightening
Tech Specs:
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Weight: 11.28 oz.
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Heel-to-Toe Drop: 11mm
Best Technical Hiking Shoe for Women
Why our Experts love it:
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Ideal for fastpacking across varied terrain
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Trail Tread™ HD outsole for grip on wet and dry terrain
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Inertia of Motion System features forked carbon plate, dual-layer foams, and enhanced rocker
Tech Specs:
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Weight: 10.2 oz.
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Heel-to-Toe Drop: 8mm
Expert Pick for Women’s Hiking Shoes
Why our Experts love it:
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Higher-traction rubber outsole
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Foam insole with arch support for cushioning
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Original Fit has generous space across the forefoot for toes to splay
Tech Specs:
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Weight: 9.8 oz.
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Heel-to-Toe Drop: 11mm
How We Chose these Hiking Shoes
Our Footwear Experts use hands-on experience, brand training, and customer feedback to select the best hiking shoes for the season. Through SCHEELS University and ongoing product training, our team stays up to date on the latest comfort, traction, durability, and performance features to help you find the right hiking shoe for every adventure.
Choosing the right pair of hiking shoes is important for comfort, support, and confidence on the trails. Whether you need protection from debris, waterproof coverage, or reliable traction, our Experts have picked top options for every type of adventure. If you have additional questions about finding the right hiking shoes, stop into your local SCHEELS to speak with a Footwear Expert.