14 Expert-approved Comfortable Hiking Shoes and Boots

Hiking shoes are the unsung heroes of any trail adventure, and from my experience as a lifelong hiker, the right pair can make or break a hike. Unlike heavy boots, well-chosen hiking shoes strike a balance between support, traction, and comfort, allowing you to move efficiently over varied terrain without feeling weighed down. 

I’ve hiked all over the world, from rugged trails in the Hajar Mountains of the UAE to the windswept paths of Patagonia. I’ve tackled long, self-supported treks, like the 76-kilometer Fjällräven Classic in Chile, and multi-day Highlander hikes, often carrying only what I need and relying on my own endurance. Each hike has taught me the importance of having proper footwear as they provide reliable grip, especially on wet or loose surfaces, while protecting your feet from rocks, roots, and unexpected obstacles. I also find that a breathable, moisture-wicking upper is equally important because nothing ruins a long day on the trail faster than damp, overheated feet.

Based on all my years of hiking and testing dozens of shoes, here are my top 14 picks for everything from short day hikes to multi-day adventures. And as a bonus, these are all versatile and stylish enough to easily take you from trail to city, so you don’t need to carry or pack multiple pairs.

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Vasque Breeze Waterproof Hiking Boots

My Vasque Breeze Hiking Boots have taken me on some incredible adventures and are my shoes of choice for long, technical treks. They’re tough, waterproof, and built for stability on rugged trails. They offer solid ankle support, great traction, and durable leather construction that holds up in wet or rocky conditions. They’re a bit stiff at first and slightly heavier than modern hiking shoes, but once broken in, they’re comfortable and dependable.

Columbia Newton Ridge Plus Waterproof Amped Hiking Boots

These Columbia boots are a favorite for hikers who want comfort and style without breaking the bank. They’re super comfy right out of the box without any painful break-in period and hold up well on wet or uneven trails thanks to their solid grip and waterproof build. The heel and toe caps offer a little extra protection without adding bulk. It comes in a few soft colors that are cute yet rugged, taking them from trail to city effortlessly. 

Keen Targhee 4 Mid-height Waterproof Hiking Shoes

These Keen hiking shoes are designed for comfort and versatility on various terrains thanks to the brand’s waterproofing system that keeps your feet dry, while the breathable mesh upper ensures ventilation during hikes. The shoe has a cushioned midsole for added comfort and a durable rubber outsole for reliable traction. The mid-height protects the ankles and is best suited for day hikes and light trail adventures, providing a balance between performance and comfort.

The North Face Vectiv Fastpack Mid Waterproof Hiking Shoes

This lightweight, comfortable hiking shoe from The North Face will keep your feet dry thanks to its waterproof membrane, so it is great for longer treks. It offers good cushioning and a steady grip on varied terrain, so you can use it for technical trails too. It can be a bit snug for wider feet, so you may need to size up. 

Salomon X Ultra 5 Mid Gore-tex Hiking Boots

If you’re looking for a pair of hiking shoes that feel light on your feet but rugged enough for rough trails, the Salomon X Ultra 5 boots might be one to try. It blends Matryx reinforced textile with Gore-tex waterproofing, so your feet stay dry whether you’re crossing streams or hiking in misty conditions. My favorite feature of all Salomon shoes is the Quicklace system that gives you a snug, secure fit without fussing with laces mid-hike. Underneath, the All-terrain Contagrip outsole keeps you confident on everything from slick rock to loose gravel, and the advanced chassis element helps keep your foot stable on uneven ground.

Columbia Escape Thrive Titanium Hiking Shoes

The Columbia Escape Thrive Titanium Hiking Shoes are another style that hits the sweet spot between a trail runner and a hiking boot, making them ideal for those of us who like to do both. They’re waterproof, grippy on slick trails, and comfy right from the first wear without any painful break-in period.

Teva Hurricane Daybreaker Slip-on Hiking Shoes

I love a pair of slip-on shoes that give the comfort of slippers but the performance of a trail shoe. The Teva Hurricane Daybreaker is a solid hiking shoe that’s waterproof and has excellent grip thanks to its Spider Rubber outsole. The loop on the upper makes it easy to slip on, and it stays snug without having to deal with laces. 

Altra Lone Peak 6 Hiking Shoes

The Lone Peak Hiker series is one of the first pairs of hiking shoes I reviewed as a product tester and is still one of my favorites. This updated version is a lightweight, zero-drop hiking boot with a wide toe box and flexible midsole for a natural, comfortable stride. Its breathable upper and grippy outsole make it great for dirt trails, though it isn’t waterproof. I also find that the mid-height is great for protecting ankles and shins, especially on technical terrains. 

Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boots

My favorite day hiking shoe is the Merrell Moab 3. It weighs just under 2 pounds per pair, so it’s definitely a bit heavier but offers a balance between durability and comfort. The boot features a pigskin leather and mesh upper, providing breathability and waterproof protection, while the Vibram TC5+ outsole delivers reliable traction across various terrains.

Nortiv 8 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boots

These Nortiv 8 hiking boots are ideal for those who want something comfy, breathable, and easy on their feet—without a hefty price tag. They’re super light, offer good arch support, and the rubber outsole keeps you steady on different terrains. 

Adidas Terrex Ax4 Mid Gore-tex Hiking Shoes

These hiking shoes from Adidas are lightweight, waterproof, and super grippy. The speed-lace system makes them easy to get a secure fit, and the cushioning keeps things comfortable on long treks. They do run a bit narrow in the toe box, though, so hikers with wider feet might want to size up.

Allbirds Breathable All-traction Hiking Shoes

These all-traction hiking shoes are all the things you can expect from Allbirds, suitable for easy outdoor adventures. They’re made from breathable eucalyptus and wool, with a cushioned SweetFoam midsole for all-day comfort. The 4mm lugs give decent traction, and the sock-like collar keeps debris out. Additionally, they are machine-washable, which is a nice bonus. 

Notace Lightweight Flexible Trail Running Shoes

Even though these Notace shoes are marketed as trail runners, they’re also ideal for hiking as they have a zero-drop design and a low stack height. This means they will keep your foot neutral on the trail while still giving you the grip you need. So it feels a lot like walking barefoot but with just enough cushioning from the engineered midsole to take the edge off. The angled lugs bite into the ground for solid traction, and the shape locks in your heel and midfoot while leaving plenty of room up front for your toes to spread out. They’re lightweight, responsive, and a great choice if you like that connected-to-the-ground feel.

CC-los Waterproof Hiking Boots

The CC-los waterproof hiking boots are a comfy, versatile option for the trail. They’re cushioned with removable memory foam insoles, and the rubber outsole keeps you steady on different terrain. Plus, the waterproof design means your feet stay dry even when the weather turns, making them a solid pick for hikes or just exploring outdoors.

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