Best hiking shoes 2026: tested low-cut picks for every kind of hiker
Every hiking shoe here is thoroughly trail-tested. All my top low-cut picks, waterproof and breathable, with honest caveats.
Hiking shoes are having a moment. Low-cut hikers now deliver most of what boots offer, with less weight and none of the break-in drama, and for many hikers they're the smarter buy.
Every shoe here has been tested on real trails, and each pick links to my full in-depth review. If you have any question at all, drop it in the comments below.
If you purchase through links in this article, we may earn a small affiliate commission.
Quick picks
- Best overall: Adidas Terrex Free Hiker 3 Low GTX
- Best fast and light: Keen Targhee Apex Waterproof
- Best for wet and cool conditions: Merrell Moab Speed 2 GTX
- Best breathable non-waterproof: Merrell Moab Speed 2
- Best slip-on: Hoka Infini Hike TC
Hiking shoes vs boots vs trail runners, quickly
If you're not sure a hiking shoe is even the right category for you, my hiking boots vs trail runners breakdown will help settle that internal debate.
Hiking boots vs trail runners: what I actually hike in
I’ve tested dozens of hiking boots and trail runners on the same trails. Here’s which to choose based on load, terrain, and weather.
Alastair Dixon
The short version: hiking shoes are the middle ground, with more protection and structure than a trail runner, but with less bulk and warmth than a boot.
Want the boot end of the spectrum? That's my best hiking boots roundup.
Best hiking boots 2026: The pairs that stood out in testing
Every hiking boot here has been fully trail-tested. These are my current top picks.
Alastair Dixon
Want the running-shoe end? See the best trail running shoes for hiking.
Adidas Terrex Free Hiker 3 Low GTX: best overall
Price: $180 at Adidas
Adidas Free Hiker 3 Low GTX review: soft, planted, proven
Running shoe comfort meets serious trail grip. I tested the new waterproof Free Hiker 3 Low GTX to find out if Adidas finally perfected the formula.
Alastair Dixon
I called this the comfort benchmark for low-cut hikers in my full review, and I stand by it.
The dual-foam Dreamstrike+ and Hyperboost midsole delivers a soft, springy, running-shoe ride that most hiking shoes can't touch, yet the EVA stability frame and flared heel keep it planted on rough ground. Continental rubber and a full Gore-Tex liner handle the hiking side properly.
My US M9 weighs 13.2 oz / 374 g, with a 42 mm heel stack and 9mm drop.
Keen Targhee Apex Waterproof: best fast and light
Price: $180 at KEEN
KEEN Targhee Apex Waterproof hiking shoes review: fast, light, roomy
KEEN gives the Targhee a lighter, quicker feel without losing its signature comfort, waterproof protection, or trail-ready grip.
Alastair Dixon
At 11.7 oz / 332 g on my scale, this is the lightest shoe on the list, and it's the one that most changed my mind about what a Targhee can be.
It keeps Keen's signature roomy toe box and step-in comfort but swaps the old chunky formula for a genuinely quick, energetic feel courtesy of the ReGENX midsole. The KEEN.DRY membrane handles wet grass, puddles, and rain, and the styling is clean enough for travel and everyday wear.
Skip it if you carry heavy packs or want low-volume precision; this is a day-hiking and fast-walking specialist, and an excellent one.
Merrell Moab Speed 2 GTX: best for wet and cool conditions
Price: $175 at merrell.com
Merrell Moab Speed 2 GTX review: comfort, stability, and serious trail protection
A protective waterproof hiker built for long days, mixed terrain, and cooler-weather adventures.
Alastair Dixon
The most protective, structured pick here, closer to a mini boot than a beefed-up trail runner.
The FlexPlate gives it serious torsional stiffness and underfoot protection, the extra FloatPro foam smooths out long days, and the Vibram TC5+ outsole is dependable on dirt, gravel, and soft ground. The Gore-Tex membrane does its job, with the usual trade: these run a little warm, so they're at their best in cool or wet conditions rather than summer heat.
They weigh 12.1 oz / 343 g for a US M9, and have a 10 mm drop.
Merrell Moab Speed 2: best breathable non-waterproof
Price: $145 at Merrell
Merrell Moab Speed 2 hiking shoes review: a breathable hiker that gets the balance right
Cushioned, stable, and easy to wear for long days, the Moab Speed 2 blends trail comfort, support, and breathability really well.
Alastair Dixon
Same platform as the GTX above, minus the membrane, and for warm-weather hikers that subtraction is the upgrade.
It breathes very well, dries fast, and keeps the cushioned, stable ride that makes the Speed 2 platform work. If most of your hiking happens in dry or hot conditions, save the waterproofing tax and take this version; my full review covers where the two split.
Hoka Infini Hike TC: best slip-on
Price: $140 at REI.com
HOKA Infini Hike TC Review: Super Comfy Trail-Ready Hiking Sandals
Cushioned like a Clifton, built for trails—HOKA’s Infini Hike TC blends comfort, support, and summer-ready versatility in a sandal.
Alastair Dixon
The wildcard pick: a slip-on hiker for easy trails, camp, travel, and everyday wear, with Hoka's cushioning underneath.
It's not the shoe for technical terrain, and it's not trying to be. It's the pair by the door that makes getting outside frictionless, and it earns its spot here because that shoe sometimes gets worn more than any other (especially in the summer).
In testing now
Currently earning their miles: the Hoka Kaha 3 Low GTX, the Salomon X Ultra 5 GTX, and the Merrell Moab 3. As always, nothing gets added to this list until I've hiked in it myself.
How to choose
- Warm, dry climate: the non-waterproof Moab Speed 2.
- Wet, cool, or shoulder-season hiking: the Moab Speed 2 GTX or Free Hiker 3 Low.
- Fast day hikes and travel: the Targhee Apex.
- One shoe for everything including town: the Free Hiker 3 Low.
New to hiking? Pair whichever you pick with the hiking essentials checklist, and if you're building toward bigger days, my free hiking training plan generator will get your legs ready.
Hiking Training Plan: Build Yours Free With Our Generator
Build your personal week-by-week hiking training schedule using the generator below; then read on for the strength work, cardio, and specifics that make it stick.
Alastair Dixon
Does your trail time lean more toward running than walking? Start with the best trail running shoes right now.
If you haven't already, signup to our free newsletter, for more quality outdoor content like this. -Alastair
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