The 9 Best Hiking Shoes of 2026: Tested

If you can get past the alphabet soup that is the X9 Pro 3D V9 GORE-TEX trail shoes from Salomon, you’ll find a stable, durable trail shoe built to chew through dirt, mud, rocks and more. Thanks to an energy-conserving, high-rebound midsole, sticky soles and a tough-as-nails upper, the shoes are a perfect choice for logging fast miles on mixed terrain, splitting the difference between a hiking shoe (stability and structure) and a trail runner (agility).

A proprietary 3D Advanced Chassis layer between the mid- and outsole offers increased stability, preventing your hindfoot from twisting too dramatically on uneven surfaces. Coupled with the sticky rubber soles, this makes the X9 Pro 3D V9s stable enough to tackle a variety of terrains. “Washington trails can be quite muddy, especially post rainy day, and these Salomons held up well,” says Kristina Vateva, an REI Co-op campaign strategist and adventure photographer. “I also tried them out on some mild rock scrambling when using them as an approach shoe for a climb. I really appreciated the grip on rock that traditional trail runners don't offer.” 

Testers, including Vateva, noted these shoes were ready to go right out of the box, though the X9 Pro 3D V9s run narrow. One Washington tester couldn’t squeeze their feet into them at all (despite ordering their normal, wider size) making them a better match for hikers with narrow to average-width feet. The high-rebound EVA midsole offers both structure and energy return, and Vateva found it best for shorter, more intense outings than multiday endeavors. A fast lacing system means easy on-off versatility, making these shoes especially useful for climbers, hikers and those who frequently transition between activities. A pocket on the extra wide tongue to safely stash excess lace cord away.

The ready-to-rumble synthetic upper and reinforced toecap holds up to plenty of trail abuse, and waterproof, breathable GORE-TEX makes them all-weather companions. Other versions: Also available without waterproof membranes in women’s and men’s.

There’s a good reason the Ghost has been one of (if not the) best-selling running shoes for Brooks since its launch in 2008, and its latest trail-running version tops our list for hikers (and walkers), too. “They're just the Goldilocks of shoes in terms of support, stability, cushion and durability,” says Ever Meister, the hike editor for REI Co-op Expert Advice. Versatile, lightweight and capable, this trail-focused update has a nitrogen-infused midsole for a cushier ride; 3D-printed, protective toe cap and mudguard layers for extra protection; higher-traction outsoles; and breathable mesh uppers and a vegan-friendly construction—all designed to perform both on-and off-road.

Brooks updated this Ghost’s traction for all-terrain use on wet and dry surfaces, keeping testers secure and upright whether they meandered down city sidewalks or gravel hills with 3 mm multidirectional lugs. “My home is surrounded by steep hills, and I had no problem maintaining traction walking up or down these hills,” said Sarah Grothjan, REI camp and backpack editor. That said, one tester who took them for faster spins thinks the extra cushion might make them more suitable for less technical terrain and prefers them for milder trail runs. “On a dry gravel trail, they're great, but steeper root systems and areas that are damp were tougher underfoot and I had to slow down,” says Kristina Vateva, marketing campaign specialist for REI. 

No matter your speed, the Ghost 18 trail runners are so comfortable, our testers modified the Brooks catchphrase to “Hike happy.” “It feels like I'm wearing a little cloud on each foot,” says Grothjan, who wore them on outings throughout her pregnancy’s second trimester. That said, she notes that those with very high arches may not find quite as much support as they crave. 

They’re durable, too. Multiple testers noted that even after a month or longer of daily or regular wear, they still looked fresh out of the box with no fraying, discoloration or wear. Meister wore theirs for weekly long hikes and noted that older Ghost versions would almost always quickly pull or show distress at the first metatarsal joint, but the 18 Trail hasn’t shown any wear at all. They also noted that they didn’t experience any of the heel slippage they remember from a decade in Ghost road-running shoes. “For the first time, I didn’t have to use an alternate lacing technique to keep my toes from jamming into the top of the toe box, which always killed me on descents before.” 

Overall, the Ghosts 18 trail runners float to the top with high marks: Their excellent fit, comfortable support, versatile tread and durability make them a great choice for trail, town or gym. Other versions: Brooks Ghost come in multiple versions including standard and maximum cushion road-running shoes. Shop the Brooks Ghost collection here.

The newest Cloudhorizon from On features updated hiking-specific CloudTech Phase™ cushioning structure: angled “Cloud” pass-throughs in the sole that compress sequentially as you step for a smooth toe-to-heel stride. Wide-spaced, multidirectional but relatively shallow lugs and Missiongrip™ rubber soles are perfect for strolls on light to moderate terrain in wet and dry conditions.

Keeping them clean proved to be a challenge according to all testers, who were sent lighter-colored pairs to take into the field, but their durability was spot-on thanks to hardworking TPU uppers and trail-ready toe guards. “These shoes held up great and had great traction on the fallen tree crossings we had to do,” said Washington-based mountaineer Indigenous cultural advisor Rachel H., whose Cloudhorizons took her on a long lowland amble with several creek crossings and rocky terrain.

Those who prefer ankle support on longer or more technical walks or hikes may not find these shoes as stable (blame that plush midsole), but our Expert Advice gear testers unanimously agree: They’re plenty comfortable. After suffering a broken foot some years ago, Rachel requires a roomier forefoot area and more arch support for longer outings, and it’s safe to say the Cloudhorizons fit the bill. “I usually wear HOKAs as trail runners and simple hiking shoes. I will be giving those up for another pair of Ons. They have stayed comfortable day after day and even on the longest days,” she says.

REI Co-op Member and gear tester Kate R. in Tennessee agrees: She wore them for 15 miles on asphalt and concrete and was impressed by the Cloudhorizons’ ability to balance trail capability with versatile style. “I felt great arch support during a long day exploring and standing. I could stand in these all day,” she says. “These are super light and walking in the city was a breeze. Everyone complimented me on these shoes,” she says. Other versions: Available in waterproof versions in women's and men's.

The HOKA Speedgoat trail-running shoe debuted in 2008, named for legendary ultrarunner Karl “Speedgoat” Meltzer, and it quickly became a best-selling choice for trail runners and hikers of all stripes. The Speedgoat 7 carries on that tradition of excellence so well that it’s won an Editors’ Choice Award for 2026. The update maintains the fit and reliable traction of the 6 but features a more comfortable heel collar and a gaiter integration loop to help keep your runs impenetrable.

The Speedgoat 7 is a whisperweight as a hiking shoe so it won’t slow you down when you’re moving fast. “I would have thought that a trail runner with the support and toughness of the Speedgoat, it'd feel like I was lugging around cement blocks on my feet,” says REI Co-op gear tester Gerard V. in Pennsylvania. “Not a chance—they’re very light. Not only is that good while I was wearing them, but looped onto my pack, I couldn't really tell that I had them on there.” Oklahoma-based REI gear tester and adventure travel writer Nicky O. agrees, adding her 7s fit superbly as she wore them for miles through the city streets in Bogotá and elsewhere on a trip through Colombia. “These shoes felt comfortable from the very first time I wore them and throughout the testing process. The heel cup fit snugly to my foot and I never developed any blisters.” (It’s worth noting the shoes Nicky received were a half-size larger than she normally wears.)

Gerard tested his Speedgoats on wet, rugged and uneven terrain, and the Vibram® Megagrip soles with Traction Lugs held their own through water crossings, mud, dirt and rocky paths for almost 25 miles. “These have great traction on the bottom and even the sides of the sole, making it a really solid trail runner. Taking it up and down fairly steep inclines, I never felt as if they were going to let me down,” he says. The shoes stood up to it all, with multiple testers noting that the Speedgoat 7 showed little to no signs of wear after plenty of travel and trail miles, and they were easy to clean, too.

A thinner-edged, lay-flat tongue is comfortable even with no-show socks. The moderate toe box suited our testers fine, though hikers who prefer extra wiggle room in the toe or have bunions or wider forefeet may find it a bit narrow. Testers disagreed about arch support—one with higher arches found them plenty supportive while another wished there was more—but it didn’t keep the 7s from earning top marks across the board, from comfort, traction and stability right down to style and versatility. In summary, Gerard has three words to say about the updates to this HOKA standby: “They nailed it.” Other versions: Also available in big kids’.

Thru-hiker Elizabeth Nguyen, a senior retail specialist at the Atlanta REI store in Atlanta, trusts the traction, comfort and durability of the Moab 3 Hiking Shoes from Merrell so much she wore them on her Appalachian Trail push. It's also why the Moab is often the first shoe she recommends for beginners as well as those going long distances or transitioning from a traditional boot to a hiking shoe. "It's the shoe that does everything," she says. "It's great for hiking. No breaking-in is needed at all. You wear it and it's comfortable. That's it. You're good to go."

Many aspects of the Moab 3 are drawn from the brand's 40-plus-year bootmaking history. The shoe's no-slip grip comes from its versatile, Merrell-exclusive Vibram® TC5+ nonmarking outsoles, designed for reliable traction on a wide range of surfaces, including everyday indoor wear. Molded nylon arch shanks keep feet steady on rough trails, and removable, contoured insoles with reinforced cushioning in the heel offer additional support. Shock-absorbing midsoles keep you on the trail longer, and stabilizing Merrell Air Cushion provide heels with a super smooth ride. The shoe's top-shelf materials—including dual gold-rated leather/mesh uppers—contribute to its impressive durability. All that, and this updated Moab features recycled materials in the mesh lining, laces and webbing.

"I own and love the Merrell Moab 3," says Kristi Wisen, a program manager with the REI finance team. "They are my go-to hiking shoes. I have tried so many others and always go back to Merrell." Other versions: Merrell Moab hiking shoes and boots come in a variety of styles to match your hiking needs, including waterproof and non-waterproof low and mid versions, with leather uppers, GORE-TEX membranes, and even kids’ sizes. Shop the Moab collection here.

If you scour thru-hiker website, blogs and YouTube reviews, you might notice that Altra Lone Peak trail-running shoes are especially popular on the Appalachian Trail nowadays: A roomy, foot-shaped toe box, grippy outsoles and zero-drop platform make them a trail angel for your toes. For the Waterproof Low version, Altra beefs up the beloved shoe with a water-resistant bootie to help shed muck and moisture on sploshy days.

The tradeoff: This weather protection makes the Lone Peaks warmer and less breathable than other shoes on the list. "I only use them in colder environments since it tends to warm my foot comfortably and keep my feet dry," says Mimi Alvarez, a retail sales specialist at the REI store in Albuquerque, New Mexico. "Hiked Whitney, Rim to Rim and all my high-altitude hikes in Altras and I never feel my feet tired."

Altra loyalists will recognize the same dual-density EVA midsole and 25-millimeter stack height found in other versions of the shoe. Durable, recycled polyester mesh uppers with protective overlays can stand up to whatever the trail throws at them, and for anything else, there are gaiter attach points to help you easily add a fortress layer. Other versions: Altra Lone Peak 9 and 9+ shoes are available in a wide range of versions, including trail-running shoes, GORE-TEX waterproof shoes, and mid-height hiking boots. Shop the Lone Peak collection here.

The iconic, rugged KEEN Targhee footwear line has been going strong for 21 years now, and the latest Apex waterproof hiking shoe is a nimble and quick addition designed for technical trails and speedy pursuits. Thanks to the highly responsive KEEN.ReGENX foam that provides almost 70% energy return with every step, they’re perfect for big mile days.

KEEN traditionalists might balk at the modern-looking mesh uppers with durable TPU overlays, but these casual-looking kicks are built for the outdoors. They’re just equally comfortable at the coffee shop or grabbing happy hour—and we love versatility. Multidirectional lugs on the proprietary rubber compound outsoles grip to a variety of wet and dry surfaces, and a wraparound rubber guard adds extra protection around the midsole. REI Co-op gear tester and avid birder Andy N. in Washington says that while the tread didn’t seem overly aggressive, he had no issues with slipping or sliding on a variety of terrain. He did, however, wonder if the shoe’s torsional control could withstand more technical surfaces, and recommends sticking to lighter or moderate terrain.

That experience helped Any define exactly where the Targhee Apex shines. “For me personally, the KEEN Targhee Apex fit perfectly into a two-shoe philosophy that most hikers probably use: one burly, supportive high-top hiking boot for technical terrain, and a light, comfortable shoe for well-maintained trails,” Andy says. “The KEENs are perfect for that second role—they’re the shoe I'd reach for on a casual park outing or a well-groomed trail where I don't need heavy support or rock protection.

They’re also ready for all-weather performance thanks to a PFAS-free KEEN.DRY membrane, which testers found more than functional (if a little stuffy on warmer days, says Gerard). In addition to tackling muddy trails, wet grass and (classic Pacific Northwest) rain, Andy went the extra mile and put them through what he calls his “Extreme Dunk Test.” “Wading into water and standing for 60 seconds—which I performed twice: once straight out of the box, and again after 35 miles of use. Not a drop of water entered on either occasion, showing the waterproof membrane remained fully intact throughout my testing period.” And, as a nod to sustainability efforts, it’s worth sharing that KEEN was one of the earliest adopters of PFAS-free waterproofing technology for footwear.

As for comfort, one tester noted the classic KEEN comfort fit: Everything from the heel cup to the wider toe box made for a roomy and all-day-comfortable ride, particularly for those who prefer or need extra space in the forefoot. And, while they don’t provide the same structure and support as more rigid shoes, their light weight and sneakerlike flexibility helped keep them comfortable over long days on the trail. Other versions: The Targhee line includes a wide variety of hiking boots, shoes and sandals. Shop the KEEN Targhee collection.

Like several of the options on this list, the Offtrail Hike GORE-TEX Hiking Shoes from The North Face hit a sweet spot between trail runner and hiking shoe, combining the comfort, capability and durability of both into one sneakerlike package. They aren’t the lightest shoes in the guide by ounces, but they’re not lightweights when it comes to performance, either. Durable CORDURA® ripstop uppers with protective TPU overlays keep abrasions few and far between, and scuffs don’t stand a chance against leather-reinforced ballistic rubber toe caps. Three-layer PFAS-free GORE-TEX waterproof membranes keeps moisture out while staying moderately breathable, though REI gear tester and adventure travel guide Brooke B. found that heat got trapped on warm, humid Florida days, causing some hot spots after logging long miles.

She also reports that when conditions are right, the Offtrails provide a luxe ride. “They have the perfect amount of cushion that feels bouncy but still secure,” she says. REI Hike editor Ever Meister agrees, after wearing theirs on mixed-trail hikes along the Mississippi River in Minnesota and on creekside trails in Georgia. “They’re snug enough to feel secure but flexible enough to move with me when I change pace,” Meister says. “I generally prefer shoes with wider toe boxes, like Altras, but these had plenty of forefoot room despite their more traditional fit.” A padded collar and tongue add plushness without too much bulk.

Where the beefiness does come in, somewhat unexpectedly, is the outsole and tread. Proprietary high-traction SURFACE CTRL™ rubber with generously spaced 5 mm lugs offer excellent traction, Meister says. “These have some nice, beefy lugs for what looks like a more casual hiking shoe; the multidirectional lugs shed dirt, mud and rocks easily and offer plenty of grip on the trail,” they say. The rocker sole encourages smoother footfalls and a nice fluid heel-to-toe motion, they add, helping roll the foot forward with each step and making it easier to speed across flatter terrains. A rubber-wrapped heel and forefoot keep the uppers clean when you’re kicking mud, and SKYCORE rock guards help keep the soles of your feet from feeling every rock and root. Other versions: The North Face Offtrail Hike is available in waterproof mid versions in women's and men's.

Montana outdoor brand Oboz may be better known for its classic, burly hiking boots, but the Katabatic RT Low Waterproof hiking shoes prove the brand can also outfit lighter, faster treks across challenging terrain. Part of its nimbler Katabatic line, introduced in 2023, the RT Low Waterproof impressed our testers whether they were tackling long trails to the crag, daylong adventures in the North Georgia Blue Ridge Mountains or daily crosstown journeys.

No matter where they wore the shoes, testers praised their durability: Rocks, sticks, wear and tear hate to see these tough, ballistic mesh uppers coming. Protective TPU overlays and reinforced heel and toe caps boost the Katabatic RTs’ abrasion-resistance even more. Waterproof GORE-TEX linings are directly bonded to the upper for less bulk and better breathability.

The latest Katabatic shoes feature an updated midsole comprising 15% bio-based EVA, which cuts grams while maximizing energy return and plenty of rebound for fleet feet. A higher-density, mid- to forefoot EVA rockplate levels up the shoes’ torsional stability and provides a buffer from sharp rocks and uneven terrain. A pair helped REI Co-op gear tester Kate R. in Tennessee lug equipment out to the bouldering field for a day of climbing, and even got a couple V0s in, as though they were designed for the approach. “Even carrying a crash pad on my back and a backpack on my chest—really weighted down—I felt like I could trust my shoes.” Scrambling over rock scree was also a breeze for her, thanks to multidirectional 5 mm lugs and Vibram® Megagrip rubber outsoles.

While testers found the Katabatic RTs pleasantly springy and all-day ready underfoot, they all noted that the fit was a little narrow. Georgia-based REI Co-op gear tester and professional travel writer Sheeka S. says they threatened blisters toward the end of a long mountain hike, and hikers with wider forefeet or those prone to foot swelling on long hikes may want to size up to prevent hotspots once hardworking feet start to swell. Other versions: The Oboz Katabatic RT is available in waterproof mid versions in women’s and men’s.