Top 7 Hiking Shoes 2026

Choosing hiking shoes is worse than buying sneakers - because the mistake costs more. The wrong pair means blisters at the first kilometer, wet feet at the fifth, and slipping on wet rock. I looked through outdoor expert recommendations, field tests, and hiker experiences in EU conditions - and narrowed the hiking shoe list to seven models covering every terrain type, budget from 150 to 250 EUR, and every foot shape.

Quick overview: 7 hiking shoes 2026

1. Salomon X Ultra 5 Mid GTX - Most versatile hiking shoe 2026

Photo: Salomon

Salomon X Ultra 5 Mid GTX is typical Salomon: does everything, is perfect at nothing, but in practice that doesn't matter. Contagrip MA grips on rock, mud and wet roots. Gore-Tex Extended Comfort keeps feet dry without cooking them. Quicklace closes the shoe with one pull - the same system Salomon has been putting on running models for years. According to Switchback Travel's analysis of best hiking boots, X Ultra 5 is the most commonly recommended light mid-cut hiking shoe in the under 200 EUR segment. Price ~185-200 EUR.

Pros: Contagrip MA on all surfaces (rock/mud/roots); Quicklace system with one pull; light for mid-cut category (~870 g); available in men's and women's versions; one of Salomon's most reliable models

Cons: No wide fit option for wider feet; thinner underfoot protection with heavy packs above 15 kg; Contagrip somewhat weaker than Vibram on extremely wet rock

Our take: If you need one pair of hiking shoes for everything - day trips, weekend trekking, mixed terrain - X Ultra 5 is the safest choice. Quicklace plus Gore-Tex plus Contagrip MA is a combination that doesn't disappoint.

2. Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof - Most affordable hiking shoe with Vibram

Photo: Merrell

Moab 3 has been in production for years and there's no reason to change something that works. Vibram TC5+ outsole for 150-165 EUR - the cheapest entry to real Vibram on this hiking shoe list. The M-Select DRY membrane isn't Gore-Tex, but for morning dew, brief rain, and wet trails it's perfectly adequate. Suede leather and mesh provide good durability, and the shoe is comfortable without a long break-in period. According to Switchback Travel's hiking shoe analysis, Moab 3 remains the budget top pick for beginners. Price ~150-165 EUR.

Pros: Vibram TC5+ outsole at the lowest price on the list; comfortable right out of the box; proven long-term reliability of the model; lightest on the list (~770 g); available in wide fit option

Cons: M-Select DRY membrane weaker than Gore-Tex in extended rain; less precise on technical terrain; older design without modern ergonomic improvements

Our take: For a first-time hiker who doesn't want to spend 200+ EUR, Moab 3 is the answer. Vibram outsole, suede leather, out-of-box comfort - and leave the money for a good pack.

3. Lowa Renegade GTX Mid - Premium hiking shoe for long tours

Photo: Lowa

Renegade is a shoe that needs no advertising - hikers buy it and come back for a second pair when the first wears out. Nubuck leather, Gore-Tex, Vibram Evo - and the only one on this hiking shoe list available in three widths: D (standard), G (wider) and H (widest). For non-standard feet that width option is worth every extra euro in price, because insoles don't help when the shoe doesn't match the foot shape. Heavier (~980 g) than more modern models, but ankle support is firm and predictable on demanding terrain. According to Switchback Travel's best hiking boots overview, Renegade holds its top pick status for long tours with heavy packs. Price ~220-250 EUR.

Pros: Only shoe on the list available in 3 widths (D/G/H); nubuck leather more durable than mesh; excellent ankle support for heavy packs; iconic European brand with good service network; Vibram Evo outsole

Cons: More expensive than others (220-250 EUR); only comes with Gore-Tex membrane - no summer non-waterproof version; can run hot in summer; heavier than modern alternatives (~980 g)

Our take: Renegade is for serious hikers - multi-day tours, demanding terrain, hikers who know what they want. If you have non-standard feet or get blisters from narrow shoes - the G or H width option has no alternative on this hiking shoe list.

4. Hoka Anacapa 2 Mid GTX - Hiking shoe with maximum cushioning

Photo: Hoka

Hoka in hiking shoes is the same as in running: thicker midsole, softer stride, different feel from everything else. Anacapa 2 brings that cushioning alongside a Gore-Tex membrane and Vibram Megagrip - the premium version of Vibram with better grip on wet rock. A good option for hikers with knee or joint pain, or for hard surfaces where standard shoes fill feet with impact. Recycled materials in the mesh are a bonus. According to Switchback Travel's 2025 hiking shoe analysis, Anacapa 2 is the top pick for cushioning priority. Price ~185-200 EUR.

Pros: Vibram Megagrip - premium grip on wet rock; maximalist cushioning for joint and knee pain; recycled materials; light for Gore-Tex mid-cut with Megagrip (~860 g)

Cons: Questionable long-term outsole durability with some users; stiff factory laces; pronounced heel design isn't for everyone; less precise on technical terrain due to thicker midsole

Our take: If you have knee or joint pain, or plan long tours on hard surfaces - Anacapa 2 is the unique combination of Vibram Megagrip traction and HOKA cushioning that has no match on this hiking shoe list.

5. La Sportiva TX Hike Mid Leather GTX - Hiking shoe for technical terrain

Photo: La Sportiva

TX Hike isn't a classic hiking boot - La Sportiva took the DNA of an approach shoe (for alpine approaches, rock, technical terrain) and put it in a mid-cut hiking form with Gore-Tex. Full-grain leather, Vibram XS Trek EVO (the same outsole as on climbing models), roomy toe box that lets toes work. On technical terrain - slate, broken rock, via ferratas - the difference is tangible. According to Switchback Travel's best hiking boots overview, TX Hike is the top pick for approach shoe capabilities in a hiking package. Price ~210-230 EUR.

Pros: Vibram XS Trek EVO - premium traction on rock and technical terrain; full-grain leather more durable than mesh; roomy toe box for toe freedom; approach shoe nimble feel on terrain

Cons: Runs large - recommend ordering half a size smaller; less stiff than classic hiking boots for heavy packs; more expensive in the hiking shoe segment (210-230 EUR)

Our take: For hikers going on technical terrain - via ferratas, slate, rock faces - TX Hike delivers approach shoe capability in a hiking package. The roomy toe box is a bonus no other hiking shoe models on this list have.

6. Keen Targhee IV Mid Waterproof - Hiking shoe for wide feet

Photo: Keen

Targhee IV is for hikers for whom every other shoe squeezes the toes. KEEN wide toe box is serious - the front of the shoe is wider than European and Asian brands, and a wide fit option is available alongside standard. Leather and nubuck combination is robust and durable. KEEN.DRY membrane isn't Gore-Tex, but for normal hiking conditions it keeps feet dry. KEEN.ALL-TERRAIN outsole with 4 mm lugs grips well in mud. According to Switchback Travel's hiking shoe analysis, Targhee IV is the top pick for wide feet at an accessible price. Price ~160-175 EUR.

Pros: KEEN wide toe box - more space for toes than any other model; wide fit option available; robust leather + nubuck combination; accessible price; 4 mm lugs good for mud

Cons: Heaviest on the list (~990 g) - noticeable on long tours; KEEN.DRY membrane weaker than Gore-Tex in prolonged rain; less precise on technical rocky terrain

Our take: If you've ever had problems with narrow hiking shoes - blisters, numb toes, pressure - Targhee IV is the shoe for you. Wide toe box and wide fit option are why KEEN has loyal users for the long term.

7. Scarpa Rush 2 Pro Mid GTX - Hiking shoe for fast tours and alpine approaches

Photo: Scarpa

Scarpa makes climbing shoes and mountaineering boots for people who actually climb - and that genetics shows in Rush 2 Pro. Light for a mid-cut model, nimble on terrain, SuperGum rubber on toes and heels for grip on wet rock. Gore-Tex membrane. Works for fast day tours, alpine approaches, and via ferratas where speed matters more than support for a heavy pack. According to Switchback Travel's hiking shoe overview, Rush 2 Pro is the top pick for fast-and-light missions with alpine character. Price ~190-210 EUR.

Pros: SuperGum rubber on toes and heels - excellent traction on rock; nimble and fast for mid-cut; alpine Scarpa genetics and know-how; minimal wear according to user reviews

Cons: Lower collar - less ankle support than Lowa or La Sportiva; slower drying when fully soaked; less protection for heavy packs above 15 kg

Our take: Rush 2 Pro is for hikers who know what they're doing and want a shoe that keeps pace. Not for beginners with heavy packs - but for fast tours and alpine approaches, this is the right hiking shoe choice.

Which hiking shoe is right for you?

Which of these seven depends on terrain, foot type, and whether your knees hurt.

For established trails and day trips - Merrell Moab 3 or Salomon X Ultra 5. For technical terrain and rock - La Sportiva TX Hike or Scarpa Rush 2. For multi-day tours with heavy packs - Lowa Renegade.

Have wide feet - Keen Targhee IV or Lowa Renegade (G or H width). La Sportiva TX Hike runs large, so order half a size smaller.

Knee or joint pain - Hoka Anacapa 2 is the only one here with serious cushioning.

Gore-Tex is useful for spring and autumn conditions. For dry summer hiking it reduces breathability - Merrell M-Select DRY is sufficient for normal conditions and costs less.

For preparing your body for hiking and strengthening leg muscles, see our review of compact home gym equipment 2026, and for the difference between hiking shoes and trail running shoes, see top 7 running shoes 2026.

Mid cut vs. low cut hiking shoes

Mid cut hiking shoes provide better ankle support on uneven terrain, with heavy packs and on long tours. All 7 models on this list are mid cut. Low cut are lighter and suitable for established flat trails - they lose their advantage as soon as terrain becomes uneven. The weight difference between mid and low cut versions of the same model is usually 100-150 g per pair.

Frequently asked questions

Which hiking shoes are best for beginners? Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof (150-165 EUR) is an ideal start - Vibram TC5+ outsole, comfortable right from the box, good waterproofing. Keen Targhee IV (160-175 EUR) is better for hikers with wider feet.

Is Gore-Tex necessary in hiking shoes? For hiking in spring and autumn - yes. Gore-Tex keeps feet dry in rain, dew, and wet trails. In dry summer hiking Gore-Tex reduces breathability - some brands offer the same models without a membrane.

How long do quality hiking shoes last? Leather hiking shoes (Lowa Renegade, La Sportiva TX Hike, Keen Targhee) last 500-1000 hours of hiking with regular maintenance. Mesh and synthetic (Salomon X Ultra, Hoka Anacapa) typically 400-700 hours. Vibram outsole can be replaced at authorized service centers.

What's the difference between low and high hiking shoes? Mid cut provide better ankle support on uneven terrain and with heavy packs. Low cut are lighter and suitable for established flat trails without elevation.

Which hiking shoe brand is most reliable for the EU market? Salomon, Lowa, and Merrell have the widest distribution network in the EU. Lowa is especially popular in the DE/AT market due to availability in multiple widths and leather materials that can be serviced.

Conclusion

Which of these seven to choose? Salomon X Ultra 5 if you're unsure - it works on everything. Merrell Moab 3 if you're new to hiking and don't want to spend more than 165 EUR. Lowa Renegade if you have non-standard feet or plan multi-day tours. Hoka Anacapa 2 if your joints hurt. La Sportiva TX Hike for technical terrain. Keen Targhee IV for wide feet at a reasonable price. Scarpa Rush 2 Pro for fast tours with alpine character.

One piece of advice not found in any hiking shoe review: try them on in the store with thick socks and walk for at least 10 minutes. No Vibram outsole helps if the shoe pinches your little toe.

Sources

• Switchback Travel: Best Hiking Boots 2025
• Salomon X Ultra 5 Mid GTX - official page
• Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof - official page
• Lowa Renegade GTX Mid - official page
• Hoka Anacapa 2 Mid GTX - official page
• La Sportiva TX Hike Mid Leather GTX - official page
• Keen Targhee IV Mid Waterproof - official page
• Scarpa Rush 2 Pro Mid GTX - official page