The best shoes to wear hiking depend on your trail, load, and feet, and the good news is you rarely need heavy boots to start. This beginner-friendly guide explains how to pick the right type and compares six trail-ready shoes by fit, grip, and waterproofing, plus how tariffs are lifting 2026 prices.
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How to Choose the Best Shoes to Wear Hiking
Choosing the best shoes to wear hiking starts with matching the shoe type to your hike, then getting the fit, traction, and waterproofing right. Since footwear is almost entirely imported, 2025-2026 tariffs are pushing prices up, so a well-chosen first pair is worth the spend.
Choosing the Right Type
Beginners often overbuy boots when a low hiking shoe or trail runner is plenty for day hikes. Light shoes are cooler, need no break-in, and reduce fatigue, while boots earn their weight only when you carry a heavy pack or tackle rough terrain.
Avoid hiking in flat street sneakers, which lack grip and support and get slippery on dirt and rock. A proper hiking shoe with a lugged, sticky outsole and some structure keeps you safe on trails without the bulk of a heavy boot.
For most new hikers, a comfortable low hiking shoe covers the widest range of day-hiking conditions. Add a supportive boot later only if you progress to backpacking, heavy loads, or rugged, technical trails that genuinely demand more protection.
Fit and Sizing
Fit matters more than any spec, especially for beginners prone to blisters. Your heel should lock in without the toes cramming forward, and a roomy toe box lets toes splay on descents so you avoid the black toenails that end many first hikes.
Try shoes on late in the day when feet are swollen, wearing the socks you will hike in. Leave about a thumb’s width at the toe for downhill steps, and walk a ramp or stairs in-store to confirm your heel stays put on the descent.
Good hiking socks make a big difference. Wool or synthetic socks wick moisture and cut friction far better than cotton, which stays wet and causes blisters, so budget for a couple of pairs alongside your shoes for a comfortable first hike.
Traction and Support
Grip keeps beginners upright on loose dirt and wet rock. Look for a real outsole with defined lugs and sticky rubber like Vibram, which holds far better than the smooth soles of casual sneakers on the varied surfaces you meet on trails.
Support should match your load. For easy day hikes with a light pack, a flexible, cushioned shoe is comfortable and plenty supportive; heavier loads and rougher ground call for a firmer, more structured shoe to keep tired feet protected.
Do not overthink stiffness as a beginner. A comfortable, grippy low shoe handles the trails most new hikers actually walk, and you can always step up to more support once you know what kind of hiking you enjoy and how far you go.
Waterproofing and Socks
Waterproof shoes keep feet dry on wet grass, mud, and light rain but breathe less and dry slowly once soaked. In hot, dry weather, non-waterproof mesh stays cooler and dries fast, which many beginners find more comfortable on summer trails.
Pair whatever you choose with good wool or synthetic socks, which do more for comfort and blister prevention than the membrane itself. Bringing a spare pair on longer hikes lets you swap into dry socks and keep small rubs from becoming blisters.
Since prices are rising with tariffs, buy the version that fits your usual conditions rather than paying for both. A breathable shoe plus wool socks and light gaiters handles more weather than most beginners expect, for less money overall.
Top Picks for the Best Shoes to Wear Hiking
These six picks for the best shoes to wear hiking are beginner-friendly and cover comfort, value, and cushioning. The table compares type, weight, and ideal use, and each review below adds who it suits along with one honest drawback.
| Shoe | Type | Weight | Waterproof | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Merrell Moab 3 | Hiking shoe | ~15 oz | Optional | Beginners |
| Salomon X Ultra 5 | Hiking shoe | ~13 oz | GTX option | All-around |
| Merrell Moab Speed | Hiking shoe | ~13 oz | Optional | Value |
| Hoka Speedgoat 5 | Trail runner | ~10.3 oz | No | Cushioning |
| KEEN Targhee IV Low | Hiking shoe | ~1 lb | Yes | Wide feet |
| Columbia Redmond | Hiking shoe | ~14 oz | Yes | Budget |
Merrell Moab 3 — Best for Beginners
The Merrell Moab 3 is the classic first hiking shoe: comfortable out of the box, grippy on a Vibram outsole, and available waterproof, with an easy, forgiving fit. It is a low-risk, dependable choice for new hikers on day trails.
At about 15 oz it is heavier than trail runners and less precise on technical ground. For beginners who want comfort and reliability without fuss, though, it is a perennial best-seller.
Salomon X Ultra 5 — Best All-Around
The Salomon X Ultra 5 is a supportive, grippy low shoe with a stable chassis and quick-pull lacing at about 13 oz, handling day hikes and light backpacking. A GORE-TEX version adds waterproofing for wet and muddy first hikes.
The fit runs a little narrow and the waterproof version breathes less in heat. As a do-everything hiking shoe that grows with you, though, it is an excellent all-around pick.
Merrell Moab Speed — Best Value
The Merrell Moab Speed is a lighter, nimbler take on the Moab, keeping a cushioned, stable ride and grippy Vibram outsole at a friendly price. Its easy fit and low weight suit new hikers who want comfort without spending much.
It is less precise on technical terrain and durability is good rather than exceptional. For value and out-of-the-box comfort as a first shoe, though, it is genuinely hard to beat.
Hoka Speedgoat 5 — Best Cushioning
At about 10.3 oz, the Hoka Speedgoat 5 offers a tall, plush stack and full Vibram Megagrip outsole that soaks up rocky trails and reduces fatigue. Beginners who want maximum comfort over distance love its cushioned, forgiving ride.
The tall stack feels less stable on uneven ground and the mesh runs warm-free but offers little structure. For cushioned comfort on day hikes, though, it is a standout choice.
KEEN Targhee IV Low — Best for Wide Feet
The KEEN Targhee IV Low is beloved for its roomy toe box and generous width, a great first shoe for wider feet. A waterproof membrane, protective toe bumper, and grippy outsole handle mixed terrain comfortably on beginner day hikes.
The relaxed fit is less precise on technical ground and the toe bumper feels bulky to some. For wide feet and easygoing comfort, though, it is genuinely hard to beat.
Columbia Redmond — Best Budget
The Columbia Redmond is an affordable waterproof hiking shoe with decent grip, cushioning, and support for casual trails. It is a popular entry point for beginners who want a capable, dependable shoe without paying a premium price.
The materials and durability are good rather than exceptional, and it is less capable on rough, heavy-load hikes. For budget-minded beginners on moderate trails, though, it delivers strong value.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still choosing the best shoes to wear hiking? These answers cover the questions new hikers ask most about footwear, socks, and getting started.
What are the best shoes to wear hiking as a beginner?
A comfortable low hiking shoe like the Merrell Moab 3 or Salomon X Ultra 5 is ideal for beginners, since it needs no break-in and handles day trails well. Add a boot only later if you move to backpacking or rough, rugged terrain.
Can I hike in running shoes or sneakers?
Trail runners built for dirt work well, but flat street sneakers lack grip and support and get slippery on trails. Choose a shoe with a lugged, sticky outsole and some structure so you stay safe on the varied surfaces you meet hiking.
Do hiking shoes need to be waterproof?
Not always. Waterproof shoes keep feet dry in mud and light rain but breathe less and dry slowly once soaked. In hot, dry climates, breathable mesh shoes stay cooler and dry faster, so choose based on your usual weather and trails.
Are hiking shoes getting more expensive?
Yes. Over 95% of athletic footwear is imported, and 2025 tariffs stacked on high footwear duties, pushing prices up with more increases expected in 2026. Shopping end-of-season sales helps beginners beat the next round of price hikes.
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Final Thoughts on the Best Shoes to Wear Hiking
The best shoes to wear hiking for most beginners are a comfortable low hiking shoe, not a heavy boot. The Merrell Moab 3 and Salomon X Ultra 5 lead for all-around comfort, while the Columbia Redmond keeps costs down. Pick the type for your trails, pair it with good wool socks, and shop the sales as tariffs push prices up.
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