Best Hiking Shoes for 2026

The Merrell Moab 3 is built for most hiking shoes players from beginner through advanced, and sits in the mid-range tier of the market. Genuine GORE-TEX membrane keeps feet dry across creek crossings Vibram TC5+ outsole grips wet rock and loose dirt confidently Buyers who fit that profile will benefit from its specific design choices far more than they would from a one-size-fits-all trainer.

Across our scoring criteria, the Merrell Moab 3 is the strongest hiking shoes pair on the market right now. Genuine GORE-TEX membrane keeps feet dry across creek crossings The standout spec (GORE-TEX) and $130–$155 create a hard-to-beat combination for players in that exact window. The one real downside — Low-cut silhouette does not protect ankles on rocky terrain — only matters if it overlaps a need you already have. Pick it if you prioritize the strengths above over the trade-offs you can live without.

The Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX is built for players shopping by traction, and sits in the mid-range tier of the market. Lightweight at 13.5 oz — easier on the legs than heavier hikers Contagrip MA outsole grips confidently on wet rock and root-covered trails Buyers who fit that profile will benefit from its specific design choices far more than they would from a one-size-fits-all trainer.

Across our scoring criteria, the Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX is a strong hiking shoes pair on the market right now. Lightweight at 13.5 oz — easier on the legs than heavier hikers The standout spec (GORE-TEX) and $140–$170 create a hard-to-beat combination for players in that exact window. The one real downside — Tighter forefoot than Moab — wide feet may need to size up — only matters if it overlaps a need you already have. Pick it if you prioritize the strengths above over the trade-offs you can live without.

The Columbia Newton Ridge is built for recreational hiking shoes shoppers sorting by price, and sits in the budget-friendly tier of the market. Most affordable hiking shoe on this list — friendly to new hikers Omni-Tech waterproof membrane handles rain and stream splash Buyers who fit that profile will benefit from its specific design choices far more than they would from a one-size-fits-all trainer.

Across our scoring criteria, the Columbia Newton Ridge is a strong hiking shoes pair on the market right now. Most affordable hiking shoe on this list — friendly to new hikers The standout spec (Omni-Tech) and $90–$110 create a hard-to-beat combination for players in that exact window. The one real downside — Performs less well on technical terrain than Moab or X Ultra — only matters if it overlaps a need you already have. Pick it if you prioritize the strengths above over the trade-offs you can live without.

The Oboz Bridger Low is built for players shopping by comfort, and sits in the mid-range tier of the market. O FIT insole delivers hiking-specific arch support out of the box Granite Peak outsole has deep lugs that bite soft dirt and mud Buyers who fit that profile will benefit from its specific design choices far more than they would from a one-size-fits-all trainer.

Across our scoring criteria, the Oboz Bridger Low is a strong hiking shoes pair on the market right now. O FIT insole delivers hiking-specific arch support out of the box The standout spec (B-DRY) and $135–$155 create a hard-to-beat combination for players in that exact window. The one real downside — Less grippy on wet rock than Vibram-equipped competitors — only matters if it overlaps a need you already have. Pick it if you prioritize the strengths above over the trade-offs you can live without.