Best Hiking Shoes of 2026: 7 Low Hikers and Trail Runners Ranked

Most hikers don't need boots. They need a shoe that grips, cushions and gets out of the way. A good low hiking shoe weighs less, breathes better, needs little or no break-in, and on a well-built trail it does almost everything a boot does. That's the whole case for low hikers and trail runners.

We ranked seven low-cut hiking shoes and trail runners, from a $90 day hiker to a waterproof GORE-TEX shoe with a stability chassis. Every price, weight, spec, warranty and rating below comes from a retailer listing, brand page or owner-review page we loaded on September 26, 2026. This is a research guide, not a wear test: nobody on our team has hiked in these shoes, and we tell you where every number comes from.

Hiking shoes vs. hiking boots: which do you need?

Pick a low hiking shoe if you hike on maintained trails, carry a day pack or a light overnight load, hike in warm weather, or simply hate heavy footwear. Pick a mid or high boot if you carry heavy loads, hike steep off-trail ground, walk through deep snow or mud, or have a history of rolled ankles. The difference in weight is real: by the brands' published numbers, the lightest shoe here is about 13 oz per pair lighter than a Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof boot. But not every low shoe is light, and our chart below shows one that isn't.

How we chose

We compared each shoe on things we could verify from published sources:

• Weight: the brand's published per-shoe weight (or a retailer's, where the brand's page was blocked or silent).
• Grip and protection: outsole compound, lug depth, toe caps and stability plates, from spec pages.
• Waterproofing: GORE-TEX, a brand membrane, or breathable mesh.
• Fit and drop: toe-box shape and heel-to-toe drop, which matter more in a low shoe than a boot.
• Owner reviews: star ratings, review counts and the recurring praise and complaints on Amazon listings.
• Price and warranty: Sportsman's Warehouse in-stock prices and each brand's warranty page.

All seven at a glance

Prices from sportsmans.com on September 26, 2026. Pair weight = the listed per-shoe weight × 2 (Merrell, Altra and Oboz pages; REI for the Salomon X Ultra 360; Sportsman's for the XA Pro 3D V9). Owner ratings from Amazon. Prices change often.

The seven best hiking shoes, ranked

#1

Merrell Moab 3

Best overall

Price: $140.00 at Sportsman's · Owners: 4.6/5 from 15,114 Amazon ratings

Merrell bills the Moab as the world's number-one hiking boot, and the Moab 3 low is the same recipe cut below the ankle: pigskin leather and mesh upper, a protective toe cap, Merrell's Air Cushion in the heel, a molded nylon arch shank and a Vibram outsole with 5 mm lugs. Merrell lists 460 g per shoe and an 11.5 mm drop. The version Sportsman's stocks here is the breathable, non-waterproof one, which is what we'd pick for warm, dry trails.

No hiking shoe we looked at has a bigger owner record: 4.6 out of 5 from 15,114 Amazon ratings, 80% of them five-star. Owners mostly say it's comfortable right out of the box, doesn't cause blisters, fits well in wide widths and holds up, with one owner crediting it through a Grand Canyon hike. It isn't light for a low shoe, so if every ounce matters, look at #3 or #4.

Type	Hiking shoe
Upper	Pigskin leather and mesh
Waterproof	No
Outsole	Vibram, 5 mm lugs
Heel drop	11.5 mm
Listed weight	460 g per shoe
Warranty	1 year

Pros

• + The deepest owner record here (15,114 ratings, 4.6 out of 5)
• + Comfortable with little or no break-in, owners say
• + Vibram outsole and a real toe cap
• + Breathable for warm weather

Cons

• − Heavier than the trail-runner style picks
• − Not waterproof in this version
• − Traditional look, if that matters to you

Check Price at Sportsman's →

#2

Salomon X Ultra 360 GORE-TEX

Best waterproof hiking shoe

Price: $154.95 at Sportsman's · Owners: 4.5/5 from 255 Amazon ratings

If your trails are wet, this is the shoe. The X Ultra 360 GORE-TEX combines a GORE-TEX lining with Salomon's Advanced Chassis (a molded stability insert), SensiFit wrap around the midfoot, a protective toe cap and an All Terrain Contagrip outsole. REI lists it at 13 oz per shoe, about 90 g lighter than the Moab 3 low, and Salomon's footwear carries a two-year warranty.

It holds 4.5 out of 5 from 255 Amazon ratings, with 77% five-star and 6% one-star. Amazon didn't show a written review summary for this listing, so we can't tell you the recurring complaints with confidence. What we can say: it's the only shoe in our top three with a waterproof membrane, and waterproof shoes run warmer, so it's the wrong pick for hot, dry desert trails.

Type	Hiking shoe
Upper	Synthetic, recycled materials
Waterproof	Yes, GORE-TEX
Support	Advanced Chassis, SensiFit
Outsole	All Terrain Contagrip
Listed weight	13 oz per shoe (REI)
Warranty	2 years

Pros

• + GORE-TEX lining for wet trails and dew-soaked mornings
• + About 13 oz per shoe, per REI's listing
• + Two-year Salomon warranty
• + Stability chassis for rocky ground

Cons

• − Waterproof shoes run warmer in summer
• − Smaller owner sample than the Moab
• − Salomon doesn't list heel drop on the pages we could load

Check Price at Sportsman's →

#3

Altra Lone Peak 9

Best for wide feet and long miles

Price: $145.00 at Sportsman's · Owners: 4.5/5 from 1,226 Amazon ratings

The Lone Peak's selling point is simple: room for your toes. Altra says it has the roomiest toe box in its line, and it's zero-drop, meaning your heel and forefoot sit at the same height. Altra lists 316 g per shoe, a 25 mm stack of its EGO foam and a MaxTrac outsole on a recycled ripstop mesh upper.

Owners give it 4.5 out of 5 across 1,226 Amazon ratings and keep coming back to comfort, the wide toe box and grip (one owner mentions good traction on wet moss). The complaints: some say the outsole wears out quickly, and opinions split on whether it's worth the price. A warning on zero-drop: if you've always worn shoes with a 10 mm or higher drop, ease into it, because your calves and Achilles will notice.

Type	Trail runner / light hiker
Upper	100% recycled ripstop mesh
Waterproof	No
Midsole	Altra EGO, 25 mm stack
Heel drop	0 mm
Outsole	MaxTrac
Listed weight	316 g per shoe
Warranty	1 year

Pros

• + Altra's roomiest toe box
• + Light, at 316 g per shoe
• + Zero-drop, cushioned ride
• + Owners like the traction on wet ground

Cons

• − Some owners say the outsole wears fast
• − Zero-drop takes getting used to
• − Mesh upper, not waterproof

Check Price at Sportsman's →

#4

Merrell Moab Speed 2

Best lightweight hiking shoe

Price: $140.00 at Sportsman's · Owners: 4.4/5 from 155 Amazon ratings

The Moab Speed 2 is what you buy if you like the Moab idea but not the weight. Merrell lists 340 g per shoe, 120 g lighter than the Moab 3 low, with FloatPro foam, a FlexPlate for torsional stability, a Vibram TC5+ outsole with 4 mm lugs and a 10 mm drop.

It's newer, so the owner pool is smaller: 4.4 out of 5 from 155 Amazon ratings. Owners like the cushioning and the light weight. Some find it narrow, and several report the heel breaking down within about eight weeks, which is the pattern to watch if you put big miles on your shoes.

Type	Light hiker
Upper	Nylon ripstop and mesh
Waterproof	No
Midsole	FloatPro foam, FlexPlate
Outsole	Vibram TC5+, 4 mm lugs
Heel drop	10 mm
Listed weight	340 g per shoe

Pros

• + 120 g per shoe lighter than the Moab 3
• + Vibram TC5+ outsole
• + Plenty of cushion, owners say
• + Same price as the Moab 3 at Sportsman's

Cons

• − Several owners report early heel wear
• − Some find it narrow
• − Smaller owner sample

Check Price at Sportsman's →

#5

Oboz Bridger Low Waterproof

Most supportive low hiker

Price: $175.00 at Sportsman's · Owners: 4.4/5 from 1,175 Amazon ratings

Oboz describes the Bridger Low as its flagship boot in a lower package, and that's exactly how to think about it: the same TPU chassis, O FIT insole and B-DRY waterproofing as the Bridger Mid, cut below the ankle. It's the most shoe on this list, and at Oboz's listed 502 g it is actually heavier than a Merrell Moab 3 Mid boot. That's the trade: more underfoot protection and support, more weight.

Owners rate it 4.4 out of 5 from 1,175 Amazon ratings. They praise the support and the stitching, and one owner reports more than 1,000 miles on a pair. The fit is the recurring complaint, with some finding it narrow, and value opinions are split at $175. Pick it for rocky trails, heavier day packs or if you roll ankles but hate boots.

Type	Hiking shoe
Upper	Waterproof nubuck and abrasion-resistant textile
Waterproof	Yes, B-DRY
Support	TPU chassis, O FIT insole
Heel drop	12 mm
Listed weight	502 g
Warranty	1 year

Pros

• + Boot-level support and protection in a low shoe
• + B-DRY waterproofing
• + Owners report long life, one past 1,000 miles
• + Leather-and-textile upper

Cons

• − Heaviest shoe here; heavier than some mid boots
• − Some owners find it narrow
• − $175 is the top price on this list

Check Price at Sportsman's →

#6

Salomon XA Pro 3D V9

Best stability trail runner

Price: $149.95 at Sportsman's · Owners: 4.4/5 from 168 Amazon ratings

Salomon calls the XA Pro 3D an icon, and it has earned the name by being a trail runner that behaves like a light hiker. The V9 keeps the 3D Advanced Chassis for stability, a reinforced toe cap and the one-pull Quicklace system. Sportsman's lists it at 323 g per shoe.

It rates 4.4 out of 5 from 168 Amazon ratings, 69% five-star. Amazon showed no written summary for this listing, so we won't guess at the complaint pattern. It's the shoe for fast day hikes, scrambles and people who want support without a heavy, stiff hiker. Quicklace is great until it breaks, so it's worth knowing it isn't a traditional lace.

Type	Trail runner
Upper	Synthetic and textile
Waterproof	No
Support	3D Advanced Chassis, reinforced toe cap
Lacing	Quicklace
Listed weight	323 g per shoe
Warranty	2 years

Pros

• + Light at 323 g per shoe
• + Chassis stability for uneven ground
• + Quicklace is fast on and off
• + Two-year Salomon warranty

Cons

• − Not waterproof in this version
• − Quicklace isn't a standard lace to replace on the trail
• − Smaller owner sample

Check Price at Sportsman's →

#7

Merrell Speed Strike 2

Best budget hiking shoe

Price: $90.00 at Sportsman's · Owners: 4.4/5 from 1,070 Amazon ratings

The Speed Strike 2 is Merrell's athletic-style hiker for people who want a trail shoe that also works on the school run. Synthetic and mesh upper, protective heel and toe caps, an EVA foam midsole, recycled laces, webbing and lining, and a rubber outsole. It's $90 at Sportsman's, $10 under Merrell's own price.

Owners rate it 4.4 out of 5 from 1,070 Amazon ratings. They like the comfort, the arch support and the value for day hikes. Fit and durability are mixed: some have plenty of toe room while others find it too big, and some say it wears out fast. At $90, that's a fair trade for a shoe that will mostly see easy trails.

Type	Light hiker
Upper	Synthetic and mesh
Waterproof	No
Midsole	EVA foam
Outsole	Rubber
Warranty	1 year

Pros

• + $90, the cheapest pick here
• + 4.4 out of 5 from 1,070 ratings
• + Works as an everyday shoe too

Cons

• − Merrell doesn't list its weight
• − Mixed durability reports
• − Plain rubber outsole, not Vibram

Check Price at Sportsman's →

Which hiking shoe should you buy?

• You want one do-everything shoe: Merrell Moab 3 ($140.00).
• Your trails are wet, muddy or dewy: Salomon X Ultra 360 GTX, the only GORE-TEX shoe in our top three.
• Your toes feel crushed in normal shoes: Altra Lone Peak 9. Just ease into the zero drop.
• You want the Moab feel with less weight: Merrell Moab Speed 2.
• You roll ankles or carry a heavier day pack but won't wear boots: Oboz Bridger Low WP.
• You mix trail running and fast hiking: Salomon XA Pro 3D V9.
• You hike a few times a year and want to spend under $100: Merrell Speed Strike 2 ($90.00).

Waterproof or breathable?

This is the question that matters most in a low shoe. A waterproof membrane keeps out puddles, wet grass and light rain, but it also slows how fast sweat escapes, so waterproof shoes run warmer. And because a low shoe stops below the ankle, a deep creek will pour in over the top regardless. The simple rule: pick waterproof (like the Salomon X Ultra 360 GTX or Oboz Bridger Low WP) for cool, wet seasons and dewy mornings; pick breathable mesh (like the Merrell Moab 3, Altra Lone Peak 9 or Merrell Moab Speed 2) for summer heat and trails where your feet will get wet anyway and you'd rather they dry fast.

Planning a trip? Our camping gear checklist and camping must-haves cover the rest of the pack, and our best water filters for camping guide covers the water.

Frequently asked questions

Are hiking shoes as good as hiking boots?

For maintained trails, day hikes and light loads, many hikers find a good low shoe does the job with less weight and less break-in. Boots still win for heavy packs, deep snow and mud, steep off-trail ground and anyone who needs more ankle coverage.

What's the difference between a hiking shoe and a trail runner?

Hiking shoes, like the Merrell Moab 3 and Oboz Bridger Low, usually have stiffer soles, more protection and more weight. Trail runners, like the Altra Lone Peak 9 and Salomon XA Pro 3D V9, are lighter and more flexible. By the brands' listings, the two trail runners here weigh 316 g and 323 g per shoe, against 460 g for the Moab 3 and 502 g for the Bridger Low.

What does heel drop mean, and does it matter?

Drop is the height difference between the heel and the forefoot. Most hiking shoes here sit between 10 mm and 12 mm (the Moab 3 is 11.5 mm, the Bridger Low 12 mm, the Moab Speed 2 10 mm). The Altra Lone Peak 9 is 0 mm. Switching to zero-drop puts more load on your calves and Achilles, so build up gradually.

Should hiking shoes be waterproof?

It depends on your trails and season. Waterproof shoes like the Salomon X Ultra 360 GTX keep out wet grass and puddles but run warmer. Breathable mesh shoes dry faster when they do get soaked. In hot, dry country most hikers go breathable.

How long do hiking shoes last?

No brand here publishes a mileage rating, and owner reports vary widely: one Oboz Bridger Low owner reports more than 1,000 miles, while some Moab Speed 2 owners report heel wear within about eight weeks. Warranties cover defects, not wear: Salomon offers two years, and Merrell, Altra and Oboz one year.

Can I wear hiking shoes every day?

Yes. Nothing about these shoes limits them to the trail, and Amazon reviewers of the Merrell Speed Strike 2 mention wearing them comfortably in both warm and cold weather. Just know that grippy trail rubber can wear faster on pavement than on dirt.

The bottom line

The Merrell Moab 3 ($140.00) is still the easiest recommendation in hiking: comfortable, grippy and backed by more owner reviews than anything else we looked at. For wet trails, the Salomon X Ultra 360 GTX adds GORE-TEX in a lighter package. If your toes need room, the Altra Lone Peak 9 has Altra's roomiest toe box. And if you just want a solid trail shoe for $90.00, the Merrell Speed Strike 2 is hard to argue with. Lighter feet, more miles.

Talk soon,
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