Top 11 Best Hiking Shoe Brands On The Market For Hikers
Proper footwear is important when hiking, and hiking shoes are the preferred choice for many people. Whether it’s a short walk in the park or a multi-day trek through the backcountry, a properly fitted pair of hiking shoes helps provide optimal comfort, support and breathability.
When choosing the best hiking shoes for your feet, there are plenty of factors to consider: price, fit, comfort, weight, material, design, and durability all come to mind. Though the brand name is far from the most important factor, knowing the top hiking shoe brands will surely help you in your search for your first or next pair.
With so many options to choose from, it can be challenging to find precisely what would work best for your needs and wants. In this article, we’ll share our take on the top hiking shoe brands to look out for.
Though obviously subjective and prone to biases, we’ve done our best to list out these brands based on the following metrics (in no particular order):
- Company reputation
- Variety of hiking shoes
- Performance of the hiking shoes (in all climates)
- Longevity of the hiking shoes
- Company must currently be in operation
With all that being said, let’s list out the brands.
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The top 11 best-hiking shoe brands on the market
- Salomon
- Merrell
- Hoka One One
- Altra
- La Sportiva
- Danner
- The North Face
- Tecnica
- Arc’teryx
- Saucony
- Vasque
Let’s get into each of these brands in greater detail and explain why they belong in the top 11 best-hiking shoe brands. I’ll share their country of origin, a bit of history, examples of high-end, popular and/or budget-friendly hiking shoe options, and a link to their official website.
Click here to check out Hikers’ Movements’ Top Recommended Brands & Their Articles.
Salomon
Salomon is agreeably one of the top well-known footwear brands for those hitting the trails. From the high-quality designs that can endure everything from trail walking to challenging mountain treks.
What started off as a ski and binding company now holds a large reputation for all types of outdoor gear. Continuously innovating and providing progressive gear, you cannot go wrong with a pair of boots from Salomon. You can expect comfort, sturdiness and superior craftsmanship to keep your feet comfortable and gripping to various different terrains.
Top-of-the-line hiking shoe option: X Ultra 4 Gore-Tex
These shoes feature enough grip and stability to tackle any tactical terrain yet are as light as trail runners. Not to mention, they feature a waterproof membrane to keep your feet dry throughout your adventures.
Most popular hiking shoe option: XA PRO 3D v8 Gore-Tex
Stability, support, and grip are three keywords that can best describe these Gore-Tex-equipped hiking shoes. It is no wonder why these shoes have become one of the many Salomon best-sellers.
Budget-friendly hiking shoe option: Vaya
With superb support and uppers that support your foot’s natural movements, these hiking shoes are perfect for the trails and everyday wear.
The Salomon Group was founded by François Salomon in 1947. Its current headquarters are in Épagny-Metz-Tessy, France.
Official website: salomon.com
Merrell
It is safe to say that Merrell products can be found anywhere in the world. Their presence in over 150 countries is proof that their shoes are above the competition and offer top-notch features. Furthermore, Merrell’s unique blend of flawless craftsmanship, cutting-edge technology, and impeccable attention to detail make it the favourite shoe of more than one generation of hikers.
Merrell’s logo is synonymous with quality, reliability, and a passion for excellence that few brands share. Since day one, this commitment to quality has been at the core of their beliefs. Buying Merrell hiking shoes is a great first step toward stress-free adventures.
Top-of-the-line hiking shoe option: Moab Speed Gre-Tex
The best-selling hiking shoe in the world (over 20 million units) just got better. This is the latest version of the Moab and arguably the best model to date.
Most popular hiking shoe option: Moab 2 Ventilator
These ventilated hiking shoes are made with durable suede leather, Vibram traction, and a supportive footbed. There is a reason these are Merrell’s best sellers.
Budget-friendly hiking shoe option: Yokota 2
Mesh panels for breathability and suede for endurance make this a great budget-friendly hiking shoe on and off the trail.
Merrell was founded in 1981 by Clark Matis, Randy Merrell, and John Schweizer. Its headquarters are in Rockford, Michigan, USA.
Official website: merrell.com
Hoka One One
The founders of Hoka One One created this brand to help inspire people to get moving. They pride themselves on their innovative shoe design that features impeccable cushioning and uniquely designed midsoles. You will never experience the level of cushioning and comfort that these shoes can offer you in any other brand.
While Hoka shoes do feature more cushioning than your average shoe, this by no means makes their shoes heavier in weight. In fact, Hoka proudly holds the badge of being the best weight-to-cushion ratio, meaning you will be able to move with ease without feeling weighed down by your shoes.
As a proud member of the United National Global Compact (UNGC), the largest corporate sustainability initiative, Hoka aims to maximize sustainable materials by opting for recycled, renewable, regenerated and natural materials whenever possible.
Top-of-the-line hiking shoe option: TenNine GTX
Made for long-distance hiking, these are the fastest, lightest, and most durable hiking shoes Hoka has ever made. They feature waterproofing materials and recycled textiles.
Most popular hiking shoe option: Speedgoat 4
This pair of award-winning shoes features superb breathability and durable fabrics. Not to mention, they have 3D-printed overlays to aid in midsole support and comfort.
Budget-friendly hiking shoe option: Torrent 2
A streamlined silhouette hides an utterly comfortable footbed designed for enhanced cushioning and a powerful grip.
Nicolas Mermoud and Jean-Luc Diard founded Hoka in 2009. The current headquarters are in Goleta, California, USA.
Official website: hokaoneone.com
Altra
Altra is the kind of company that is bold enough to go against everything that has been established for decades and savvy enough to translate innovation into practical and trendy designs. Indeed, Altra discovered that the heel-toe height difference wasn’t beneficial for runners and thus came up with an amazing design that could outdo all competition.
To make a long story short, Altra was considered to be among the best ten hiking footwear brands on the planet within the first ten years of its existence, something that takes other brands decades.
If you want the most advanced technology at the service of conquering the hardest trails effortlessly, look no further than Altra footwear.
Top-of-the-line hiking shoe option: Olympus 4
The locked-in feel and the comfort of the new premium tongue make this breathable, mesh-equipped pair of shoes great for even the toughest of terrains. Furthermore, the Vibram MegaGrip outsole provides superb traction while the toebox allows for an ample amount of room for toes to be spread naturally, adding additional support, stability and comfort.
Most popular hiking shoe option: LP Alpine
The LP Alpine shoes are ready to tackle the most difficult terrains with its Duratrend outsole, while the Altra EGO midsole provides superb comfort and support. If you want a pair of do-it-all shoes that excel in versatility and grip, these are the shoes for you!
Budget-friendly hiking shoe option: Superior 5
The MaxTrac outsole on the Superior 5 shoes makes them as grip-friendly as they are light, fast, and durable. In addition, the wrap-around tongue provides a locked-in feel, while the removable StoneGuard rock plates allow you to customize your comfort when the trail terrain changes.
Altra was founded by Golden Harper, Brian Beckstead, Jeremy Howlett, and Quirl Jacob Hansen in 2009. The company’s headquarters are currently in Denver, Colorado, USA.
Official website: altrarunning.com
La Sportiva
After close to 100 years of dressing the feet of some of the most demanding athletes in the world, La Sportiva has innovated and adapted to stay on top of the game. That restless struggle for excellence took them on the path of trying new fabrics, new grips and conquering new heights.
Be confident that La Sportiva hiking shoes are the perfect balance of cutting-edge technology and the know-how only 100 years of manufacture and innovation can give you.
Top-of-the-line hiking shoe option: Ultra Raptor II MID Gore-Tex
The ankle-high version of the classic La Sportiva Ultra Raptor shoe provides additional ankle support and stability on the trails while remaining lightweight and durable for most terrain types.
Most popular hiking shoe option: Spire GTX
The Spire GTX hiking shoes are the quintessential La Sportiva DNA packed into a low-cut shoe design that is breathable, versatile, and waterproof, thanks to its Gore-Tex Surround technology.
Budget-friendly hiking shoe option: Ultra Raptor GTX
The Ultra Raptor GTX hiking shoes are superb for even the most technical terrains, featuring breathable mesh and impeccable traction control.
Narciso Delladio founded La Sportiva in 1928. Its current headquarters are located at Ziano di Fiemme, Italy.
Official website: lasportiva.com
Danner
Danner has provided adventurers with the best tools to conquer the wild and come back safe and sound for almost a century. Charles Danner started this company to make the greatest boots for all outdoor endeavours.
Nowadays, skilled, experienced craftsmen and women still make their shoes from the best quality material they can find. The decision to handpick materials granted them a reputation for being the most durable footwear for mountain adventures in the world.
Your next summit might be a conquest made on your Danners.
Top-of-the-line hiking shoe option: Trail 2650 Campo GTX
Lightweight, comfortable, breathable, and made with Gore-Tex Invisible Fit technology, the Trail 2650 Campo GTX shoes are the pinnacle of Danner’s legend.
Most popular hiking shoe option: Trailcomber
When you need best-in-class traction, breathability, and weather protection in a light-as-feather pair of hiking shoes, this is the choice for you.
Budget-friendly hiking shoe option: Jag Low
Introduced in the 1980s and revived for this season, the EVA midsole and waffle outsole is all you need for every occasion and budget.
Danner was founded by Charles Danner in 1932. The company’s headquarters are currently in Portland, Oregon, USA.
Official website: danner.com
The North Face
Over the years, The North Face has grown to become one of the most reputable and well-known brands. What started as a small endeavour only for outdoors enthusiasts and hikers later expanded to include street couture. Now, you can wear North Face both on and off the trails.
Along with Salomon and Merrell, this might be the most common logo to come across when hitting the trail. You shouldn’t overlook their catalogue when shopping for your next pair of hiking shoes.
Top-of-the-line hiking shoe option: Vectiv Exploris Futurelight Leather
Arguably the best hiking shoe The North Face has made thus far. The Vectiv provides a breathable fabric with superb grip and a waterproof sole.
Most popular hiking shoe option: Vectiv Escape Futurelight
These versatile, breathable and waterproof shoes feature ultra Vectiv grip. So it is no wonder why they are one of The North Face’s best-sellers.
Budget-friendly hiking shoe option: Ultra 109 WP
The weatherproof HydroSeal membrane and the ultrATAC outsole make this a superb budget-friendly option for any terrain.
The North Face was founded by Douglas Tompkins and Susie Tompkins Buell in 1968. The company’s current headquarters are in Alameda, California, USA.
Official website: thenorthface.com
Tecnica
Hard work and innovation revolutionized Tecnica. They are the creators of the famous Moon Boot for skiers, which became an icon of the 20th century and sold over 25 million pairs around the world.
Although that propelled the brand to the top, they didn’t stop there. Tecnica continued to develop and design, leading it to become a multi-brand group that manufactures and commercializes some of the best outdoor gear on the market.
Whenever you see the Tecnica Group logo in your outdoor gear, you know you’re in expert hands.
Top-of-the-line hiking shoe option: Plasma S GTX
As the terrain gets more technical and challenging, you will be grateful for your Plasma S GTX’s exceptional grip, flexibility and agility.
Most popular hiking shoe option: Plasma GTX (link to check the price on Amazon)
The original version of the Plasma shoe, the Plasma GTX, is breathable, waterproof and incredibly durable while also being light as a feather.
The Tecnica Group was founded in 1960 by Giancarlo Zanatta. The current headquarters for this company are in Giavera del Montello, Italy.
Official website: blizzard-tecnica.com
Arc’teryx
Arc’teryx is a brand that is ready to meet the highest demands in the industry. Thus, they manufacture gear not only for the most discerning athletes in the world but also for law enforcement and the military. Being the chosen gear for important life-saving roles means that Arc’teryx gear is dependable and can withstand any inclemency.
With a short yet utterly rich history of innovating toward excellence, this brand has expanded to other continents and continues to gather fans around the globe. If you are truly serious about your gear, this is a great option for your next pair of shoes.
Top-of-the-line hiking shoe option: Konseal AR Approach
With a base of Vibram Megagrip, a breathable nubuck suede structure, and unrivalled comfort, this is the ultimate shoe to conquer any challenge. Not to mention the impeccable grip that will aid in traction on technical and mountainous terrain.
Most popular hiking shoe option: Aerios FL GTX
The Aerios FL GTX shoes are as lightweight as trail runners with the stability and sturdiness of hiking boots. They are perfect for fast hikes on various terrains.
Dave Lane and Jeremy Guard founded Arc’teryx in 1991. The company’s headquarters are currently in North Vancouver, Canada.
Official website: arcteryx.com
Saucony
Way over a century of non-stop activity makes this one of the oldest companies in the shoemaking world. As a result, the accumulated know-how and the attention to detail are on a different level, separating Saucony from all its competition.
After so many years in the same line of business, there is nothing this company hasn’t witnessed. Moreover, they top the lists for outdoor shoes with exciting collaborations, groundbreaking athletes, and cutting-edge technology year after year.
They might have been making shoes for over a century, but they are not stopping any time soon. Try a pair of Saucony and find out why they are still the go-to option for demanding athletes around the world.
Top-of-the-line hiking shoe option: Xodus 11
The aggressive PWRTRAC grip keeps you on the ground, while the breathable upper helps your feet stay dry throughout the way. Also, the PWRRUN+ cushioning helps you be more comfortable and faster.
Most popular hiking shoe option: Peregrine 11
Grip and speed are not adjectives you often see together when talking about hiking shoes, but this best-selling model excels in both categories.
Budget-friendly hiking shoe option: Cohesion TR14 Wide
A cushioned, comfortable interior with a grippy outsole and a newly designed heel make this a great choice to hit the trail without breaking the bank.
Saucony was founded in 1898 by A.R. Hyde. Its headquarters are currently in Waltham, Massachusetts, USA.
Official website: saucony.com
Vasque
For those in search of the best shoes in the market that can perform flawlessly and won’t break the bank, Vasque is a must. From their reliability to the perfect mix of comfort and sturdiness, their footwear makes them great for going into the wild carelessly and conquering any hikes.
William D. Sweezy and his team of notables have been improving their designs for over half a century with excellent results that speak for themselves. Vasque is today one of the best-kept secrets among trekkers and hikers in the USA.
Top-of-the-line hiking shoe option: Talus XT Low GTX
This waterproof, Gore-Tex-equipped shoe features a Vibram outsole and is ready to tackle all obstacles on your way to the top.
Most popular hiking shoe option: Satoru Trail LT Low
This is the lightest and most versatile shoe Vasque has ever released. Yet, it is packed with unique trail-friendly features like a Vibram outsole.
Budget-friendly hiking shoe option: Satoru MOC
This is the best choice for the most breathable shoe on the market. It features a memory foam footbed, making your feet comfortable all day long, on and off the trails.
Vasque was founded by William D. Sweezy in 1964. The company’s current headquarters are in Red Wing, Minnesota, USA.
Official website: vasque.com
