My recommendations for the best alpine hiking shoes are based on testing hiking footwear more than 1,000 miles each year —including regular hikes above 10,000 feet/3000 meters. Alpine conditions often call for sturdy, waterproof hiking shoes that can handle snow, rocks, steep ups and downs, and long days on on your feet. For 2026, the best alpine hiking shoes are the Salomon X Ultra Alpine, Scarpa Rush 2, Scarpa Rush Trail, and LOWA Delago.
Note: This post was updated on March 7, 2006 to remove discontinued models and add new models for 2026.
Hiking the Tour du Mont Blanc in the French Alps
This post includes affiliate links. If you buy something after clicking on an affiliate link, the retailer may share a small percentage of the sale with Hiking Feet. That's free for you—and gives you an easy way to support this site's free and independent content.
5 Best Alpine Hiking Shoes
In 2026, the best alpine hiking shoes are the Salomon X Ultra Alpine, Scarpa Rush 2, Salewa Mountain Trainer, Scarpa Rush Trail, and LOWA Delago (from lightest to heavy-duty).
SALOMON X ULTRA ALPINE
Versatile Alpine Hiking Shoe
Main Benefits:
Specifically made for alpine hiking, the X Ultra Alpine upgrades the uber-popular X Ultra 5 with more foot protection, ankle stability, and mountain-grade traction. Like the O.G., the X Ultra Alpine is a versatile hiking shoe that balances stability and ability better than most hiking shoes. It's light for an alpine hiking shoe but has beefed up foot protection and a special chassis that makes it tougher to roll an ankle on uneven terrain. I've hiked big mountains (including the Alps) in the X Ultra 5. The X Ultra Alpine is even better for this use.
Men's X Ultra Alpine
Check current price, styles, and colors:
Women's X Ultra Alpine
Check current price, styles, and colors:
SCARPA RUSH 2 GTX
Lightweight Alpine Hiking Shoe
Main Benefits:
The Sarpa Rush 2 GTX is the rare hiking shoe that's strong enough for alpine hiking yet light enough for fast hikers with light packs. It's has been my primary hiking shoe since 2023, so I personally have hundreds of miles of experience it it. The Rush feels moderately stiff underfoot for good support and stability while still weighing a few ounces less than the average hiking shoe. The Presa rubber scores points with me on rocky trails by providing no-slip grip. If you're looking for a lightweight alpine hiking shoe, start with the Scarpa 2 GTX.
See my full Rush 2 review
Men's Scarpa Rush 2 Low GTX
Check current price, styles, and colors:
Women's Scarpa Rush 2 Low GTX
Check current price, styles, and colors:
SCARPA RUSH TRAIL GTX
Sturdy Alpine Hiking Shoe
Main Benefits:
Don't let its name fool you. The Scarpa Rush Trail is not a trail running shoe. It's a serious alpine hiking shoe that's stiffer and sturdier than the regular Scarpa Rush (above). I've backpacked several tough trails in its mid-cut version, the Rush TRK. The Rush Trail GTX feels firm, stiff, and sturdy underfoot while maintaining some agility for athletic performance. The Presa rubber outsoles are soft enough to grip rock with some deeper lugs to gain traction on steep ascents and descents—perfect for alpine terrain. It's one of the best alpine hiking shoes for men and women who want both stability and agility for their mountainous treks.
See my related Rush TRK Mid review
Men's Rush Trail GTX
Check current price, styles, and colors:
Women's Rush Trail GTX
Check current price, styles, and colors:
LOWA DELAGO GTX
Low-cut Alpine Trekking Boot
Main Benefits:
The LOWA Delago is a brute that's built for big mountains and unpredictable weather. The heaviest shoe on this list, this low-cut trekking boot has stiff, rigid soles to prevent foot fatigue and stabilize ankles on uneven terrain. LOWA built this shoe for rock scrambling with approach shoe-style laces, extra rubber in the toes, and Vibram outsoles designed for rock traction. I've personally tested the Delago Lo GTX on some winter hikes and a via ferrata adventure This rock-solid shoe rates as one of the best alpine hiking shoes for hikers who want trek-grade stability and support in a low-cut package.
See my full LOWA Delago review
Men's LOWA Delago
Check current price, styles, and colors:
Women's LOWA Delago
Check current price, styles, and colors:
Buying the Best Alpine Hiking Shoes
Testing the low-cut LOWA Delago
Unfortunately, it's getting harder to find serious alpine hiking shoes. Many brands now focus on "the modern hiker"—those who prefer lighter, more casual hiking shoes for hikes in and out of town. In the past year, brands discontinued three of the best alpine hiking shoes that I've personally tested and reviewed. And it looks like one of the shoes above may be on its way out, too.
But the shoes above give you some lightweight (X Ultra Alpine, Rush 2) and traditional (Rush Trail, Delago) for mountain hikes that demand better support, weather protection, and traction.
If you're feeling any of these hiking shoes, please consider purchasing your new pair through the affiliate links above. That doesn't cost you anything, but the billion-dollar retailer may share a small percentage of the sale with Hiking Feet. That covers my costs and gives me a little bit back for the hundreds of hours I've spend creating free and independent content to help men and women choose the best footwear for their hikes. Thanks for your support!
