There's a new generation of hiker who prefers the look and feel of a sneaker to a traditional hiking shoe. That's led several brands to release hiking sneakers—hybrids that blend some hiking shoe features with the looks and comfort of an everyday sneaker. Hiking sneakers (aka "snikers") are generally lighter and less supportive than traditional hiking shoes with better color options than boring brown leather. (For more traditional recommendations, please see Hiking Feet's picks for the best hiking shoes for men and women.) The best hiking sneakers include the following low-cuts and mid-cuts:
These hiking sneakers span a continuum from shoes that are best for casual wear to others that can handle harder hikes—most of them have summit-to-sidewalk versatility. What's the best hiking sneaker for YOU? Check out the product descriptions below to find the pair(s) that best fit your feet and match your hiking style.
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best hiking sneakers—low cuts
The best low-cut hiking sneakers are the adidas TERREX Free Hiker 2 GTX, Salomon Outpulse, Merrell Moab Speed, Oboz Sypes, Danner Trail 2650, and KEEN Zionic Low.
adidas TERREX Free Hiker 2 GTX Low
Main Benefits:
Newly available as a low-cut, the adidas TERREX Free Hiker 2 Low scores serious comfort points if you want a modern hiker with a ton of cushioning. It may look like a simple casual sneaker, but the Free Hiker 2 is a more technical hiking shoe than you might think. It features true trail traction, reliable and breathable GORE-TEX waterproofing, and a lightweight stability frame for added foot support and ankle stability. The adidasTERREX Free Hiker 2 is one of the best hiking sneakers for the average day hiker, a comfortable splurge for the casual hiker, and a killer shoe for travelers.
best fit
standard to narrow feet
best match
day hikes, urban trails, travel
Salomon Outpulse
Main Benefits:
The Outpulse is one of several recent Salomon releases with a lighter, more sneaker-like build than their traditional hiking shoes. This hiking sneaker features a lightweight build with outsoles designed for mixed terrain—both walks in the wild and in civilization. The Outpulse runs true to size with a standard fit (not as narrow in the toes as some Salomons). A step up from the Salomon Outline, the Outpulse is built for light hiking and more general, outdoor lifestyle wear.
best fit
standard feet
best match
light hiking, trail-to-town
Merrell Moab Speed
Main Benefits:
The Merrell Moab Speed is one of the best hiking sneakers for hikers on a budget. One that's best for fast hiking, light hiking, or casual, everyday wear. The lightweight version of the Moab—aka "the world's best-selling hiker"— the Moab Speed cuts weight while maintaining Merrell's "out of the box comfort," which appeals to many beginners and occasional hikers. Like most shoes on this list, the Moab Speed blurs the boundardies between a "hiking shoe" and casual "outdoor lifestyle" shoe. It's one of the best hiking sneakers for men and women who are more worried about budget and weight than support.
best fit
wide feet
best match
hikers on a budget, casual hikers, average day hikers
Oboz Sypes
Main Benefits:
The Oboz Sypes blends some hiking chops with mountain town style for a hiking sneaker that we can dress up for work, play, or travel. The Sypes isn't as technical or aggressive as Oboz's best hiking shoes. However, it still features the brand's premium, O-Fit insoles, which anchor a well cushioned and supportive footbed. It's a capable hiking shoe that stands out more as a casual shoe, travel shoe, or work shoe for men and women who stand on their feet all day. This hiking sneaker looks natural next to bluejeans, khakis, and hiking pants as we wear it from the trail to the taproom.
best fit
standard feet
best match
casual, peak to pub
Danner Trail 2650
Main Benefits:
The Trail 2650 may look like an old-school hiking shoe, but its wears more like a new-school hiking sneaker. That's why Danner cross-lists it as both a hiking shoe and an outdoor lifestyle (casual) shoe. The Trail 2650 may be lighter and less supportive than the average hiking shoe. However, it's packed with premium materials, such as GORE-TEX waterproofing (optional) and Vibram outsoles. Plus, Danner is known for good durability. Danner makes a million versions of the Trail 2650 (see below). Choose between GTX (waterproof) and non-waterproof, mesh or leather uppers, regular or wide sizes, etc. The Trail 2650 one of the best lightweight hiking sneakers for fast-and-light hikers and urban hikers who like its retro vibe.
best fit
standard or wide feet
best match
fast-and-light hikes, everyday
KEEN Zionic Low
Main Benefits:
New for summer 2023, the KEEN Zionic is a lightweight hiking sneaker that's built to impress a new generation of hikers who prefer lighter footwear. The Zionic features the roomy KEEN fit—with extra wiggle room for your toes. But it's lighter and more athletic than other KEEN hikers. Men and women can choose between the waterproof Zionic or the non-waterproof "Zionic Speed." If you hike fast with a light pack, this could be a fun hiking sneaker for you. If you're a keen dog walker or urban hiker, KEEN's lightest hiking shoe is also made for more casual outdoor wear, too.
best fit
wide feet
best match
fast hikers, casual trails
best hiking sneakers—mid cut hiking boots
The best mid-cut hiking sneakers include the adidas TERREX Free Hiker 2 Mid, Hoka Trail Code GTX, Topo Athletic Trailventure 2, KEEN Zionic Mid, Salomon Cross-Hike 2, On Cloudrock 2, and Lowa Innox Pro. Read the product descriptions below to find your best fit and best match. Each of these hiking sneakers has its own unique fit and recommended uses— from casual hiking to fast-packing to day hiking to everyday, outdoor lifestyle wear.
adidas TERREX Free Hiker 2 Mid
Main Benefits:
The original Free Hiker 2 is a mid-cut which ranks among the the world's most comfortable hiking sneakers. adidas TERREX snuck some serious tech into the Free Hiker 2 while maintaining its sneakeresque build. That includes Continental rubber outsoles for great grip on the trail, ultra-cushy midsoles for exceptional comfort, and a lightweight EVA stability frame that adds support without weighing us down. You can choose the waterproof GORE-TEX ("GTX") version for all-weather wear or the non-waterproof version—with a more sock-like fit around the ankles. With a little over the ankle protection, the original adidas TERREX Free Hiker 2 has a little more weather protection and support than the new Free Hiker 2 Low above.
best fit
standard to narrow feet
best match
day hikes, urban trails, travel
Hoka Trail Code GTX
Main Benefits:
Hoka is known for lightweight footwear with maximum cushion—and the Trail Code is their lightest, plushest hiker yet. New for 2023, the Hoka Trail Code GTX is built like a sneaker, but it provides serious hiking performance, too. The Vibram Megagrip outsoles give hikers plenty of grip while the GORE-TEX membrane is both waterproof and breathable. But it's the oodles of cushioning that stands out, taking comfort over-the-top. The Hoka Trail Code GTX is the best hiking sneaker for men and women who just can't get enough cushioning.
best fit
standard feet
(slightly roomy fit)
best match
day hiking,
max cushion fans
Topo Athletic Trailventure 2
Main Benefits:
Topo Athletic is a trendy brand for runners and hikers who want a more natural fit with low drop (from heel to toe) and a wide toe box. Topo's one-and-only hiking boot, the Trailventure 2 is a "fastpacking boot" with cushy zipfoam midsoles and the Podiatrist-approved "Topo Fit" that encourages a more natural gait. If you're a true hiker, Trailventures feature Vibram outsoles for premium traction on wet and dry surfaces and eVent waterproofing, which is highly breathable and air permeable for all-weather comfort. Don't let its casual looks fool you. The Topo Trailventure 2 is one of the best hiking sneakers for day hikers, crushing everything from walks in the woods to fast-and-light hikes to tougher trails.
best fit
standard to wide feet
best match
day hiking, fast-packing,
low drop/wide toe box fans
KEEN Zionic Mid
Main Benefits:
Brand new for summer 2023, the Zionic Mid is KEEN's lightest hiking boot. Built for weight savings and sneaker-like comfort, the KEEN Zionic offers lightweight support and a more athletic version of the famous KEEN Fit. There's a wide toe box that's not as bulky or clunky as those in traditional KEEN hiking boots and shoes. The new KEEN Zionic Mid is made for fast hikes on well-maintained trails or more casual hikers who prefer a lighter hiking sneaker with extra room in the toes.
best fit
wide feet
best match
fast hikers, casual hikers
Salomon Cross-Hike 2 GTX
Main Benefits:
Lighter and less supportive than traditional Salomon hiking boots and shoes, the Cross-Hike 2 is a mid-cut hiking sneaker made for light hiking. Its soles are lighter, thinner, and more flexible than traditional hiking boots, which may appeal to fast hikers, casual hikers, and beginners who prefer a lightweight hiking boot to a more supportive one. Salomon's Quicklaces may be a little awkward on this mid-cut; however, many casual hikers and speed hikers like the Cross-Hike's lightweight build. Its multi-terrain tread is made for urban trails, mud, and walks in the woods. If you're after a hiking sneaker—not a true hiking boot—the Salomon Cross-Hike 2 may be a good option for you.
best fit
standard to narrow feet
best match
fast hikers, easy/urban trails
On Cloudrock 2
Main Benefits:
The On Cloudrock is a hiking sneaker that rocks the comfort factor while scoring serious style points. Ons feature Cloudtec pods that are supposed to feel like "walking ON clouds." They give the Cloudrock a boost in cushioning on the trail—and extra comfort for all-day wear in civilization. These hiking sneakers provide moderate foot and ankle support. However, they're made for "fast-packing"—fast-moving hikers with light packs—and are at their best on well maintained trails.
best fit
standard feet
best match
casual hikes, urban trails,
everyday/trail to tavern
Lowa Innox Pro GTX
Main Benefits:
The Innox Pro may look like other Lowa hiking boots, but it's a hiking sneaker with thinner soles designed for fast-packing, well-maintained trails, and mountain town style. It's lighter than it looks with mid-cut ankle collars and TPU frames that make it one of the best hiking sneakers for ankle support. The uppers and lacing system tag-team to boost this boot's comfort by wrapping around the feet and hugging them for a secure it. It's available in a GORE-TEX version—for durable and breathable waterproofing—or a non-waterproof version ($45 less) for fair-weather hikers. The Lowa Innox Pro GTX may be a good option for those who want a hiking sneaker that looks like a traditional hiking boot.
best fit
standard to slightly narrow (size up)
best match
casual hiking
easy to moderate trails
best hiking sneakers for backpackers
The hiking sneaker trend has even trickled into backpacking. Two lightweight backpacking boots look and feel like hiking sneakers—the Merrell Rogue Hiker GTX and Hoka Kaha. They're the best hiking sneakers for backpackers.
Merrell Rogue Hiker backpacking boot
Main Benefits:
The best hiking sneaker for backpackers, the new Merrell Rogue Hiker GTX wears more like a basketball high-top than a classic backpacking boot. It's several ounces lighter than the average backpacking boot while still featuring high-cut ankle support, GORE-TEX waterproofing, and premiun Vibram outsoles for outstanding traction on the trail. If you want a backpacking boot that doesn't look or feel like a traditional backpacking boot, the Merrell Rogue Hiker GTX is one of the best hiking sneakers for tougher day hikes and backpacking trips with a light to moderate pack.
best fit
wide feet
best match
light backpacking
Hoka Kaha backpacking boot
Main Benefits:
The plush Hoka Kaha is a lightweight backpacking boot with maximum cushion, making it a luxurious hiking sneaker for backpackers. Light and cushy, the Kaha kicks ass in the comfort category with massively cushioned midsoles that provide more stability and support than you might think. It also features best-in-class GORE-TEX waterproofing and premium Vibram outsoles for outstanding traction on dry and wet surfaces. The weight savings stands out more if you wear it as a backpacking boot. However, the Sky Kaha can also be worn as a day hiking boot. It's one of the few hiking sneakers on this list that can stand up to serious hiking and backpacking.
best fit
standard feet
best match
backpacking
Have you found YOUR best hiking sneaker?
The best hiking sneakers span a continuum from more casual outdoor lifestyle shoes to more technical, lightweight hikers. Most of them have summit-to-sidewalk versatility, so you can wear them for both hiking and more casual wear. For more traditional hiking shoes, please check out my pro picks for the best hiking shoes for men and women. If you're still on the fence, I've also published more in depth reviews of several of these recommended hiking sneakers:
If you ARE feeling any of my picks for the best hiking sneakers, please consider purchasing them through the links above.
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