Ever since the COVID-19 pandemic, several brands have released hiking sneakers—hybrids that blur the boundary between a hiking shoe and casual sneaker. Hiking sneakers—aka "snikers—are generally lighter and less supportive than traditional hiking shoes with better color options than boring brown leather. Over the past two years, I've personally tested and reviewed most of the best hiking sneakers out there—both low-cut and mid-cut. If you're looking for a less traditional hiking shoe, the best hiking sneakers are the
These hiking sneakers span a continuum from shoes that are best for casual wear to others that can handle moderate hikes—most have peak-to-pub versatility. If you're looking for more serious hiking shoes, see my list of the best hiking shoes.
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Best Hiking Sneakers: Low Cuts
The best low-cut hiking sneakers are the adidas TERREX Free Hiker 2 GTX, Merrell Moab Speed, and KEEN Zionic Low.
ADIDAS TERREX FREE HIKER 2 LOW
Most Comfortable Hiking Sneaker
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 a lightweight stability frame for added foot support and ankle stability, true trail traction, and GORE-TEX waterproofing. But this shoe's comfort stands out the most. I loved wearing the Free Hiker 2 on my Irish vacation when I alternated 10-mile days of city walking with rural hikes in Irish national parks. 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 hiking sneaker for travelers.
For more, see my full Free Hiker Low review
best fit
standard to narrow feet
best match
day hikes, urban trails, travel
Men's TERREX Free Hiker 2 Low GTX
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Women's TERREX Free Hiker 2 Low GTX
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OBOZ BOZEMAN
Casual Hiking Sneaker for Town
Main Benefits:
The quintessential mountain town shoe, the Oboz Bozeman is the best hiking sneaker to wear around town. I love this shoe's look, but it also features Oboz's famous O-Fit insoles, which add cushioning and support where other brands skimp. Those soles make this shoe more comfortable than most casual sneakers. Available in a low-cut and mid-cut, the Bozeman is best suited for in town use: brew pubs, dog parks, office casual, and bonfire beers with the neighbors. However, you can sneak out in them for lunch break walks and after-work hikes, too.
best fit
standard feet
best match
casual wear in town
Men's Oboz Bozeman
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Women's Oboz Jeannette
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MERRELL MOAB SPEED 2
Lightweight Hiking Sneaker on a Budget
Main Benefits:
The Merrell Moab Speed 2 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. I recently picked up my first pair in Spring, 2025—it feels like the sneakers us Gen Xers used to wear everyday as kids. Like most shoes on this list, the Moab Speed 2 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.
For me, see my full Speed 2 review
best fit
wide feet
best match
hikers on a budget, casual hikers, average day hikers
Men's Merrell Moab Speed 2
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Women's Merrell Moab Speed 2
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DANNER TRAIL 2650
Retro-Styled Hiking Sneaker
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. (I personally chose the non-waterproof leather to keep my feet cooler for everyday wear.) The Trail 2650 one of the best lightweight hiking sneakers for fast-and-light hikers and urban hikers who like its retro vibe.
For more, see my full Trail 2650 review.
best fit
standard or wide feet
best match
fast-and-light hikes, everyday
Men's Danner Trail 2650
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Women's Danner Trail 2650
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KEEN ZIONIC LOW
Lightest KEEN Hiking Sneaker
Main Benefits:
A 2023 release, the KEEN Zionic is a lightweight hiking sneaker that's built to impress a new generation of hikers who prefer lighter footwear. I personally own a bright orange and teal pair—which has turned some heads on the trail. 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 day 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.
For more, see my full Zionic low review
best fit
wide feet
best match
fast hikers, casual trails
Men's Zionic Low
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Women's Zionic Low
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Best Hiking Sneakers: Mid Cuts
The best mid-cut hiking sneakers include the adidas TERREX Free Hiker 2 Mid, HOKA Trail Code GTX, Salomon Cross-Hike 2, and On Cloudrock 2. 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. Read the product descriptions below to find your best fit and best match.
ADIDAS TERREX FREE HIKER 2 MID
Comfortable Mid-Cut Hiking Sneaker
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. I've personally owned two pairs of Free Hikers and got some for my dad to help with his feet and ankle problems. 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.
For more, see my full Free Hiker 2 Mid review
best fit
standard to narrow feet
best match
day hikes, urban trails, travel
Men's adidas TERREX Free Hiker 2
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Women's adidas TERREX Free Hiker 2
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HOKA TRAIL CODE GTX
Max Cushion Hiking Sneaker
Main Benefits:
HOKA'S most casual hiking boot, the Trail Code is an ultra-cushy, mid-cut hiking sneaker. 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, and the GORE-TEX membrane is both waterproof and breathable. This shoe's designed for more casual hikes, but I've worn my Trail Codes on steep, rocky trails, too, such as Pennsylvania's Mid-State Trail. But the main reason to buy this lightweight hiking boot is its oodles of cushioning. The HOKA Trail Code GTX is the best hiking sneaker for men and women who want a lightweight, max cushion hiking boot.
For more, see my full Trail Code review
best fit
standard feet
(slightly roomy fit)
best match
day hiking,
max cushion fans
Men's HOKA Trail Code
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Women's HOKA Trail Code
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SALOMON CROSS-HIKE 2
Urban Hiking Sneaker
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 and aggressive look. Its multi-terrain tread is made for urban trails, mud, and walks in the woods. Mine also offer good grip on the weathered granite and desert crust in the Sandia Mountains behind my house. If you're after a hiking sneaker—not a true hiking boot—the Salomon Cross-Hike 2 may be a good option for you.
For more, see my full Cross Hike 2 review
best fit
standard to narrow feet
best match
fast hikers, easy/urban trails
Men's Cross Hike 2
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Women's Cross Hike 2
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ON CLOUDROCK 2
Most Stylish Hiking Sneaker
Main Benefits:
The On Cloudrock 2 is a stylish 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. I liked the original Cloudrock more than I expected, and the Cloudrock 2 is better.
Fore more, see full Cloudrock 2 review.
best fit
standard feet
best match
casual hikes, urban trails,
everyday/trail to tavern
Men's On Cloudrock
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Women's On Cloudrock 2
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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 based on my personal experience:
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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