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 blur the boundaries between hiking shoes and casual shoes. 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 worn and sold most of the best hiking sneakers out there, low-cut and mid-cut. Based on my first-hand experience, 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 harder hikes—most of them have peak-to-pub 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
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. My pair performed well on a vacation to Ireland when I alternated 10-mile days of city walking with hikes on well-maintained trails 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 shoe for travelers.
best fit
standard to narrow feet
best match
day hikes, urban trails, travel
Salomon Outpulse
Salomon's Best Hiking Sneaker
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
Vasque Re:Connect-Now
Lightest Hiking Sneaker
Main Benefits:
Vasque may be known best for its brawler hiking boots, but the Re:Connect Now is a welter-weight hiking sneaker that's built for multiuse trails, travel, and trail-to-town use. The synthetic mesh is superlight and thin, helping the Now tip the scales at a weight that's more like a trail running shoe than a hiking shoe. Still, it's hike-able if you stick to well maintained trails or hike fast. The comfort also sticks out with light and cushy soles, extra width in the forefoot, and unique padding around the ankle that caresses our hiking feet. This is the lightest hiking sneaker I own—I mostly wear mine as travel shoes and work-from-shoes that let me sneak out for quick hikes on multi-use trails near my house.
best fit
standard to wide feet
best match
trail, light hiking, trail-to-town
Merrell Moab Speed
Merrell's Best Hiking Sneaker
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
Best Hiking Sneaker for Travelers
Main Benefits:
The Oboz Sypes blends some casual 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
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.
best fit
standard or wide feet
best match
fast-and-light hikes, everyday
KEEN Zionic Low
Lightest KEEN Hiking Sneaker
Main Benefits:
New in summer 2023, the KEEN Zionic is a lightweight hiking sneaker that's built to impress a new generation of hikers who prefer lighter footwear. My bright orange and teal pair has certainly turned 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.
best fit
wide feet
best match
fast hikers, casual trails
best hiking sneakers—mid cuts
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. 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.
best fit
standard to narrow feet
best match
day hikes, urban trails, travel
Hoka Trail Code GTX
Max Cushion Hiking Sneaker
Main Benefits:
Hoka is known for lightweight footwear with maximum cushion—and the Trail Code is their ultra-cushy, mid-cut hiking sneaker. A 2023 release, 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. I'm more than comfortable wearing my Trail Codes on steep, rocky trails,such as Pennsylvania's Mid-State Trail. Overall, though, it's the oodles of cushioning that stands out. 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
Salomon Cross-Hike 2 GTX
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.
best fit
standard to narrow feet
best match
fast hikers, easy/urban trails
On Cloudrock 2
Most Stylish Hiking Sneaker
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. I liked this boot more than I expected (see my first-hand review), thanks to its comfort.
best fit
standard feet
best match
casual hikes, urban trails,
everyday/trail to tavern
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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