Trail runners and hiking shoes have become increasingly popular with hikers and backpackers because they’re lighter weight than hiking boots and dry faster. The biggest difference between trail runners and hiking shoes is that (low) hiking shoes, which tend to be heavier and more durable, can only be used for walking while trail runners can be used for walking and running. Given their popularity among hikers, it makes sense to list them together so you can weigh their pros and cons.
Preferences vary widely, however, and some hikers like waterproof footwear, ones with thick cushioning, more durable hiking shoes, or ultralight mesh trail runners that dry rapidly when they get wet. Regardless of your preferences, it’s important to choose footwear that fits well and is appropriate for the conditions you plan to hike in, especially in terms of temperature, terrain difficulty, and the weight of the loads you expect to carry.
Here are the 10 best hiking shoes and trail runners that we recommend.
1. Hoka Speedgoat 5 Trail Runner
- Type: Trail Runner
- Cushion: Maximum
- Drop: 4 mm
- Wide Sizes: Available
- Durability: Average
2. Altra Lone Peak 8 Trail Runners
- Type: Trail Runner
- Cushion: Medium
- Drop: 0 mm
- Wide Sizes: Yes
- Durability: Average
3. Danner Trail 2650 GTX Hiking Shoes
- Type: Hiking Shoe
- Cushion: Medium
- Drop: 8 mm
- Wide Sizes: Yes
- Durability: Excellent
4. La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II Trail Runner
- Type: Trail Runner
- Cushion: Medium
- Drop: 9 mm
- Wide Sizes: Available
- Durability: Average
5. Merrell Moab 3 Hiking Shoes
- Type: Hiking Shoe
- Cushion: Medium
- Drop: 11 mm
- Wide Sizes: Available
- Durability: Excellent
6. La Sportiva Wildcat Trail Runner
- Type: Trail Runner
- Cushion: Medium
- Drop: 12 mm
- Wide Sizes: No
- Durability: Average
7. Salomon Speedcross 6 Trail Runner
- Type: Trail Runner
- Cushion: Medium
- Drop: 11 mm
- Wide Sizes: Available
- Durability: Excellent
8. Brooks Cascadia 17 Trail Runner
- Type: Trail Runner
- Cushion: Medium
- Drop: 8 mm
- Wide Sizes: Available
- Durability: Very Good
9. KEEN Targhee III Waterproof Low Hiking Shoes
- Type: Hiking Shoes
- Cushion: Medium
- Drop: 8-10 mm
- Wide Sizes: Yes (Amazon)
- Durability: Excellent
10. Oboz Firebrand II Low Hiking Shoes
- Type: Hiking Shoe
- Cushion: Medium
- Drop: 15 mm
- Wide Sizes: Yes
- Durability: Excellent
How To Choose Hiking Shoes and Trail Runners
There’s a lot of variety available when it comes to hiking footwear and ad people have a wide range of personal preferences. This is why we highly recommend that you try lots of different options if you’re making a new selection, so you can discover what your preferences are. Here are some guidelines about things you should consider when choosing between different hiking boots, trail shoes, and trail runners. For example, some thru-hikers can get an entire hike out of a pair of hiking shoes but will go through three or more pairs of trail runners to travel the same distance. That can get kind of expensive, as you can imagine.
Hiking Shoes vs Trail Runners: What’s the Difference?
Hiking shoes are really just meant for walking, while trail runners can be used for walking or running. That’s probably the simplest definition. The truth is there is a lot of overlap between the categories. In general however, you’ll find that hiking shoes are heavier and more durable, while trail runners wear out much more quickly because they’re lighter weight and made with less durable materials.
Sweat can lead to blisters
The buildup of sweat inside of hiking footwear and your socks can lead to blisters. When your socks stick to your skin, they can cause friction, and a friction burn, which is how blisters form. Breathability is key to preventing sweat build-up, which is why so many hikers prefer mesh hiking footwear since it dries while you wear it.
Black toenails indicate a poor fit
If your toenails turn black when you hike, it’s because your toes do not have enough room in the front of your footwear. Size up or select footwear that has a larger toe box by design. Altra and KEEN shoes and boots have an exaggerated-size toe box, which is why they’re so popular with hikers and backpackers.
After-Market Insoles
One-third of hikers and backpackers buy after-market insoles, such as Superfeet, to replace the insoles that come with their hiking boots, mids, trail shoes, and trail runners. These provide more protection, more arch support, and cup your heel to help prevent the lateral movement that can cause plantar fasciitis. They also last longer than factory insoles.
Waterproof/breathable footwear dries slowly
Waterproof/breathable footwear tends to dry much more slowly than non-waterproof footwear. While waterproof hiking boots and shoes are good for hiking in cold weather, it’s often more desirable to have a well-vented mesh shoe that dries quickly than one that stays wet for days and can lead to blisters and other discomforts.
Ankle Rolling
Many hikers opt for boots/mids because think they’re necessary for carrying heavier-weight backpacks and provide more ankle support than low hiking shoes or trail runners. While that was probably true when all hiking boots were made with heavy leather, modern hiking boots and mids are much softer and less supportive and are really just one step up from being trail or running shoes. While they can provide more assurance, you can still twist an ankle when wearing one. On the flip side, many hikers and backpackers are able to carry heavy packs and walk on rugged mountainous terrain in trail shoes and trail runners. In other words, there’s no right answer and you should decide for yourself, rather than follow anyone’s gospel truth.
Traction
Boot and shoe manufacturers make a big deal about traction and while it is important, it’s very difficult to prove that different sole compositions, lug angles, lug depth, Vibram or non-Vibram soles, blah, blah, blah, etc. make that big of an impact on traction. When push comes to shove, the only hiking traction that really matters is when you’re scrambling on wet rock or walking along a cliff edge. Even then, good footwork is probably more important, so develop that rather than relying on your shoes.
Toe and Foot protection
Hiking and backpacking can be tough on the feet, particularly around the toes and under the arch. It doesn’t affect everyone, but it can lead to injuries that take a long time to heal. Built-up areas around the toes, sometimes called toe kicks, are good if you hike in rocky terrain. A shank is usually a hard strip of nylon or plastic that runs under the arch and helps stiffen a shoe or boot. Rock plates and stone guards in the forefoot of the shoe provide additional protection from sharp stones that can bruise your feet, particularly when trail running.
Gaiters
Hikers wear gaiters to block sticks, stones, and other debris from getting into their shoes while they hike. But some shoes are more gaiter compatible than others. For example, if your gaiters have a strap that loops under your shoe, you’re going to want to have footwear that has an arch, so the gaiter strap doesn’t get destroyed by rubbing on the ground. Gaiters designed for trail shoes or trail runners may require gluing a velcro strip to the back of your heel to hold the gaiter in place. If this is the case, make sure there is a flat surface on the back of the heel so you can glue the velcro strip to it.
Wide Shoe Sizes
About 1/3 of all hikers require footwear in wide widths. Companies such as Merrell, KEEN, Brooks, and Vasque have the best selection of wide-width hiking footwear.
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