The Best Lightweight Hiking Shoes for Men, Tested by Editors

After a month of rigorous testing, our team landed on Arc’teryx Aerios as the best in class for its perfect balance between comfort, support, and durability. Inspired by trail running shoes, the Aerios is a fast and light hiker with tread and support designed to provide long-lasting comfort while tackling trails at a walking pace. To accomplish that, Arc’teryx outfitted it with industry-leading Vibram Megagrip outsole, one that prevented a fall and saved one tester from a broken leg while scrambling around the Buttermilks in Bishop, CA.

The TPU shank—a supportive but lightweight insert between the midsole and oustole—keeps your feet in place, while the EVA midsole takes care of the comfort. Our testers found the 100% recycled polyester Gore-TEX upper was relatively breathable while still efficiently waterproof, and the lacing system provided security on sketchy terrain. Like everything else from Arc’teryx, it’s not cheap, but you won’t regret your purchase on the trail.

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Hoka brought its signature cushioning to the Skyline-Float X, blending support with a lightweight, propulsive sole to make long days on the trail extra comfortable. What differentiates this hiking shoe from the more trail-running focused (like the always-excellent Speedgoat 6) is the Swallowtail™ heel, an extended piece of midsole foam hanging overhanging the heel of the shoe. This aides a seamless heel-to-toe transfer while hiking (though interrupts a running stride), helping decrease foot and muscle fatigue over long distances. Though we have to say, the extended heel does look a little goofy. Based on our extensive testing, the Skyline-Float X still has the hallmarks of Hoka’s famed cushioning. The insole is thick, and kept our feet comfortable even after a full day of hiking.

Read more: Best Hoka Shoes for Walking

Brooks updated the latest version of its famed trail running shoe with a rock plate. Not to be confused with a “rocker” plate, a rock plate is a traill-specific adaptation that protects the midsole from sharp rocks that can slice through the outsole or otherwise damage a user’s foot. While our testers found this made the Cascadia too firm to run in on flatter surfaces, it makes it a perfectly functional hiking shoe for a user whose foot strike is gentler.

And despite it being a heavy-duty sneaker, we found that it’s incredibly lightweight, and easily moved with feet during hours-long walks. Toss it on for your next weekend backpacking trips and you’ll be surprised you ever wore leather boots on the trail.

Not all trail runners are capable of a long day in the peaks that hiking shoes require. However, our testers found that On’s Cloudventure Peak 8 is up to the challenge.

First, the cons: it has a little less stability than other shoes on this list, and a hiking pace does negate the push-off benefit of On’s carbon-infused midsole. However, our testers found that the extremely comfortable upper helped them hike easily for miles without foot pain. Plus, the multi-directional lugs did a tremendous job at preventing slippage in rocky and rainy terrain. That means you can easily run or hike in the Cloudventure Peak 3, a dual threat.

Read more: Best On Shoes for Walking

The Moab Speed 2 Gore-Tex is a hiking shoe for those who like the feel of a traditional hiking boot, but don’t like the weight. It’s a little clunkier than others on this list, but retains a certain throwback charm and feel while ditching much of the unnecessary bells and whistles from the big outsole era. We also love the flexible rock plate, which protected our tester’s feet from gnarly terrain without feeling too firm.

To add to that, Mererll loaded this hiker with Gore-tex waterproofing and a capable Vibram outsole, which kept our testers’ feet dry even after getting caught in a middle of a downpour. Hiking boot, who needs ‘em?

Pros

• Quicklace upper eliminates tight
• Proven trail performance

These days, you’re as likely to see Salomon sneakers on the runway as well as at local trailheads. That’s because the outdoor footwear brand has been embraced by the Gorpcore fashion set and OG hikers. What unites the two? Salomon’s forward-thinking design that’s as stylish as its functional. Take its Quicklace system, which is made up of indestructible elastic laces and a pull tab to eliminate tripping hazards, and also happens to just look really cool.

Performance-wise, Salomon’s synthetic upper does a decent job at providing airflow, but still has a thick enough build to protect your feet from dirt and debris. Meanwhile we found that it’s incredibly stable, and testers whose feet tend to roll say that the X Ultra 360 did an amazing job at keeping their feet in neutral aligment. Plus, the luggy outsole passes the grip test on all sorts of surfaces.

Read more: Best Salomon Sneakers

How Should a Hiking Shoe Fit?

A hiking shoe should fit snugly, but not too tightly. Always try on a shoe with the kind of socks you plan on hiking in. If you plan on cold-weather hiking, make sure to leave adequate room for thicker socks. While the fit should be secure, your blood pools and the foot expands over long distances, so leave enough room for your foot’s circulation.

What’s the Best Material for Hiking Shoes?

The environment you hike in dictates the best material for your shoes. In a hot desert environment, a lightweight knit upper is best for breathability. In heavy rainfall, a Gore-Tex membrane or other waterproofing tech is useful. On shale and sharp rocks, leather provides more durability and protection. Consider the ecosystem you hike in the most, and make your choices accordingly.

Do I Need to Break in My Hiking Shoes?

It depends on the material. For trail runner-inspired styles with knit uppers, the shoes should be good to go from the beginning. For leather or hybrid constructions, it’s smart to put some pre-trail miles in to dial in the fit and feel. That said, hiking shoes generally require less or no break in time compared to hiking boots.