Greatest Mountain climbing Footwear of 2023

Altra Lone Peaks have long been the flagship shoe of lightweight hikers due to their weight, grippy outsole, and roomy fit. The 7th iteration of the LPs got another big makeover – the upper has been redesigned, the outsole has been overhauled, and the modern colorways make these shoes stand out against the crowd.

Some hikers struggled with the durability of the previous model, but we’re happy to report that the Lone Peak 7s feature more reinforced spots and will last far longer than the LP 6s. The signature Trail Claw lug pattern also got a makeover and is more sticky than before, resulting in less slips on wet rock and other tricky terrain.

Personally, we’re loving the LP 7s and they’ve quickly become our favorite version of the Lone Peaks we’ve ever tested. For hikers seeking a wider fit that allows for natural movement, the Lone Peak 7s should be at the top of your list.

The Merrell Moab 3s have reigned supreme as the best budget hiking shoe for as long we can remember due to their comfort, durability, and performance. These are some of the more durable hiking shoes on our list, which makes their already friendly price point all the more appealing.

The Moabs may not be the best choice for big mile days since they’re on the heavy and bulky side. But what they lack in grace they more than make up for in cushioning and support, so they’re an exceptional choice for weekend warriors and day hikers.

The Moabs require less break-in than other traditional shoes which means you can spend more time doing what you love – enjoying your hike! So if you’re after a burlier shoe that doesn’t compromise on the performance features that really count – durability, traction, and comfort – we think you’ll love the Moabs.

HOKAs are known for their exceptional comfort and support, and the Speedgoat 5 is the best example of this in their trail shoe lineup. The biggest standout feature of the Speedgoats is their ultra-cushy midsole, which is excellent at absorbing impact and doesn’t flatten out as quickly as some other lightweight hiking shoes we’ve tested.

Thanks to the supportive design, the Speedgoats are a favorite among thru-hikers who need a shoe that’s lightweight and can keep their feet and joints comfortable while logging lots of miles. The Speedgoats are also more durable than many other trail runners because they’re constructed with less mesh.

If a cushioned feel and supportive build are your top priorities in a lightweight hiking shoe, you won’t find anything better than the Speedgoats.

We’ve hiked thousands of miles in Saucony Peregrines over the years, and they’re some of our favorites due to their exceptional traction and low weight. Whether it’s a trek through Nepal, the Sierras, or the Torres del Paine in Patagonia, the Peregrines bite into the terrain to provide stability and confidence.

The newest Peregrines are lighter than ever, even grippier than before, and have a refined fit. They also have an increased stack height with more underfoot cushioning for tough terrain. Plus the Peregrine 13s are made with a highly breathable knit upper that dries quickly, so they’re ready for just about anything you throw at them.

A shoe this light won’t hold up as well as more traditional hiking shoes in the long run, but you’ll expend less energy with each step and experience less problems with sweaty feet (like blisters). The Saucony Peregrines are the shoes you’ll catch us rocking for most of our high-mileage backpacking trips, and we can’t recommend them highly enough for those who prefer trail runners.

The KEEN Targhee III WPs are a crowd favorite because they’re a dependable shoe that’s made to last. These leather hiking shoes will require a longer break-in time than many of the lightweight models on our list, but the high-quality material will hold up for hundreds of miles on the trail.

One of our favorite features of the Targhees is the elastic band that connects the laces to the heel cup. This helps provide a secure, locked-in feeling and makes it easier to dial in the perfect fit. The Targhees are also known for their wide toe box, so they’re an excellent choice for hikers needing a little extra wiggle room in their shoes.

Because they’re on the bulkier side and not as breathable or fast-drying as some shoes, we recommend the Targhees for shorter hikes and those who want something long lasting and comfy for daily wear.

We love hiking and backpacking in the Topo Athletic Ultraventure 3s because they’re lightweight, highly breathable, and they dry quickly after water crossings. They’re similar in cushioning to the HOKA Speedgoats above, but they have a wider toe box that allows your feet to spread naturally.

The uppers are flexible, light, and airy, so they’ll keep your feet feeling cool and free on long hiking days. But we’ve found that the taller stack height (a 5mm. increase over the Ultraventure 2s) can feel a bit unstable on tricky terrain. That said, if you mostly stick to groomed trails that don’t include scrambles or rocky traverses, you’ll likely find the Ultraventures plenty comfortable and secure for putting up big miles.

The Ultraventures kind of blend two of our favorite trail shoes – you get the cushy sole of the Speedgoat mixed with the wider toe box of the Lone Peaks. So we think the Ultraventures are a homerun for hikers looking for the best of both worlds.

The Salomon XA Pro 3D V9 GTX excel on trails with tricky terrain thanks to their stable, supportive build and excellent traction. Because they’re lighter than many traditional hiking shoes but burlier than the trail runners on our list, the XA Pros are an ideal balance of durability and all-day comfort.

These shoes are a top pick for day hikers wanting a good value option that will last for multiple seasons. And their aggressive Contagrip traction and GoreTex membrane make the XA Pros some of the best hiking shoes on our list for particularly wet, rugged climates.

Thanks to Oboz’s signature premium insoles, the Firebrand II BDry are some of the most supportive shoes we’ve hiked in. The molded arch and heel cup, secure lacing system, and exceptional traction make this shoe a great choice for challenging terrain – especially for backpackers who tend to carry a heavier pack around 40 lbs. or more.

The traditional-style Firebrands start out a little more stiff than some others, so we recommend breaking them in before taking them on any big trips. But after you get past this initial period, you’ll have a comfy shoe that can withstand multiple years of hiking.

The Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX hiking shoes have a nearly unrivaled balance of durability and weight. They’re built like a traditional shoe, but they fit more like trail runners. The X Ultras feel much more nimble than other shoes in their category, and they require practically no break-in period. We’ve also found that the traction is well above average on the X Ultras, so they’re great for backpacking or day hikes on challenging terrain.

We’ve used every iteration of the X Ultras since the original came out, and they’ve always ranked among the top on our list. This newest iteration didn’t score as high because they have a plastic shank than can dig in under the ankle bone and cause discomfort.

That said, all feet are different, and some will find that the plastic doesn’t bother them. So we highly recommend giving them a try-on if you want a shoe that fits like a trail runner but lasts as long as more traditional hiking footwear.

The La Sportiva Spire GTX are an ideal middle ground between hiking boots and shoes as they’ve got an impressive balance of support, durability, and breathability.

The stiff outers and aggressive Vibram outsoles are protective and grippy, and the quality build ensures these bad boys will last for many hundreds of miles. But as you may have guessed, these shoes will require a longer break-in period before they really shine. Once you’ve gotten through that initial break-in, the secure fit provides ample stability and comfort.

While the Spires are on the heavier side, these shoes – described by La Sportiva as a low cut boot – are surprisingly light for how much confidence they provide on the trail. Hikers who frequently tackle tough terrain will find that the grippy and rugged Spires excel on technical trails – even under a heavier backpack.