If you’re an avid hiker, it’s essential to have a great pair of hiking shoes. In this guide, we will give you the best durable hiking shoes that are not just comfortable but durable enough to withstand all the elements.
Nothing is worse than having your hiking shoes fall apart on you in the middle of a hike. Not only is it uncomfortable, but it can also be dangerous.
The best durable hiking shoes are made from high-quality materials that can withstand a lot of wear and tear. They should also be comfortable and have good traction to keep you safe on slippery surfaces.
When choosing hiking shoes, it’s essential to consider where you’ll be doing most of your hiking.
If you plan on hiking in rough terrain, make sure to choose a pair that has good ankle support and much better if its a waterproof hiking shoe.
How long should hiking shoes last?
The answer to this question depends on a few factors, such as the quality of the shoe, how often you hike, and the type of terrain you hike on.
However, in general, a good pair of hiking shoes should last between 500 and 800 miles.
If you are an avid hiker who hikes on a variety of terrain, you may need to replace your shoes more frequently. On the other hand, if you only hike occasionally on well-maintained trails, your shoes may last longer.
The most important factor in determining how long your hiking shoes will last is the quality of the shoe. A good-quality hiking shoe will be made of durable materials and construction and will have features that help it withstand the elements and wear and tear.
Best Durable Hiking Shoes
There are many reasons you should buy the best durable hiking shoes. For one, they'll last longer than cheaper shoes. They're also more comfortable and offer better support, which is essential when you're out on the trail.
Check out our top picks for the best durable hiking shoes!
When you buy Salomon Men's X Ultra 3 GTX Hiking Shoes, you are getting a shoe that is built to last. These shoes are some of the best durable hiking shoes on the market and will stand up to any adventure you take them on. With a comfortable fit and excellent support, these shoes will help you tackle any terrain.
Features:- Gore-Tex waterproofing for those wet conditions
- Molded Ortholite sock liner for comfortable all-day wear
- Contagrip outsole for traction on any terrain
- Advanced chassis for stability and protection
- 1,670 grams
- Tough and durable construction
- Great support
- Can handle any terrain
- Comfortable fit
- Superior traction
- Expensive
- Some users report sizing is off - they run small.
- Others report the laces are always coming undone.
If you're looking for a top-quality hiking shoe that will keep your feet dry and comfortable, then you need to check out the La Sportiva Nucleo High GORE-TEX Surround Hiking Shoes. With their Gore-Tex surround technology, these shoes provide 360-degree breathability and waterproofing, so your feet will stay dry no matter what.
Features:- GORE-TEX Surround waterproof technology
- Vibram sole with Impact Brake System offers excellent traction on any terrain
- Durable Nubuck leather upper with abrasion-resistant polyester mesh
- TPU Thermo Tech Application reinforcements for added durability
- 3D Flex ankle for lateral flexibility and AirMesh tongue for comfort
- Breathable mesh and synthetic leather upper
- Quicklace lacing system for a secure fit
- The GORE-TEX Surround technology ensures your feet will stay dry even when you're hiking through wet and muddy conditions.
- Rubber toe cap for added protection
- Made with a tough, abrasion-resistant upper that can take on whatever you encounter,
- Supportive midsole for all-day cushioning.
- Price
- Others report the laces are really long and tend to get tangled up if you're not careful
- The toe box is a little bit on the narrow side
- Sizing runs small
Where To Buy:
Available on Amazon
Merrell Men's Moab 2 GTX Hiking Shoe is an excellent buy because of its durability and comfort. This shoe will last you through many hikes and outdoor activities, and keep your feet comfortable the whole time. With a great fit and sturdy construction, the Moab 2 GTX is perfect for anyone who loves spending time outdoors.
Features:
- Breathable mesh upper with a protective toe cap
- Gore-Tex waterproof membrane to keep your feet dry
- Cushioned EVA footbed for all-day comfort
- Vibram outsole for traction and durability
- Weighs just 1 pound 8 ounces (per shoe) for all-day comfort on the trail
Pros:
- Top-quality hiking shoe that provides excellent support and comfort on the trail.
- Made with tough, water-resistant leather and mesh upper that can handle any terrain.
- The Gore-Tex waterproof membrane keeps your feet dry in wet conditions.
- The Vibram outsole provides excellent traction and support on any surface.
Cons:
- A bit pricey.
- Not as breathable as some other hiking shoes on the market.
- The Gore-Tex membrane can make the shoe feel a bit hot and sweaty in warm conditions.
Where To Buy:
KEEN Voyageur Low Height Breathable Hiking Shoes for men are an excellent choice for anyone looking for a comfortable, breathable, low-profile hiking shoe. They provide good support and traction on various terrain and are durable enough to handle the extended use. If you're looking for a versatile, affordable hiking shoe, the KEEN Voyageur is a great option.
Features:
- Removable EVA footbed for cushioning
- Direct injection PU midsole for comfort
- KEEN all-terrain rubber outsole for traction
- 4mm multi-directional lugs for grip
- Weight: 17.6 oz/ 498 g
Pros:
- Breathable mesh and synthetic upper
- Low-cut height for increased mobility
- Lace-up closure for a snug, secure fit
- Padded tongue and collar
- Durable rubber outsole
- Removable insole
Cons:
- They may not provide enough ankle support for some people
- Too warm for use in hot weather
- Some users report them to be too narrow
- They may not be suitable for use on very rocky or uneven terrain
- Some users find them difficult to break-in
Where To Buy:
Available on Amazon
If you're looking for a versatile, lightweight trail running and hiking shoe, the Xero Shoes Women's TerraFlex is a great option.
Features:- Lightweight, just 9.8 ounces.
- Maximal cushioning: With a full-length EVA midsole, the TerraFlex provides ample cushioning to protect your feet from the impact of running on rugged terrain.
- Superior traction: The TerraFlex's Vibram outsole provides superior traction on all types of terrain, ensuring that you can keep your footing no matter where the trail takes you.
- Barefoot design: The TerraFlex is designed to give you the feels of running barefoot, while still providing the protection your feet need from the elements.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Very lightweight- won’t weigh you down on long hikes or runs
- Has flexible sole helps with balance and prevents foot fatigue
- Wide toe box
Cons:
- Users report that it's not as durable as some other shoes
- It may not last as long on rugged trails
- Not ideal in extremely cold or hot weather conditions
- Size runs small-
Where To Buy:
How can I make my hiking shoes last longer?
Hiking shoes are a great investment and can last you many years with the proper care. To extend the life of your hiking shoes, there are several steps you should take to ensure that they remain in good condition.
- Clean your hiking shoes regularly: This can be done by removing any dirt or debris from the shoe and then using a soft brush to wipe off any remaining dirt.
- Waterproof them: Use waterproofing spray on your shoes. This will help protect the material of the shoes from water damage that could occur when hiking through wet terrain.
- Store them in a cool, dry place: Moisture and high temperatures can cause the material of your shoes to deteriorate over time, so it’s best to avoid these conditions when storing your hiking shoes.
- Watch how you remove your shoes: Always undo the laces and remove them from your feet gently. Removing them too quickly can cause the material to stretch or become misshapen over time.
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Also, if you are bringing the kids on your hiking trip, you may be interested in these resources on Kids Hiking Backpack and Best Hiking Carriers For Babies.