When finding the best hiking shoes, there are a few things you need to consider. One of them is the terrain you’ll be covering. The best hiking shoes with a low top are what you probably need if you’re going for a short hike. This will protect your feet from any loose debris and give you better traction on the trail.
Low-top shoes are lighter than mid-top or heavy-duty boots, and they are more comfortable to wear for long periods of time.
In this buying guide, we will take a look at the best hiking shoes with a low top and what to look for when choosing the right pair for your needs.
Are Low Tops Better Than High Tops?
Low-tops are a type of footwear designed typically have a lower profile than traditional hiking boots. Their advantages over traditional hiking boots include:
- They are usually lighter and more breathable than high-top or mid-top hiking shoes.
- Great for Warmer weather hikes
- Often less expensive than other hiking boots
When deciding whether to choose low, mid, or high-top shoes, consider the type of terrain you will be hiking on, the weather conditions, and your budget.
Best Hiking Shoes with a Low Top
Here are our top picks for the best hiking shoes with a low top.
The Salomon Men's X Ultra 3 Low Aero hiking shoes are the perfect choice for men who want a durable, comfortable and stylish shoe for their next hike. With a leather and mesh upper, these shoes are built to last, while the Low-Aero design provides added comfort and support.
Features:
- Synthetic and mesh upper
- Injected EVA midsole
- Contagrip outsole
- 3D advanced chassis
- Descent control technology
Pros:
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Good support and stability
- Excellent traction on all surfaces
- Reasonably priced
Cons:
- Shoelaces tend to come undone easily
- Reviews report that sizes tend to run small
Where To Buy:
Available on Amazon and on Rei Co-op Shop.
If you're looking for a tough, breathable, and comfortable hiking shoe, the Adidas Outdoor Terrex Swift R2 GTX Hiking Shoe is a great choice. It's made with durable leather, textile, and synthetic upper, and features Goretex Extended Comfort technology to keep your feet dry and comfortable.
Features:
- Breathable GORE-TEX membrane
- Leather, textile, and synthetic upper
- Goretex Extended Comfort technology
- Contagrip rubber outsole
- Lace pocket
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Durable
- Quick-drying
- Multi-directional traction outsole
Cons:
- It May require some breaking in
- Users report the laces breaking easily
- Some users report it being too narrow
Where To Buy:
Available on Amazon and Adidas retail stores.
KEEN Men's Targhee II Low Hiking Shoe is an excellent choice for Men's Hiking Shoes. With its cushioned insole and supportive midsole, this shoe provides excellent all-day comfort on the trail. The KEEN. Dry waterproof breathable membrane keeps your feet dry in all conditions.
Features:
- Cushioned insole for all-day comfort
- Supportive midsole
- KEEN.Dry waterproof breathable membrane
- All-terrain outsole for traction
- Available in multiple colors and sizes
Pros:
- Excellent all-day comfort
- Waterproof and breathable
- Great traction
Cons:
- Some report that it's not accurate to size
- Other users report the shoes falling apart after using them a few times.
Where To Buy:
Available on Amazon and Rei Co-op Shop.
Salomon Women's X Ultra is the perfect shoe for outdoor activities. Its comfortable fit and stylish design make it perfect for hiking, running, or even walking around the neighborhood. Salomon's X Ultra technology provides stability and comfort, making it a great choice for any adventure.
Features:
- Gore-Tex waterproof bootie liners let your feet breathe while keeping your feet dry
- X Ultra technology provides stability and comfort
Pros:
- Perfect for hiking, running, or walking
- Quick lacing system
- Comfortable and stable
- Stylish design
- Good traction and support
- Lightweight and breathable
- Affordable
Cons.
- Some users find the fit too snug, especially in the toes
- The arch support isn't as good as some other brands
Where To Buy:
Available on Amazon and Rei Co-op Shop.
Lems Trailhead Sneakers are the perfect choice for those who want a versatile and comfortable sneaker. With a rugged yet light build, they can handle any terrain while providing support and cushion for your feet. And thanks to their minimalist design, they'll never weigh you down no matter how far you go.
Features:
- EVA midsole for cushioning
- Vibram outsole for traction and durability
- Wide Toe Box provides all-day comfort
- Made of 100% synthetic materials, including lightweight, quick-drying micro-suede and knitted mesh.
Pros:
- Breathable mesh upper with supportive overlay
- Vegan-friendly
- Padded collar and tongue for comfort
- Lace-up closure for a secure fit
- Removable insole for custom orthotics
- Stylish - can wear on trails and city streets
Cons:
- Some users found them too narrow/tight
- Other users report the shoes are not long-lasting
Where To Buy:
Available on Rei Co-op Shop and authorized retailers.
The Xero Shoes TerraFlex II for men's is designed for comfort, protection, and durability. The TerraFlex II has a zero-drop platform and a versatile lugged outsole that provides traction on any terrain. Also available for women.
Features:
- Zero-drop platform
- 4mm heel-to-toe offset helps promote proper running form.
- Features a trail-specific outsole with multidirectional lugs for increased traction and durability on any terrain.
- The breathable mesh upper keeps your feet cool and comfortable all day.
Pros:
- Flexible, comfortable design
- Versatile outsole for a variety of surfaces
- Breathable
- Lightweight construction won't weigh you down on the trail
- Laces stay securely tied
Cons:
- They don't offer half sizes
- Sizing runs a little small
- Some users report that the laces on the shorter side
Where To Buy:
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