12 Best Solid Hiking Shoes/Boots for Beginners [Updated]

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Most people who have never gone hiking before would usally opt for your average New Balance shoes or normal Converse shoes (a big mistake!). There’s no traction, a risky measure especially if there’s some snow on the trail, and it can be a costly mistake.

While these shoes are good enough for easy, flat trails, there is no substitute for a good pair of hiking shoes, especially for more difficult terrain.

If you are a beginner, I can’t stress how important it is to wear the right hiking shoes.

The right pair will have enough grip so that you won’t slip and will be made of the right materials to avoid cold, wet feet on your hike.

You’ll be able to go much farther if you prepare well, and, most importantly, you’ll be comfortable the entire time while being absolutely sure-footed.

But with so many options on the market, how would you even start choosing a pair of hiking shoes? Here are the 12 best hiking shoes for beginners. Before that, here’s some important tips on how to choose the best hiking shoes especially if you’re a beginner.

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Choosing the Best Hiking Shoes for Beginners

wearing the merrell moab shoes on my hike! one of the best hiking shoes for beginners

There are several things to consider when choosing the best hiking shoe for yourself.

Shoe Size

When selecting your first hiking shoe, ensure there’s just a bit of space between your toes and the end of the shoe. Try aiming for about a finger’s width between the end of your toes and the tip of the shoe. This will usually be a half size bigger than you normally get for shoes. It is especially helpful to get your shoe sized professionally if you can. It will save you a lot of trouble that comes with buying the wrong size and having it fight too tightly on the trail.

Durability

Hiking shoes are meant to last between 500 to 700 miles of wear, so look for durability in the rubber material, the sole, the midsole, and the uppers. If you know you will be hiking less frequently and on shorter trails, then trail running shoes may suit you best. We have a couple of options for those listed below.

Traction

The size of the lugs will determine how well your shoes grip the ground beneath them, otherwise known as traction. You will find both trail running shoes and hiking shoes or boots that have substantial lugs that offer great traction to keep you from slipping and sliding on terrain.

Ankle Support

The firmness of the base of your shoe prevents ankle rolling during hikes. Even if you have a good upper, a weak base will put you at risk of twisting your feet on the trail. If you’re trying out shoes at the store, try twisting the base of the shoe. If it moves around a lot, then it might not provide as much ankle support.

Arch Support

On longer hikes, it’s normal for the arch of the foot to become fatigued. Overpronation, which is where the foot collapses inward, is a common cause of this. If you suffer from pain during long walks, you can benefit from an insole like Superfeet.

here are some of the best hiking boots for beginners

🥾 The 3 Best Beginner Hiking Shoes for Women
1. Salomon Speedcross 5: The Ultimate All-Rounder
2. Merrell Moab 2: Affordable and the next best option
3. Keen Targhee III: Excellent grip for various terrains
🥾 The 3 Best Beginner Hiking Shoes for Men
1. Salomon X Ultra 3 Mid GTX: The ultimate all-rounder
2. Keen Targhee III: Best rugged shoes
3. Altra Lone Peak 6: Best minimalist hiking shoe

The Vasque Breeze LT NTX is a great option to start with because it’s lightweight and waterproof.

They offer a good combination of durability, support, and flexibility, making your first hike much more enjoyable. It comes with an over-the-ankle design that provides moderate support.

It also has a waterproof synthetic microfiber upper that is both durable and flexible. This is also an excellent choice for the environmentally conscious as this hiking shoe uses Nature-Tex waterproof technology made with recycled materials.

The Vasque Breeze has an exclusive Vibram Litebase outsole that gives great traction on slippery or rocky slopes.

It also reduces the weight of the sole by 25%, giving you a more lightweight feel; nobody wants heavy shoes on their first hike! However, it is also good to remember that these shoes have a narrower fit, so if your feet are a little wider, consider some of the other options on this list.

Pros

  • Very lightweight

  • True to size

  • Good color selection

Cons

  • Sizes run narrow

Second on our list is the Altra Lone Peak Hiker. These are trail running shoes, so they are made for handling more technical excursions on rocky trails.

They are lightweight enough and are suitable for short, fast trail hikes that are a little more challenging.

Construction is superior, and you won’t be left wanting more durability with this pair of hiking shoes.

One thing of note about the Altra Lone Peak Hiker trail shoes is that they do run wide and are less suitable for people with narrow feet.

They also lack ankle support, even if they are mid-high-cut shoes. Fortunately, they do have plenty of cushioning in the sole, adding comfort to every step.

Pros

  • Comfortable

  • Excellent temperature control

  • Breathable

  • Great traction

  • Wide enough for average to wide feet

Cons

  • Runs too wide for narrow feet

Sometimes, you just need a hiking shoe that will see you through both summer and winter conditions, and for those seasons, you can’t beat the Salomon Speedcross 5.

It’s sturdier than your average trail running shoe but also lighter than a typical GTX hiking shoe. It’s perfect for the sort of trails beginner hikers will go on.

Another great feature of the Speedcross 5 is that it comes in half and wider sizes, making it possible for everyone to get the best fit.

The Sensifit design also guarantees all-day comfort, and the Quicklace technology makes them easy to tie up and secure on the trail. This excellent, all-around hiking shoe will take you on trails all year round.

Pros

  • Lighweight

  • Sturdy

  • Comfortable

  • Very stylish

Cons

  • Not very waterproof

The Merrell Moab 2 is a hiking boot that is very popular, and for several good reasons.

Available in many different colors, this shoe also comes in wider and half sizes to ensure a good fit for most people.

They are waterproof and lightweight but also fully breathable to prevent overheating in your feet. The upper features a combination of mesh and leather.

This shoe has a traditional lace-up closure to give you a snug fit, while the bellows tongue and protective toe cap easily resist dust, debris, and any damage caused by hitting your toes against rocks on the trail.

If you want to get into hiking but prefer hiking boots to shoes or sandals, then the Merrell Moab 2 is a great choice.

Pros

  • Full, half, and wider sizes available

  • Added ankle support

  • Breathable and waterproof upper

Cons

  • Women’s designs have fewer colors

If you want something that will offer you superb support and protection as you explore the great outdoors, then look no further than the KEEN Targhee III Hiking Boots.

The 4-millimeter lugs will provide you with excellent grip on various terrains.

The over-the-ankle design with nubuck leather and nylon mesh work to keep your feet comfortable and dry throughout the hike thanks to the KEEN.DRY waterproof, breathable membrane.

You’ll also feel supported with the Targhee III EVA midsole and nylon shank, even on more challenging trails.

The rugged toe cap also protects your toes from any unexpected rock collisions that will likely happen at some point on your hike!

Do keep in mind that these boots run a half size small, according to the brand’s recommendations, so be sure to order them a size larger.

Pros

  • Comes with 4-mm lugs for gripping various terrain

  • Rugged toe cap

  • Great support

Cons

  • Runs a half-size to a full-size small

  • Not suitable for narrow feet

The Columbia Newton Ridge Plus Hiking Boots may not look as rugged looking as the other hiking shoes on this list, but what they lack in looks, they make up for in comfort.

These hiking boots feature a combination of mesh, leather, and suede. They are also quite light, weighing at just 370 grams per boot, impressive considering they have a heavy-duty rubber heel and partial toe cap for added protection.

These boots also have a short break-in period, meaning you can wear them right out of the box without too much trouble.

It is important to note that this shoe has little arch support and breathability. However, they are quite waterproof and will keep your feet dry when you cross rivers or streams. They are excellent for beginner hikers going on short treks that aren’t super technical.

Pros

  • Waterproof

  • Excellent traction

  • Good value

Cons

  • Lacking arch support

  • Runs narrow

Another shoe from Salomon makes our list: The X Ultra 3 Mid GTX Hiking Boot. These boots are super comfortable, and don’t take too long to break them in for your hike.

They offer a good balance between stability and being lightweight, as the boots are not heavy and bulky. Nevertheless, they still provide excellent ankle support and traction.

These boots are great for beginners because they easily handle different types of terrain.

On wetter trails, they hold onto your ankle with ease. There is little to no slipping on downhill slopes nor excessive pressure on the toes thanks to Vibram soles.

These hiking boots will keep your feet clean and dry and are durable enough to last several years of good use.

Pros

  • Suitable for many types of terrain

  • Good support

  • Lightweight and breathable

Cons

  • Sizes run wide

If your hiking shoe needs unbeatable waterproof protection and a roomy fit, then the Lowa Renegade GTX Mid Hiking Boots is your best bet. You’ll get GORE-TEX liners in these boots that will keep your feet dry in wet conditions.

It also comes with a polyurethane midsole, nubuck uppers, and a nylon shank that provides superior support to the over-the-ankle design.

This is perfect for beginners who may still be unsure with their footing, especially on uneven surfaces.

When using these shoes, it’s important to be mindful of where you step as there is no special toe reinforcement.

These boots weigh just over two pounds, which is lightweight enough for such a sturdy pair. Do keep in mind that these shoes require a break-in period, so it’s best to get them several weeks before your trip.

Pros

  • Keeps feet dry

  • Fits true to size

  • Removable insoles

Cons

  • Needs breaking in

  • No special toe reinforcement

If you need a zero-drop shoe, then the Altra Lone Peak 6 is a great place to start.

This shoe comes with a rock plate and wide toe box that allows you to navigate plenty of tough terrain, even in minimalist-style footwear.

This is an excellent shoe for ground stability and maneuverability. However, it may not be suitable for those with high arches or sensitive feet, which require more padding.

The Altra Lone Peak 6 is best for speedy, easy hikes and offers great traction for dry trails and steep inclines. They are responsive and comfortable but may perform less well on ice or wetter terrain, so choose wisely.

Pros

  • Zero drop

  • Wide toe box

  • Lightweight

Cons

  • May be too roomy

The Oboz Firebrand II BDry hiking shoes are perfect for you if you’re looking for shoes made of strong materials.

As far as hiking shoes go, these are as durable as they come. The upper is made from leather, which makes it more durable and comfortable than mesh around the ankle.

The nylon shank stiffens the sole, making it easier to traverse rocky terrain and boulders with ease.

However, with strength and durability comes weight. This is unavoidable when investing in a pair of sturdy hiking shoes.

Still, they aren’t too heavy at just 1lb per shoe, which is hardly a sacrifice considering how long they will last you.

Pros

  • Durable

  • Stay warm in cold weather

  • Provides great support

  • Stiff sole for uneven terrain

Cons

  • Heavy

HOKA has blown up in the hiking and trail running world — their supportive foam is known for their stability and strength. HOKA latest line-up provides the best alpine-worth performance known for maximum comfort.

Did I mention how lightweight it is and the fact that it is extremely reliable in wet and muddy conditions because of GORE-tex and Vibram’s MegaGrip rubber which means you could scramble all you want and have a firm grip on the steepest part of the trail.

The colours and vibrant colours are not your run-of-the-mill hiking shoes. It also really stands out in tough long terrain — think Annapurna circuit or thru-hiking the PCT!

Pros

  • Lightweight

  • Good stability

  • Waterproof

Cons

  • Size runs a bit small

This is the perfect lightweight hiking shoes if you’re a complete beginner!

The North Face Vectiv shoes not only keeps you moving swiftly with its lightweight design and responsive EVA midsole, but it also ensures our feet stay dry through the puddles and unexpected rainfalls.

They’re also pretty much ready to use with minimal break-ins needed. If you want a no-nonsense minimalist hiking shoe, these North Face ones are a great beginner-friendly for everyday trails.

Pros

  • Lightweight and effectivte

  • Good ankle support

  • No break in required

Cons

  • Soft sole

  • Runs a bit tight

The Bottom Line

Overall, beginner hiking shoes should have decent all-around features, from good support to weatherproofing and comfort.

There is no one brand that dominates when it comes to hiking shoes and boots, so we’ve made sure to include various brands below.

Whether you’re looking for super comfortable, weather-proof boots or something a bit more breathable and sturdy, you’re sure to find something on this list.

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