%20(3).jpg)
All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.
It’s hard to get psyched for your next hike if all you have are some busted, mud-caked old boots. But if you’re short on time to find replacements, it can be even harder to get your hands on a pair that suits your plans and comes from a reputable brand. Luckily, lots of big names in outdoor gear (we’re looking at you, Merrell, Salomon, Keen, and Columbia) sell straight through Amazon, which famously ships ultra-fast, especially for Prime members.
Even with the convenience of the retailer’s delivery speeds, there are just so many hiking shoes on Amazon to comb through. So in the spirit of saving you some time (and getting you out on the trails ASAP), we did the combing for you. We selected the very best hiking boots and shoes you can order from Amazon, according to outdoor experts and SELF Sneaker Award testers. Check out our picks below, then read on for some key shopping tips for newbie hikers.
Our top picks
- Best Hiking Boot: Keen Targhee IV Mid
- Best Hiking Shoe: Merrell Moab Speed 2
- Best Budget Hiking Boot: Merrell Moab 3 Mid
- Best Budget Hiking Shoe: Columbia Novo Trail Shoe
- Best Hiking Sandal: Teva Hurricane XLT2 Sandal
- Best for Cold Weather Hikes: Oboz Bridger 7" Insulated B-DRY Waterproof Hiking Boot
- Best Boot for Spring Hikes: Salomon Outpulse Mid Gore-Tex
Shop the best hiking shoes on Amazon
Happy feet mean happy trails—shop the hiking shoes on Amazon below, then get out there.
Best Hiking Boot: Keen Targhee IV Mid
Pros
- Comfortable
- Protective toe bumper
- Supportive ankle shaft
- Extremely durable
Cons
- Heavy
A previous version of the Keen Targhee won a SELF Sneaker Award in 2023 for its impressive waterproofing, durability, and support. Our tester said they could see them wearing their pair year-round, noting that they make up for their slight clunkiness with sheer comfort. “It took me a few moments to get my rhythm down, but once I did, I was in a great, sturdy stride that felt supported and confident,” they said.
The Keen Targhee IV (a bestseller in its own right) takes what we loved about the Targhee III and improves upon it with a more abrasion-resistant outsole that’s less likely to delaminate (a.k.a. when your boot’s sole separates from the rest of the shoe). That means you can enjoy your boots for more miles and more seasons without visible wear and tear.
Product specs
Sizes: US 5 to 12 | Widths: Medium and wide | Materials: Nubuck leather, mesh, polyurethane (PU), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) | Weight: 16.58 ounces | Lug height: N/A | Waterproof
Best Hiking Shoe: Merrell Moab Speed 2
Pros
- Great traction
- Comfortable out of the box
- Stylish
Cons
- Not built for rugged trails
This 2024 Sneaker Award–winning hiking shoe carried our tester over meadows, state forests, seashores, pavement and prairie-like terrain without aggravating her plantar fasciitis or roll-prone ankles. “They were so comfortable and breathable in all environments. My feet felt cushioned and supported, but the shoes were still lightweight and easy to slip on,” she said. “I didn’t think about them much at all, actually! And I didn’t get any blisters, pain, or discomfort.
Product specs
Sizes: US 5 to 11 | Widths: Medium and wide | Materials: Nylon ripstop, TPU, synthetic materials, mesh, ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), Vibram rubber | Weight: 9.70 ounces | Lug height: 4 millimeters
Best Budget Hiking Boot: Merrell Moab 3 Mid
Pros
- Under $150
- Extremely comfortable
- Protective design
- Deep lugs
Cons
- Some Amazon reviewers disliked the arch support placement
Myriam Bishop, a backpacking guide for Wildland Trekking Company, previously told SELF that Merrel’s Moab hiking boot is unique in its ability to “comfortably accommodate the highest number of hikers,” adding that “[the Moab is] extremely comfortable regardless of terrain and length of hike.” You need only check the specs to see what Bishop meant:
It’s designed for challenging terrain, with deep lugs along its outsole, but is noticeably lighter than our overall pick. It has protective features like a durable heel counter and rubber toe cap, but it’s super comfy on the inside, with a footbed that molds to your foot over time.
Product specs
Sizes: US 5 to 12 | Widths: Medium and wide | Materials: Leather, mesh, synthetic materials, nylon, EVA foam, Vibram rubber | Weight: 13.57 | Lug height: 5 millimeters | Waterproof version available
Best Budget Hiking Shoe: Columbia Novo Trail Shoe
Pros
- Under $80
- Cushy yet energetic feel underfoot
- Moisture- and stain-resistant
Cons
- Best for light terrain—not suitable for muddy or rocky conditions
Columbia’s Novo Trail Shoe is a flexible, breathable hiker that, as far as hiking footwear goes, won’t break the bank. (Read: It’s well under $100.) It’s an especially good pick for anyone who finds most trail shoes too firm—it has plenty of cushioning through the midsole and shock-absorbing padding directly under the forefoot and heel.
The Novo also has some high-quality performance-driven details, like water resistance for when the weather gets drizzly, as well as a grippy outsole.
Product specs
Sizes: US 5 to 12 | Widths: Medium and wide | Materials: Mesh, synthetic materials, foam, rubber | Weight: 8.30 ounces | Lug height: N/A
Best Hiking Sandal: Teva Hurricane XLT2 Sandal
.png)
Pros
- Thick outsole
- Secure, adjustable straps
- Available in lots of cute colors
- Under $100
Cons
- Debris can get caught in the Velcro straps
A good hiking sandal can come in handy during warm weather hikes, water sports, or summertime jaunts around town—if you don’t have a pair in your closet already, here’s your sign to give one a try. Our top recommendation? Teva’s Hurricane XLT2, a surprisingly rugged sandal that wowed our tester when she wore it for days at a time. It kept her feet comfy for hours, whether she was trekking on muddy trails, taking a dip in the river, or strolling cobblestone streets.
“They’re durable, lightweight (clocking in just under one pound), and have solid traction for a sandal,” she wrote in her review. “I could wear them anywhere.”
Product specs
Sizes: US 5 to 14 | Widths: Medium | Materials: Synthetic materials, polyester, EVA, nylon, rubber | Weight: 7.75 ounces | Lug height: N/A
Best for Cold Weather Hikes: Oboz Bridger 7" Insulated B-DRY Waterproof Hiking Boot
Pros
- Very grippy
- Stabilizing design
- Excellent insulation
- Removable insole
Cons
- Very heavy
For those who brave (or crave) frigid temps to get back to nature, an insulated, especially grippy boot is needed. Lisa Holcomb, owner and winter adventure guide at Wander the Whites in New Hampshire, previously recommended Oboz’s Bridger winter hiking boot to SELF, noting how warm, supported, and comfortable it kept her feet. “The removable arch support is top notch and very important to me because it helps protect my heels from plantar fasciitis tendencies on long days,” she said.
In addition to its high-traction rubber outsole, the entire shoe sits on a wide platform, which will further stabilize your foot when the terrain gets tricky or icy.
Product specs
Sizes: US 5.5 to 11 | Widths: Medium and wide | Materials: Nubuck leather, mesh, synthetic fibers, EVA, TPU, nylon, winterized rubber | Weight: 20.50 ounces | Lug height: N/A | Waterproof
Best Boot for Spring Hikes: Salomon Outpulse Mid Gore-Tex
Pros
- Great in wet conditions
- Lightweight for a hiking boot
Cons
- Only available in one width
This 2022 Sneaker Award–winner has a fully waterproof, Gore-Tex membrane to lock out moisture, and no insulation—that combo makes it a great pick for the often-damp, not-too-chilly conditions of springtime (and fall, depending where you live). Our tester wore their pair on a rainy hike to a waterfall (talk about a double whammy) and found that the Outpulse performed great through puddles and over slippery rocks.
We also appreciate how light this boot is, with a weight that’s comparable to some trail running shoes. That’ll help you stay nimble and avoid foot fatigue—all the better to enjoy the mild weather and great scenery.
Product specs
Sizes: US 5 to 12 | Widths: Medium | Materials: Synthetic materials, polyurethane (PU) foam, EVA, TPU, rubber | Weight: 11.60 ounces | Lug height: N/A | Waterproof
Hiking shoes vs. hiking boots—which are right for you?
If you like to spend lots of time outside year-round, there’s definitely space in your closet for a pair of hiking boots and shoes. As SELF has previously reported, boots are best suited for longer, more challenging hikes where your feet and ankles may need additional support. You should also opt for boots if you’re carrying a heavy backpack or navigating steep terrain, Ed Zebrowski, a product specialist at REI, previously told SELF.
Meanwhile, a low-cut hiking shoe or sneaker can feel better on moderate or light terrain, where you don’t need the same amount of support and protection. Plus, they tend to be lighter-weight and more breathable than boots, so some may simply find them more comfortable.
| Hiking shoes | Hiking boots | |
|---|---|---|
| Shaft | Low-cut | Mid- and high-cut |
| Pros | Lightweight, easy to pull on, sneaker-like comfort | Supportive through the foot and ankle, more protective |
| Cons | Lacking ankle supportGenerally less rugged and protective | HeavierLess breathable, can feel stiff |
| Best for | Light-to-moderate terrain, trail-to-town outings, faster paces | Challenging or steep terrain, heavy loads, additional ankle support |
What to look for when shopping for hiking boots and shoes
Whether you’re shopping for boots or shoes, there are a few main design elements to pay close attention to in order to find the best pair for how you like to hike.
Outsole
Start at the bottom and check out your shoe’s outsole, which should be made of grippy rubber. There should also be some kind of tread or lug pattern, which will help you keep your footing on uneven surfaces. Generally speaking, the deeper the lugs are, the better the traction. If you’re heading out on muddy or variable trails, look for footwear with deep lugs set at sharp angles (to better “bite” into the ground and hold you steady). If your hike will be on the mellower side or take place in good conditions, you can wear shoes with shallower lugs.
Support
SELF has previously reported that hiking footwear is like any other pair of walking shoes—it should support your arch properly, meaning it hugs your midfoot without propping it up too high or allowing it to collapse. If your ankles tend to roll while you hike, choose a pair of boots with a high or mid-height shaft to hold them in place.
Materials
The materials that make up your hiking boots have a major impact on how comfortable and protected your feet will be during your outings. For a comfy feel, look for pairs made with breathable materials like mesh through the upper, to keep air flowing to your toes and prevent swampy feet. Some hikers like the feel of leather hiking boots because they break in over time, eventually molding to the shape of their individual foot (others dislike them because they can feel stiff out of the box).
One undeniable perk of leather boots is that they offer some degree of waterproofing. You can also find that in shoes made with Gore-Tex and other water-tight membranes. This is a key feature if you frequently hike in wet, rainy, or snowy conditions.
As far as protection goes, keep an eye out for additional rubber around the exterior of the boot. A thick rubber cap around the boot’s toe and rearfoot will save your toes if you stub them against sharp rocks and protect your heels from snagging on hard roots.
Where else can you find great hiking footwear online?
Amazon is certainly a top-notch source of hiking shoes and boots. It ships fast and often offers discounts on its goods. But if your pair of choice isn’t available at the retailer (or you prefer to shop elsewhere), you have lots of other options. REI, Backcountry, and Public Lands are some of the most popular online outdoor retailers (plus REI has brick-and-mortar stores all around the country). If it’s hiking deals you’re after, check out REI’s outlet and Steep & Cheap (Backcountry’s outlet site); as well as sites that specialize in past-season, discontinued, and overstocked gear like Sierra, Outdoor Gear Exchange, and Camp Saver.
Related:
- The Best Hoka Shoes, According to Podiatrists
- Some Truly Great Walking Shoes You Can Buy on Amazon
- 20 of the Best Lululemon Dupes on Amazon
Get more of SELF’s great product recommendations delivered right to your inbox (for free!).
