Best Shoes for Hiking: The Ultimate Guide
The best shoes for hiking have to deliver a lot on trail days. It starts with comfort, and not comfort that quits halfway up. The next must-have is grip that can handle whatever the terrain has in store—rocky patches, mud and more. And lastly, support for your ankles and insteps.
That is where Skechers come in. Add lugged outsoles, protective overlays and water-repellent or waterproofing to comfy, supportive inners, and you get the best hiking trainers that keep on performing.
The key is matching the shoe to your terrain.
Best hiking shoes for women
Great cushioning, stability, traction and a fit that doesn’t punish the toes, this is just some of what goes into the best hiking shoes for women. From there, it’s about choosing your style and the hike ahead.
- Lighter, trainer-style hiking shoes: These are great for fast walks, mixed terrain and if you like less bulk on your feet. Styles like the GO RUN Trail Altitude 2.0, D’Lux Journey Trail Running or Hillcrest Trail Running are some of Skechers best hiking trainers if you like to keep things light.
- For more structure and protection: Headed out for a more serious hike? Go for a hiking boot shape with a higher collar and a protective upper. Skechers Trego, Yana and Max styles all deliver serious hiking boot strength.
- For comfort: If your feet tire out easily after a day on the trails, keep an eye out for styles with extra cushioned footbeds like Air-Cooled Memory Foam and easy-wearing fits. Together, they take the strain off heels and arches. For comfort, some of the best Skechers hiking shoes for ladies will prioritise cushion and traction.
Quick tip: Do you mainly stick to maintained or easier trails? Choose lighter trail walking shoes with a sneaker vibe. If you hike rocky or wet trails, waterproof, more structured pairs will be your friend.
Best hiking shoes for men
For men, the sweet spot in a hiking shoe is usually stability, toughness and great grip. But without sacrificing comfort. Skechers’ hiking shoes put a lot of focus on comfort cushioning (great if your feet tire out easily). Coupled with grippy outsoles and you get a great pair of shoes for the trail.
If your hikes are mostly day routes, you can opt for lighter pairs. If you’re tackling more mixed terrain, keep an eye out for deeper lugs, protective toe/heel overlays and waterproofing if you need it. Here are some of the best Skechers shoes for hiking:
- For the ultimate comfort and support: A great all-rounder hiking shoe with a water-repellent style upper and a cushioned Air-Cooled Memory Foam insole. It’s a great choice for day hikes, travel or even just everyday.
- If you prefer the feel of a boot: Skechers Relment might just be the pick for you. A water repellent style and roomier fit are perfect if you hate cramped toe boxes.
- Shoes for hiking on muddy and wet trails: Waterproof styles offer a roomy fit and a really grippy outsole. Headed out on trails that are damp or muddy? This might just be the perfect option.
If you’re trying to decide on the best Skechers for hiking, here’s a guide:
- If you’re hiking in mud, rain or on uneven ground, prioritise waterproof shoes with deeper lugs and a more structured build.
- If your hikes are mostly on dry paths or you want a pair for travel and everyday wear, prioritise lighter trail styles with plenty of cushioning.
FAQs on hiking shoes
Not sure what to look for? These common questions will help you find the best shoes for hiking that fit your feet and your trail.
Basically, comfort, grip and support. You want a stable base, a sole that bites the ground and stops you from sliding. Plus, an upper that doesn’t rub or compress the foot too hard.
Match the shoe to the trail. Light trail shoes for easy routes, more structured waterproof hikers if you’re tackling rough, wet, or rocky terrain that day.
Snug in the heel, roomy at the toes. Your foot should not slide forward on descents, and your toes should have space without bumping up against the front.
9 hiking tips and tricks
Here you will find 9 tips and tricks for breaking in new hiking shoes to make the most of every hike:
- Break in a new pair of hiking shoes or boots at home before you head off on a major trek. Wear them around the house, then take them out on a few short walks. Wearing them like this helps break in any stiffer spots that might rub if you start off cold.
- Use micro-goals. Pick a landmark 2–5 minutes ahead and only hike to that. Then reset the goal. It keeps your brain out of the “how far is left?” spiral and makes climbs feel shorter.
- Always use proper hiking socks, not thin cotton ones. A thicker, wicking sock can make all the difference when it comes to foot fatigue.
- Do a 30-second check when you start. Phone, key, card/cash, water and a basic snack. It’s amazing how many hikes get wrecked by one missing item you only notice 20 minutes in.
- Lace for the trail. Tightening through the midfoot can make you more stable. Looser at the toes is the way to go if the shoes are pressing in over the end of the foot. Heel-lock lacing helps with steep downhills.
- Watch your step. Rubber lugs help, but wet rock and slick roots can still surprise you. Take shorter steps and keep your weight centred.
- Try the “quiet minute” when you arrive. Listen and have a look around. You’ll notice more nature and wildlife, and the moment will stick far longer than any selfie.
- For families: the best hiking shoes for kids are the ones that fit properly, have a grippy sole, and are easy to secure (good laces or strong straps). Protection and comfort will win every time.
- Clean them after muddy hikes. A quick rinse and a soft brush keep the outsole biting and help the uppers last.
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