Choosing the right hiking shoe comes down to terrain, weather, and personal fit. This guide compares the most talked-about brands for the UK market, including Scarpa, The North Face, Columbia, and Keen, with evidence from expert reviews and independent test labs.
What Are the Best Hiking Shoes for Women and Men?
Best for Women
Top picks from Columbia, Keen, Scarpa, and North Face for women’s hiking shoes.
Best for Men
Top picks from Columbia, Keen, Scarpa, and North Face for men’s hiking shoes.
Best Value UK
Affordable options from Sports Direct (Regatta, Karrimor) and online deals.
Key Feature Focus
Waterproof, lightweight, durable – which matters most for your hike?
- Hiking shoes are the most versatile choice for day hikes and well-maintained trails, offering a balance of comfort, weight, and traction.
- For UK hikers, waterproofing is a top priority due to wet conditions; Gore-Tex remains the gold standard.
- Scarpa and North Face deliver premium durability, while Columbia and Keen offer excellent value and eco-friendly options.
- The choice between shoes and boots depends on ankle support needs, terrain difficulty, and pack weight.
| Brand | Key Model | Waterproof | Weight | Best For | Price Range (UK) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Columbia | Trailstorm | Yes (Omni-Tech) | ~340g | Women & Men | £70–£100 |
| Keen | Targhee III | Yes (Keen.Dry) | ~400g | Women | £90–£120 |
| Scarpa | Mojito | Yes (Gore-Tex) | ~380g | Men | £140–£170 |
| North Face | Vectiv | Yes (Futurelight) | ~310g | Unisex | £130–£160 |
Are Hiking Shoes Better Than Boots or Trail Runners?
Hiking shoes vs boots: what changes
Hiking shoes sit between boots and trail runners in weight and support. They lack the ankle coverage of a boot but are noticeably lighter and more flexible. For day hikes on well-graded paths, many walkers find shoes more comfortable than boots, especially in warmer months. Boots still offer better stability for carrying heavy loads or tackling uneven, rocky ground.
Hiking shoes vs trail runners: the line blurs
Trail runners are built for running, which means softer cushioning and less durable uppers. Hiking shoes use stiffer midsoles and tougher materials, often including protective toe caps. According to The Hiking Life, hiking shoes have a tougher construction, with stiffer outsoles and midsoles, plus synthetic or leather uppers that offer more durability than trail runners. That trade-off matters if you regularly hike on loose stone or through muddy sections.
When to choose shoes over boots
If your typical walk is a half-day on maintained trails, and you do not carry a heavy pack, hiking shoes are often the better choice. They pack lighter in a bag, dry faster after wet crossings, and cause less fatigue over distance. For UK conditions, the deciding factor is often ankle support: if you have weak ankles or walk on very uneven terrain, boots may still be the safer option. A dedicated Best Hiking Boots (comparison) can help if you decide you need more ankle support.
Waterproof shoes are usually less breathable and sometimes heavier, while lighter shoes tend to be more flexible and faster but less protective. The Salomon X Ultra 5 GTX is praised for combining running-shoe-like lightness with hiking-shoe stability and waterproof Gore-Tex protection. The Keen Zionic WP is lightweight and flexible, but one review warns it may wear more quickly.
Which Hiking Shoe Brands Are Most Reliable?
Scarpa: built for technical terrain
Scarpa has a strong reputation for technical performance and durability. The Great Outdoors lists the Scarpa Rapid XT as its best approach shoe, describing it as high-quality and confidence-inspiring, with a Vibram MegaGrip sole and a Gore-Tex version available. Backpacker also names a Scarpa model, the Scarpa Moraine Low, among its men’s best hiking shoes, calling it the “beefiest low-top.” That suggests a more robust, protective design than lightweight trail shoes. Scarpa is a strong option if you want a shoe for scrambling or more structured terrain.
Keen: comfort and wide-fit appeal
Keen is one of the most consistently recommended brands in expert roundups for 2025-2026. The Keen Targhee IV is called Best Value by Backpacker, and Switchback Travel notes that Keen’s waterproof version costs more but remains a respected option for trail use. The Great Outdoors also highlights the Keen Zionic WP as a lightweight, flexible shoe suited to fast and light non-technical hikes, with the main potential downside being faster wear. Keen models are repeatedly noted for comfort and roomier fit; women’s reviews also mention wide-foot friendliness.
The North Face: less presence in top rankings
In the major 2025-2026 expert roundups, The North Face does not appear as a top-ranked hiking-shoe brand across the review sites examined. That does not mean the brand produces poor shoes, but the evidence from sources such as OutdoorGearLab, Switchback Travel, and CleverHiker suggests that Salomon, Keen, Scarpa, and Merrell are favoured more strongly for performance-led hiking footwear. The North Face may still suit walkers who prefer the brand’s design or who hike mostly on easy, well-marked paths.
Columbia: budget-friendly but not premium
Columbia is generally more visible in budget recreational hiking footwear than in the top-tier technical or ultralight categories. The current expert best-of lists for 2025-2026 do not place Columbia among the premium picks, but the brand offers reliable entry-level shoes at accessible prices. For a first pair of hiking shoes or occasional use on easy trails, Columbia is a practical option.
A familiar name does not automatically mean a top-performing hiking shoe. Expert roundups from OutdoorGearLab, Backpacker, and Switchback Travel consistently rank Salomon, Keen, Scarpa, and Merrell higher for technical performance than The North Face or Columbia, even though those brands are better known in general outdoor apparel.
Where Can I Buy Hiking Shoes in the UK?
Sports Direct carries a wide selection of budget to mid-range hiking shoes, including Regatta and Karrimor, though the site offers little editorial guidance or brand comparison. Specialist retailers such as Cotswold Outdoor and Ellesse provide more curated selections and staff advice. Online, the best independent review sites for hiking shoe data are OutdoorGearLab, which runs lab tests and publishes detailed pros and cons, and Switchback Travel, which offers comparative reviews with a focus on durability and fit.
If you want to try before you buy, visiting a shop with a dedicated walking footwear section is worthwhile. Many hikers find that fit varies significantly between brands. Keen, for example, tends to run wider, while Scarpa models fit more snugly. In-store testing can save time and reduce the chance of blisters on the trail.
How Have Hiking Shoes Evolved Over Time?
- 1990s: Trail runners emerge as lighter alternative to boots.
- 2000s: Waterproof membranes become standard in hiking shoes.
- 2010s: Brands like Scarpa and La Sportiva enter hiking shoe market with high-tech designs.
- 2020s: Sustainability (Keen, Columbia) and carbon-neutral soles gain traction.
- 2025: Current models focus on weight reduction, improved grip, and eco-materials.
What Is Known and Unknown About Hiking Shoe Performance?
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Hiking shoes are generally not as supportive as boots for heavy loads or ankle instability – this is a well-established trade-off. | Brand durability is subjective; Scarpa and North Face are consistently rated high, but individual fit and comfort remain personal. |
| Waterproof claims vary: Gore-Tex and proprietary membranes are reliable, but breathability differs; user reviews and lab tests offer the most certainty. | Best ‘value’ depends on sales and stock; Sports Direct offers budget options but limited premium choices. |
Why Have Hiking Shoes Become So Popular?
Hiking shoes have grown in popularity as lightweight alternatives to boots, especially for day hikers and fastpackers. The UK market is driven by wet conditions and varied terrain, making waterproofing and grip critical. Brands like Columbia and Keen dominate the mid-range, while Scarpa and North Face cater to serious enthusiasts. The lack of a single authoritative UK-focused comparison creates an opportunity for a comprehensive guide that also addresses retail availability.
What Do the Experts Say About Hiking Shoes?
Hiking shoes have a tougher construction – the outsole and midsole are stiffer, and the protective toe caps and synthetic/leather uppers offer more durability than trail runners.
The Hiking Life
La Sportiva TX4 Evo: This approach shoe is popular among hikers and climbers for its durable build, comfort, and unbeatable traction.
OutdoorGearLab
Which Hiking Shoe Should You Choose?
The best hiking shoe for you depends on the terrain you walk most often, the weight you carry, and your foot shape. For day hikes on wet UK trails, a waterproof model like the Keen Targhee IV or Salomon X Ultra 5 GTX is a strong all-rounder. If you need more technical support for scrambling, Scarpa offers durable, structured options. For lighter use or a tighter budget, Columbia provides reliable entry-level footwear. For a deeper look at keeping your feet dry, see our Waterproof Footwear Guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are hiking shoes good for everyday walking?
Yes, many hiking shoes are comfortable enough for city walking, but they may be stiffer and warmer than casual sneakers.
Do I need waterproof hiking shoes for day hikes?
In the UK, waterproofing is highly recommended due to frequent rain and muddy conditions. For dry, well-maintained trails, non-waterproof shoes can be more breathable.
How long do hiking shoes typically last?
Depending on usage and terrain, hiking shoes usually last 300–500 miles. Premium models (Scarpa, North Face) often exceed 500 miles.
Can I use hiking shoes for trail running?
Hiking shoes are designed for walking and moderate scrambling, not for running. For trail running, dedicated trail runners are lighter and more flexible.
How do I choose the right hiking shoes?
Consider the terrain, pack weight, and your foot shape. For wet UK trails, prioritise waterproofing. For light day hikes, a lighter, non-waterproof shoe may be more comfortable.
What are the most waterproof hiking shoes?
Models with Gore-Tex membranes, such as the Salomon X Ultra 5 GTX and Scarpa Rapid XT, are consistently rated highly for waterproofing in expert tests.
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