The 5 Best Hiking Shoes
A hiking shoe that feels fine on the shop floor can punish your toes on a descent. Check fit with the socks you will actually wear, then decide how often the trail is wet. A waterproof membrane can help in rain, but it usually gives up some breathability on warm, dry walks.
This shortlist contains men's low-cut variants. I would start with the breathable Merrell Moab 3 for mixed dry trails; KEEN Targhee 4 is the more protective waterproof choice. Adidas Anylander keeps the price down, its Rain.RDY version addresses wet grass, and Eastrail 3 is a simpler light-trail option. Compare the exact size and width offered, not just a familiar model name.
Our top 5 hiking shoes
Swipe to compare price, rating and best use →
| Product | Price | Rating | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
01 Merrell Moab 3Details ↓ | $84.99 | 4.6/5Amazon | Best breathable mixed-trail shoe |
02 KEEN Targhee 4 WaterproofDetails ↓ | $164.89 | 4.4/5Amazon | Best waterproof low-cut choice |
03 adidas Terrex AnylanderDetails ↓ | $56.88 | 4.5/5Amazon | Best inexpensive dry-trail option |
04 adidas Terrex Anylander Rain.RDYDetails ↓ | $65.07 | 4.4/5Amazon | Best lower-cost rain option |
05 adidas Terrex Eastrail 3Details ↓ | $56.00 | 4.6/5Amazon | Best simple light-trail spare |
01 — Merrell
Best breathable mixed-trail shoeMerrell Moab 3
The Moab 3 is the pair I would try first for ordinary day hikes on mixed dry ground. Its contoured footbed, protective toe and Vibram TC5+ outsole make a more complete walking package than the cheaper Adidas options.
That rank depends on fit, not a promise of universal comfort. This low shoe is not the waterproof version, and some feet will prefer a different heel or width. Leave room for downhill toe movement; if rain is routine, the Targhee 4 is the more logical starting point.
Specifications: Merrell Moab 3 product details ↗
View on Amazon ↗Day hikes on mostly dry, varied ground.
You need a waterproof upper or a different fit.
What I like
+Protective build and Vibram TC5+ outsole.
What to weigh
−Non-waterproof and fit remains personal.
02 — KEEN
Best waterproof low-cut choiceKEEN Targhee 4 Waterproof
KEEN's Targhee 4 is for a walker who expects muddy paths and repeated wet grass but does not want a high boot. Its waterproof construction gives this list a genuinely different use case from the breathable Moab.
I would not pay the higher current price for occasional puddles alone. The membrane can feel warmer, and no shoe seals out water poured over its low collar. Try the exact width and heel shape before treating waterproofing as the only buying criterion.
Specifications: KEEN Targhee IV waterproof product page ↗
View on Amazon ↗Regular wet trails in a low-cut shoe.
Most hikes happen in hot, dry weather.
What I like
+Waterproof low-cut construction.
What to weigh
−Higher price and less airflow.
03 — adidas
Best inexpensive dry-trail optionadidas Terrex Anylander
The standard Anylander gives a casual hiker a lugged Traxion outsole and a reinforced upper without paying for a membrane. I would take it on maintained, mostly dry paths before spending more for a feature I rarely need.
Its lower price explains the rank; it is not a shortcut to the Moab's underfoot feel or the KEEN's wet-weather protection. Check the toe box and actual sole grip on your terrain, particularly if the trail has slick rock rather than loose dirt.
Specifications: Exact Amazon product listing ↗
View on Amazon ↗Occasional walks on mostly dry maintained trails.
You regularly walk in rain or cold mud.
What I like
+Trail-oriented traction at a low cost.
What to weigh
−Less protection and weather coverage.
04 — adidas
Best lower-cost rain optionadidas Terrex Anylander Rain.RDY
The Rain.RDY Anylander adds a weather-focused upper to the affordable Anylander idea. It is a useful alternative when morning grass stays wet and the KEEN price is difficult to justify.
I would keep expectations realistic: a low collar still admits water from above, and a membrane may make summer walking hotter. Compare its exact sole and fit with the standard Anylander; the Rain.RDY name earns its place for a specific wet-day need, not as an automatic upgrade.
Specifications: Exact Amazon product listing ↗
View on Amazon ↗Budget walks through wet grass and light rain.
Hot, dry trails dominate your calendar.
What I like
+Weather-minded upper for less than KEEN.
What to weigh
−Low collar and reduced breathability.
05 — adidas
Best simple light-trail spareadidas Terrex Eastrail 3
Eastrail 3 is the straightforward low-price shoe for a short path, holiday walk or spare pair in the car. Its low-cut trail design avoids paying for a waterproof layer you may never use.
I place it fifth because the other shoes offer clearer reasons to choose them: Moab for all-round support, KEEN for water and Anylander for this guide's best cheap dry-trail value. Try Eastrail only if its shape fits your foot better than those options.
Specifications: Exact Amazon product listing ↗
View on Amazon ↗Shorter, easier trails and a low-cost spare pair.
You need wet-weather protection or more underfoot support.
What I like
+Simple trail shoe at a low price.
What to weigh
−Fewer standout features than the higher picks.
Price information
Amazon price and availability checked Oct 18, 2026, 12:03 AM Lisbon time. Prices and availability are subject to change; the information shown on Amazon.com at purchase applies.
Our process
How we picked.
We compare five relevant products for different needs, using documented specifications, clear use cases and practical trade-offs. Our goal is to make the differences clear and help you choose with confidence.
- 01Relevance
Each product must fit the guide’s intended use, audience and requirements.
- 02Specifications
We compare the key product details that meaningfully affect the buying decision.
- 03Use case and fit
We compare the intended use, configuration and practical fit of every selected product.
- 04Strengths and limitations
We explain where each option performs best and the compromises to consider.
Good questions
FAQ — Hiking Shoes
01Should I size up for hiking shoes?+
Allow toe room for downhill walking, but avoid a slipping heel. Try the shoes with your hiking socks and check the maker’s exact size and width chart.
02Is waterproof always better on a trail?+
No. A membrane helps with rain and wet vegetation, while a breathable non-waterproof upper may feel better in heat and dry conditions.
The short answer
Start with the Merrell Moab 3.
I recommend it for day hikes on mostly dry, varied ground. Choose something else if you need a waterproof upper or a different fit.
View on Amazon ↗Keep looking
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