The best hiking shoes
We compared the best hiking shoes and boots to find the most comfortable, waterproof and sure-footed models on any terrain.
Our #1 pick
Salomon
Meilleur choix global
$370.07
The right hiking shoe is the one you forget on your feet: enough support for the terrain, enough flexibility to eat up the kilometres, and reliable grip on rock, roots and mud.
Low or high-cut, waterproof or breathable: the right choice depends on your outings. Our selection covers light trail walking, serious mountain hiking and fast trail running.
We hike Quebec's trails year-round. This ranking is based on real specs (sole, membrane, weight) and our field experience, from Gaspésie park to the Adirondacks.
Salomon
Salomon Men's X Ultra 5 Mid GTX Hiking Shoe, Black/Asphalt/Castlerock, 10.5
La référence polyvalente : accroche exceptionnelle, maintien précis et confort immédiat. Parfaite pour la majorité des randonneurs.
Pros
- Accroche Contagrip excellente
- Maintien et précision
- Confortable dès la sortie de la boîte
Cons
- Prix plus élevé
Manufacturer description
- •Conquer your ascents and master your descents with confidence.
- •Grip and Traction
- •Protective
- •Stability
Specifications
- Color
- Black/Asphalt/Castlerock
- Size
- 10.5
- Quantity
- 1
Price and details provided by Amazon at display time — may vary. Affiliate link.
Merrell
MERRELL Men's Moab 3 Hiking Shoe, Walnut, 9.5 W US
La chaussure de rando la plus vendue au monde, et pour cause : confortable, durable et abordable. Un choix sûr pour débuter comme pour durer.
Pros
- Confort immédiat
- Excellent rapport qualité-prix
- Version imperméable disponible
Cons
- Accroche correcte sans être exceptionnelle
Manufacturer description
- •Pig Suede Leather And Breathable Mesh Upper
- •100% Recycled Laces And Webbing
- •Bellows Tongue Keeps Out Debris
- •Kinetic Fit Advanced Removable Contoured Footbed With Reinforced Heel Cushioning For Medium Support
- •Merrell Air Cushion In The Heel Absorbs Shock And Adds Stability
Specifications
- Color
- Walnut
- Size
- 9.5 Wide
- Quantity
- 1
Price and details provided by Amazon at display time — may vary. Affiliate link.
Columbia
Columbia Mens Newton Ridge Plus II Waterproof Hiking Boot, Elk/Black, 11 Wide
Une botte montante imperméable à petit prix : du maintien à la cheville et de la protection pour les sentiers accidentés, sans se ruiner.
Pros
- Prix abordable
- Maintien de la cheville
- Imperméable
Cons
- Plus lourde
- Moins respirante
Manufacturer description
- •ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY: Columbia Men's Newton Ridge Plus II Waterproof Hiking Boot features our lightweight, durable midsole for long lasting comfort, superior cushioning, and high energy return as well as an advanced traction rubber sole for slip-free movement on rough ground.
- •HANDY FEATURES: Treacherous days out on the trail are comfortable and worry-free with this boot's waterproof full-grain leather and mesh bootie construction and its durable mesh tongue for breathability.
- •ADJUSTABLE FEATURES: The Newton Ridge Plus II Waterproof Hiking Boot features a lace-up closure for an adjustable, secure fit.
- •VERSATILE STYLE: This men's waterproof hiking boot delivers style and durability with its contrasting color combinations and soft mesh exterior.
- •OMNI-GRIP: This multi-terrain traction system matches specially formulated compounds and treads to specific environments. A dual-zone winter tread pattern ensures solid footing on surfaces such as ice and snow.
Specifications
- Color
- Elk/Black
- Size
- 11 Wide
- Quantity
- 1
Price and details provided by Amazon at display time — may vary. Affiliate link.
KEEN
KEEN Mens Targhee 2 Low Height Waterproof Hiking Shoes, Cascade Brown/Golden Yellow, 10.5 US
Robuste et large à l’avant-pied : idéale pour les pieds forts et les longues journées. La protection des orteils est un vrai plus en terrain rocheux.
Pros
- Confort pour pieds larges
- Protection des orteils
- Durable
Cons
- Un peu lourde
- Coupe volumineuse
Manufacturer description
- •WATERPROOF: KEEN.DRY a waterproof, breathable membrane lets vapor out without letting water in; Durable waterproof protection stands up to wet weather, and the lug outsole adds traction
- •TRACTION: KEEN ALL-TERRAIN rubber outsole provides high-traction grip in muddy environments and on rocky surfaces; Non-marking rubber outsoles leaves no trace or imprints when walking indoors
- •SUPPORT & COMFORT: External stability shank offers lightweight support for improved mobility and torsion control on uneven surfaces; Cushioned collar reduces irritation and discomfort around ankle; Mesh lining helps keep feet cool in warmer environments
- •FIT & COMFORT: This internal support mechanism is anatomically engineered to provide excellent arch support and cradle the original form of the foot; This style runs a 1/2 size small; We suggest ordering a 1/2 size larger than your usual size
- •CARE TIPS: To treat day to day wear and tear, especially on lighter color leathers, we recommend using a leather cleaner and conditioner, found at most footwear dealers and/or shoe repair shops
Specifications
- Color
- Cascade Brown/ Golden Yellow
- Size
- 10.5
- Quantity
- 1
Price and details provided by Amazon at display time — may vary. Affiliate link.
Salomon
Salomon Men's Speedcross 6 GTX Sneaker, Black/Black/Phantom, 9
Crampons agressifs pour mordre dans la boue, la terre et la neige. Le choix des coureurs et randonneurs rapides en terrain gras.
Pros
- Accroche redoutable en terrain meuble
- Légère et dynamique
- Idéale trail
Cons
- Crampons moins utiles sur roche sèche
Manufacturer description
- •Unparalleled grip and precise, comfortable fit.
- •Fit
- •Gore-Tex
- •Grip
Specifications
- Color
- Black/Black/Phantom
- Size
- 9
- Quantity
- 1
Price and details provided by Amazon at display time — may vary. Affiliate link.
THE NORTH FACE
THE NORTH FACE Men's Ultra 112 Waterproof Hiking Shoe, Blk/Blk, 13
Étanche et confortable pour les sentiers humides du Québec. Un bon équilibre entre protection et légèreté.
Pros
- Imperméable
- Bon équilibre poids/protection
- Style polyvalent
Cons
- Accroche moyenne sur roche mouillée
Manufacturer description
- •TRAIL READY: A rugged, durable and comfortable update to our Ultra line, the Men's Ultra 112 Waterproof Shoes have our iconic trail DNA along with a great fit and visible tech details.
- •WATERPROOF DURABILITY: With a rugged upper made of tough ripstop and spacer mesh, real and synthetic leather, plus a waterproof DryVent membrane, these hiking boots for men are highly durable and built to keep your feet dry mile after mile.
- •COMFORT & SUPPORT: The resilient EVA midsole, supported by a reinforced shank and heel cradle, offers stability with each stride. A padded and moulded collar delivers a secure, comfortable fit that goes the distance.
- •MADE FOR THE TRAIL: Multilayered overlays provide robust toe and forefoot protection, while durable SURFACE CTRL rubber outsoles with aggressive 5mm lugs provide optimal grip and versatility — from gravel paths to mountain slopes.
- •TAKE ON THE DAY: An essential closet staple, these men's hiking shoes are a go-to classic for outdoor exploration. Start living your outdoor lifestyle while proudly wearing the badge of exploration with The North Face.
Specifications
- Color
- Tnf Black/Tnf Black
- Size
- 13
- Quantity
- 1
Price and details provided by Amazon at display time — may vary. Affiliate link.
CC-Los
CC-Los Men's Waterproof Lightweight Hiking Shoes, Black, 9.5 Wide
Une option économique et étanche pour la randonnée occasionnelle : l’essentiel du confort et de la protection à prix doux.
Pros
- Prix abordable
- Imperméable
- Suffisante pour débuter
Cons
- Durabilité variable
- Accroche moyenne
Manufacturer description
- •Eco-friendly suede leather and mesh upper promote airflow, prevent excessive accumulation of foot sweat, help reduce foot odor, and provide all-day comfort.
- •Memory foam sockliner and lightweight non slip rubber outsole ensure optimal support and traction on any terrain.
- •Waterproof design helps keep your feet dry in wet outdoor conditions, perfect for outdoor adventure activities.
- •Reinforced toe cap and durable construction increase safety and stability on rugged trails and rocky terrain.
- •Excellent comfort and durability, making it an ideal choice for outdoor enthusiasts.
Specifications
- Color
- Black
- Size
- 9.5 Wide
- Quantity
- 1
Price and details provided by Amazon at display time — may vary. Affiliate link.
How to choose
Low, mid or high cut: which ankle height?
The height of the upper determines ankle support. A low-cut shoe — light and flexible — favours agility and speed on smooth trails: it's the choice of fast hikers and trail runners. A high cut wraps the ankle and reassures on rough terrain, with a heavy pack or lots of elevation gain — at the cost of a little weight and flexibility.
In practice, most all-round hikers find the right balance in a mid-cut shoe: enough sturdiness for technical descents over rock and roots, enough freedom to rack up the kilometres. If you're starting out or mostly walk maintained forest trails, a low-cut shoe is plenty.
Leather or synthetic: which material?
Leather (full-grain or nubuck) offers excellent sturdiness, strong abrasion resistance and good protection from branches and gravel; it needs some breaking in and dries more slowly. Synthetic materials — mesh and polyester — are lighter, more breathable and dry fast, but wear out sooner. Many models combine both to get the best of each material.
On waterproofing: a Gore-Tex-type membrane keeps feet dry in mud, dew and bad weather, but reduces breathability and airflow in the heat. In dry, warm conditions, a membrane-free, more breathable shoe limits sweat and moisture inside.
The sole: grip, cushioning and stiffness
Grip comes from the outsole: rubber-gum soles like Vibram, with deep lugs, bite into slopes, wet rock and gravel. Underfoot, an EVA foam midsole provides cushioning and shock absorption at the heel — generous padding protects the joints on long hikes and descents.
Sole stiffness is a trade-off: the stiffer it is, the better it protects from obstacles and stabilises the foot under load; the softer it is, the more natural and fast the stride. For serious mountain hiking or multi-day trekking, favour a stiff build; for light walking and trail, a flexible sole is more pleasant.
The right fit (and the right socks)
A good fit leaves a finger's width in front of the toes: on descents the foot slides forward, and cramped toes end up bruised. Try shoes on at the end of the day, with feet slightly swollen, wearing the socks you'll hike in. A precise lacing system — eyelets, hooks or a Quicklace-type quick lace — locks the heel and stops the foot from moving.
Socks are part of the gear: a technical merino wool sock wicks away sweat, reduces friction and prevents blisters far better than cotton. Keep a few bandages in your pack: at the first hot spot, stop, protect the skin, and avoid pain that would ruin the outing.
Match the shoe to your outings
There's no single right pair of shoes, but a right shoe for each use. For short outings and smooth trail, a light low-cut shoe is enough. For mountain hiking with elevation gain, sustained climbs and heavier loads, a high cut and stiff sole add support and protection. For trail and fast walking, go for lightness, agility and good cushioning.
In Quebec as everywhere, also match the shoe to the season and terrain: muddy spring trails, dry summer rock, carpets of roots in the forest. A well-chosen shoe, in the right material and the right fit, will carry you on all your adventures for hundreds of kilometres before showing signs of wear.
Frequently asked questions
Low or high-cut hiking shoes for beginners?
For starting out on maintained trails without a heavy load, a low or mid-cut shoe is enough: it's lighter, more flexible and needs less breaking in. Save the high cut for rough terrain, long hikes with a big pack, or off-trail walking, where ankle support really makes a difference.
Do you really need waterproof (Gore-Tex) shoes?
A waterproof membrane keeps feet dry in mud, slush and rain — a real plus in spring and fall. On the other hand, it reduces breathability: in hot, dry weather, a ventilated membrane-free shoe wicks sweat better. The right choice depends mostly on the season and climate of your outings.
How do you avoid blisters while hiking?
Three reflexes: a precise fit (the heel shouldn't move), technical merino wool socks rather than cotton, and stopping at the first hot spot to apply a bandage. Also break in new shoes over a few short outings before a long hike.
What size should you pick for hiking shoes?
Often go half a size up from your street shoes, to leave a finger's width in front of the toes on descents. Try them on at the end of the day with your hiking socks: the foot swells with effort, and a too-tight shoe causes pain in the toes and nails.
What's the difference between hiking and trail shoes?
Trail shoes favour lightness, agility and dynamic cushioning for running fast; their sole is soft and grippy. Hiking shoes lean more on sturdiness, support and protection under load, with a stiffer sole. For walking with a pack, hiking shoes remain the better choice.
How long do hiking shoes last?
Expect 800 to 1,200 km on average depending on the model, terrain and your walking weight. Watch for lug wear and midsole breakdown: when the sole no longer bites and shocks reach the heel, it's time for a new pair.