Best Shoes For Hiking And Running

Hiking and running are both very popular activities. Both require you to use your feet, but they have different goals and training methods. Hiking is done on trails, while running is done on roads or tracks. You may be wondering which shoe is best for hiking and running. The answer depends on which purpose you have in mind. If you plan to do a lot of hiking, then you will want a sturdy shoe with good traction and ankle support. If you plan to run on roads or tracks, then you will want a lightweight shoe that provides good shock absorption and flexibility.

Best Shoes For Hiking And Running

7 Best Trail Running Shoes For Hiking, 30+ Shoes Tested in 2022

Why pay twice if you can have a fast and responsive trail runner and a sturdy hiker in one shoe? If you are someone who’s after a hybrid like that, we’ve gathered the best hiking-ready trail running shoes for you. We’ve tested 10+ pairs of these extraordinary hybrids to make your footwear shopping as convenient as possible. Housed in this fantastic selection are our top picks in a handful of categories — from the stickiest pairs down to the shoes that offer the best value.

How we test trail running shoes

The top-rated models you see here are not random. These extraordinary trail shoes for running and hiking were rounded up through our foolproof review process:

• We purchase trail running shoes for hiking with our own funds.
• We run in these hybrids to determine each pair’s trail-centric capabilities.
• At our lab, we put these kicks through a series of tests, including those that gauge each shoe’s responsiveness, breathability, and more.
• Our reviews on the best trail running shoes for hiking also reflect opinions from other shoe experts and regular runners.

As a result, we get to rank these high-quality trail running shoes more efficiently. We use a CoreScore from 0 to 100 to compare these options. Those that made the cut are what you see making up this compelling lineup.

Best trail running shoes for hiking overall

Salomon XA Pro 3D

CoreScore

90 Superb!

Pros

• All-weather design
• Extremely grippy
• Protective
• Supportive
• Easy lockdown

Cons

• Lacks protection
• Expensive

Verdict

The Salomon XA Pro 3D is a trail running shoe that’s built with some of the most impressive technologies. The features of the upper were really made dependable, and the midsole offers a very comfortable system to keep the foot protected and supported. Although it is an expensive shoe, its quality, value, performance, and design are worth the price.

Trail running shoes for hiking with best cushioning

Hoka One One Speedgoat 4

CoreScore

85 Great!

Pros

• Insane traction
• Stable on technical terrain
• Breathable upper
• Hard-wearing outsole
• Roomy forefoot

Cons

• Lacks comfort

Verdict

A trail shoe we’d take during ultras. the Hoka Speedgoat 4 just bit through all the super technical terrain we put through! Even better, it made our strides surefooted with its intense focus on stability. We tell you, this shoe is a tank! It’s going to swallow all the harsh elements with ease. It’s not Hoka soft, but for the protection it brings, at $145, it’s worth all the money spent!

Trail running shoes for hiking with best grip

Salomon Speedcross 5

CoreScore

91 Superb!

Pros

• A beast for difficult rugged trails
• Perfect for mud
• True to size
• Responsive
• Spot-on cushioning
• Fits like a glove
• Superior traction
• No break-in
• Foot protection

Cons

• Limited for specific use
• Thick tongue holds water

Verdict

If you’re looking for an all-around trail shoe that can segue from road to trail easily this is not the shoe for you. On the other hand, if you want to add a heavy hitting member to your trail arsenal to be used when conditions and terrain dictate, look no further. The aggressive tread alone will win you over.

Best zero drop trail running shoes for hiking

Altra Lone Peak 6

CoreScore

92 Superb!

Pros

• Fits true to size
• Excellent all-round grip
• Highly durable
• Great ground feel
• Feels like it makes you run better
• Great pull tab
• Gaiter compatible
• Brilliant lacing
• Roomy toe box
• Fully gusseted tongue

Cons

• Stain magnet
• Not enough cushioning for some

Verdict

Whether you’re a dedicated zero-drop runner, just dipping your toe into it for the first time, or like to spice up your rotation with something new, the Altra Lone Peak 6 is a solid workhorse of a trail running shoe. The Altra Lone Peak 6 is a genuinely excellent all-rounder.

Trail running shoes for hiking with best protection

Saucony Peregrine 11

CoreScore

88 Great!

Pros

• Outstanding grip
• Perfect foot lockdown
• Great for mud, ice, rocks
• Durable as a tank

Cons

• For narrow feet only
• Not breathable
• Heavy

Verdict

A beast in all our trail runs, the Saucony Peregrine 11 was more than confidence-inspiring! It’s a tank that mutes out all the harshness of the trails while eating up everything you throw at it! From slick mud, snow, dry, and rocky stream crossings, this shoe just bites hard and deep into the ground. It’s also built to run fast, and we got exactly that in the Peregrine!

Best value trail running shoes for hiking

Asics Gel Venture 8

CoreScore

80 Good!

Pros

• True to size
• Secure fit
• Extremely durable
• Grip on wet, muddy surfaces
• Responsive
• Very comfortable
• Little to no break-in
• Feels light and not bulky
• Super affordable

Cons

• Narrow toebox
• Sweaty on hottest summer days

Verdict

At an affordable price, the Asics Gel Venture 8 does a fantastic job on the trails! It’s extremely grippy even on wet and muddy sections, comfortable, and secure. And all these come in a light and durable package! The Gel Venture is a shoe we’d consider for anything short to mid-distance.

Most popular trail running shoes for hiking

Nike Pegasus Trail 3

CoreScore

89 Great!

Pros

• Soft, bouncy ride
• Very comfortable
• True to size
• Wide for a Nike
• Wide loop on heel
• Built to last
• Reflective swoosh
• Killer grip on dry trails

Cons

• Not grippy in wet
• Runs warm

Verdict

For us, the Salomon Sense Ride 4 is a surefire winner in the trail running scene! It’s a beast that has INSANE grip, loads of underfoot protection, and a fun, lively ride. Now, that’s a combo you don’t get every day from a dedicated trail shoe! It can eat up anything you throw at it, for sure, but where it shines is during steep climbs, telling you so much of its ground-digging traction!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pvBDGWFg69k