Best Hiking Shoes (2026): Hiking, Trail, Backpacking

Buying an overstuffed, cheap pair of shoes does not guarantee the right fit. A good pair of hiking boots should be sturdy but not bulky, and be comfortable no matter how far you walk. Here’s how to make the right call.

Find out your size: Professional dealers will have a universal measuring instrument (known as a Brannock Device) to see your foot length, width, and wingspan. Others can also measure volume. Armed with this information, they can recommend colors that complement your specific foot shape. If you’re shopping online, many brands and retailers have charts you can refer to, but you can also download a printable Brannock chart. Mayindl.

Wear hiking socks: It sounds obvious, but when trying on your hiking boots and shoes, wear socks that you like to walk in. Pick it up in store, or ask for a sample.

Go late afternoon: Ideally, you want to try on your new shoes at the end of the day, or after you’ve been sitting down for a few hours. Feet tend to swell over time, so it’s best to try on shoes when they’re too big to help rule out potential problems.

Check out the dodgy seams: It only takes a small knot or stitch on the inside of your boot to cause irritation and blisters. Manufacturing errors can happen, so the brand and the seller will be happy to replace your shoes.

Go through them: Hard at the store, but at home make sure you wear your walking shoes indoors for a few hours before making a decision. It’s important to know if the boot is too tight or too tight, and find any irritation.