Top Hiking Shoe Brands to Elevate Your Outdoor Adventures

Hiking shoes are an essential piece of gear, often determining the comfort and overall success of outdoor adventures. The market is brimming with brands offering innovative technologies and designs tailored to meet the diverse needs of hikers. From lightweight trail runners to sturdy high-ankle boots, choosing the right pair is crucial for optimizing one’s hiking experience. Below, we explore some of the best brands that have consistently delivered quality and performance in hiking footwear.

Illustration of hiking shoes

Best brands of hiking shoes in 2025

Salomon

Salomon is renowned as one of the top producers of hiking shoes, particularly with its X Ultra 4 Mid GTX model, which held the No. 1 spot in total sales among all shoes in the hiking, trekking, and mountaineering segment at the Outdoor Retailer Summer 2023 trade show. The brand's hiking category, including the robust Quest 4 backpacking shoe and the Comfort hike franchise's Elixir model, has seen significant traction despite a slight drop-off in 2023 due to high sales in 2022. Salomon's products are known for balancing performance and comfort, with features like taller stacks and enhanced underfoot support. The brand's overall business is on a "record pace" with "tremendous growth" despite macroeconomic challenges. Salomon's parent company, Amer Sports, is planning an IPO early next year. For more information on how Salomon works to balance performance and fashion, visit their news page.

Merrell

Merrell is a leading brand in the hiking footwear market, known for its high-quality and performance-driven products. Established in 1981, Merrell has become a global leader in outdoor active footwear, particularly with its popular Moab hiking boot and Jungle Moc. The brand is committed to merging performance, styling, and comfort, and it has been a wholly-owned subsidiary of Wolverine World Wide since 1997. Merrell's products, such as the Moab Flight, are designed with features like recycled materials, which reduce production energy and new material usage significantly. The brand's dedication to sustainability and performance has made it a favorite among hikers, with its products contributing to the overall growth of the hiking footwear market, which is expected to reach USD 26.94 billion by 2032 with a CAGR of 3.40%. For more information, you can visit Merrell's official website.

La Sportiva

La Sportiva is a leading producer of hiking and trail running shoes, renowned for its high-quality and durable products. In 2022, the company experienced a notable 30% increase in sales, reaching EUR216 million, with international sales contributing to 80% of their revenues. The brand's growing popularity is fueled by the increasing interest in outdoor activities, particularly in Europe and the U.S. La Sportiva is at the forefront of sustainable footwear innovation, utilizing eco-friendly materials like faux leather and ethically sourced synthetics. Their shoes, such as the La Sportiva Jackal II, are highly regarded for their comfort, grip, and traction over various terrain.

Lowa

LOWA, a renowned brand in the hiking footwear industry, has been crafting premium outdoor boots and shoes since 1923, blending outstanding quality and fit through innovative design and proprietary technology. The company has achieved significant milestones, such as selling over 1 million pairs of boots in a year by 2000 and reaching 3 million pairs annually today. LOWA is the market leader in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, and its products have been used in historic feats like Jim Whittaker's Everest summit in 1963. The company has also been recognized for its quality manufacturing processes, holding the ISO 9001:2008 status since 2008. LOWA's commitment to European manufacturing was reinforced by its acquisition of Riko Sport S.r.l. in 2019. For more detailed information about their range of outdoor footwear, visit the official LOWA website.

Scarpa

Scarpa, an Italian specialist in outdoor footwear, has established itself as one of the best producers for hiking shoes, posting a 22% sales increase in 2021 to reach EUR134 million. The company's hiking shoes are versatile, lightweight, and fully waterproof, making them ideal for various hiking activities. Export accounts for 82% of Scarpa's revenues, with the U.S. being its leading foreign market, holding a 20% share. Scarpa's products are popular for their durability and agility, suitable for both casual hikes and speed hiking. The brand's global presence and strong market performance underscore its reputation in the outdoor industry.

The North Face

The North Face is a leading producer of hiking shoes, renowned for its high-quality and durable products. In the fiscal year ending March 2024, the brand reported a revenue of $3.6 billion, marking a notable 17% increase from the previous year. The American region captured the highest revenue globally at $1.70 billion. Demonstrating impressive financial performance, The North Face has achieved its 10th consecutive quarter of double-digit revenue growth, with a strong 12% increase in constant dollars. The brand boasts a high customer loyalty score of 70% in the Fashion and Beauty industry and operates over 1,185 direct-to-consumer stores worldwide. Furthermore, its robust online presence is showcased by a 37.38% surge in website visits in May 2024. For more information, visit their official website.

Vasque

Vasque, a renowned brand in the hiking footwear industry, has been a staple for outdoor enthusiasts since 1964, known for its high-quality and durable hiking shoes. The brand's Breeze model, in particular, has been a favorite for its breathable uppers made from 75-100% recycled material and its proprietary VasqueDry waterproof membrane. Despite its efforts to simplify inventory and boost sales, Vasque faced significant challenges, leading to its cessation of operations in 2024. The brand's products, such as the Breeze and the Satoru Moc, were praised for their comfort, grip, and versatility. However, the changing consumer market and shopping habits ultimately led to the brand's demise. For more details, visit the article about Vasque's closure.

Columbia

Columbia Sportswear, a leading producer of hiking shoes, was established in 1938 and is headquartered in Portland, Oregon. The company posted a 10% increase in sales for the first quarter of 2023, reaching $820.6 million, with its Columbia brand experiencing a 12% growth in constant currency. Columbia Sportswear operates globally, offering products in over 100 nations and employing over 10,000 workers. Known for its industry-leading technologies and dynamic lifestyle gear, Columbia is expected to significantly contribute to the global hiking footwear market, which is projected to reach $26.73 billion by 2033. For more information, visit their official website.

Hoka

Hoka has established itself as a leading producer of hiking and running shoes, known for its maximalist cushioning and high-quality, durable materials. The brand has seen significant growth, with a 58.5% increase in global revenue to $1.41 billion in fiscal 2023, and a compound annual growth rate of roughly 50% since 2018. Hoka's popularity is evident in its increasing market share, with 13% of U.S. adults owning a pair and another 9% intending to buy one, up three points from 2022. The brand's appeal extends across various age groups, particularly among younger consumers, with Gen Z adults aged 18-24 being the most likely to own a pair. Hoka's innovative designs, including breathable uppers and carbon plate technology, have made it a favorite among trail runners and hikers. Discover more about their top models with Hoka Speedgoat vs. Hoka Challenger ATR: How to Choose.

Keen

KEEN, founded in 2003, is a renowned outdoor footwear brand specializing in versatile and durable shoes, including hiking boots, casual shoes, and sandals. Known for their comfort and longevity, KEEN's products are designed for individuals seeking adventure and outdoor experiences. Since 2018, KEEN has been committed to producing PFAS-free shoes, prioritizing both human health and environmental sustainability. Their popular Newport sandal, introduced in 2003, remains a bestseller, highlighting the brand's enduring quality and customer preference. KEEN's innovative approach, such as the solvent-free mechanical bonds in the Targhee IV hiking boot, sets them apart as a leader in the hiking footwear market. Discover more about KEEN and their commitment to innovation and sustainability on their about page.