3 Best Backpacking Shoes (2024)

How we test hiking shoes

We gather fact-checked data and put backpacking shoes through a series of tests to come up with honest reviews. The details of our approach are as follows:

• We buy every pair of hiking shoes with our own money.
• We spend days trekking on a variety of terrain in both dry and wet conditions to test each kick.
• To make our backpacking shoe reviews more comprehensive, we gather data by measuring different parameters. In the process, we also split the shoes in half. We analyze the results and compare them to averages.

There is a lot to consider when preparing for a backpacking trip. You need to worry about food and water, your sleep system, route logistics, weather forecasts, and clothing.

One of the most critical components of the apparel you wear on a backpacking trip is shoes. They are what you rely on, step after step, for the entirety of your trip.

Boots are not mandatory for backpacking

If you are going on a backpacking trip, you do not need backpacking boots, necessarily. You may be better off with backpacking shoes instead.

Don’t get us wrong, we will always reserve a spot in the closet for big and burly boots. But for some missions into the backcountry, we prefer hiking shoes instead of boots.

• Hiking shoes weigh less, which can help prevent foot fatigue.
• Hiking shoes cost less, which can make backpacking more accessible.
• Hiking shoes still possess many of the same characteristics as boots, like grippy outsoles and waterproof membranes.
• Despite the low-top collar, hiking shoes still provide plenty of support and stability

Core components of backpacking shoes

Backpacking shoes are responsible for protecting your feet, keeping them warm and dry, and providing comfort and stability.

Durability

Backpacking trails are rough, rocky, uneven, muddy, sandy, and all-around tough on your shoes and feet. That’s why backpacking shoes need to be durable, like the Salewa Alp Trainer 2.

First and foremost, the upper of the Alp Trainer 2 is made with leather and suede, both of which are naturally durable and perfect for rough and rocky trails. The Alp Trainer 2 also features a rubberized toe guard on the front of the shoe to protect against stubbing your toes and kicking rocks.

Water-repellency

Wet feet are a backpacker’s worst nightmare. That’s because wet feet can lead to blisters. Therefore, backpacking shoes that can keep your feet dry are critical.

Backpacking shoes fall into two categories– water resistant and waterproof.

Water-resistant shoes do not have an additional waterproof membrane on the interior. Instead, they rely on the material’s natural water repellency to keep your feet dry in light moisture. For example, leather is a naturally water-repellent material.

On the other hand, waterproof shoes have an additional waterproof membrane sewn into the shoe’s interior that keeps your feet dry. For example, the La Sportiva Spire GTX features a Gore-Tex Surround technology that prevents water from entering.

Comfort and Support

Comfort is key for backpacking shoes. Otherwise, you’ll end up with hot spots or even morse blisters. Comfortable shoes also help prevent foot fatigue and allow you to hike for longer without soreness or sensitivity.

Of the backpacking shoes that we investigated, the Vasque Juxt was the most comfortable.

That’s because it features a molded EVA midsole that helps dampen the shock load your feet feel as you hike along a rough trail. The Juxt midsole also has a supportive arch zone that makes your feet feel supported and stable.

In addition, the Juxt features an additional TPU plate in the midsole. The rigid TPU plate provides even more stability and, even better, protects your feet when you step on sharp roots or rocks.

Traction

On a backpacking trip, you experience a wide variety of terrain types. Depending on the route, the weather, and the time of year, you may find dirt and gravel, grassy meadows, rock slabs, roots, snow and ice, or mud.

That’s why traction is so critical. To help you get the best grip possible, hiking shoes are equipped with rubber outsoles. For example, the Salewa Alp Trainer 2 has a Vibram Alpine Hiking Outsole.

In the front and rear, the outsole features flat, grippy platforms perfect for getting traction on uphills and braking on downhills Then, throughout the middle of the outsole, the Alp Trainer 2 has deep chevron-shaped lugs that can grip any terrain, from muddy slopes to rocky roads.

Do backpacking shoes have to be waterproof?

We get asked all the time if backpacking shoes need to be waterproof. Our typical answer is, “It depends.” So let us explain.

Waterproof backpacking shoes have an additional membrane sewn into the shoe’s interior. Normally, the membrane is made with Gore-Tex (GTX) material, like the La Sportiva Spire GTX. The membrane prevents water from soaking through the shoes and getting your feet wet. The membrane also allows your feet to breathe and ventilate.

This additional waterproof feature can be a major advantage. But it’s not required.

Waterproof backpacking shoes are perfect if you predict you will experience prolonged exposure to wet weather, like rain or snow. Or if the conditions on your backpacking route will be significantly wet and muddy.

However, contrary to popular belief, waterproofing is not required for backpacking shoes.

Waterproofing may not be mandatory

Waterproofing is not necessary if the weather forecast looks dry or if you are backpacking through an arid environment, like the desert. Waterproofing is also not necessary if the route you are backpacking features little to no water.

In arid environments and dry weather, you are better off with water-resistant backpacking shoes instead of waterproof ones. That’s because shoes that are water-resistant ventilate better. Better ventilation, also known as breathability, helps your feet from overheating.

Better breathability also contributes to the shoe's ability to dry out. Typically, water-resistant shoes dry faster than waterproof shoes. So, in the instance that you do get wet on your route, like an afternoon thunderstorm or creek crossing, your shoes can dry out over the course of the day or overnight.

Backpacking with heavy loads

One of the major differences between backpacking and hiking is with backpacking, you carry a heavier load. Typically, your backpack will be filled with food, water, and camping gear, which is much heavier than the essentials you bring on a day hike.

Backpacking backpacks are critical for efficiently and ergonomically carrying heavy loads on a backpacking trip. But a backpack is not the only thing you should consider for carrying heavy loads.

You also need to consider the footwear you select for backpacking trips.

Heavy backpacking loads put more strain on your body, particularly your feet. That’s why having appropriate backpacking hiking shoes is essential for your overall enjoyment. In particular, traction and support are the most important.

For example, the La Sportiva Spire GTX utilizes the Vibram XS Trek rubber compound in the outsole to help give you traction and grip even when lugging heavy loads. The Spire GTX outsole also sports La Sportiva’s Impact Brake System to increase braking power as you descend steep trails with a heavy load.

Feeling supported and stable is also important when backpacking. That’s because every step feels much harder when loaded with camping gear. The Alp Trainer 2 is one of the most stable and supportive backpacking shoes we reviewed.

The shoe’s footbed and insole are super cushy and comfortable, helping absorb shock while hiking. However, the outsole of the Alp Trainer 2 is mega durable. Plus, the overall chassis of the shoe prioritizes stability, providing you with a “locked-in” feel that helps provide stability on uneven terrain with a heavy backpack.

Choosing the right backpacking socks

No pair of backpacking shoes is complete without complimentary hiking socks. So, as you look into the best backpacking shoes for your next adventure, don’t forget to consider your socks.

In our opinion, the best backpacking socks are made with wool. Wool socks are versatile, breathable, durable, and sustainable.

• For warm-weather backpacking, try out a thinner, lightweight, or midweight pair of wool socks. For cold-weather backpacking, we recommend thicker, heavyweight socks.
• Wool can keep your feet warm in cold temperatures while also allowing them to breathe and ventilate in hot temperatures.
• Wools can wick moisture away from your feet, keeping them from becoming damp from too much sweat.
• Compared to synthetic materials, wool is much more durable and can withstand the notorious wear and tear that backpacking creates on your socks.