Best Hiking Shoes October 2026
Compare the top hiking shoes to find the right balance of waterproof protection, ankle support, and weight for your outdoor trips. Our independent ranking highlights key specifications, advantages, and drawbacks to help you pick the best pair.
Last updated: 6 October 2026
Hiking & Trekking Shoes: Top 5
1
Merrell Moab 3 GTX (Men's)
from £76.409 stores
from £76.40
9 stores
2
Merrell Moab 3 Mid GTX (Men's)
from £77.517 stores
from £77.51
7 stores
3
Merrell Moab 3 (Men's)
from £70.709 stores
from £70.70
9 stores
4
Merrell Moab Speed 2 in Black
from £97.508 stores
from £97.50
8 stores
5
Merrell Moab 3 Mid GTX (Women's)
from £74.999 stores
from £74.99
9 stores
The Merrell Moab 3 GTX for men combines a waterproof Gore-Tex lining with a grippy Vibram outsole for reliable trail performance. Its low-cut build keeps your ankles free while offering sturdy suede and leather reinforcements. It suits day hikes and mixed terrain across various weather conditions.
Pros
Waterproof Gore-Tex membrane
Vibram outsole for reliable grip
Low-cut design weighs 430 g per shoe
Wide range of EU sizes from 35 to 51
Cons
No high ankle support shaft
Heavier than the Speed 2 GTX model
The Merrell Moab 3 Mid GTX for men offers extra ankle coverage alongside a waterproof Gore-Tex membrane and a Vibram outsole. Suede and leather overlays protect against trail debris and rough surfaces. It is well suited for challenging trails and multi-day treks requiring higher support.
Pros
High shaft adds ankle support
Waterproof Gore-Tex lining
Durable Vibram outsole
Available up to EU size 51
Cons
Heavier build at 490 g per shoe
Less agile than low-cut alternatives
The Merrell Moab 3 is a traditional hiking shoe built with durable leather, mesh, and suede materials. It offers standard foot width sizing and a secure lace closure for all-day trail comfort. This non-Gore-Tex version is best suited for dry conditions and warm-weather hikes.
Pros
Broad size availability up to EU 51
Durable leather and suede construction
Lace closure for a secure fit
Normal foot width fitting
Cons
Lacks a Gore-Tex waterproof membrane
Heavier shoe weight at 920 g
No high shaft ankle support
The Merrell Moab Speed 2 GTX is a modern, fast-hiking shoe engineered for lightweight agility on tricky paths. It features a waterproof Gore-Tex lining along with studs for enhanced grip on loose or icy ground. At just 350 grams per shoe, it helps reduce fatigue on longer, brisk outings.
Pros
Lightweight design at only 350 g per shoe
Waterproof Gore-Tex protection
Integrated studs for slippery trails
Flexible synthetic and fabric upper
Cons
No high shaft ankle support
Sizes top out at EU 50
The Merrell Moab 3 Mid GTX for women delivers reliable ankle support and complete waterproof performance on rugged trails. It combines a tough suede and leather exterior with a high-traction Vibram outsole. This mid-cut boot is built for hikers tackling varied terrain in wet or unpredictable conditions.
Pros
Women's specific fit and sizing
High shaft for improved ankle stability
Waterproof Gore-Tex barrier
Vibram outsole provides dependable grip
Cons
Bulkier than low-cut hiking shoes
Fewer color options than the men's model
Compare specifications
| Gender | Men's | Men's | Men's | Men's | Women's |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Technology | Gore-Tex, Vibram | Gore-Tex, Vibram | Gore-Tex | Gore-Tex | Gore-Tex, Vibram |
| High shaft (above the ankle) | No | Yes | No | No | Yes |
| Shoe width (foot width) | Normal | Normal | Normal | Normal | Normal |
| Features | Waterproof | Waterproof | Waterproof | Waterproof, Spikes/studs | Waterproof |
| Outer material | Leather, Mesh, Synthetic, Nylon/Polyamide, Suede | Leather, Mesh, Nylon/Polyamide, Suede | Leather, Mesh, Nylon/Polyamide, Suede | Leather, Mesh, Synthetic, Nylon/Polyamide, Fabric/Textile | Leather, Mesh, Nylon/Polyamide, Suede |
How we create the list
The ranking is updated monthly and is based on data we collect from our own platform. Products that rank highly are popular among our users while also maintaining high quality according to editorial expert assessments. Specifically, we weigh how many users follow the product via price alerts or lists, how it is rated by experts and users, as well as how much traffic it generates to stores and how well it is represented in retail. The texts on this page are AI-generated and created to give you a quick and clear overview. No products are paid placements – the ranking is driven solely by data.
