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Buying guide

Best trail running shoes for hiking

Chosen from what the Amazon listings state, not tested by us. How we pick

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Top picks at a glance

Compare them all

  • Best overall

    Hoka Speedgoat 6 Mid GTX: mid cut, maximum cushion

    A mid cut is in the model name, which keeps grit and wet grass out better than a low shoe.

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  • Best value

    Salomon XA Pro 3D GTX (women's): 345 g, speed laces

    Hiking is named as a specific use alongside trail running in the listing.

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  • Most features

    La Sportiva Bushido III GTX: mountain trail shoe

    The listing describes it as a waterproof performance mountain and trail running shoe.

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More walkers now head into the hills in trail running shoes. They are light, they flex with the foot and they need no breaking in, which makes long days feel shorter. The trade-off is less support and protection than a boot, softer uppers that wear faster on rock, and less room for error with a heavy pack or a rolled ankle. The big choice is the membrane. A Gore-Tex shoe keeps feet dry in wet grass and light rain but stays wet for longer once water gets in over the top; a shoe without one drains and dries quickly, which some walkers prefer in British bogs. This guide compares five trail shoes by cut, membrane, upper and the cushioning level each listing states, and notes where a listing says little.

All products compared

Details as stated in the Amazon listing or by the manufacturer. See the current price on Amazon.

The products in detail

No. 1 · HOKA

Hoka Speedgoat 6 Mid GTX: mid cut, maximum cushion

The Speedgoat 6 Mid GTX is Hoka's trail shoe with a mid cut and a Gore-Tex lining. Listed with maximum cushioning, it suits fast hill walks where you want a little ankle cover.

In its favour

  • A mid cut is in the model name, which keeps grit and wet grass out better than a low shoe.
  • The listing states maximum cushioning, helpful on long descents and hard paths.
  • Gore-Tex is named and the shoe is listed as waterproof, for wet British trails.

Good to know

  • A tall stack of cushioning can feel less stable on rough, rocky ground than a firm boot.
  • The listing does not name the outsole rubber or give lug depth.
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Listing title: HOKA Men's Speedgoat 6 Mid GTX Sneaker

No. 2 · La Sportiva

La Sportiva Bushido III GTX: mountain trail shoe

La Sportiva's Bushido III GTX is listed as a waterproof mountain and trail running shoe with sure grip and stability. A good choice for rocky hill paths and scrambly ground.

In its favour

  • The listing describes it as a waterproof performance mountain and trail running shoe.
  • Grip and stability are named as aims, which matter on wet rock and loose paths.
  • The upper is listed as polyester with a Gore-Tex lining, so it stays light and dry.

Good to know

  • No cushioning level is stated, so compare with the Hoka if you want a soft ride.
  • As a low shoe it gives no ankle cover, which matters on rough ground.
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Listing title: LA Sportiva Bushido III Goretex Trail Running Shoes EU

No. 3 · Salomon

Salomon XA Pro 3D GTX (women's): 345 g, speed laces

The women's Salomon XA Pro 3D GTX is a waterproof trail running shoe with a Gore-Tex lining, speed laces and a listed weight of 345 g. It suits brisk walks on firm, mixed trails.

In its favour

  • Hiking is named as a specific use alongside trail running in the listing.
  • Speed laces are listed, quick to tighten and loosen with cold hands.
  • The listed weight of 345 g is light for a shoe with a Gore-Tex lining.

Good to know

  • The listing recommends firm ground, so it is less suited to deep mud and bog.
  • This listing is the women's version; men need to look for the men's model.
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Listing title: Salomon Damen Xa Pro 3D Gore-texTraillaufschuhe

No. 4 · HOKA

Hoka Speedgoat 6 GTX (women's): low cut, 241 g

The women's Hoka Speedgoat 6 GTX is the low version of the Speedgoat with Gore-Tex. Listed for trail running and hiking at 241 g, it is the lightest shoe in this guide.

In its favour

  • Trail running and hiking are both named as sport types in the listing.
  • A listed weight of 241 g makes it the lightest pick here.
  • Recommended surfaces are trail and dirt, a good match for most hill paths.

Good to know

  • A low cut lets wet grass and grit in more easily than the Speedgoat 6 Mid.
  • The listing does not describe the outsole or its rubber compound.
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Listing title: Hoka Women's Speedgoat 6 GtxSneaker

No. 5 · INOV8

Inov8 Trailfly Zero V2: no membrane, quick drying

The Inov8 Trailfly Zero V2 is a trail running shoe without a waterproof membrane, listed with all-weather grip and a breathable, flexible build. For walkers who prefer to drain, not seal.

In its favour

  • No membrane means water can drain out, which some walkers prefer in bogs and streams.
  • The listing names all-weather grip, breathability and flexibility as features.
  • A mesh upper with TPU is listed, light and quick to dry after a wet day.

Good to know

  • It is listed as not water resistant, so feet will get wet in rain and wet grass.
  • No cushioning level is given, so it is hard to compare comfort with the Hoka shoes.
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Listing title: INOV8 Men's TRAILFLY Zero V2 Running Shoe

More buying guides: Walking and approach shoes

Trail and Lace chooses every product independently, based on what its Amazon listing states. We may earn a commission on purchases made through the affiliate links above. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.