Hiking never goes out of style. It’s your ticket to the great outdoors, letting you experience the thrill of exploring stunning, remote, and breathtaking spots on foot. Whether you’re tackling a rugged mountain trail or strolling through a forest, braving summer sun or winter snow, you need footwear that can keep up. That’s why we’ve rounded up the most versatile, durable, and high-tech hiking shoes to kickstart your next adventure.
Our tester Mark put a curated selection of modern hikers to the test, from low-top to high-top models, covering every need – from quick summer hikes to intense winter treks. His testing ground was the UK, from October to April, during an especially wet autumn, winter, and spring, with temperatures ranging from-2°C to 19°C. Most of his hikes were two- to three-hour excursions through the muddy trails, rolling hills, and forests of the Midlands. He also hit the jagged peaks of the Peak District and the steep inclines of the Cotswolds for tougher, full-day challenges.
Beyond trail performance, he wore these shoes daily to evaluate comfort and uncover any hidden perks or pitfalls. They faced the full spectrum of weather, from frosty mornings to rain-soaked paths, so Mark paid extra attention to waterproofing and durability.
No matter your hiking style or destination, you’ll find your perfect pair right here. Get ready to conquer the trails with confidence.
Saucony Ultra Ridge GTX
£230, saucony.com
Pros:
Luxurious slimline design
GORE-TEX waterproofing
Cons:
Waterproofing doesn’t cover ankle
Hard to get on and off
MF verdict
A beautifully light and sleek hybrid boot offering precision, protection and propulsion over a wide range of terrain.
American brand Saucony is the preferred choice of many Olympians, fastest known time (FKT) holders and ultrarunning champs. So it’s no surprise that the Ultra Ridge GTX – the brand’s inaugural hiking boot – offers a light and luxuriously springy ride.
From the moment I slid my foot into the sock-soft chassis, it felt like the hybrid hiker-athlete boot I’ve been searching for. I’m a fast-and-light hiker, not a crampon-carrying
