Hiking shoes are designed for active use in rough terrains and are characterized by a tougher build than other outdoor shoes and a low-top design that facilitates a freer movement. They are typically more durable and waterproof than other active shoes, and often incorporate features like ankle support and grip.
They are an alternative to hiking boots and are also suitable for water sports like kayaking and rafting, and for other outdoor activities like trekking, mountain biking, and climbing.
We researched dozens of products and tested our top picks on several different terrains to find the best low top hiking shoes for a variety of outdoor activities.
Read on for our top picks.
Our Editor’s Best Low Top Hiking Shoes Reviews
KEEN Men’s Targhee II Hiking Shoe, Gargoyle/Midnight Navy – 9.5 D(M) US
Key Features:
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These low top hiking shoes are waterproof and breathable, keeping your feet dry and comfortable all day long.
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The KEEN Men’s Targhee II Low Top Hiking Shoes are designed for comfort and traction in all environments. The all-terrain rubber outsole provides high traction grip in muddy environments and on rocky surfaces, while the non marking rubber outsoles leaves no trace or imprints when walking indoors.
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The low top hiking shoes have an external support shank that helps deliver balance on uneven surfaces and a contoured heel that provides next level stability.
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These low top hiking shoes are designed for comfort and mobility, with a padded tongue and collar. They have KEEN’s Original Fit, which gives your toes plenty of room to spread out.
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The shopper can expect a low top hiking shoe that is comfortable and provides excellent arch support. The footbed is removable and contours to the natural shape of the foot.
KEEN Men’s Targhee 3 Low Height Waterproof Hiking Shoe, Black Olive/Golden Brown, 9
Key Features:
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If you are looking for a pair of low top hiking shoes that will keep your feet dry and comfortable all day long, then these KEEN.DRY waterproof shoes are a great option. The waterproof, breathable membrane will allow vapor out without letting water in, and all of the leather is treated with a PFC-free water repellant.
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The shopper can expect a shoe with a KEEN ALL-TERRAIN rubber outsole for high-traction grip in muddy environments and on rocky surfaces. The shoe also has 4mm multi-directional lugs and a non-marking rubber outsole.
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The low top hiking shoes have a Torsion stability External Support Shank (ESS) to provide support on uneven surfaces and an injected TPU heel-capture system to provide next-level stability.
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The low top hiking shoes are designed for comfort and a secure fit. They have a padded tongue and collar, and a removable, metatomical dual-density EVA footbed that provides excellent arch support and cradles to the natural contours of the foot.
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The KEEN low top hiking shoes are designed to last with leather uppers, but they may scuff and dirt over time. To clean them, use a common leather cleaner and conditioner.
NORTIV 8 Men’s Low Top Waterproof Hiking Shoes Outdoor Lightweight Trekking Trails 160448-low Black Dark Grey Size 11 M US
Key Features:
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These hiking shoes are designed to be waterproof and provide protection for your feet. They have a synthetic leather exterior and a waterproof membrane to keep your feet cool and dry. They also have a rubber toe cap and a reinforced heel for added stability and protection.
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The low top hiking shoes are designed for durability and slip resistance. The sick rubber outsole is more stable and slip resistant, and provides better protection in bad weather. The shoes also have a rugged rubber outsole with Multi-Directional Traction (MDT) for improved grip and durability.
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The low top hiking shoes are flexible and comfortable with a removable insole for arch support. The flexible MD midsole reduces foot fatigue and absorbs shock.
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The shopper is looking for a pair of low top hiking shoes that are versatile and perfect for both indoor and outdoor use. The shoes should be designed for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, climbing, fishing, and running, as well as for everyday life.
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If you’re looking for a low top hiking shoe that is both comfortable and stylish, then you should definitely check out NORTIV 8. With their worry-free warranty and friendly customer service, you can be confident that you’re getting a quality product.
ECCO Men’s Track 25 Low GORE-TEX Waterproof Hiking Shoe
Key Features:
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If you’re looking for a pair of low top hiking shoes that will keep your feet dry in wet weather conditions, then you’ll want to check out this pair that features GORE-TEX waterproof construction.
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If you’re looking for a shoe to take on light hikes and walks, this is a great option. The low top provides flexibility and comfort, while the sole offers excellent grip.
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These shoes have a P.U. midsole and a T.PU outsole, which makes them comfortable and durable for hikes.
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The low top hiking shoes are made from a combination of full-grain and nubuck, which makes them both breathable and durable.
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The shoe has a removable insole and is available in extra wide widths. It is made of leather and has a hiking-inspired design.
KEEN Men’s Voyageur Low Height Breathable Hiking Shoes, Black Olive/Inca Gold, 11.5
Key Features:
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The low top hiking shoes have a water resistant leather upper that keeps your feet dry and a performance mesh that increases air flow.
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The shoes have 4mm lugs for traction and are made of KEEN.ALL-TERRAIN rubber for higher grip. They are also low top for comfort.
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The low top hiking shoes have a stability support shank that provides support on uneven surfaces and an injected heel capture system that provides next level stability by holding the heel in place.
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The low top hiking shoes have a low profile upper for comfort and a secure fit. They have a padded tongue and collar.
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The low top hiking shoes are designed for comfort with a removable metatomical footbed that provides excellent arch support and cradles to the natural contours of the foot.
Columbia Men’s Crestwood, Camo Brown/Heatwave, 9.5
Key Features:
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If you’re looking for a comfortable, all-purpose hiking shoe, this is the one for you. It’s perfect for any terrain and will last you for years to come.
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The low top hiking shoes are made of suede leather, mesh, and webbing. They are durable and will last for seasons.
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The shoe is designed for comfort and cushioning, with a focus on energy return. It has a midsole made from TechLite material, which is intended to provide long-lasting comfort.
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The low top hiking shoes have a non-marking outsole and provide sure-footed traction.
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The Columbia Men’s Redmond Low Hiking Shoe is a great choice for the budget-conscious shopper who is looking for a quality pair of shoes to last them for seasons to come. Made with high-quality materials and expert craftsmanship, these shoes are built to last.
KEEN Women’s Terradora 2 Waterproof Low Height Hiking Shoe, Steel Grey/Ocean Wave, 9
Key Features:
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These low top hiking shoes are designed to keep your feet dry and comfortable in all conditions. The KEEN.DRY waterproof breathable membrane protects your feet from the elements while allowing them to breathe, keeping them dry and comfortable all day long.
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The shopper can expect a low top hiking shoe with 4mm multi directional lugs for increased traction on and off the trails, as well as a KEEN.ALL-TERRAIN rubber outsole for higher traction grip when needed.
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These low top hiking shoes are designed for comfort, with a breathable mesh lining and a removable dual density footbed with arch support.
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The low top hiking shoes are designed for a more narrow and precise fit, with a heel capture system for a locked-in feel. The shoes also have a stability shank for lightweight support on uneven surfaces.
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The low top hiking shoes are designed to fit a women’s foot specifically. They will be narrower and more precise than other shoes.
NORTIV 8 Men’s Waterproof Hiking Shoes Leather Low-Top Hiking Shoes for Outdoor Trailing Trekking Camping Walking Black Grey Size 10.5 M US Quest-1
Key Features:
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This shoe is made of high-performance suede leather and has a rubber toe cap for anti-collision. It is low top and would be good for hiking.
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These shoes are great for hiking because they are waterproof and breathable. The mesh lining and waterproof membrane construction will keep your feet dry all day.
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These low top hiking shoes are designed to be durable and slip resistant, with a rugged rubber outsole that provides high-traction grip in muddy environments and on rocky surfaces. They’re perfect for outdoor activities like hiking, walking, hunting, camping, climbing, cycling, fishing, and running, and can even be used for backpacking and mountaineering.
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The shopper would like to know that the low top hiking shoes are flexible and comfortable with a removable insole for arch support. The MD midsole is said to reduce foot fatigue and absorb shock which is good for the shopper to know.
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The low top hiking shoes are designed for comfort and durability, with a worry-free warranty and friendly customer service.
Skechers Women’s GO Run Trail Altitude-MESH Low TOP Hiking Shoe, Charcoal, 6
Key Features:
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The Skechers Ultra Light shoes have a midsole cushioning that makes them comfortable for hiking. They are low top shoes, so they will not provide as much support as a high top shoe, but they are lighter weight and more comfortable for walking.
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The Skechers GOrun 5 – Generate is a low top hiking shoe that is designed for comfort and energy return. The Air Cooled Goga Mat foot bed provides cushioning and support, while the Generate outsole offers traction and durability.
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The low top hiking shoes have an Ortholite insole for cushioning, moisture management, and breathability.
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A shopper can expect a shoe with a durable traction outsole to have a long-lasting sole with reliable grip. This type of shoe is ideal for hiking and other outdoor activities.
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The shoes have a water repellent upper, making them ideal for hiking in wet conditions.
CAMEL CROWN Men’s Hiking Shoes Low Top Trekking Boots Non-Slip Walking Sneakers for Outdoor Work Trail Casual (Grey, Numeric_8_Point_5)
Key Features:
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The mens hiking shoes are made with durable nubuck leather that is water resistant. The shoes are also featured with wear resistance, tear resistance, and water resistant characteristics.
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The shoes are designed for traction and grip with deep lugs, and they have impact absorption and cushioning for comfort.
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These low top hiking shoes are designed to protect your ankle and improve your torsion resistance coefficient. The toe cap and heel give you double protection, and the breathable and well-padded collar protects your ankle well. The bellows foam tongue keeps moisture and debris out.
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These shoes are designed for comfort and breathability. They have a thick padded collar and secure lace-up vamp for advanced comfort. The mesh lining helps keep feet cool in warmer environments.
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The shoes are low top hiking shoes that are good for walking on challenging terrains. They are also good for outdoor activities like camping, riding, and hiking.
Low Top Hiking Shoes FAQs
1.What are low top hiking shoes?
Low top hiking shoes are shoes that come up to the ankle or below the ankle. They are typically lighter weight than full-size hiking boots and offer less support, but can be more comfortable in warm weather.
2.What are the benefits of low top hiking shoes?
Some benefits of low top hiking shoes include increased mobility, better balance, and lighter weight. Low top shoes also tend to be more comfortable and offer more breathability than their high top counterparts.
3.How do low top hiking shoes compare to other hiking shoes?
There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on personal preference. Some people find that low top hiking shoes are more comfortable and offer more support than other types of hiking shoes, while others prefer the higher top hiking shoes for the extra protection they offer. Ultimately, it is up to the individual to decide which type of hiking shoe is right for them.
4.What are some of the best low top hiking shoes on the market?
Some of the best low top hiking shoes on the market include the Adidas Terrex Swift R2, the Asics Gel-Venture 7, the Columbia Redmond Low, the Merrell Moab 2 Low, and the Salomon X Ultra 3 Low.
5.What should I look for when buying low top hiking shoes?
Some factors you may want to consider when purchasing low top hiking shoes include: the type of terrain you will be hiking on, the climate/weather conditions you will be hiking in, the weight and durability of the shoe, and your personal preferences in terms of style and fit.
Conclusion
There are many great low top hiking shoes on the market. Our list of the best low top hiking shoes will help you save time researching and choosing the best one for you.