Luckily, there are a number of products on the market that can help make your dream of backpacking a reality. One of the most important pieces of backpacking gear is your waterproof and breathable rain jacket, but you’ll also need a durable daypack and a sleeping mat. If you’re going to spend a few days in the wilderness, you’ll also need a tent and a stove, and we’ve rounded up the best options for both. But one of the most important items in your kit, regardless of how long you’re staying or how far you’re hiking, is your shoes.
Read on to learn more about our favorite thru-hiking shoes.
Our Editor’s Best Thru Hiking Shoes Reviews
adidas mens Terrex Ax3 Hiking Shoe, Grey/Black/Mesa, 8.5 US

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These are men’s hiking shoes that are designed to be lightweight and breathable, with a focus on being fast.
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The shoes are lightweight and perfect for thru-hiking.
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The shopper can expect a comfortable pair of shoes with a mesh and synthetic upper. The upper is soft and durable, making it ideal for thru hiking.
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These shoes are designed for thru hikers, and have a cushioned ride thanks to the EVA midsole. They’re lightweight and comfortable, perfect for long days on the trail.
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The Continental rubber outsole provides good traction in both wet and dry conditions. The product is officially licensed by Continental.
Knixmax Women’s Hiking Shoes Lightweight Non-Slip Climbing Trekking Sneakers for Woman Camping Backpacking Shoe Grey Size 8 US/EU 39

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The shoes have a suede leather and mesh upper, which is soft and breathable. The shoes also have a lining that helps keep your feet dry and fresh.
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The Knixmax hiking shoes for women have a deep, aggressive lug pattern on the outsole for maximum traction on mixed terrain and extended durability. The gum rubber outsole provides additional grip and stability.
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The shoes are designed for comfort and have removable insoles for a custom fit. They also have a wide toe box to accommodate your toes.
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The shoes have a quick lace system and come with extra laces and insoles. They are designed to be comfortable and easy to adjust.
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The Knixmax woman’s hiking shoes are designed for comfort and style. They are available in trendy colors and a classic design. They are perfect for walking, backpacking, trekking, climbing, cycling, camping, and even for daily work shoes.
KEEN Women’s Targhee 3 Low Height Waterproof Hiking Shoe, Alcatraz/Blue Turquoise, 9.5 US

Key Features:
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The KEEN waterproof hiker is a great choice for anyone looking for a shoe that can withstand the elements. The KEEN.Dry waterproof membrane protects against the elements, while the waterproof leather and performance mesh upper provide breathability. The breathable mesh lining ensures that your feet will stay comfortable even when wet.
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The KEEN all-terrain shoes are designed for shoppers who need a higher-traction grip for their shoes. The rubber outsole and 4mm multi-directional lugs provide this higher-traction grip. The leather mud shield protects the shoes from wear and tear.
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The SUPPOR & STABILITY thru hiking shoes are designed for support and stability with a removable, metatomical dual-density EVA footbed to support the arch and an ESS internal shank for lightweight support. The shoes also feature an injected TPU heel-capture system for stability.
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The shoes are designed for comfort and have a dual-density, compression-molded EVA midsole. They also have a simple lacing system and pull loop for easy on and off.
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These shoes are made with environmentally friendly materials and are designed to be comfortable for people who are hiking for long periods of time. They are also treated to be water repellent, so they will be able to handle being in wet conditions.
Merrell Women’s Moab 2 Waterproof Hiking Shoe, Granite, 8 M US

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These shoes are designed for thru-hikers, so they need to be able to withstand all kinds of weather conditions. The waterproof membrane will keep your feet dry in wet conditions, but will also allow moisture to escape so your feet don’t overheat in warm conditions.
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The upper of these shoes is made from pigskin leather and mesh, making it both strong and breathable. The mesh will help keep your feet cool and dry on long hikes, and the leather will provide support and protection. These shoes also have a rubber sole for traction and durability.
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The shopper is looking at a pair of thru hiking shoes with a traditional lace closure. This type of closure is the most common and is used to secure the shoe to the foot. The shopper can expect a snug, comfortable fit with this type of closure.
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The Bellows tongue on these shoes keeps out debris, making them ideal for thru hiking. The shoes are also lightweight and have a comfortable fit, making them perfect for long hikes.
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The toe cap on these shoes is designed to protect your toes from being injured by objects that you may step on while hiking.
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The shoes have a breathable mesh lining that allows air to circulate around the foot, keeping it cool and comfortable.
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These shoes are designed for thru-hiking, and have a removable contoured insole for medium support. The insole is reinforced for heel cushioning, and the shoes also have a reinforced heel counter.
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The molded nylon arch shank provides structure and support to the shoe, while the rest of the shoe is made of a breathable mesh material. The shoe is designed for thru-hikers, or people who hike long distances, and provides both comfort and support.
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The Merrell Air Cushion in the heel is a great feature for thru hiking shoes because it absorbs shock and adds stability. This is a great shoe for anyone who wants a comfortable and stable ride while hiking on any terrain.
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This shoe is designed for comfort and stability while hiking. It has a lightweight EVA foam midsole that absorbs impact and provides cushioning.
Merrell mens MOAB 2 WTPF Hiking Shoe, Beluga, 10 US

Key Features:
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The shopper is looking for a pair of shoes that will keep their feet dry in wet conditions. The shoes should also be breathable, so that their feet will not get too sweaty in warm weather.
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The shoe is made of pigskin leather and mesh, which is a combination of two different materials. The pigskin leather is a natural material that is durable and breathable. The mesh is a synthetic material that is also durable and breathable.
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Thru hiking shoes with a traditional lace closure are designed to provide a secure and comfortable fit while you’re out on the trail. They’re typically made with durable materials that can stand up to tough terrain, and they often have features like a waterproof coating or reinforced toes to help protect your feet from the elements.
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The Bellows tongue on these shoes is designed to keep out debris, making them ideal for thru-hiking. They also have a comfortable fit and are durable, making them a great choice for anyone looking for a good pair of thru-hiking shoes.
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A shopper looking for thru hiking shoes would want a shoe with a protective toe cap in order to avoid any injuries to the toes while out on the trail.
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The shopper is looking for a pair of thru hiking shoes that have a breathable mesh lining. This will allow their feet to stay cool and dry while they are hiking.
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The Kinetic Fit ADVANCED thru hiking shoes are designed with a removable contoured insole and reinforced heel cushioning for medium support. These features provide superior comfort and stability while on the trail.
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The shoes have a molded nylon arch shank for support.
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The Merrell Air Cushion in the heel absorbs shock and adds stability to the shopper’s shoes. The shopper will feel more comfortable and their feet will be less likely to hurt while they are walking or running.
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The shoes have a lightweight EVA foam midsole for stability and comfort.
KEEN Men’s Targhee 3 Low Height Waterproof Hiking Shoe, Bungee Cord/Black, 12

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If you’re looking for a pair of thru hiking shoes that will keep your feet dry and comfortable all day long, then you’ll want to check out KEEN.DRY waterproof breathable membrane shoes. These shoes feature a waterproof breathable membrane that will allow vapor out without letting water in, so you can hike all day without worry.
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The Keen all-terrain rubber outsole provides high traction grip in muddy environments and on rocky surfaces. Non marking rubber outsoles leaves no trace or imprints when walking indoors.
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The Chaco Men’s OutCross Evo 1.5 Hiking Shoe is a versatile and durable shoe that is perfect for thru-hiking and other outdoor activities. The external support shank provides balance on uneven surfaces, while the contoured heel provides next level stability. The OutCross Evo 1.5 is a great choice for anyone looking for a reliable and comfortable hiking shoe.
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The shopper is looking for a pair of thru hiking shoes that are low profile and have a padded tongue and collar. The shopper is also looking for a pair of shoes that have the KEEN Original Fit, which gives the toes plenty of space to spread out.
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The shoes are designed to be comfortable for people who are hiking long distances. The footbed is removable and provides support for the arch of the foot. The footbed is also contoured to fit the natural shape of the foot.
Columbia mens Newton Ridge Plus Ii Waterproof Hiking Boot, Cordovan/Squash, 10 US

Key Features:
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The Columbia Men’s Newton Ridge Plus II Waterproof Hiking Boot is a boot designed for comfort and durability. It features a lightweight, durable midsole, superior cushioning, and high energy return. The advanced traction rubber sole provides slip-free movement on rough ground.
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The shopper can expect a boot that is comfortable and waterproof, with a durable mesh tongue for breathability.
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The Newton Ridge Plus II Waterproof Hiking Boot is a boot designed for people who go on long hikes. It has a lace-up closure so that the boot can be adjusted to fit the person’s foot snugly. The boot is also waterproof, which is important for keeping the person’s feet dry and comfortable during a long hike.
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The shopper is looking for a versatile, stylish, and durable hiking boot. This boot features a soft mesh exterior and contrasting color combinations.
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The Omni-Grip thru hiking shoes are designed for use on multiple terrains, with a special tread pattern for winter conditions such as ice and snow.
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These thru hiking shoes are designed to be lightweight and comfortable for long hikes and walks. They have a cushioned sole and a supportive fit to help your feet feel good even after miles of walking.
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The shopper is looking for a tough, lightweight hiking boot that won’t weigh them down on the trail.
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The Columbia Men’s Redmond Waterproof Mid Hiking Shoe is a great choice for the hiker who wants a shoe with superior cushioning. The Techlite midsole provides cushioning and support, while the waterproof upper protects your feet from the elements.
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Shoes with a rubber outsole that is designed not to leave marks or residue on surfaces.
Columbia Women’s Newton Ridge Plus Waterproof Amped, Elk/Mountain Red, 9

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The Newton Ridge Plus Waterproof Amped Hiking Boot is a boot designed for thru-hikers. It is made with a waterproof and seam-sealed construction, and features a TECHLITE lightweight midsole for cushioning and high energy return.
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The Columbia Women’s Newton Ridge Plus Hiking Boot is a durable, mid-cut waterproof hiker that provides great traction and comfort. This classic Columbia hiking boot is inspired by classic mountaineering style and will deliver years of comfortable service.
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The All Terrain Traction shoes are designed for use on a variety of terrains and in all seasons. They have a non-marking traction rubber outsole for high grip and are versatile for use in all weather conditions.
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The shopper is looking for a boot that is both comfortable and waterproof. This boot is made of leather and suede, which makes it both supportive and waterproof.
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The shoes are designed for extended use, with reinforced toe and heel barriers, and an extended outsole toe overwrap to guard against wear.
Once Is Enough

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The Trail Provides: A Boy’s Memoir of Thru-Hiking the Pacific Crest Trail

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Thru Hiking Shoes FAQs
1. What are the best thru hiking shoes?
There is no definitive answer to this question as different hikers have different preferences. Some of the more popular brands of thru-hiking shoes include Salomon, Merrell, and Columbia.
2. What are the different types of thru hiking shoes?
The different types of thru hiking shoes are:1. Low-cut shoes: These shoes are designed to provide good ankle support and are ideal for rocky and uneven terrain.2. Mid-cut shoes: These shoes offer more ankle support than low-cut shoes and are ideal for long hikes with a lot of elevation changes.3. High-cut shoes: These shoes offer the most ankle support and are ideal for hikers who need extra support on steep and rugged terrain.
3. What are the benefits of thru hiking shoes?
There are many benefits of thru hiking shoes, including their ability to provide good support and traction, their durability, and their comfort.
4. How do I choose the right size of thru hiking shoes?
There is no definitive answer, as the best size of thru hiking shoes will vary depending on individual foot size and shape, as well as personal preferences. However, as a general rule of thumb, it is best to choose a size that is slightly larger than your everyday walking shoes, as you will likely be doing a lot of walking (and sometimes running) while on the trail. Additionally, it is important to make sure that the shoes you select are comfortable and offer adequate support, as you will be spending long hours on your feet each day.
5. How do I care for my thru hiking shoes?
Thru hiking shoes are designed to be comfortable and durable for long-distance hikers. There are a few things you can do to care for your thru hiking shoes and extend their lifespan:-Clean them regularly with a soft brush or cloth.-Remove any mud or debris after each hike.-Apply a waterproofing treatment to the shoes before each hike.-Store them in a cool, dry place when not in use.
Conclusion
There are many great thru hiking shoes on the market. Our list of the best thru hiking shoes will help you save time researching and choosing the best one for you.