10 Best Traction Hiking Shoes [2025]

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Finding the perfect traction hiking shoes can feel like an overwhelming task, especially with the vast array of options available on the market today. With various styles, technologies, and features to consider, it’s easy to feel lost in a sea of choices. Whether you’re a casual hiker or a seasoned adventurer, selecting the right pair that meets your specific needs is crucial for both comfort and safety on the trails. The wrong shoes can lead to discomfort, blisters, and even injuries, making the trail less enjoyable than it should be.

To simplify your search, we’ve meticulously researched and shortlisted the top 10 traction hiking shoes that stand out for their performance, durability, and overall value. Our selection process involved analyzing expert reviews, customer feedback, and testing various models to ensure that each shoe on our list meets a high standard of quality. By providing you with this curated list, we aim to save you time and hassle, helping you to make an informed decision so you can hit the trails with confidence and ease.

Top 10 Best Traction Hiking Shoes In The Market

Last update on 2025-03-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Best Traction Hiking Shoes Reviews

Bestseller No. 1
Columbia Mens Crestwood Hiking Shoe Breathable, High-Traction Grip, Camo Brown,...
  • NIMBLE HIKER: The perfect combination of high function and performance, this all-purpose hiker will deliver years of comfortable service
  • SUEDE LEATHER UPPER: This nimble lace-up integrates a combination upper, featuring leather, mesh, and webbing — all combine into a durable shoe you'll appreciate for seasons to come
  • ALL-DAY COMFORT: Equipped with our TechLite midsole, this shoe delivers long lasting comfort, superior cushioning, and high energy return
  • ADVANCED TRACTION: Featuring our indoor-friendly Omni-Grip, a non-marking outsole, this shoe provides sure-footed traction in the wild
  • BUILT TO LAST: Columbia’s attention to detail is what sets our apparel apart from others. We use only the highest quality materials, expert craftsmanship, and durable stitching. This is a long-lasting pair of shoes you will enjoy for seasons to come
Bestseller No. 2
Merrell Men's Moab 3 Hiking Shoe, Walnut, 12
  • Pigskin leather and mesh upper 100% recycled laces and webbing Bellows tongue keeps out debris Protective toe cap 100% recycled mesh lining Kinetic Fit ADVANCED removable contoured insole with reinforced heel cushioning for medium support Molded nylon arch shankLightweight EVA foam midsole for stability and comfort Vibram TC5+ rubber sole
  • Merrell is focused on merging performance, styling, and comfort to empower all people to confidently explore the outdoors
  • Merrell Air Cushion in the heel absorbs shock and adds stability
Bestseller No. 3
Allbirds Men's Trail Runners, Breathable All Traction Hiking Shoes - Natural...
  • TECHNICAL TRAIL SHOES: The Trail Runners are a versatile, low-cut, all-purpose men's hiking shoe designed for all terrains. It offers all-condition traction with multi-directional 4mm lugs for excellent traction from rocky, dusty paths to muddy, urban trails. The sock-like collar and durable ripstop upper protect against tough terrain and debris, while the stabilizing sole ensures comfort, stability, and high performance during long day hikes, trail running, and trekking.
  • FIT & SIZING: The Trail Runners tend to run small with a snug fit. We recommend that you size up no matter your foot type to ensure a proper, comfortable fit.
  • ENHANCED COMFORT: With a one-piece upper crafted from breathable eucalyptus tree fiber and wool blend, along with our cushioned Sweetfoam sugarcane midsole, and water-resistant finish, this off-road sneaker delivers the perfect balance of supportive protection, and comfort, designed for a wide variety of off-road rugged terrain.
  • MACHINE WASHABLE: All-natural materials will not lose any performance or shape after being machine washed; simply place in a delicates bag and wash on cold gentle cycle, air dry for 24 hours.
  • ALLBIRDS I Est. in 2016: Allbirds created an entirely new category of shoes inspired by natural materials, driven by simplicity in design, confidence in comfort, and responsibly sourced & made from nature. Carbon neutral business certified by Climate Neutral Energy & B Corp Certified.
Bestseller No. 4
NORTIV 8 Women's Hiking Shoes Lightweight Breathable Mesh Walking Sneakers...
  • Genuine Leather: High-performance suede leather is softer and more wear-resistant than PU
  • Lightweight & Breathable: Breathable mesh lining and lightweight EVA foam midsole for stability and comfort. The women's sneakers have hooks at the top to keep the laces secure.
  • Durable & slip resistant: Rugged rubber outsole with Multi-Directional Traction (MDT) provides high-traction grip in muddy environments and on rocky surfaces.
  • Flexible & comfortable: Removable flexible insole offers arch support and brings all-day comfort. EVA midsole reduces foot fatigue and absorbs shock.
  • What You Get: NORTIV 8 aims at providing high-quality outdoor shoes.
Bestseller No. 5
Crampons Ice Cleats Traction Snow Grips for Boots Shoes Women Men Anti Slip 19...
  • Stronger and safer spikes: Featured 19 high quality stainless steel spikes per foot and firm chain system, providing excellent traction on a variety of terrain or other worst conditions, keep you safe and injury-free
  • Durable and stretchy material: Made from thermoplastic elastomer(TPE),5 mm thicker than ordinary rubber,till strong performance under -45°C.Easy to put on&off with adjustable strap.Won't tear or snap,ensure long lasting comfort and durability
  • Widely used and unisex: Suitable for male and female including teenagers,adult,elders. Used on angled terrain,ice roads,icy driveway,mud and wet grass,dangerous sections of trail,etc.Great for trail running,hiking,and ice fishing
  • Flexible and pocket size: Suitable for various kinds of sports,hiking shoes,boots,mountaineering boots. The strap ensures more comfort and safety.Portable and lightweight,can be put into the carry bag included and will not take up much space
  • Note:The "L" mark on crampons means size "Large", not meaning "Left". There is no Left or Right difference for crampons products. If you do not know how to wear it, please check the last picture for your reference
Bestseller No. 6
Merrell Women's Moab 3 Hiking Shoe, Black/Multi, 8
  • Pig suede leather and breathable mesh upper
  • Merrell Air Cushion in the heel absorbs shock and adds stability
  • 100% recycled laces and webbing
  • Molded nylon arch shank
  • Bellows tongue keeps out debris
Bestseller No. 7
Yaktrax Pro Traction Cleats for Walking, Jogging, or Hiking on Snow and Ice (1...
  • SECURE GRIP ON ICE & SNOW: Stainless-steel traction coils evenly distribute traction under foot from heel to toe to provide you with stable footing on packed snow and icy surfaces
  • WON'T DEGRADE, CRACK, OR BREAK: Recyclable, thermoplastic rubber upper remains supple in freezing temperatures without cracking or breaking, while stretching to provide a snug and secure fit over various shoes and boots
  • EASY ON & OFF: Durable performance strap ensures a secure and slip-free fit and easy removal, while the convenient heel tab makes it quick and easy to apply and remove the traction device over your footwear
  • ENHANCED GRIP & STABILITY: Enjoy greater comfort while walking or standing thanks to these large, 1.4mm stainless steel coils that provide superior traction on snow-covered surfaces
  • PROMOTES NATURAL STRIDE: With no sharp edges to damage surfaces, footwear, or equipment, these durable, abrasion-resistant coils adapt to different terrains, while the smooth, lightweight design promotes a natural walking motion
  • 360-DEGREE, UNDERFOOT TRACTION: Innovative coil technology provides 360-degree stability when walking forward, backward, or even laterally across snow-packed surfaces
Bestseller No. 8
Allbirds Women's Trail Runners, Breathable All Traction Hiking Shoes - Medium...
  • TECHNICAL TRAIL SHOES: The Trail Runners are a versatile, low-cut, all-purpose women's hiking shoe designed for all terrains. It offers all-condition traction with multi-directional 4mm lugs for excellent traction from rocky, dusty paths to muddy, urban trails. The sock-like collar and durable ripstop upper protect against tough terrain and debris, while the stabilizing sole ensures comfort, stability, and high performance during long day hikes, trail running, and trekking.
  • FIT & SIZING: The Trail Runners tend to run small with a snug fit. We recommend that you size up no matter your foot type to ensure a proper, comfortable fit.
  • ENHANCED COMFORT: With a one-piece upper crafted from breathable eucalyptus tree fiber and wool blend, along with our cushioned Sweetfoam sugarcane midsole, and water-resistant finish, this off-road sneaker delivers the perfect balance of supportive protection, and comfort, designed for a wide variety of off-road rugged terrain.
  • MACHINE WASHABLE: All-natural materials will not lose any performance or shape after being machine washed; simply place in a delicates bag and wash on cold gentle cycle, air dry for 24 hours.
  • ALLBIRDS I Est. in 2016: Allbirds created an entirely new category of shoes inspired by natural materials, driven by simplicity in design, confidence in comfort, and responsibly sourced & made from nature. Carbon neutral business certified by Climate Neutral Energy & B Corp Certified.
Bestseller No. 9
adidas Women's Terrex AX4 Gore-TEX Hiking Sneaker, Grey/Silver/Preloved Fig, 8
  • Women's hiking shoes are waterproof and breathable for comfort on long hikes
  • WATERPROOF GORE-TEX: GORE-TEX membrane for waterproof, breathable performance
  • LIGHTWEIGHT CUSHIONING: EVA midsole offers step-absorbing, durable comfort
  • CONTINENTAL RUBBER OUTSOLE: Continental Rubber outsole provides extraordinary traction in wet and dry conditions; Officially licensed Continental product
  • MADE IN PART WITH RECYCLED CONTENT: This product features at least 20% recycled materials. By reusing materials that have already been created, we help to reduce waste and our reliance on finite resources and reduce the footprint of the products we make
Bestseller No. 10
NORTIV 8 Women's Lightweight Hiking Shoes Chunky Tennis Comfortable Non-Slip...
  • Stability & Protection: The combination of shock-absorbing EVA midsole and durable rubber outsole not only cushions your feet from impact but also provides reliable traction.
  • Durability & Protection: These women’s hiking shoes are constructed using pigskin leather, ensuring both softness and long-lasting wear. The water-resistant upper keeps your feet dry in light rain, while the gusseted tongue effectively blocks out debris.
  • Extra Comfort: The collar and tongue of these trekking shoes are crafted from breathable mesh material, while the tongue's inner and outer design enhances overall wearing comfort and reduces the risk of blisters.
  • Flexible : Removable flexible insole offers arch support and brings all-day comfort.
  • Versatile & Practical: Ideal for a range of activities, these durable women’s hiking shoes can be worn for hiking adventures and outdoor activities. Whether you're exploring nature trails or navigating city streets, these hiking shoes are perfect.

Last update on 2025-03-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The Bottom Line

In conclusion, selecting the best traction hiking shoes is essential for any outdoor enthusiast seeking to enhance their hiking experience. Our carefully curated list of the top 10 products was developed through extensive research and analysis of various factors, including grip, comfort, durability, and user reviews. We evaluated each shoe based on performance in different terrains, ensuring that our recommendations cater to a wide range of hiking conditions. By prioritizing features that contribute to safety and stability, we aimed to provide you with options that stand out in the competitive market.

By following our list of the best traction hiking shoes, you can confidently choose footwear that meets your specific hiking needs. Whether you’re tackling rocky trails, muddy paths, or steep inclines, these shoes will provide the support and traction required to navigate various environments effectively. Investing in a pair from our selection will not only enhance your comfort and performance but also contribute to a more enjoyable and safer hiking experience. Embrace your adventures with the right gear, and let our guide help you take the first step towards the trails ahead.

Pamela Couch

I am a designer, shoe-obsessed lifestyle expert, and founder of https://footwind.net/, a shoe boutique located in Downtown Atlanta. I love shoes and I love being able to share my passion for them with others.