How to choose the best hiking shoes
Whether you love country walks or tackling tricky terrains – investing in proper hiking boots, shoes or sandals is key to keeping you protected, sure on your feet and comfortable. Our guide takes a look at which is the right hiking footwear for you.
The Right Hiking Shoe Starts with the Right Question
The most important factor when choosing hiking shoes is matching the shoe to the hike. A lightweight trail shoe that's perfect for a half-day on a well-maintained footpath will leave you unsupported on a multi-day mountain route. And a heavy-duty boot that handles the rough mountains will feel like overkill on a riverside walk. ECCO's outdoor footwear range is built across four clear categories: hiking sandals for easy warm-weather trails, trail runners for fast-paced hikes on mixed terrain, all-day hiking shoes for longer off-road adventures, and full hiking boots for demanding multi-day routes. The guide below maps each style to the hike it was made for.
Which Hiking Shoe Is Right for You?
Your choice depends on terrain difficulty, hike length, weather conditions, and how much support your feet need: 1. CONSIDER YOUR TERRAIN Well-maintained footpaths need less shoe than rocky or off-trail routes. Match the outsole grip and upper protection to the hardest surface you'll encounter, not the easiest. 2. THINK ABOUT DISTANCE A lightweight trail shoe is ideal for shorter hikes. For full-day routes or longer, invest in structured cushioning and ankle support - fatigue accumulates in a way that a short walk never reveals. 3. WEATHER Waterproofing is worth having. In guaranteed dry conditions, breathable options keep feet cooler. 4. THE RIGHT FIT Try hiking shoes with the socks you'll wear on the trail. There should be a thumb's width of space at the toe and no heel lift. Always break in new shoes on shorter routes before committing to a major hike.
1. Breathable hiking sandals
For enjoyable walks in the sun, or short, less demanding hikes, a pair of breathable, cushioned hiking sandals is a must-have. Whether you’re tackling nature trails or tarmac, you’ll need to pick out the right pair of breathable hiking sandals for men or women.
Try our ECCO OFFROAD sandals, featuring a lightweight construction, adjustable comfy straps, deep cushioning and tough outsoles, they’re a pleasure to wear and can take on trickier terrains. These quick-drying men’s and women’s hiking sandals are crafted in premium leather, and have the looks to happily partner with you in the city or the country.
2. Lightweight trail runners
Blustery weekend hikes in the wild are the perfect way to get your endorphins flowing. If your ideal weekend is a nature trail solo hike or with your close ones, a pair of lightweight trail runners is a great option. Built to take on all weathers, trail running shoes are perfect for brisk hikes on nature trails all year round.
ECCO BIOM sneakers have a cool low-level profile, smart detailing, and a bold silhouette. These trail runners bring a multitude of technical features to keep you comfortable and protected. A PFC-free waterproof membrane makes sure your feet stay cosy, while a reinforced flexible sole, offers long-lasting comfort and stability. A versatile choice that can easily fit into daily looks too.
3. All season hiking shoes
If you love the satisfaction of an off-road all-day hike, you’ll need a pair of comfy all-season hiking shoes. These typically have a more outdoorsy style to keep you supported and comfortable.
Our ECCO OFFROAD shoe is a solid choice if you want to challenge yourself with a longer hike or meander off trail. Its innovative rebound let you walk comfortably for longer, while a durable rubber outsole means you’ll stay steady on varied terrain. If you want to immerse yourself in your surroundings without distraction, these are the hiking shoes for you.
4. Maximum protection hiking boots
Heading out on long-distance hikes over scrambly, uneven terrain demands hiking boots built to handle it all, in all weathers. A pair of maximum support hiking boots enables you to take on difficult hikes confidently and safely. Tough but comfy ECCO water-resistant hiking boots are often cited as some of the best hiking boots for women and men you’ll find.
ECCO ULT-TURN boots are expertly crafted in premium nubuck leather, with a waterproof membrane, support at the ankle, and a cozy textile lining – you’re protected to the max in any terrain or weather. These are our most substantial, toughest shoes for men and women and the heaviest in our range, expertly crafted to tackle the most challenging conditions.
New In Women’s
