Last Updated on September 10, 2026 by Daniel Globe
Buying hiking shoes is less about finding the most expensive pair and more about matching the footwear to your feet, terrain, weather, and hiking style. The best place to shop depends on whether you value expert fitting, a large online selection, lower prices, or a specific brand. For first-time buyers, trying several models in person is usually the safest starting point.
Quick Answer
The best place to buy hiking shoes is usually an outdoor specialty retailer if fit is your priority. Online outdoor stores and manufacturer websites offer more sizes and models, while sporting-goods and discount stores can be convenient or cheaper. Wherever you shop, prioritize fit, traction, terrain suitability, and a practical return policy.
Key Takeaways
- Outdoor specialty stores are especially useful for first-time buyers because you can compare brands, widths, and fit in person.
- Online retailers usually provide the widest selection, but you should check the seller and return rules before ordering.
- Sporting-goods and big-box stores can be convenient, though their technical footwear selection and fitting expertise may vary.
- Brand websites are useful when you already know which brand and fit work for your feet.
- A secure heel, comfortable width, toe room, suitable traction, and terrain-appropriate construction matter more than the logo on the shoe.
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Outdoor Retailers
Outdoor retailers are one of the strongest places to start when shopping for hiking shoes because they focus on footwear and equipment designed for hiking, backpacking, climbing, camping, and other outdoor activities. Retailers such as REI and Public Lands currently carry hiking footwear from multiple established brands, allowing shoppers to compare different fits and designs in one place.
The biggest advantage of an outdoor retailer is not simply the number of products. In a physical store, you may be able to compare widths, heel shapes, toe boxes, cushioning levels, waterproof and non-waterproof models, and different levels of sole stiffness. That is especially helpful when buying your first serious pair of hiking shoes.
Some outdoor retailers also offer educational resources beyond the sales floor. REI, for example, maintains a current schedule of hiking classes and events, including Hiking Basics sessions. These resources can help newer hikers understand footwear, trip preparation, and other trail essentials.
For hiking footwear, fit should come before brand loyalty: the right shoe should hold your heel securely, give your toes room, and match the terrain you actually hike.
Products Worth Considering
Synthetic and mesh upper for breathability and durability
COMFORT AND FIT: These waterproof hiking shoes feature a padded collar for no-rub comfort, flex notches that cradle the ankle and allow natural foot movement, a rubber outsole for excellent traction, and a EVA midsole for compression and rebound that keeps you comfortable and supported on the trail all day long
High Performance Waterproofing: Designed to revitalize breathability of all combination fabric and leather footwear while maintaining water resistance
Online Stores
Online shopping makes it easy to compare hiking shoes across sizes, widths, brands, waterproofing options, and price ranges without visiting several stores. Current outdoor-focused options include REI, Backcountry, and Public Lands. General marketplaces such as Amazon may also carry many hiking-shoe brands.
The main advantage is selection. A local store may stock only a few colors or widths of one model, while a large online retailer can sometimes provide several versions. Product filters also make it easier to compare low-cut shoes, mid-height footwear, waterproof models, wide sizes, and shoes designed for different uses.
Price comparison is another benefit, particularly when past-season colors or older models go on sale. However, shipping charges, promotions, inventory, and return rules change frequently, so they should be checked at the time of purchase rather than assumed.
Note: Moosejaw is no longer a current standalone shopping option. DICK’S closed the remaining Moosejaw stores and integrated the outdoor business with Public Lands, so shoppers who previously used Moosejaw should look to Public Lands or other active outdoor retailers instead.
When using a marketplace, check who actually sells and ships the footwear. A recognizable brand name on the product page does not necessarily mean the manufacturer is the seller. Also review the current return policy before ordering multiple sizes.
Products Worth Considering
Omni-Grip non-marking traction rubber
Genuine Leather & Protective toe: High-performance suede leather is softer and more wear-resistant than PU and a rubber toe cap for anti-collision.
Excellent Comfort: Nortiv 8 women's waterproof hiking boots use our lightweight, durable midsole, and advanced traction rubber soles, which can be slip-resistant on rugged ground. If you prefer a looser fit, consider choosing the wide toe box version.
Specialty Hiking Stores
Specialty hiking and outdoor stores focus more narrowly on trail equipment than general retailers. Their footwear departments may include hiking shoes, backpacking boots, approach shoes, trail-running shoes, hiking socks, insoles, gaiters, and other foot-care accessories.
The strongest reason to shop at a specialty store is fitting help. Footwear problems are not always caused by choosing the wrong numerical size. Width, arch length, heel shape, toe-box shape, and overall foot volume can all affect comfort. Comparing several brands side by side can help you identify which shape works best for your feet.
Some specialty stores may also offer rentals, local trail information, community events, or other outdoor services. Availability differs by shop, so check locally rather than assuming every specialty retailer provides the same services.
Department Stores
Department stores can still be useful when convenience matters, but they should not be confused with technical outdoor-footwear specialists. Store counts and corporate revenue do not tell you whether a retailer will have the right hiking shoe, so a more useful comparison is what each shopping format can realistically offer.
| Retail Option | What to Expect | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Macy’s | General footwear selection; technical hiking inventory may vary by location and season. | Convenience when already shopping for clothing or shoes. |
| Kohl’s | General footwear and outdoor-oriented options may be available, but selection varies. | Casual shoppers and promotion-focused purchases. |
| JCPenney | Broad footwear assortment rather than a specialist hiking department. | Convenient general shopping when technical fitting is not the main priority. |
Big-box retailers can sometimes provide more hiking-specific options than traditional department stores. Target, for example, currently maintains an online hiking-boots-and-shoes category. The trade-off is that specialist brands, widths, technical models, and footwear-fitting expertise may be less consistent than at an outdoor retailer.
For short walks on maintained trails, a basic option from a general retailer may meet your needs. For long hikes, difficult terrain, recurring blister problems, unusual foot widths, or heavy backpacking loads, comparing footwear at an outdoor specialist is usually more useful.
Sporting Goods Stores
Sporting-goods chains are another practical place to buy hiking shoes. DICK’S Sporting Goods and Academy Sports + Outdoors both currently maintain dedicated hiking-footwear selections.
These stores can offer a useful middle ground between outdoor specialty retailers and general department stores. You may find familiar hiking brands alongside lower-cost alternatives, while also being able to shop for socks, hydration equipment, backpacks, trekking poles, and other trail gear in the same visit.
Staff expertise can vary by location and department, so do not rely solely on a salesperson’s recommendation. Walk in the shoes, test the heel hold, check the width, and make sure your toes do not hit the front when your weight moves forward.
Discount Stores
The Thrill of the Hunt
Discount and off-price stores can be worth checking when price is your main concern. Inventory is often less predictable than at an outdoor retailer, and popular sizes may disappear quickly, but past-season models and discontinued colors can sometimes cost less than current releases.
A discount is worthwhile only if the shoe fits correctly. Do not choose a narrow shoe, incorrect size, or unsuitable model simply because the price is low. A bargain pair that creates blisters or causes your toes to hit the front on descents is not good value.
One-Stop Shopping Convenience
Discount stores have expanded their offerings beyond clothing and household goods, and some locations carry outdoor footwear, socks, apparel, or other trail basics. Selection varies significantly, so treat these stores as an opportunity to find a deal rather than the most dependable source for a particular hiking-shoe model.
Hiking Shoe Brands’ Websites
Buying directly from a manufacturer can make sense when you already know which brand fits your feet. Brands such as Merrell and Salomon currently sell hiking footwear through their own websites, and other established footwear brands do the same.
A brand website often makes it easier to see the company’s current product line, available widths, waterproof variations, size charts, care guidance, and technical information. It may also have colors or configurations that a smaller retailer does not stock.
The disadvantage is that you cannot compare the fit of several brands as easily. One company’s standard width or heel shape may feel completely different from another’s, even when the printed size is identical. If you have never worn the brand before, a multi-brand retailer may be a better place to start.
Independent Hiking Gear Shops
Independent outdoor shops can be especially valuable in areas with strong hiking communities. A good local outfitter may choose footwear based partly on the terrain, weather, and trail conditions that customers regularly encounter nearby.
Personal service is another advantage. Staff at a smaller shop may have enough time to compare different sizes, discuss recurring pressure points, explain outsole differences, or suggest a different shoe shape instead of automatically moving you up one size.
Independent shops can also contribute to the local outdoor community through trail information, club connections, events, workshops, or partnerships. Their inventory may be smaller than a major online retailer’s, but knowledgeable fitting assistance can be more valuable than having hundreds of options on a screen.
Best Place to Buy Hiking Shoes by Priority
| Your Priority | Best Place to Start | Why |
|---|---|---|
| First pair / best fitting help | Outdoor specialty store | Easier to compare brands, widths, and shoe shapes in person. |
| Widest selection | Large online outdoor retailer | More sizes, widths, colors, and models than one physical store can usually stock. |
| Known favorite brand | Manufacturer website | Easy access to the brand’s current range and model variations. |
| Convenient local shopping | Sporting-goods store | Good balance of hiking footwear and other outdoor equipment. |
| Lowest possible price | Outlet or discount store | Past-season models may cost less, though sizes and models are unpredictable. |
| Local trail knowledge | Independent outdoor shop | Staff may know which footwear works well for local conditions. |
How to Choose Hiking Shoes Before You Buy
Where you buy hiking shoes matters less than whether the footwear fits your feet and matches your hikes. Current REI hiking-footwear guidance recommends a fit that feels snug without being tight and still allows room to move your toes.
Products Worth Considering
Eco-friendly suede leather and mesh upper promote airflow, prevent excessive accumulation of foot sweat, help reduce foot odor, and provides all-day comfort.
NIMBLE HIKER: The perfect combination of high function and performance, this all-purpose hiker will deliver years of comfortable service
Check the Fit, Not Just the Size Number
- Wear your normal hiking socks. Sock thickness changes how a shoe fits.
- Try footwear later in the day when possible. Feet can swell after hours of standing and walking.
- Check the heel. It should feel secure rather than sliding noticeably up and down.
- Check the toe box. Your toes need room to move and should not hit the front when walking downhill.
- Check width and volume. Pinching at the forefoot or excessive space over the top of your foot can indicate that the shoe shape is wrong.
- Walk before deciding. Use a ramp or incline if the store has one and pay attention to rubbing, pressure points, and heel movement.
Pro Tip: Try hiking shoes with the exact socks and any orthotics or insoles you normally use on the trail. A shoe that feels fine with a thin casual sock may become too tight with a thicker hiking sock.
Warning: Do not buy painful or obviously tight footwear expecting the break-in period to fix the fit. Break-in can soften some materials, but it cannot correct a shoe that is fundamentally the wrong length, width, volume, or shape for your foot.
Match the Shoe to Your Terrain
Low-cut hiking shoes are commonly suited to day hiking and maintained or moderately difficult trails because they are generally lighter and more flexible than backpacking boots. More rugged terrain, longer trips, heavier packs, snow, or mountaineering conditions may justify a stiffer or higher-cut boot.
Look at the outsole as well as the upper. Deeper, more aggressive lugs can be useful on loose, muddy, or uneven terrain, while the ideal tread design can differ on smooth rock or maintained trails.
Decide Whether You Need Waterproof Shoes
Waterproof hiking shoes can be useful for wet grass, muddy trails, shallow water exposure, rain, and cool conditions. However, waterproof membranes generally reduce airflow compared with highly breathable non-waterproof footwear.
Note: Waterproof does not automatically mean better. Hikers in hot, dry conditions may prefer breathable footwear, while hikers who regularly encounter rain, wet vegetation, or mud may value weather protection more.
Hiking Shoes vs. Hiking Boots
Hiking shoes and hiking boots overlap, but they are not identical. Hiking shoes are normally lower-cut and lighter. Many are designed for day hikes, maintained trails, and hikers who prefer flexibility and less weight.
Hiking boots are generally taller and may use stiffer midsoles, more protective uppers, and more substantial construction. Backpacking boots are designed with heavier loads and rougher terrain in mind, while mountaineering footwear is a separate, more specialized category.
Do not choose a boot only because you assume “more support” is always better. Extra stiffness and weight can be unnecessary on easy trails. Likewise, an ultralight shoe may not provide the protection you want when carrying a heavy pack over sharp or unstable terrain. Match the footwear to your actual use.
Buying Hiking Shoes Online
Online buying works particularly well when you are replacing a model you already know fits. If you are switching brands or trying a new shoe shape, the process requires a little more caution.
- Use the manufacturer’s size chart rather than assuming every brand fits the same.
- Check whether regular, wide, or other width options are available.
- Read the current return policy before buying.
- When using a marketplace, verify the seller and product details.
- Keep packaging and tags until you know the shoes fit.
- Test them indoors on clean surfaces before committing to trail use if the retailer’s return rules require unworn merchandise.
- Walk up and down stairs or a safe indoor incline to check whether your heel slips or your toes hit the front.
Buying more than one size can sometimes make comparison easier, but only do so when you have confirmed the retailer permits the necessary returns and you can return unwanted pairs in the required condition.
How to Save Money on Hiking Shoes
You do not necessarily need the newest color or model year to get capable hiking footwear. Past-season versions, discontinued colors, outlet inventory, and clearance sales can reduce the price without changing the basic purpose of the shoe.
Compare the exact model rather than shopping by brand alone. A company may sell lightweight trail footwear, day-hiking shoes, backpacking boots, waterproof versions, wide versions, and casual outdoor shoes under the same brand name.
Used hiking shoes require more caution. Examine outsole wear, heel wear, compressed cushioning, damaged uppers, odor or moisture issues, and whether the previous owner’s foot shape has noticeably changed the shoe. For footwear you plan to use on demanding hikes, a heavily worn second-hand pair may offer poor value even when the price is low.
If you’re in the market for new hiking shoes and your outdoor trips also involve a travel trailer, you may also be interested in the article on the 5 best travel trailer batteries to power your spring adventures in 2025. A dependable trailer power setup can be useful when camping away from developed facilities. Make sure to click here to read more about it.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are hiking shoes?
Hiking shoes are outdoor footwear designed to provide traction, underfoot protection, durability, and comfort on trails. They are generally lower-cut and lighter than traditional hiking or backpacking boots, making them popular for day hiking and light-to-moderate terrain.
What should I look for in hiking shoes?
Start with fit. Look for a secure heel, comfortable width, enough room for your toes, suitable cushioning and underfoot protection, and an outsole appropriate for your terrain. Waterproofing can be useful in wet conditions but is not necessary for every hiker.
Where can I buy hiking shoes?
You can buy hiking shoes from outdoor specialty retailers, independent outfitters, sporting-goods stores, large online retailers, discount stores, and manufacturer websites. Specialty outdoor stores are particularly useful when you need fitting help or want to compare several brands in person.
What are some popular hiking-shoe brands?
Major outdoor retailers currently carry brands such as Merrell, Salomon, KEEN, Oboz, Lowa, La Sportiva, Columbia, Danner, The North Face, and others. No brand is automatically best for every foot, so choose according to fit and intended use rather than reputation alone.
How do I choose the right size of hiking shoes?
Try shoes with the hiking socks you normally wear, preferably later in the day. The shoe should feel snug but not tight, your heel should remain secure, and your toes should have room to move without striking the front when you walk downhill. Width and foot volume matter as much as the printed size.
Is it better to buy hiking shoes online or in a store?
In-store shopping is usually better when you are unsure about fit because you can compare several shoes immediately. Online shopping is convenient and often offers more sizes and models, making it particularly useful when you already know which brand or shoe shape fits you.
Should hiking shoes be waterproof?
Not necessarily. Waterproof footwear can help in rain, mud, wet vegetation, and cool conditions, but breathable non-waterproof shoes may feel more comfortable in hot and dry weather. Choose according to the conditions you encounter most often.
Do new hiking shoes need to be broken in?
Lightweight hiking shoes may need little break-in compared with stiff leather boots, but it is still wise to wear new footwear on shorter walks before a long hike. A break-in period can help materials settle, but it cannot fix footwear that is fundamentally the wrong size or shape.
Sources
- REI Co-op — How to Choose Hiking Boots and Shoes — footwear types, terrain, construction, fit, sizing, and waterproofing considerations.
- American Hiking Society — Hiking Shoes — fitting advice, hiking socks, heel hold, toe room, and trying footwear later in the day.
- REI Co-op — Hiking Footwear — current hiking-footwear categories and brand availability.
- DICK’S Sporting Goods — Hiking Boots & Shoes — current sporting-goods hiking-footwear availability.
- Academy Sports + Outdoors — Hiking Shoes & Boots — current hiking-footwear selection.
- Salomon — Hiking Shoes & Boots — current manufacturer footwear range and hiking categories.
