Shoe Reviews
We laced up in the top brands from Salomon, Nike, HOKA, La Sportiva, Scarpa, Merrell, Keen and Teva.
Trail shoes range from essentially no cushion (requiring you to strengthen your feet and lower leg muscles), to all the cushion (with the goal of going easy on your joints).
Credit: Ally Arcuri
To store all the shoes we've bought and tested over the years, we'd need a warehouse. Thankfully, we have one. Our dedicated team of testers has reviewed thousands of pairs of hiking shoes, running shoes, and the top trail running shoes throughout the years, in all manners of environments and conditions. We buy all the products, just like you do, so we can publish 100% unbiased reviews. That we guarantee.
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Best Picks in Shoe Reviews
Mountain Bike Shoes - Women's
A great pair of mountain bike shoes can help you perform at your very best. We've put 11 of the top models on the...
Skate Shoes
To help you find the best skate shoes, we researched dozens of different models on the market and bought and tested 7...
Slippers - Men's
You'll wear good slippers nearly every day. We carefully tested (researching 30 models and purchasing 12 for direct...
Sandals - Men's
There is no such thing as a wrong time to wear sandals. We've sifted through the market's top offerings, comparing...
Cycling Shoes
Our team rode hundreds of miles to analyze the features and flaws of today's best cycling shoes. Our in-depth review...
10 Top Water Shoes
Sick of wrinkled toes or stubs on sharp rocks while playing in the water? We've tested the best water shoes that will...
Flip-Flop Sandals - Women's
No matter what kind of warm weather adventure you're gearing up for, we'll help you find the perfect flip flop to...
Flip-Flop Sandals - Men's
Searching for a new slippah? The selection can be daunting, with a multitude of options from the biggest names in the...
Walking Shoes
These award-winning walking shoes will keep you moving. Whether you plan on walking around town, running errands, or...
10 Top Sandals
Trying to figure out what type of sandal the one you need is? We've spent years testing hundreds of pairs of flip...
Climbing Shoes - Women's
We've weeded through dozens of climbing shoes to select to top contenders on the market. We have specifically selected...
Slippers - Women's
After researching the top options on the market, we chose 12 of the best slippers for women for hands-on testing...
10 Top Barefoot Shoes
Our team of barefoot experts has put an entire lineup of men's and women's barefoot shoes to the test. We focused on...
10 Top Flip-Flop Sandals
Over the past 10 years, we've bought and tested over 100 pairs of flip flops to find the greatest on the market. From...
Barefoot Shoes - Women's
Barefoot shoes got a bad rap shortly after their introduction to the mainstream. In this review, we talk about ways to...
Barefoot Shoes - Men's
Ready to make the switch to minimalist or barefoot shoes? Our comprehensive review compares the top options of this...
Approach Shoes - Women's
If you're on the hunt for a great pair of women's approach shoes, we've got the information you need. Whether you're...
Climbing Shoes - Men's
We pick the best rock climbing shoes for bouldering, sport, trad, gym, and beginners. No matter your experience or...
10 Top Running Shoes
If you want to find the best running shoes today, we covered hundreds of miles and thoughtfully selected our favorite...
Running Shoes - Men's
We've tested hundreds of shoes over thousands of miles on the roads and scores of hours in the lab to find the best...
Running Shoes - Women's
Seeking a women's running shoe to help you pick up the pace? Our comprehensive review of the most popular running...
Hiking Shoes - Men's
We selected the top hiking shoes and put them to the test. After months of hiking on all types of trails, we wrote the...
Hiking Shoes - Women's
We're here to help you sort through the options for the best women's hiking shoes. We tested the market's leading...
Water Shoes - Women's
Our testers took these models rafting down the Grand Canyon, boating on the San Juan River in Colorado, canoeing...
Water Shoes - Men's
After combing through 70 of the best water shoes on the market, we purchased and rigorously tested the top 15 to find...
10 Top Slippers
Our top loungers have found the best slippers to keep your feet warm and comfy, no matter if you're staying in to...
Trail Running Shoes - Men's
Looking for a new pair of trail runners? We have tested over 130 of the most popular models since 2013. Our current...
Sandals - Women's
What are the best women's sandals for travel, hiking, and daily use? We put these top options through a bevy of...
Mountain Bike Shoes - Men's
Are you looking for a new pair of mountain bike shoes? We have purchased a whomping 20 pairs for this comparative...
Mountain Bike Flat Shoes - Men's
There are lots of mountain bike flat shoes on the market. We bought 14 of the most intriguing options to put through...
Approach Shoes - Men's
Looking for a new pair of approach shoes? We've got you covered. We scrambled, bouldered, sport climbed, and hiked in...
Mountain Bike Flat Shoes - Women's
Deciding on a new pair of women's mountain bike flat pedal shoes can be difficult, with so many choices available. Our...Shoe Reviews Learning Center
Men's Rock Climbing Shoe Buying Guide
Finding the best shoe for various types of adventures can be an overwhelming task. We're here to help. From sport...
How to Choose Hiking Shoes
Want some help finding the right shoe for your feet and trail objectives? This article dissects the key considerations...
How to Choose Approach Shoes for Climbing
If your hikes involve steep scrambling and exposed slabs, you should be wearing a pair of sticky rubber approach...
How to Choose Hiking Shoes for Women
What do you do when the options for hiking shoes are overwhelming? This article will help you understand the different...
How to Choose the Right Men's Trail Running Shoes
We recommend making a basic self-assessment to help you determine what your specific needs are when it comes to a...
How to Choose Men's Running Shoes
So you're in the market for running shoes. Where should you start? We'll walk you through your options and help you...Recent Gear Reviews in Shoe Reviews
Top Pick
Xero Z-Trail EV - Women's Review
The Xero Z-Trail EV sandals are a true barefoot shoe that allows for flexibility and movement of your foot while...
Editors' Choice
Merrell Vapor Glove 6 - Women's Review
The Merrell Vapor Glove 6 is among our favorite barefoot shoes for women. These shoes feature a flexible Vibram...
Top Pick
Xero Shoes HFS II - Women's Review
When headed out on a run, we loved the Xero Shoes HFS II. Barefoot shoes can be tricky to run in, especially if you...
Top Pick
Vivobarefoot Primus Lite III Review
Vivobarefoot is known to be a frontrunner in the barefoot shoe game, and with the Primus Lite III they took aim at the...
Editors' Choice
La Sportiva TX2 Evo - Women's Review
We're not sure where to begin describing the La Sportiva TX2 Evo. Should we start with its impressively lightweight...
Top Pick
La Sportiva TX Guide - Women's Review
A stiff midsole and narrow profile make the La Sportiva TX Guide a climbing machine. These shoes are precise and...
Top Pick
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23 - Women's Review
The Brooks Adrenaline GTS has long been a GearLab favorite for runners needing a supportive shoe. This traditional, 10...
Top Pick
Altra Vanish Tempo - Women's Review
The Altra Vanish Tempo is an anomaly that will appeal to a subset of runners. A lightweight, well-executed training...
Top Pick
Saucony Triumph 22 Review
The Saucony Triumph 22 is a big departure from the last version, but we still think it's a great option for plush...
Best Buy
Puma Velocity Nitro 3 Review
The Puma Velocity Nitro 3 is a comfortable shoe that has the ideal level of versatility to make a great all-around...
Best Buy
Columbia Crestwood Review
The Columbia Crestwood is living proof that you can find a good quality pair of hiking shoes for under a hundred...
Editors' Choice
Hoka Anacapa 2 Low GTX Review
The Hoka Anacapa 2 Low GTX is our favorite hiking shoe, without a doubt. Blending running shoe-inspired comfort with...
Editors' Choice
La Sportiva Spire GTX - Women's Review
The La Sportiva Spire GTX is a sporty yet incredibly stable hiking shoe with ample comfort for both wide and narrow...
Best Buy
Merrell Moab 3 - Women's Review
The Merrell Moab 3 is a comfortable hiking shoe with a ton of support for high arches. The bellow tongue and ankle...
Editors' Choice
Astral Loyak - Women's Review
With incredible traction and sensitivity, the women's Astral Loyak is a great choice for any aquatic adventurer. For...
Top Pick
Olukai Moku Pae Review
The Olukai Moku Pae is among our favorite options we've ever tested in the context of style. Water shoes have...
Editors' Choice
Astral Loyak AC Review
The Astral Loyak AC are top-performing water shoes that also offer the stylish aesthetics of a designer casual shoe...
Best Buy
DLGJPA Lightweight Quick Drying - Women's Review
The DLGJPA Women's Lightweight Quick Drying Aqua Water Shoes are a great option for those just getting into water...
Editors' Choice
Salomon S/Lab Ultra 3 Review
The Salomon S/Lab Ultra 3 is arguably the best running shoe on the market. We think the fit is primarily to thank for...
Top Pick
Nnormal Kjerag Review
Ultralight and durability don't blend often, but the unisex Nnormal Kjerag, created by Kilian Jornet, manages to pull...
Editors' Choice
Shimano S-Phyre SH-RC903 Review
The Shimano S-Phyre RC903 is our absolute favorite high-performance cycling shoe. Its stiff construction offers...
Top Pick
Quoc Escape Road Review
Quoc set out to create a shoe that would be a great companion on all-day adventures, and the Escape Road hits the...
Top Pick
Ecco Yucatan - Women's Review
The Ecco Yucatan is a sandal with a vibe. It offers excellent security and stability, and some of the best comfort...
Top Pick
Arc'teryx Vertex Alpine Review
The Vertex Alpine is a comfortable running shoe that also excels in moderately technical terrain, earning our nod as...
Editors' Choice
La Sportiva TX Guide Review
The La Sportiva TX Guide is an all-around climbing and hiking machine, earning our approval as the top approach shoe...
Top Pick
Scarpa Booster Review
After a few year's hiatus, the fan-favorite Scarpa Booster is back in the game. The updated shoe is soft and nimble...
Editors' Choice
La Sportiva Skwama - Women's Review
The La Sportiva Skwama won us over with its consistent performance across disciplines, taking the top spot for the...
Editors' Choice
Bedrock Cairn Adventure Review
Yet again, the Bedrock Cairn Adventure secures the highest score among the best sandals. Simply put, no other model is...
Editors' Choice
La Sportiva Katana Lace Review
There are many reasons why the La Sportiva Katana Lace is a stalwart at crags across America. The subtly downturned...
Top Pick
La Sportiva Solution Comp Review
The La Sportiva Solution Comp is an aggressive shoe that really shines when precision is paramount. It edges just as...
Top Pick
Ride Concepts Wildcat - Women's Review
The Wildcat is built for gravity riding. It features a mid-top design and provides tons of protection but at the...
Top Pick
Merrell Vapor Glove 6 Review
Merrell has made some improvements with the Vapor Glove 6. Most notably, the updated tread design has 2mm of depth to...
Top Pick
Earth Runners Alpha Review
The Earth Runners Alpha distinguishes itself as one of the lightest and most traction-efficient choices in our lineup...
Best Buy
Specialized 2FO Roost Flat - Unisex Review
The Specialized 2FO Roost Flat is a flat pedal shoe that makes a big statement by balancing grip, comfort...
Top Pick
Fox Union BOA Review
The Fox Union BOA are an outstanding choice for enduro racers or aggressive riders. The Union BOA is Fox's first entry...
Top Pick
Pearl Izumi X-Alp Summit Review
The Pearl Izumi X-Alp Summit shoes are versatile, all-around mountain bike shoes that work well in a number of...
Editors' Choice
Giro Latch Review
The Giro Latch is an excellent new flat pedal shoe that challenges the standard set for the contact point of your feet...
Top Pick
Ride Concepts Hellion Clip Women's Review
The Hellion Clip Women's is Ride Concepts clip-in version of the popular Hellion flat shoe and is purpose-built for...
Best Buy
Specialized 2FO Roost Clip - Unisex Review
The casual-looking Specialized 2FO Roost Clip performs incredibly well both on and off the bike. The Stiff Lollipop...
Best Buy