Trail Gear Picks

Footwear & Poles

Boots, trail runners and the poles that go with them. Start with fit and width, then argue about weight.

In this category9 guidesUpdated Nov 2026.

Buying guides

9 guides
The Best Trail Runners for HikingSix trail running shoes for day hikes and backpacking, from about $60 to $180, with the size to order, the widths and what owners complain about.The Best Lightweight Hiking ShoesFive low hiking shoes that weigh 11 to 12 ounces each, from about $70 to $190, with the size to order and the widths each one comes in.The Best Hiking BootsHow to get the size and the width right on the first order, across six waterproof mid boots from about $110 to $280.The Best Lightweight Hiking BootsMid boots that keep your feet dry without dragging on the last miles, from about $110 to $240.The Best Trekking PolesThe pair to get if you only buy one, and six others from about $30 to $230.Merrell Moab 3 ReviewEvery version of the Moab 3, low and mid, from about $110 to $185, and what owners say about each one.Salomon X Ultra 5 GTX Review (Low & Mid)The low and mid X Ultra 5 GTX, about $150 to $165 on Amazon, how each one fits, and what owners say after the first miles.Hoka Kaha 3 GTX ReviewThe Kaha 3 GTX, mid and low, men's and women's, about $220 to $240, and what owners say about the fit.The Best Hiking Shoes for WomenSix hiking shoes from about $90 to $180, and which size to order in each one.