How we test hiking shoes
For this special selection, we employed our outdoor expertise and hiked hundreds of miles to field-test all the Gore-Tex hiking shoes in our inventory. That means wearing each pair on actual hiking trips, covering 30+ miles across wet trails and muddy routes. Our selection process includes:
- Putting in the time, energy, and our own resources to buy the Gore-Tex hikers from different brands. This ensures our independence when giving our reviews.
- Clocking up solid mileage to get a real-world assessment of each specific model’s fit, waterproof properties, grip, comfort, protection, and durability, among others. We take the shoes on backpacking escapades across the backcountry where water or slush is a threat. We also subjectthe shoes’ overall performance when tackling tougher weather conditions.
- Getting more data from the tests we perform inside our independent shoe testing lab. We gather more information by measuring and rating their parameters and dissecting the shoes.
Best Gore-Tex hiking shoes overall
Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX
80
Good!
What makes it the best?
Can a Gore-Tex hiking shoe be lightweight, comfortable, and supportive? It sure can! Our best overall Gore-Tex hiking shoe is the Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX, which takes first place for its instant comfort straight out of the box, perfect cushioning, and first-rate support.
Weighing in at just 13.3 oz (378g), its featherweight translates to more mileage on our hikes before our feet get tired. When we compared it to our lab-tested waterproof hiking shoes, we found it is 5% lighter than average. It even sneaks in below the average for non-waterproof shoes. Impressive for a completely watertight shoe! We even tested its impermeability by standing in a stream, and our feet stayed totally dry. That’s a win for the Gore-Tex!
Loose ascents and uneven trails are a breeze in this shoe, and the stability is rock-solid. The heel counter keeps our feet firmly locked into the shoe so we evaluated it in the lab. We awarded it 5/5 for stiffness (5 being the stiffest). The Active Support System of quick laces and a shank in the midsole provide a tonne of stability, making it our go-to shoe for our rough, rocky hikes.
This shoe finds the perfect balance in the midsole - not too soft and not too hard. What this means in practice is that we get a good amount of ground feel whilst still keeping our feet protected and supported. We measured the midsole for softness by pressing a durometer to it. No surprises there - it showed 32.5 HA, the average for hiking shoes.
We measured the width of the midsole in the lab, finding it to measure 108.2 mm at the forefoot and 84.2 mm at the heel. Since the average is 109.7 mm and 86.8 mm respectively, we don’t recommend the Salomon X Ultra 4 to hikers needing a wider shoe.
Pros
- Instant comfort
- Impeccable waterproofing
- Very lightweight
- Exceptional grip
- Excellent support and lockdown
- Stable platform
- Roomy toebox
Cons
- Quicklace is not for everyone
- Too-high collar
Full review of Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX
Gore-Tex hiking shoe with the best cushioning
Hoka Anacapa Low GTX
82
Good!
What makes it the best?
In a combination of lab tests and getting out on the trail, we found the Hoka Anacapa Low GTX to be the Gore-Tex hiking shoe with the best cushioning. With a midsole so plush that it feels more like a running shoe, it doesn’t neglect the stability required for a quality hiking shoe either.
The heel quite literally stands out on this shoe, giving us soft landings and much smoother transitions as we walk. Our all-day hikes were much more comfortable, thanks to the superb cushioning. When we pressed a durometer to the midsole in the lab, it registered 23.3 HA - 29% softer than the other shoes we tested. As if that weren’t enough, the insole measures 6.7 mm, 31% thicker than average. There’s no doubt about it; this is a really comfortable shoe!
With such a plush shoe, it is possible for the stability to be compromised, but the Hoka Anacapa Low GTX has it covered. The widest platform ever to have passed through our lab, the 113.2 mm wide forefoot and 93.1 mm wide heel compensate for the softness of the midsole, making it next to impossible to roll our ankles when hiking on rough trails.
To top it all off, this is an excellent waterproof shoe, the fully gusseted tongue and Gore-Tex/leather combination keeping our feet completely dry (and blister-free!) even on the wettest days. This all comes in an extremely lightweight package - they tipped our scales at 13.9 oz (393g), 6% lighter than average.
Hoka’s characteristic rocker, while muted, is live and kicking in this shoe. It makes us walk faster, sometimes even breaking into a run. For hikers looking for a less lively shoe, we recommend exploring alternatives.
Pros
- Mind-blowing cushioning
- Podiatrist-approved sole
- Excellent grip
- Top-notch waterproofing
- Lightweight
- Out-of-the-box comfort
- Roomy toebox
- Well-made
- Contains recycled materials
Cons
- GTX version only
- Pricier than average
- Weird-looking heel
Full review of Hoka Anacapa Low GTX
Gore-Tex hiking shoes with the best stability
Adidas Terrex Swift R3 GTX
86
Great!
What makes it the best?
Swift R3 GTX gets the "best stability" medal because, in the world of Gore-Tex hiking shoes, we don't want just superb waterproofing but also a super stable platform that allows us to hike over wet and slippery terrain with no ankle twists, slips and falls. And the Swift R3 GTS nails it!
There are numerous elements contributing to the overall stability of this shoe and we thank our lab tests for documenting all of them. The most important one, for sure, is the torsional rigidity test that showed us why this shoe feels as stable as a hiking boot. Because we weren't able to twist the shoe, we rated it with 5 out of 5, 5 being the stiffest.
Not just that, but we also loved the stiff heel counter - it scored 4 out of 5 on our stiffness test and no wonder: we were able to feel it locking our heels. Boot-like stability means safe and happy ankles and that's what we experienced, no matter how slippery the terrain got!
All the stiffness might sound scary but the shoe is actually quite flexible, 7% more than the average! We loved this because it let us enjoy the outdoors in more natural strides.
When it comes to the grip, in the lab, our durometer showed 85.9 HC when we checked the softness of the rubber. It is just around the average of 86.1 HC. However, when combined with 4.4 mm lugs that shine, especially on downhills, we were blown away by the traction. Talk about feeling secure in wet weather!
Gore-Tex membrane rocks. Under the microscope, it's as tight as it gets, no wonder - but it also means no air can escape. We pumped smoke in the shoe and watched how it barely let anything out, mostly below the laces and not through the toebox. We don't recommend this hiking shoe for hot summer days.
Pros
- Boot-like stability
- Highly durable and protective
- Lightweight for what it offers
- Excellent waterproofing
- Breathable for a GTX shoe
- Generously cushioned
- Very secure foothold
- Top-notch grip with deep lugs
Cons
- Stuffy for summer
- Can be too stiff (even stiffer in cold)
- Break-in needed
Full review of Adidas Terrex Swift R3 GTX
Gore-Tex hiking shoes with the best comfort
Merrell Moab 3 GTX
83
Good!
What makes it the best?
After comprehensive lab tests and putting a number of waterproof hiking shoes through their paces, we declare that the Merrell Moab 3 GTX is the most comfortable Gore-Tex hiking shoe! They are delightfully comfortable straight out of the box, keep our feet completely dry on our wet hikes, and are designed with wear and tear in mind.
The thick padded tongue, measuring 14.6 mm (3.2 mm thicker than average), and the extra padding around the heel area make an excellent first impression from the word go. Our feet bend and flex naturally while walking in this shoe, so in the lab, we bent the shoe to 90° to test for flexibility. Our force gauge measured 30.3N, making this shoe 30% more flexible than average! In practice, this shoe gives a really comfortable ride and a natural feel to our strides.
The Gore-Tex lining is perfectly implemented, and our feet stayed bone dry, even on our rainy hikes with stream crossings. The 4.8 mm lugs are 0.5 mm deeper than average and grip well on gravel and smooth rock. They shed mud well, making them overall a great choice for wet-weather hiking.
We experienced minimal wear on the Vibram outsole after several hikes, so we brought the shoe into the lab for assessment. We measured the outsole thickness at 7.1 mm, a little thicker than the average 6.8 mm. Our durometer measurements also proved the outsole to be 83% harder than our other lab-tested shoes. They also have a solid heel and toe bumper to protect both the shoes and our feet from abrasion while scrambling over rocks. These shoes just keep on giving!
Such a workhorse of a shoe has to show some sort of weakness. The indestructible Merrell Moab 3 GTX is on the heavy side, weighing in at 15.9 oz (450g). We don’t recommend it to hikers looking for something fast and lightweight.
Pros
- Superb day-one comfort
- Brilliant surface adhesion
- Supportive like a work shoe
- Fantastic cushioning underfoot
- Remarkably durable
- A-grade waterproofing
- Sheds mud quite well
- Protective toe box
- Incredible overall quality
Cons
- Heavy for a low-top
- Subpar breathability
- Its shoelaces unravel often
Full review of Merrell Moab 3 GTX
Best lightweight Gore-Tex hiking shoes
Merrell Moab Speed GTX
79
Decent!
What makes it the best?
For a lightweight, Gore-Tex hiking shoe, look no further than the Merrell Moab Speed GTX. 18% lighter than its waterproof competitors, its breathability and plush cushioning make it a superbly comfortable companion for those damp days on the hill.
Tipping the scales at just 11.4 oz (323g), this shoe is 2.5 oz (72g) lighter than the average for this category. We found it most noticeable on our longer hikes when our legs had plenty of energy to spare at the end of the day.
Puddles, streams and wet grass are no match for the Merrell Moab Speed GTX’s impermeable lining. As an added bonus, our feet didn’t even sweat while hiking! In the lab, we pumped smoke into the shoe to test for breathability. Smoke exited fairly easily through the breathable tongue, which explains the air circulation in the toe box. We awarded it a 3/5 for breathability - an improvement on the waterproof hiking shoe average of 2.3.
The Merrell Moab Speed GTX is a master of protection. We measured 4.2 mm of extra material under the heel compared to average, and 0.6 mm below the forefoot. Rather than feeling clunky, it is neatly balanced by a softer midsole, which absorbs impact. Our durometer readings showed a squishy 22.5 HA, significantly softer than the average of 30.7 HA. Such plush cushioning keeps our feet feeling fresher for longer.
In our experience, this is not the best choice of shoe for cold conditions. After 20 minutes in the freezer, we tested the shoe for flexibility by pushing it to 90° with a force gauge. Requiring 75.4N of force, it is 39% stiffer than average and requires warming up to perform as we expect.
Pros
- Plush on day one
- Watertight
- Sticky
- Featherweight
- Stabilizing
- Incredibly supportive
- Propelling
Cons
- Unflattering heel fit
- Frail outsole
Full review of Merrell Moab Speed GTX
Best Gore-Tex hiking shoes for wide feet
Teva Grandview GTX Low
73
Bad!
What makes it the best?
The finest hiking shoe we can confidently turn to for toe freedom and for conquering below-ankle-level streams is the Teva Grandview GTX Low. While this wide-feet-friendly shoe repels water, it simultaneously promotes air to circulate, leaving us with dry feet, both from sweat and moisture.
Our caliper obtained a 103.8 mm width across the widest part of the Grandview GTX Low’s toebox. Placing it next to the average, we found that it’s 3.8 mm above. The numbers didn’t lie as we felt that there was no toe squeezing happening in this shoe. The broadness of this shoe didn’t stop with the fit. The midsole was 116.6 mm in the heel and 93 mm in the forefoot and it also measured more than the average by approximately 5.1% in both sections. On our treks, this translated into a great deal of stability.
We had fun testing this shoe out in wet settings as we didn’t end up dripping wet. To better visualize how extremely waterproof this shoe is, we put it under our microscope. We saw that the upper is closely knitted, safe from water seeping through. Air, or should we say smoke, is a different story. It can pass through the upper, attaining a 3/5 breathability rating.
This shoe beat the average in terms of weight. We recorded 15.56 oz (441g), which is 13.1% heavier than most hiking shoes. If you are partial to light hiking shoes, seek other GORE-TEX options.
Pros
- Excellent waterproofing
- Softer than average cushioning
- Great impact protection
- Remains soft and flexible in low temps
- Very stable and supportive
- Deep lugs with top-notch grip
- Comfortable in-shoe feel
- Good wear resistance
- A dream for wide feet
Cons
- Heavier than average
- Not for narrow feet
- Heel lock is fiddly
Full review of Teva Grandview GTX Low
Rainy and wet weather can ruin a hike. Or rainy weather can improve a hike with its cooler temperatures, peaceful sounds, and impending rainbow. Whether rain (and other forms of precipitation) ruin your hike or enhance it depends on two critical factors– your perspective and the Gore-tex hiking shoes you put on before leaving the house.
As it turns out, the more you can be prepared for wet weather, the more favorable your perspective can be, and the more you will enjoy your time outside, no matter how wet it gets. So, the next time it rains, don’t let the weather keep you inside. Instead, throw on a pair of Gore-tex hiking shoes and ramble through the rain.
An ideal scenario for using Gore-tex
Not all hikers need to purchase Gore-tex shoes. If you wear waterproof shoes during scenarios where waterproofing is not 100% necessary, you may be missing out on other hiking shoes that could be better suited for the job.
Gore-tex hiking shoes shine in prolonged exposures to wet terrain and moisture. They are ideal for terrain and climates where moisture, whether from rainfall, mud, snow, or groundwater, is a consistent obstacle. Not just the occasional storm or creek crossing.
For example, Gore-tex hiking shoes are ideal for day-long adventures when the forecast looks suspect and you expect prolonged exposure to precipitation. Gore-tex hiking shoes will give you the confidence to continue adventuring despite the rain.
Permeability comparison: GTX shoe vs. non-GTX shoe
Similarly, if you plan a multi-day trip, we recommend packing Gore-tex hiking shoes if the forecast shows rain, snow, or other forms of precipitation. That way, if it does get wet, you don’t have to worry about drying out your feet after the storm. However, if the forecast is calling for dry and sunny weather, you may be better off with nonwaterproof shoes, for example, water-resistant or repellent.
Drawbacks for Gore-tex
Are there drawbacks to purchasing Gore-tex hiking shoes? Unfortunately, the answer is yes. However, depending on your personal preferences and intended usage for the shoes, the pros may easily outweigh the cons.
Gore-tex shoes weigh more
The first drawback to Gore-tex shoes is that they are heavier. This is due to the extra Gore-tex laminate layer on the inside of the shoe. Essentially, if there is more material in the shoe, it makes sense for it to be heavier.
The good news is for most people, weight differences are pretty negligible. For example, the Salomon Ultra 4 GTX weighs 380 grams, and the nonwaterproof Ultra X 4 weighs 360 grams.
Gore-tex shoes can be pricey
The second drawback to Gore-tex hiking shoes is that they tend to be more expensive. For a high-quality material like Gore-tex, it makes sense that you would have to invest more upfront. The price difference between a Gore-tex shoe and a nonwaterproof shoe is between $15 to $30. This is true for the Salomon Ultra X 4.
Gore-tex shoes are slightly less breathable
Lastly, a third drawback of Gore-tex shoes is that they dry out slower than non-waterproof shoes. This is the case because the Gore-tex liner not only expels water but also traps it on the inside. In other words, although technically breathable, Gore-tex may not be as breathable as nonwaterproof designs.
This is only the case in highly wet conditions where water has been allowed to enter into your shoe through the top and soaks the inside. For example, mandatory creek crossings or prolonged exposure to torrential rain. To prevent this from happening, a hiking shoe with a higher cuff may be helpful.
A brief history of Gore-tex
Starting in 1958, Bill and Genevieve Gore were onto something special. They were curious about a revolutionary and new polymer called polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). PTFE is a synthetic polymer called a fluoropolymer. It’s well known for being hydrophobic, having a high melting point, and resistant to abrasion via a high tensile strength.
It was first patented by Kinetic Chemicals in 1941 and trademarked as Teflon. One of its first uses was as a seal coating in uranium enrichment for the Manhattan Project. Later, Teflon was used for cookware.
A decade later, in 1969, the Gores’ son, Bob Gore, discovered what eventually became known as expanded polytetrafluoroethylene, or ePTFE for short. To create ePTFE, Gore stretched the PTFE under certain conditions. What he created was a heat-resistant, hydrophobic, and thin fabric.
Bob Gore understood that he was onto something with great potential. In 1970 Gore applied for a series of patents to make Gore-tex fabrics more seriously. And shortly afterward, in 1976, he started marketing their family brand, Gore-tex. At the time, it was the first waterproof and windproof fabric.
Afterward, Gore-tex became the gold standard for waterproof fabrics and was utilized in a variety of applications, the first of which was a rainjacket. Since then, Gore-tex is also commonly used in manufacturing gloves, space suits, and footwear.
Key components of Gore-tex hiking shoes
It didn’t take long for Gore-tex to get involved in footwear. In 1982, the first Gore-tex fabric bootie was submerged in water for testing. This test eventually led to the creation of the Gore-tex waterproof liner– a thin and lightweight waterproof membrane sewn into the shoe’s interior.
Gore-tex membranes are now synonymous with waterproof shoes. So much so that many attribute any shoe marketed was waterproof to be Gore-tex; however, that may not be true. Some hiking shoe manufacturers will use different waterproof technology.
Waterproof hiking shoes that utilize a Gore-tex membrane will usually include “GTX” in their name, for example, the Merrell Moab Speed GTX. Gore-tex hiking shoes will also normally have a Gore-tex label somewhere on the exterior of the shoe. For example, the Adidas Free Hiker Cold RDY has a silver “Gore-tex” label on the front exterior of the toe box. These signs will signal Gore-tex was used to waterproof the shoe and not another in-house or proprietary fabric.
Nonetheless, Gore-tex hiking shoes continue to outperform the rest. But why is Gore-tex so good? Because the science of Gore-tex is astonishing.
- A single square inch of Gore-tex fabric contains 9 billion pores.
- Each one of those pores is 20x smaller than a water droplet.
- The pores in Gore-tex fabric are also 700x bigger than a water vapor molecule.
These three characteristics create a fabric that physically cannot let water through while still being breathable enough for moisture or sweat to evaporate. The Gore-tex fabric is then bonded to other high-performance linings and textiles to create a laminate so that it can be used in various contexts, from jackets, gloves, and pants to boots and hiking shoes.
Frequently asked questions
What does GTX stand for?
GTX stands for Gore-tex. If GTX is included in the name of a hiking shoe or labeled on the shoe itself, it utilizes a waterproof membrane made with Gore-tex fabric.
If the show is waterproof but does not include GTX, then it uses other materials for its waterproofing.
Is Gore-tex the only waterproof fabric?
No, shoe manufacturers incorporate many other waterproof fabrics into their hiking shoes. For example, Columbia Sportswear uses its patented OutDry and Omni-tech technology to waterproof footwear. With that being said, however, Gore-tex continues to be the industry’s gold standard when it comes to waterproofing, which explains its higher cost.
Are Gore-tex hiking shoes 100% waterproof?
Unfortunately, we would have to say no to this one. The main reason is that no hiking shoe, even models with Gore-tex, can prevent water from entering the shoe from above. For example, water can get inside the shoe if you step into deep water or mud.
We recommend wearing gaiters for extra protection around the cuff of your hiking shoes. Gaiters are supplemental garments that attach to your shoes and protect your lower leg and ankle. They provide extra protection against precipitation and debris.
