Hiking is one of the most fun outdoor activities that you can do. But if you want to go for a hike, you might be hesitant about it. That is only natural because you never know what you might face while on a hike. To make sure you are safe, you need to be prepared. And one such preparation is having the right shoes for hiking. There are tons of variants of hiking shoes that a hiker can choose from. But one type stands out the most. They are barefoot or toe shoe verity. It is tough finding the right shoe for oneself. For that very reason, we have cataloged the ten best toe shoes for hiking.
What are Hiking shoes?
When we say hiking shoes, we do not mean that they are only for hiking. You can wear one such shoe in your day-to-day life. Yes, they will be a bit uncomfortable, but that doesn't make them an invalid option. The same can be said for other shoes which are built for running, trailing, or training.
The different name implies that they are built for that sole purpose, but that is not the reality. As you can wear hiking shoes any time, the same can be done for other shoes. But the viability of doing so is a bit questionable.
Buying Guide
We did pick the best toe shoes that can be used for hiking. But that doesn't mean that they will be perfect for you. For that reason, there are a few things that you need to look out for when buying one. They are,
Breathability
The breathability of a shoe allows you to stay comfortable while out on a hike. Buy the shoe that has maximum breathability compared to the alternatives.
Minimalistic Design
Toe shoes, by nature, have a smaller form factor. This makes so that they have a zero-drop feature in them. If you prefer that, it is better to check for it.
Perfect Fit
If your shoe perfectly fits your foot, you will have an easier time finding stable footing while on a hike. Get a shoe that is perfect for you.
Traction
It is a must for hiking shoes to have proper traction. Without such, you will indeed be gravely injured while on a hike.
Laced
Slide-in shoes are easy to wear, but the opposite is also true for them. Make sure a laced shoe for hiking, or else you might face serious issues.
Support Your Ankle
The main part that helps you keep your balance while climbing are your ankles. Make sure your shoe has enough support for your ankles.
Durability
Hiking can be rough on you and your shoes. The durability of these shoes is a top priority. You do not want broken shoes in the middle of your hike.
Weight
You are bound to have heavy baggage while hiking. So, make sure your shoes do not contribute to that extra baggage.
Cost
Good stuff costs a bit. But that doesn't mean that expensive stuff is the best. Try to buy a shoe that is the best within your budget.
Best Toe Shoes for Hiking in 2021
Image | Product | Features | Price | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Vibram Men's V-Alpha | Textile upper Vibram sole Light wool and polyester cushioning Lightweight and durable Strong traction | $$ | |
 | L-RUN Athletic Hiking Water Shoes | Instead of lace, it has an elastic band Fabric and durable upper The upper is a mesh design for breathability Outsole has anti-skid feature Elastic band is adjustable | $ | |
 | WateLves Water Shoes for Men | Flexible and breathable upper Practical toe glove design Quick-drying holes for drainage Anti-slip, flexible, and durable outsole Elastic lace for a perfect fit | $$ | |
 | Oranginer Men's Barefoot Shoes | Complete rubber outsole Wider toe box for better grip Flexible and lightweight synthetic upper No-tie elastic lace Cushioned side and outsole | $$ | |
 | Vibram Women's KSO EVO-W | Air dry feature Breathable and flexible mesh upper Outsole is engineered for maximum grip in any terrains Elastic lace for proper fit Fivefingers design | $$ | |
 | ALEADER Men's Minimalist Trail Running Shoes | Provides extra toe protection Versatile design for multisport usage Fixed buckle and tie-able lace Rubber outsole and synthetic upper Has fixed buckle and quick on/off tab | $ | |
 | Weweya Barefoot Shoes | Tongue-less and barefoot design Zero toe-to-heel drop for proper grip Perfect for all types of terrain Wide toe box for toe breathability Flexible rubber sole | $ | |
 | SAGUARO Barefoot Hiking Shoes | Printed and spandex mesh upper provides maximum breathability Anti-collision toe box offers more protection Waterproof and quick dry material Outsole pattern is non-slip | $ | |
 | WHITIN Men's Minimalist Trail Runner | Complete synthetic build Rubber sole for superior grip Removable sock-liner or insole Additional strap with no-tie lace Breathable and flexible upper | $$ | |
 | Torotto Water Shoes | Durable rubber sole for additional protection Perfect for any activity Stretchy material for a better fit Quick-drying breathable fabric upper Shock absorber heel | $ |
1. Vibram Men's V-Alpha
Vibram is the leading brand when it comes to minimalistic hiking shoes. It is no surprise that their Vibram Men's V-Alpha is at the top of our list. It utilizes the zero toe-to-heel drop to make sure you get the most stable footing. They make sure that the material for the sole is durable, light, and fixable. Their patented Vibram sole provides maximum traction on both dry and wet surfaces.
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2. L-RUN Athletic Hiking Water Shoes
Though L-RUN is a brand specializing in waterproof shoes, they have quite a few toe and barefoot hiking shoes. One such is the L-RUN Athletic Hiking Shoe. It has the perfect durability and weight for being a hiking shoe. The sole is anti-skid, and the upper is breathable. This makes them suitable for all sorts of athletic activities. For perfect grip, you can readjust the elastic grip. This will allow you maximum stability
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3. WateLves Water Shoes for Men
WateLves as a brand is committed to providing you with the best quality, practical and fashionable shoes. Their Water Shoes series is designed for the best experience in summer. The design is professional and functional, making them suitable for any summertime activity. Hiking is of them. The elastic lace with durable and anti-slip outsole will make sure you get the most out of any hiking trip.
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4. Oranginer Men's Barefoot Shoes
Barefoot shoes are the predecessors of toe shoes. So, the best brand that makes barefoot foot is sure to have good toe shoes. That exactly is the case with Oranginer Men's Barefoot Shoes. With a wide toe box and zero-drop, it is a shoe that gives maximum grip. You can comfortably wear this in any hike due to the extra cushioning.
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5. Vibram Women's KSO EVO-W
Like the Vibram Men's V-Alpha, the Vibram Women's KSO EVO-W has a durable and flexible build. The outsole is the same Vibram one. This gives the shoe maximum grip no matter the surface. But unlike the V-Alpha, the KSO EVO-W has a kesh synthetic upper. This provides the shoe with much-needed breathability. The upper is made of a polyester mesh material which provides reinforcement
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6. ALEADER Men's Minimalist Trail Running Shoes
ALEADER promises to make lightweight, flexible, and versatile shoes, and they indeed delivered on their promise. Having a minimalist design, their running shoes are the best barefoot shoes you can find on the market. The shoe has a flexible rubber sole that is covered with a synthetic upper. This upper has a mesh pattern that provides maximum breathability.
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7.Weweya Barefoot Shoes
Barefoot shoes that are made to fit your foot perfectly are generally the ones from Weweya. They are made with both indoor and outdoor activities in mind. The outsole used is a rubber sole, but it has a no-slip design. This makes them perfect for all-surface traction. The upper is a polyester mesh that facilitates breathability. To make sure your toes breathe easily, the toe box is a wide one.
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8. SAGUARO Barefoot Hiking Shoes
The best comfort toe shoe for hiking are the SAGUARO Barefoot Hiking Shoes. The shoes are breathable and flexible. The spandex upper has a mesh pattern for quick drying. To complement the upper, it utilizes anti-skid rubber outsoles. This makes them optimal for wet conditions. For better protection, the toe box has a cushioned front. This, in turn, increases comfort.
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9. WHITIN Men's Minimalist Trail Runner
Among the climbing shoes, WHITIN has the number one bestseller. Their Men's Minimalist Trail Runner shoes are worthy of that position. It has a breathable synthetic mesh upper. This makes the weight of the shoe lower than usual hiking boots. Moreover, the outsole is a flexible rubber sole. It uses real rubber to provide better protection along with more excellent grip. If you want comfort, then there is the removable insole
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10. Torotto Water Shoes
Water shoes and pool shoes are not the first thing to come to mind when talking about hiking shoes. They are not suitable for rock climbing after all. But Torotto Water Shoes are an exception. They are durable and flexible. This makes them ideal for hiking in rocky terrain. To make sure the grip is perfect, it has elastic lace and a non-slip outsole. Moreover, the drainage holes under the outsole ensure that to keep your feet dry all day.
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Final Words
Finding the proper footwear is hard. The task gets more complicated if you are looking for toe hiking shoes. We have tried to make a concise list of the ten best toe shoes for hiking. If none of them suit your choice, then try to find one as per our buying guide. It will surely be helpful.You can also read: Best High Top Hiking Shoes