It's been since 2013 and our round the world trip that we've been traveling most of the year and mostly with a backpack. If there is a topic that has been on our minds all these years, it is to know what shoes to take with us on our trips!
When we travel around the world, the activities we do are extremely varied. We walk a lot every day to visit or just to move from a point A to B, we do day hikes, longer hikes, we go out in the city, we go to restaurants, we do sports etc… In short we spend a lot of time in our shoes and we walk hundreds of kilometers with them. And as we have limited space in our backpacks, we have to make compromises and wear versatile and robust shoes.
We have tried many different types of shoes over the years (high top, low top, trail running shoes, sneakers) and many different brands… and I think we can say with certainty that the shoes most suitable for backpacking and hiking are the trail running shoes!
In this blog post, we explain why we think trail running shoes are perfect for travel and hiking. We also compare for you the models we think are the best trail running shoes for traveling and hiking.
Why trail running shoes for traveling, backpacking and hiking?
Well, I see you coming… you will tell me that trail shoes are suitable… for trail running 😉 . But you will see below that some trail running shoes also have features that make them very interesting for traveling and hiking (more than classic high/low top hiking shoes or sneakers). In my opinion, here are the features you need to pay attention to that make some trail running shoes very interesting:
comfortable trail running shoes
Well, that's the case with most trail running shoes, which will generally be much more comfortable than traditional hiking shoes with high or low tops. Trail shoes have cushioning in the midsole (between the insole and the outsole) that is closer to a running shoe. Perfect for comfort when you're walking for hours in the city or out in the wilderness during your trip.
durable trail running shoes
Some trail running shoes that are more focused on mountains and long distances (ultra trail) are very durable and are inspired by classic hiking shoes in some aspects. They have Vibram type outsoles that will last for a long time while having a good grip. They also have well thought out reinforcements such as stone guards to protect your toes but also to prevent the mesh of the shoe from tearing too easily.
When you travel with a backpack, you use your shoes a lot and in many different situations (walking on asphalt, hiking, sport etc…). It is therefore very important to start with a durable trail shoe model that will last for a long time.
lightweight trail running shoes
There are also trail running shoes that are lighter than others, but in any case, they are generally much lighter than traditional hiking shoes. If you are preparing a trip around the world, you know that you can quickly find yourself with a backpack that is too heavy and that every gram counts. After that, it's all about compromise, ultra light trail shoes will generally be less durable and may not last the duration of your trip.
versatile trail running shoes
This is the main advantage of some trail shoes over all other types of shoes: they are very versatile. Thanks to their soles and protections, they will be perfectly suitable for hiking on even technical trails, maybe even hiking for several days with a backpack if you have strong ankles. They will also be very well suited to walk for hours in the city thanks to their comfort. And if you like to do sports (running, fitness or whatever), they will also do the job very well (unlike hiking shoes).
In addition, trail shoe manufacturers are now paying special attention to the look by creating really cool models for all tastes (sober, modern, very colorful). So even if you have to limit yourself in terms of shoes for a round the world trip, at least you won't look like a hiker in every situation.
Gore-Tex trail running shoes or not?
This question is frequently asked and everyone has a different opinion about the Gore-Tex (or GTX) membrane in trail shoes 😉 . I'm not going to tell you that I'm for or against it because choosing Gore-Tex trail shoes has its advantages but also its disadvantages!
Benefits of Gore-Tex:
- Waterproofing: This is the main advantage of a trail running shoe equipped with a Gore-Tex membrane. Your foot will be well protected if you walk in wet grass, if it rains, if the ground is muddy etc… Trail runners often use GTX trail shoes during the winter season to keep their feet dry and warm.
Disadvantages of Gore-Tex:
- The GTX trail running shoes are a bit heavier
- GTX models are also more expensive
- They are less breathable than shoes with more airy meshes. If it's hot, you'll tend to sweat more from your feet. This also means that they can smell quickly if you don't let them breathe properly.
- They do not dry as quickly
As for me, after years of use, I must say that I prefer Gore-Tex trail running shoes. While traveling and hiking a lot, I realized that I was often walking through wet terrain (dew in the morning, rain, mud, streams…). In the end, I prefer to have dry feet in these situations and to sweat when it's hotter… But of course this is just my opinion 😉
Comparison of the best trail running shoes in 2024
Below you will find the trail running shoes that I think are the most suitable for travel and hiking. They are compared according to the criteria that I think are the most relevant but don't hesitate to leave me a comment if you have a suggestion about a shoe model or a comparison criteria to add.
Before the interactive comparison table, I will just detail some criteria which are not necessarily obvious for trail running beginners 😉
Details on some of the comparison criteria for trail running shoes
the Drop
The drop is the difference in height between the back and front of the trail shoe. The higher the drop, the more you will attack your stride with the heel. The ideal is to know your stride type to know if you are more comfortable with a high drop or not. The "classic" drops are higher than 6mm and require a good cushioning in the heel to absorb the shocks. The "low" drops are lower than 6mm and allow a stride by the front of the feet which is closer to the natural stride (barefoot stride) which induces less shock.
Toughness / Durability
As I said before, you will quickly walk hundreds of kilometers during a long trip. It is important to choose a shoe with a durable outsole and a resistant mesh (otherwise you might end up with a torn mesh in the middle of the trip… and believe me, it happened to us way too often)
Minimalistic or maximalistic trail running shoes
Minimalistic shoes are shoes with a low drop, less cushioning, few reinforcements / protections, more flexible but also lighter. In contrast, maximalistic shoes are stiffer, provide better support with more protection and cushioning (and a higher drop in general), and are also heavier.
For travel use, I would rather recommend maximalistic shoes that are more versatile and durable in my opinion.
The comparison tables below are interactive. You can choose the shoes you want to compare, remove the lines you are not interested in… and to reset the tables, just reload the page. For a better reading, do not compare more than 2-3 shoes on mobile and 5-6 on computer.
Comparison of the best trail running shoes for men
| Criteria |  La Sportiva Ultra Raptor
|
 La Sportiva Ultra Raptor GTX
|
 Hoka Speedgoat 4
|
 Hoka Speedgoat 4 GTX
|
 Salomon XA Pro 3d
|
 Salomon XA Pro 3d GTX
|
 New Balance Hierro
|
 New Balance Hierro GTX
|
 Decathlon Evadict XT8
|
 Decathlon Kiprun MT3
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Criteria | La Sportiva Ultra Raptor
|
La Sportiva Ultra Raptor GTX
|
Hoka Speedgoat 4
|
Hoka Speedgoat 4 GTX
|
Salomon XA Pro 3d
|
Salomon XA Pro 3d GTX
|
New Balance Hierro
|
New Balance Hierro GTX
|
Decathlon Evadict XT8
|
Decathlon Kiprun MT3
|
 Price |
120-150€ | 145-160€ | 110-120€ | 125-140€ | 95-110€ | 130-160€ | 120-140€ | 150-160€ | 70€ | 80€ |
| Weight (1 shoe) |
350gr - 380gr | 370gr - 400gr | 270gr - 290gr | 290gr - 320gr | 330gr - 350gr | 340gr - 360gr | 270gr - 290gr | 280gr - 300gr | 310gr - 320gr | 300gr - 310gr |
| Drop |
9mm | 12mm | 4mm | 4mm | 11mm | 11mm | 6mm | 6mm | 8mm | 8mm |
| Toughness / durability |
5/5 | 5/5 | 3/5 (reviews of weaknesses in the mesh) | 3/5 (reviews of weaknesses in the mesh) | 3/5 (from my experience, the mesh can tear at the toe level and the sole wears out quite quickly) | 3/5 (from my experience, the mesh can tear at the toe level and the sole wears out quite quickly) | 4/5 (no negative feedback but seems less robust than the ultra raptor) | 4/5 (no negative feedback but seems less robust than the ultra raptor) | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Protections |
5/5 big rock plate + reinforcements | 5/5 big rock plate + reinforcements | 2/5 small rock plate | 2/5 small rock plate | 4/5 rock plate + reinforcements | 4/5 rock plate + reinforcements | 3/5 rock plate | 3/5 rock plate | 4/5 rock plate + reinforcements | 4/5 rock plate + reinforcements |
| Grip |
5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Cushioning |
4/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 3/5 | 3/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Stability |
5/5 (rigid structure) | 5/5 (rigid structure) | 3/5 | 3/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Lacing Systems |
classic | classic | classic | classic | quicklace | quicklace | classic | classic | classic | classic |
| Waterproofing |
no | yes | no | yes | no | yes | no | yes | no | no |
| Breathability |
5/5 (ventilated mesh) | 1/5 (Gore-Tex) | 5/5 (ventilated mesh) | 1/5 (Gore-Tex) | 5/5 | 1/5 (Gore-Tex) | 5/5 | 1/5 (Gore-Tex) | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Design |
sporty (many colors to choose from) | sporty (many colors to choose from) | futuristic with the thick Hoka sole but many colors available | futuristic with the thick Hoka sole (available in black only) | very nice with many colors to choose from | very nice with many colors to choose from | In my opinion the best design! They can be easily worn as sportswear, hiking boots or city shoes | still great design but only available in black | simple and versatile | looks halfway between the trail shoe and the approach shoe. Simple and versatile (only one color) |
Comparison of the best trail running shoes for women
| Criteria |  La Sportiva Ultra Raptor
|
 La Sportiva Ultra Raptor GTX
|
 Hoka Speedgoat
|
 Hoka Speedgoat GTX
|
 Salomon XA Pro 3d
|
 Salomon XA Pro 3d GTX
|
 New Balance Hierro
|
 New Balance Hierro GTX
|
 Decathlon Evadict XT8
|
 Decathlon Kiprun MT3
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Criteria | La Sportiva Ultra Raptor
|
La Sportiva Ultra Raptor GTX
|
Hoka Speedgoat
|
Hoka Speedgoat GTX
|
Salomon XA Pro 3d
|
Salomon XA Pro 3d GTX
|
New Balance Hierro
|
New Balance Hierro GTX
|
Decathlon Evadict XT8
|
Decathlon Kiprun MT3
|
| Price |
120-150€ | 145-160€ | 110-120€ | 125-140€ | 95-110€ | 130-160€ | 120-140€ | 150-160€ | 70€ | 80€ |
| Weight (1 shoe) |
300gr - 340gr | 340gr - 370gr | 240gr - 260gr | 300gr - 330gr | 310gr - 330gr | 320gr - 340gr | 250gr - 270gr | 260gr - 280gr | 310gr - 320gr | 260gr - 270gr |
| Drop |
9mm | 12mm | 4mm | 4mm | 11mm | 11mm | 6mm | 6mm | 8mm | 8mm |
| Toughness / durability |
5/5 | 5/5 | 3/5 (reviews of weaknesses in the mesh) | 3/5 (reviews of weaknesses in the mesh) | 3/5 (from my experience, the mesh can tear at the toe level and the sole wears out quite quickly) | 3/5 (from my experience, the mesh can tear at the toe level and the sole wears out quite quickly) | 4/5 (no negative feedback but seems less robust than the ultra raptor) | 4/5 (no negative feedback but seems less robust than the ultra raptor) | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Protections |
5/5 big rock plate + reinforcements | 5/5 big rock plate + reinforcements | 2/5 small rock plate | 2/5 small rock plate | 4/5 rock plate + reinforcements | 4/5 rock plate + reinforcements | 3/5 rock plate | 3/5 rock plate | 4/5 rock plate + reinforcements | 4/5 rock plate + reinforcements |
| Grip |
5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Cushioning |
4/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 3/5 | 3/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Stability |
5/5 (rigid structure) | 5/5 (rigid structure) | 3/5 | 3/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Lacing Systems |
classic | classic | classic | classic | quicklace | quicklace | classic | classic | classic | classic |
| Waterproofing |
no | yes | no | yes | no | yes | no | yes | no | no |
| Breathability |
5/5 (ventilated mesh) | 1/5 (Gore-Tex) | 5/5 (ventilated mesh) | 1/5 (Gore-Tex) | 5/5 | 1/5 (Gore-Tex) | 5/5 | 1/5 (Gore-Tex) | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Design |
sporty (many colors to choose from) | sporty (many colors to choose from) | futuristic with the thick Hoka sole but many colors available | futuristic with the thick Hoka sole (available in black only) | very nice with many colors to choose from | very nice with many colors to choose from | In my opinion the best design! They can be easily worn as sportswear, hiking boots or city shoes | still great design but only available in black | simple and versatile (only available in one color) | looks halfway between the trail shoe and the approach shoe. Simple and versatile (only one color) |
Best trail running shoes for men: Ben's opinion
Since we started traveling, I've tried several of the models shown above (and other high and low top hiking boots). I had several pairs of Salomon XA Pro 3d GTX during our round the world trip and other trips. As much as I was very satisfied at the beginning, I find that the durability of these shoes has unfortunately decreased on the more recent models (V7, V8, V9). The mesh of these shoes tends to tear at the level of the toes on the side and my last Salomons unfortunately did not last more than 6 months (mesh and outsoles)… By trying to improve them, to make them lighter, the durability has unfortunately suffered a little.
After reading several travelers (used in rtw trip) and / or hikers recommending them on different forums, I decided to go for La Sportiva brand and its Ultra Raptor GTX. It's the perfect example of a maximalistic shoe with a rigid construction, a big rock plate, reinforcements, a good cushioning. After a few weeks of use I am extremely satisfied. They are visibly stronger than the Salomons and I have no doubt that they will last longer (I'll report back in the next few months). They are also extremely comfortable, with an excellent cushioning, well waterproofed… In short, only positive things for the moment!
Best women's trail running shoes: Fabienne's opinion
Fabienne also went through quite a few pairs of shoes since we went on a round the world trip in 2013. Like me, long faithful to Salomon, she was also disappointed by my recent experiences with this brand. Unlike me, she places a little less importance on waterproofing and can do without the Gore-Tex layer.
So during our last visit to Decathlon, she tested the Evadict XT7 shoes and was blown away by their incredible comfort. Since then, she always wear these shoes ans they are the best pair for travel / hiking that she has ever had so far. When you know that Decathlon shoes are almost half the price of the competition, it's worth trying… Especially since from our experience, Decathlon products are very durable!
I hope this article on trail running shoes for travel and/or hiking has been useful for you. It's been years that we test different types of shoes to find the most versatile and resistant models. And I think we can say that we finally found the right shoes. And you, what kind of shoes do you wear when you travel? Are you also fans of trail running shoes?
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