The Best Fall Hiking Boots, Hiking Shoes, and Trail Runners for
Adults and Kids
Fall 2022
It’s nearly impossible to overemphasize the importance of choosing the best hiking boots, the right hiking shoes, or the ideal trail runners when you are headed out into the wilderness – and that’s all the more true when you’re picking the best hiking boots for kids (or kids’ hiking shoes, of course).
On a hike, your footwear is as important to your safety and comfort as are the wheels, shocks, brakes, and arguably even the seatbelts of your car; the hiking boots, trail running shoes, or hiking shoes you choose are what connect you to the ground, helping to keep you moving, to keep you upright, to help you avoid twisted ankles and aching knees and hips, and to maximize your overall comfort and safety, not to mention your efficiency and enjoyment out there.
Today, we’re looking at the best hiking boots for fall weather and conditions based on their weight, insulation, traction, and other factors. We’re also looking at a few of our favorite hiking shoes for women, men, and kids, because hiking shoes tend to be lighter than boots yet still offer good support and cushioning for use on rougher terrain and under a moderate gear load. And we’re sharing our favorite trail running shoes that are perfect for use when you’re moving fast and carrying minimal weight.
The best Men’s Fall Hiking Footwear
THE BEST FALL HIKING SHOES FOR MEN - SALOMON PREDICT MID GTX HIKING SHOES
Lighter and a bit lower-cut than most hiking boots but every bit as tough, these hiking shoes are ready for rough conditions. You’ll appreciate their full rubber toe cap the first time you accidentally kick a rock, an Ortholite footbed minimizes foot fatigue while adding comfort and giving you an athletic response that propels you forward, and an aggressive tread pattern grips onto roots, gravel, dirt, and everything else, whether in wet or dry conditions. This is a brand we trust in trying conditions and happily turn to for moderate family hikes – because when you’re responsible for taking care of your kids, your gear had better take care of you.
THE BEST FALL HIKING BOOTS FOR MEN - KEEN DURAND EVO MID WATERPROOF HIKING BOOTS
These breathable but waterproof boots keep your feet warm and dry but not hot, keeping a dad’s foot (or any dude’s foot) comfortable even when he’s huffing along on an autumn trail with plenty of gear in his pack. (And maybe a kid on his back, too.) The Durands are full-sized boots, lacing up above the ankle (and adding support around the back of your foot thanks to a proprietary “Konnectfit” wiring system) and offering excellent stability thanks to a sturdy outsole and comfort thanks insole cushioning, yet they still weigh less than many hiking boots. You deserve the best midweight hiking boots for fall that don’t make any sacrifices for safety, stability, or comfort – these are our recommendation for fall hiking boots for men that fit that bill.
THE BEST FALL TRAIL RUNNING SHOES FOR MEN - COLUMBIA MONTRAIL TRINITY AG TRAIL RUNNING SHOE
These trail runners were designed with serious athletes in mind – they are more than suitable for someone who is headed out to log 150+ KM during a UTMB run, for example, or headed for an ultra in Moab, thanks to their safe and supportive dual-density insole, a carefully crafted tread pattern, a lacing system that keeps the shoe securely wrapped around the foot mile after mile, and a water-resistant yet breathable upper. So yes, they’re probably a bit over-designed for the casual trail runner or the hiker who will be traveling light, but that’s precisely why we’ve always thought Columbia’s Montrail trail shoes (which yes, we have worn while running a trail marathon in the Alps, by the way!) are a great choice – better to have better gear than you need, not worse.
The best WoMen’s Hiking Footwear for fall
THE BEST FALL HIKING SHOES FOR WOMEN - DANNER TRAIL 2650 GTX HIKING SHOES
These shoes get more trail use, from spring through the fall, than any other pair of women’s hiking footwear in our house. And when a pair finally wears down, it’s replaced with yet another pair of Trail 2650s – they are that good. (For the record, that has only happened once so far, because they are also that durable!) Solid enough for use on rough roots and rocks, steady enough for use on slick slopes (thank you, Vibram MegaGrip sole), and comfortable enough for the longest hikes, these are a perfect low-rise, high-performance hiking shoe for fall, and frankly for any season until there’s snow covering the ground.
THE BEST FALL HIKING BOOTS FOR WOMEN - KEEN TARGHEE III WATERPROOF MID HIKING BOOTS
These midweight boots wear with the comfort of running shoes but protect your foot like, well… like hiking boots should! A huge toecap fully encases your toes, a thick and durable outsole can take a beating on rocks and roots, and the leather upper protects you from scuffs, pokes, and more. Also, that upper is fully waterproof yet breathable enough to reduce overheating and sweat, while the insole offers comfort and support. A multi-directional lug pattern helps prevent slips even on wet ground, while that over-ankle upper protects your joints if you should miss a step. And for all that, each boot weighs well under a pound.
THE BEST FALL TRAIL RUNNING SHOES FOR WOMEN - HOKA CHALLENGER ATR 6 GTX TRAIL RUNNING SHOES
If you spend much time watching professional trail runners run by, you’ll see shoes from HOKA on many of those professional feet. The Challenger ATR 6 GTX trail runners are an all-season shoe, and a great choice for fall because they are waterproof yet they breathe well, so the varied precipitation and temperatures that come with autumn need not prevent you from having a safe, enjoyable run or hike. The Challenger ATRs have thick outsoles that absorb impacts yet a tread pattern not so aggressive that it will slow you down, and because they weigh only a bit more than half a pound per shoe, their weight certainly won’t slow you down, either.
The best Fall hiking footwear for kids
THE BEST LITTLE KIDS’ FALL HIKING SHOES - KEEN TARGHEE LOW WATERPROOF HIKING SHOE
These hiking shoes keep little feet safe, that’s the first thing to know. From a thick rubber toecap that rises all the way up and over the toes to a tread pattern that keeps kids upright even on rough terrain to a secure hybrid lacing and hook-and-loop closure system that ensures a snug fit, sprain, the Targhee Sport Low Waterproof kids’ hiking shoes are designed to keep little hikers safe. They are also designed to keep kids’ feet comfy, with a soft EVA footbed, a padded tongue, and a waterproof but breathable upper that reduces excess heat.
The Best Big Kids fall Hiking Shoe - Salewa Juniors Wildfire WP Shoe
Like all of our favorite pieces of outdoor gear for kids, these hiking shoes are every bit as well-made as a good pair of adult trail shoes, they just happen to be available in smaller sizes. The aggressive tread pattern is suitable for use on varied terrain and even for trail running, while the thick, sturdy sole can endure plenty of impacts on a long hike. A cushioned “Ortholite” footbed offers comfort and support even with a bit of gear weight (keep that low on those growing bodies, of course), while a toggle-operated lacing system is easy for kids to use. And while waterproof, these kids’ hiking shoes are also highly breathable, releasing heat and reducing moisture build-up, which makes them good for summertime use.
The Best Little Kids’ fall Hiking Boot - Columbia Little Kids’ Newton Ridge Hiking Boot
Lightweight enough for little hikers but tough enough for difficult terrain, these are great hiking boots for the young outdoorsman or outdoorswoman who won’t let youth hold them back from adventure. The tall collar provides full ankle support while the rugged leather upper protects little feet from bumps and pokes. The upper is also fully waterproof yet still allows for breathability. Underfoot, a lightweight but soft midsole offers cushioning while a grippy set of treads keeps feet firmly planted with each step.
tHE BEST BIG KIDS’ FALL HIKING BOOT - SALOMON OUTWARD CSWP J HIKING BOOTS
Waterproof against rain, puddles, streams, and even a dusting of autumn snow? Check. Breathable enough upper to release excess heat and moisture building up within? Also check. And yes, they have a super comfortable sock-style liner and a supportive footbed. These light but rugged hiking boots are a great choice for bigger kids to use on fall hikes thanks to that waterproofing and comfort, and because they have a well-designed lug pattern that will help keep a young hiker upright and moving on all the varied surfaces a fall hike can present, from mud to grass to rocks to slick, leaf-strewn trails.