The best hiking shoes for the Camino de Santiago

The best hiking shoes for the Camino de Santiago
Iván Vila
Iván Vila
Passionate about sports
Posted on 05-02-2024

Do you love to cover kilometers exploring the most stunning landscapes of the country? Are you considering walking the Camino de Santiago with the assurance that you'll complete it with the best experience and feelings? If you're seeking quality sports shoes to tackle your journey towards the renowned Galician city, you can't miss the chance to acquire some of the finest trekking and trail running models for the Camino de Santiago. The RUNNEA editorial team has curated an updated list of footwear options that would suit you well for this significant athletic endeavor.

As the crucial dates for scheduling the various challenging routes of the Camino de Santiago approach, at RUNNEA, we encourage you to prepare. Challenge your body by embarking on one of the world's most renowned treks and find the model that perfectly matches your style and, naturally, your requirements and characteristics as a dedicated and active athlete.

Best hiking shoes & walking boots for the Camino de Santiago

The best hiking shoes & walking boots for the Camino de Santiago

If your goal is to reach Santiago with a smile on your face and your feet intact after a long journey filled with various obstacles and diverse surfaces, the general recommendation is to invest in some of the best hiking shoes. Trail running shoes can also be a suitable option. Comfort, breathability, and durability are essential features your footwear must possess to successfully complete the Camino de Santiago without any significant issues. We present to you the top models of trekking shoes to assist you on your journey.

New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v7

The New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro v7 are renewed and evolved. They offer excellent cushioning and protection in all types of runs (from a 10K to ultra 0distance) in the roughest terrain. Now they are lighter, more resistant and with better grip and traction to move without worries in mountain terrain. This model has introduced an evolved Fresh Foam X foam, capable of maximizing the feeling of a more comfortable stride, and with the purpose of better absorbing impacts, especially on uneven terrain.

New Balance has opted for a technical mesh, that combines synthetic fabric and TPU reinforcements, which are arranged in strategic points to ensure more stability and support, but also improve protection. The bootie design improves fit and the Toe Protect technology at the toe of the shoe provides extra safety. It incorporates, of course, the exclusive Vibram MegaGrip compound, with its redesigned tread pattern. These are deeper, and their distribution is more separated, so the shoe gains in traction and grip, but also in durability and resistance on different terrains.

  • Surface: Trail
  • Use: Training
  • Cushion: High
  • Running gait: Neutral, Supination
  • Drop: 8 mm
  • Pace: Low

Brooks Cascadia 17

The Brooks Cascadia 17 is one of the great launches of this year, in which it will be consolidated as one of the best trail running shoes on the market, thanks to its versatility and quality of materials and technologies we can use in some of the many routes that lead us to Santiago.

  • Surface: Trail
  • Use: Training
  • Cushion: High
  • Running gait: Neutral
  • Drop: 8 mm
  • Pace: Low

ASICS Gel Trabuco 12

The ASICS Gel Trabuco 12 is possibly the most iconic model by the Japanese brand. Great for running and hiking in the mountain, and with great comfort and cushioning, they are the perfect combination of support and durability to perform the Camino successfully.

  • Surface: Trail
  • Use: Training, Racing
  • Cushion: Neutral, High
  • Running gait: Neutral
  • Drop: 8 mm
  • Pace: Medium
  • Weight: 314 gr

New Balance Fresh Foam X More Trail v3

The New Balance Fresh Foam X More Trail v3 offer the highest level of cushioning of the New Balance range, with a high profile and maximalist branding. This new version is updated and enhanced compared to its predecessor.

  • Surface: Trail
  • Use: Training, Racing
  • Cushion: High
  • Running gait: Neutral
  • Drop: 4 mm
  • Pace: Low, Medium
  • Weight: 323 gr

The North Face Vectiv Exploris 2

The new The North Face Vectiv Exploris 2 shoes come to the market of hiking shoes & walking boots as one of the highest quality models for long excursions in the mountains. We are talking about a model with leather finishes with a great inspiration in their trail running models thanks to the latest generation Vectiv technology. A model of great fit and protection, with maximum grip and proven durability.

Adidas Terrex AX4 Gore-Tex

The adidas Terrex AX4 Gore-Tex hiking shoes & walking boots are perfect silhouettes for lovers of mountain routes. It is a model that has a structure reminiscent of a running shoe, so cushioning and comfort are one of the most remarkable aspects. It also has excellent grip on all types of surfaces. These hiking shoes & walking boots in their fourth edition have modified their design in order to launch a shoe with a more attractive design, but maintaining the same technology as its predecessor. They have a less pronounced arch and a groove in the central part of the sole, giving these Terrex AX4 a greater flexibility.

Its EVA midsole provides a very pleasant feeling when wearing them. The upper features waterproof Gore-Tex fabric. The upper has been designed with Prime green, or recycled materials that give the model breathability and lightness. The model has a Continental compound sole, a highly adherent material that guarantees safe and stable steps on all types of terrain and in all weather conditions. These shoes will allow you to walk for hours with extra comfort.

La Sportiva Bushido II GTX

The La Sportiva Bushido II GTX provides a Gore-Tex membrane for those rainy days during the Camino, and a sole that will improve traction on the most technical and rocky terrain.

  • Surface: Trail
  • Use: Racing
  • Cushion: Neutral
  • Running gait: Neutral
  • Drop: 6 mm
  • Pace: High
  • Weight: 330 gr

Columbia Montrail Trinity FKT

The new Columbia Montrail Trinity FKT is a trail running shoe that stands out for its versatility. It has been tested by professional athletes to ensure high performance, whether running or walking in the mountains, and regardless of the type and condition of the surface.

  • Surface: Trail
  • Cushion: Neutral
  • Running gait: Neutral
  • Drop: 8 mm
  • Pace: Low

HOKA Clifton 9 Gore-Tex

The HOKA Clifton 9 Gore-Tex is on the market to bring us great comfort and cushioning, qualities typical of one of the most popular shoes of the brand. This version has a waterproof membrane will protect your feet on the rainiest days of the Camino de Santiago.

  • Surface: Trail
  • Use: Training
  • Cushion: Neutral
  • Running gait: Neutral
  • Drop: 5 mm
  • Pace: Low
  • Weight: 273 gr

Altra Olympus 5

The Altra Olympus 5 is one of the most outstanding trail running shoes of the North American brand. This new version offers interesting innovations in important areas like the midsole and upper to face each day of the Camino.

  • Surface: Trail
  • Use: Training
  • Cushion: Neutral
  • Running gait: Neutral
  • Pace: Low
  • Weight: 350 gr

Merrell Moab 3

To speak of the Merrell Moab 3 is to speak of a well-made product , hence the fame and success of the brand in the mountain and trekking segments. We have before us a very resistant shoe, suitable to with stand one hike after another. The incorporation of Merrell Air Cushion technology absorbs impacts and provides stability that together with the Super Rebound Compound technology offers lasting shock absorption in the heel. Merrell opts for a safe valor in the outsole, adding Vibram TC5+ rubber that provides great grip and adherence. Part of its materials are recycled, so in addition to a great product, this is a shoe that is committed to sustainability.

Nike Pegasus Trail 4 Gore-Tex

This new improved model Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 4 GTX will offer you the same level of stability as the previous model of the same range to be able to adapt to any type of terrain, even the most technical and demanding. This updated model stands out for its combination of React foam and Zoom Air unit in the heel and forefoot that ensure a good level of reactivity to move dynamically and fluidly on all types of roads. At midfoot level, the Dynamic Fit system wraps the foot better and gives the shoe a more secure and adaptive support. In addition, there is the inclusion of the characteristic Gore-Tex membrane, a technological resource that will allow you to better adapt to the environment while keeping your feet cool and dry from the beginning to the end of each of your mountain outings. Its traction and high resistance are also other aspects to take into account in this new improved version of the Nike Pegasus Trail 4

  • Surface: Trail
  • Use: Training
  • Cushion: High
  • Running gait: Neutral
  • Drop: 10 mm
  • Pace: Low, Medium
  • Weight: 250 gr

Salomon X Ultra 4 Gore-Tex

Of course, occupying positions of privilege and in the ranking of the most outstanding we find the best-selling Salomon X Ultra 4 Gore-Tex. The latest version of this hiking shoe from Salomon comes with important changes, such as a new chassis and a considerable improvement in fit and adaptability to the athlete's foot. What is non-negotiable in these X Ultra 4 Gore-Tex: stability, protection, grip and waterproofing. In addition, it is not exempt from offering the necessary agility to enjoy freedom of movement on any surface .

Salomon XA PRO 3D V9

The Salomon XA PRO 3D V9 is a shoe which is ideal for more demanding routes. It is one of the most versatile and all-terrain models that Annecy has released.

Saucony Xodus Ultra 2

The Saucony Xodus Ultra 2 is the quintessential long-distance trail running shoe from the American brand, presented here with an updated design that stands out for its cushioning and comfort, both essential aspects for demanding routes like the Camino de Santiago.

  • Surface: Trail
  • Use: Training, Racing
  • Cushion: Neutral
  • Running gait: Neutral
  • Drop: 6 mm
  • Pace: Low
  • Weight: 272 gr

+8000 Tigor

The +8000 Tigor is a trail running shoe from a Swiss brand that stands out for quality. This model integrates a Vibram sole to ensure great resistance and grip.

  • Surface: Trail

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Iván Vila

Iván Vila

Passionate about sports

Graduated in Business Sciences and Master in Sport Management. I am passionate about sport, it is my way of life and indispensable in my daily life. I'm lucky to work in a field that I enjoy very much. I love starting the day with a little running or trail running to charge the physical and mental batteries. I also like to travel and, sometimes under the excuse of participating in a race. I'm collaborator of RUNNEA, hoping to contribute, to add valor to the project and to the area in general.