The best Hiking Shoes in Australia
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Last Updated: 7 Feb 2026
9 top rated Hiking Shoes for every need: Australia's top picks!
Hiking shoes are essential for comfortable and safe exploration of trails, offering far more than just everyday footwear. They provide crucial ankle support, reliable traction on uneven terrain, and protection from rocks, roots, and water, minimizing the risk of injury and maximizing enjoyment. Investing in quality hiking shoes allows you to tackle more challenging hikes with confidence, appreciate the beauty of nature more fully, and create lasting memories – truly opening up a world of outdoor adventure.
What to Look For
Upper Material
Look for durable, breathable materials like full-grain leather (for ruggedness and water resistance), nylon, or synthetic mesh (for lightweight breathability). Consider a combination for the best balance.
Midsole Cushioning
Evaluate the cushioning—EVA or polyurethane are common. More cushioning provides greater shock absorption for longer hikes on hard surfaces, while a firmer midsole offers more responsiveness and stability.
Outsole Traction
Aggressive lug patterns are key for gripping various surfaces (mud, gravel, rock). Vibram outsoles are a well-regarded standard, but examine the lug depth and spacing to ensure adequate traction for your typical hiking conditions.
Ankle Support
Decide on a high-cut (ankle support) or low-cut (more flexibility) style based on your ankle stability and the terrain you'll be navigating. Higher cuts offer more support but can feel less flexible.
Waterproofing/Water Resistance
Consider a waterproof membrane (like Gore-Tex) if you frequently hike in wet conditions. Even if not fully waterproof, water-resistant treatments can offer some protection from light moisture.
Fit and Comfort
Proper fit is paramount! Try on shoes with hiking socks and walk around to ensure ample toe room, no heel slippage, and a comfortable, secure feel. Break-in periods vary, so consider how the shoes feel initially.
- NIMBLE HIKER: The perfect combination of high function and performance, this all-purpose hiker will deliver years of comfortable service
- SUEDE LEATHER UPPER: This nimble lace-up integrates a combination upper, featuring leather, mesh, and webbing — all combine into a durable shoe you'll appreciate for seasons to come
- ALL-DAY COMFORT: Equipped with our TechLite midsole, this shoe delivers long lasting comfort, superior cushioning, and high energy return
- ADVANCED TRACTION: Featuring our indoor-friendly Omni-Grip, a non-marking outsole, this shoe provides sure-footed traction in the wild
- A premium VIBRAM rubber outsole which provides exceptional traction, slip resistant enough to grip the most challenging of surfaces, wet or dry.
- Pigskin leather & Mesh Upper.
- Bellow tongue to keep out debris.
- Protective toe cap.
- A new gore-tex construction reduces bulk and improves comfort
- Maintaining complete weather protection
- The contagrip TA sole has aggressive lug design
- The proven speedcross fit, with quicklace adjustment
- The versatile hiking shoe for climbs, descents & everyday adventures
- Two types of rubber and a patterned heel area grab the ground, giving you more control in muddy conditions. While the waterproof GORE-TEX membrane keeps the wet out.
- A reinforced SensiFit construction holds your foot comfortably in place, especially on those tough downhills.
- Surrounded by foam cushioning for comfort, the Advanced Chassis connects directly to the sole to stabilize your heel. The higher cut wraps the ankle for extra protection.
- Providing strong lateral support and reassuring protection
- it also delivers optimal mobility and flexibility
- A flexible, lightweight, full waterproof bootie to ensure complete weather protection
- Built for maximum grip on loose, soft, rugged, and uneven surfaces
- 【Wide Toe Box Shoes】The wide fitting walking shoe comes with roomy toe box, offers ample space for toes to spread freely & naturally.
- 【Waterproof Protection】Waterproof microfiber leather upper helps keep your feet dry in wet outdoor conditions，ensure a nice hiking experience.
- 【Non-Slip Outsole for Support】Lug bottom outsole for ultimate slip resistance and better traction
- 【Rebound & Cushioning:】The sole consists of a high rebound EVA midsole that provides stable support and shock-absorption.
- The sole of speedcross 5 has larger lugs with more space
- An updated geometry, delivering better push-off grip and braking grip
- The heel unit of speedcross 5 creates a cradle for your heel
- Ensuring clean foot strike and stability through the stride
- Made in the USA or Imported
- Rubber sole
- Block Heel
- Heel Height: 1 inches
- Traditional lacing system with eyelets
- Tight mesh that prevents debris
- Soft breathable lining for extreme comfort
- Advanced chassis is a molded insert embedded in the outsole