Summary
GearJunkie's latest review, published April 28, 2026, identifies the **Salomon X Ultra 5 GTX** as the premier hiking shoe for 2026, lauded for its balance of lightness, efficiency, and protection. The **Merrell Moab 3** is highlighted as the best budget option for casual hikers. The review draws on extensive testing by seasoned outdoorsmen **Chris Carter**, **Nick LeFort**, and **Sean McCoy**, who collectively logged thousands of miles and evaluated 30 shoe models over six years, building upon GearJunkie's own decade-long footwear testing history since 2012. The guide emphasizes that while shoes offer less ankle support than boots, their comfort and performance often outweigh this drawback for many trail enthusiasts.
Key Takeaways
- The Salomon X Ultra 5 GTX is GearJunkie's top hiking shoe pick for 2026.
- The Merrell Moab 3 is recommended as the best budget-friendly option.
- The review is based on extensive testing by experienced hikers and GearJunkie's historical data.
- Hiking shoes offer a trade-off between agility/comfort and ankle support compared to boots.
- GearJunkie may earn affiliate commissions from product links in the article.
Balanced Perspective
This GearJunkie review presents a curated list of hiking shoes based on extensive field testing by a panel of experts, including **Chris Carter** and **Nick LeFort**, and the publication's own historical data dating back to 2012. The methodology involves side-by-side comparisons of 30 models, focusing on criteria such as lightness, efficiency, protection, and foot cooling. The article clearly distinguishes between performance-oriented shoes like the **Salomon X Ultra 5 GTX** and budget-friendly options like the **Merrell Moab 3**, offering a structured approach to footwear selection for different user needs.
Optimistic View
The **Salomon X Ultra 5 GTX**'s top ranking signals a strong year for innovative hiking footwear, promising enhanced comfort and agility for a wide range of outdoor activities, from day hikes to demanding thru-hikes. This endorsement by experienced testers like **Chris Carter** and **Sean McCoy** provides consumers with confidence in their purchasing decisions, potentially leading to more enjoyable and safer experiences on the trail. The continued prominence of the **Merrell Moab 3** also ensures accessibility for budget-conscious hikers, broadening the appeal of outdoor recreation.
Critical View
While the **Salomon X Ultra 5 GTX** is lauded, the inherent trade-off of reduced ankle support in hiking shoes compared to boots remains a significant concern for individuals tackling rugged terrain or carrying heavy loads. The reliance on a small group of testers, even with extensive mileage, might not capture the full spectrum of user experiences or long-term durability issues. Furthermore, the article's affiliate link disclosure suggests a potential for commercial influence, raising questions about the absolute objectivity of the recommendations, despite the stated testing rigor.
Source
Originally reported by GearJunkie