Budget Footwear and Socks for Backpacking

Affiliate Disclosure

Sweetspotbackpack.com is an affiliate marketing website providing recommendations and links to sellers, including Amazon, Backcountry, Steep&Cheap, and Decathlon. I receive commissions on most (but not all) items you buy through links in this website. I recommend some items without being paid if they’re the best deals and I’m not affiliated with the sellers.

sweetspotbackpack.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn commission fees by advertising and linking to the following web sites.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

Sweet Spot Recommendations

For most budget backpackers, I recommend trail-running shoes. They’re lightweight, quick-drying, and have low stack heights that provide stability. However, they might not be ideal for your specific backpacking conditions. If you’ll be scrambling over scree and talus with a heavy pack, a sturdier pair of hiking boots may be the better choice. If you’ll be hiking in snowy or slushy subfreezing conditions, you will need insulated waterproof boots.

In my non-expert opinion, hiking shoes are less suitable than both trail-running shoes and hiking boots. Compared with trail-running shoes, hiking shoes tend to have a higher stack height, which can reduce stability and increase the risk of ankle rolls. At the same time, they generally don’t offer as much ankle support as high-cut hiking boots with stiff uppers and torsionally rigid midsoles.

For details about choosing footwear, see Beginner’s Guide to Footwear and Socks for Backpacking.

If possible, buy footwear at a bricks-and-mortar store so you can try it on first. If this isn’t possible, or if you already know what footwear is right for you, below are some mid-price options designed for rugged terrain.

Stack Height and Heel-to-Toe Drop

Stack Height is the maximum height of the midsole.

Heel-to-toe drop (aka drop), is the difference between the height of the cushion at the heel and the cushion at the forefoot.

Trail-running Shoes

Men's Trail-running Shoes

Saucony Peregrine 15 Men’s

MSRP $139.99

Drop: 4 mm

Stack height: 28 mm

Hoka Speedgoat 6 Men’s

MSRP $154.95

Drop: 5 mm

Stack height: 40 mm

Altra Lone Peak 9 Men’s

MSRP $139.95

Drop: 0 mm

Stack height: 25 mm

Wide toe box

My Thoughts

This shoe isn’t for everyone—it’s zero drop, low stack height, and wide toe box are ideal for some feet and unsuitable for others.

As a pigeon-toed hiker, I used to roll and sprain my ankle frequently. I switched to Lone Peaks about 6 years ago and haven’t rolled an ankle since. I attribute this to the stabilization provided by the zero drop, low stack height, and wide toe box.