The buyer question · week of Nov 2 – 8

Best Hiking Shoes for Beginners Ranking

Picked by AI, checked by people.

The weekly chart ?

The top 20 products brands right now.

Product chart

Current race ?

This week ?

Hoka Anacapa 2 Low GTX holds #1.

#1 in 6 of the last 25 weeks

2 debuts1 backbiggest climb 113 out

All 27 moves ↓

Tap a card for each AI’s place and the monthly check.

#ProductPlace by weekLast weekWeeks in top 20Top-20 weeks
  1. #1same place as last weekAnacapa 2 Low GTXHokaAlso #1 Hiking Shoes · #2 Best Waterproof Hiking Shoes · +3Last week #1 · 21 weeks in top 20

    AI places · this week ?

    1. GPT#9
    2. Claude#12
    3. Gemini#4
    4. AI Modenot named
    5. Groknot named
    6. Perplexity#9

    named by 4/6

    The card’s #1 is the 4-week average.

    People · October 2026 check ?

    • Buyers’ rating4.2565 ratings · Jun 2026

    Watch · YouTube ?

    HOKA Anacapa 2 Low GTX Hiking Shoes - Recycled Materials, Gore-Tex and SugarcaneYouTube: Engearment · 59.9K views · Jul 2023

    Also in the top 20 of ?

    Search Google for Hoka Anacapa 2 Low GTX
  2. #2same place as last weekX Ultra 5 GTXSalomonAlso #1 Best Waterproof Hiking Shoes · #3 Hiking Shoes · +2Last week #2 · 21 weeks in top 20

    AI places · this week ?

    1. GPTnot named
    2. Claude#3
    3. Gemini#2
    4. AI Modenot named
    5. Groknot named
    6. Perplexity#4

    named by 3/6

    The card’s #2 is the 4-week average.

    People · October 2026 check ?

    • Buyers’ rating4.3879 ratings · Oct 2026
    • Press1/4outlets recommend · 0 with more cons than pros · Jul 2026
    Evidence
    Check evidence
    Frozen October 29, 2026
    Press · 4 publications
    • Switchback TravelMixed · Date not savedOriginal
    • Treeline ReviewRecommends · Date not savedOriginal
    • CleverHikerMixed · Date not savedOriginal
    • GearLabMixed · Date not savedOriginal

    Watch · YouTube ?

    The perfect summer hiking shoe? - The all new Salomon X-Ultra 5 GTXYouTube: Taunton Leisure · 33.8K views · Apr 2025

    Also in the top 20 of ?

    Search Google for Salomon X Ultra 5 GTX
  3. #3same place as last weekMoab Speed 2MerrellAlso #1 Best Lightweight Hiking Shoes · #4 Hiking Shoes · +1Last week #3 · 13 weeks in top 20

    AI places · this week ?

    1. GPTnot named
    2. Claude#2
    3. Gemini#23
    4. AI Modenot named
    5. Groknot named
    6. Perplexity#26

    named by 3/6

    The card’s #3 is the 4-week average.

    People · October 2026 check ?

    • Buyers’ rating4.3863 ratings · Oct 2026
    • Owners’ threads: widespread, serious failures0serious failures · 9 threads read · Oct 2026
    • Press0/3outlets recommend · 0 with more cons than pros · Jul 2026
    Evidence
    Check evidence
    Frozen October 29, 2026
    Press · 3 publications
    • GearLabMixed · Date not savedOriginal
    • Switchback TravelMixed · Date not savedOriginal
    • Treeline ReviewMixed · Date not savedOriginal
    Owners

    9 threads read · 0 serious failure themes

    Watch · YouTube and TikTok ?

    MERRELL MOAB SPEED 2 REVIEW - On feet, comfort, weight, breathability and price review!YouTube: cowfreekicks · 31.3K views · Jul 2025

    1 TikTok clip · 338K views

    338K

    Also in the top 20 of ?

    Search Google for Merrell Moab Speed 2
  4. #4up 3 places since last weekTarghee IV WaterproofKEENnot checkedAlso #4 Best Waterproof Hiking Shoes · #5 Hiking Shoes · +1Last week #7 · 15 weeks in top 20

    AI places · this week ?

    1. GPT#3
    2. Claude#6
    3. Gemini#6
    4. AI Modenot named
    5. Groknot named
    6. Perplexity#6

    named by 4/6

    The card’s #4 is the 4-week average.

    Not in the October 2026 check ?

    Also in the top 20 of ?

    Search Google for KEEN Targhee IV Waterproof
  5. #5same place as last weekLone Peak 9AltraAlso #1 Fashion & Footwear · #1 Best Hiking Shoes for Wide Feet · +4Last week #5 · 20 weeks in top 20

    AI places · this week ?

    1. GPT#28
    2. Claude#14
    3. Gemininot named
    4. AI Modenot named
    5. Groknot named
    6. Perplexitynot named

    named by 2/6

    The card’s #5 is the 4-week average.

    People · October 2026 check ?

    • Buyers’ rating4.198 ratings · Jun 2026
    • Press1/4outlets recommend · 0 with more cons than pros · Jul 2026
    Evidence
    Check evidence
    Frozen October 29, 2026
    Press · 4 publications
    • Switchback TravelMixed · Date not savedOriginal
    • Treeline ReviewRecommends · Date not savedOriginal
    • GearLabMixed · Date not savedOriginal
    • CleverHikerMixed · Date not savedOriginal

    Watch · YouTube ?

    Altra Lone Peak 9 Review: The Best Backpacking Shoe Ever Made?YouTube: Ridge & River · 25.5K views · May 2025

    Also in the top 20 of ?

    Search Google for Altra Lone Peak 9
  6. #6same place as last weekMoab 3MerrellLast week #6 · 19 weeks in top 20

    AI places · this week ?

    1. GPT#1
    2. Claudenot named
    3. Gemini#3
    4. AI Modenot named
    5. Groknot named
    6. Perplexitynot named

    named by 2/6

    The card’s #6 is the 4-week average.

    People · October 2026 check ?

    • Buyers’ rating4.64,105 ratings · Oct 2026
    • Owners’ threads: widespread, serious failures0serious failures · 9 threads read · Oct 2026
    • Press1/5outlets recommend · 1 with more cons than pros · Jul 2026
    Evidence
    Check evidence
    Frozen October 29, 2026
    Press · 5 publications
    • Switchback TravelMixed · Date not savedOriginal
    • GearLabMixed · Date not savedOriginal
    • Tom's GuideRecommends · Date not savedOriginal
    • the5krunnerMore cons than pros · Date not savedOriginal
    • Treeline ReviewMixed · Date not savedOriginal
    Owners

    9 threads read · 0 serious failure themes

    Watch · YouTube ?

    Merrell Moab 3 Mid WP Review (FANTASTIC Merrell Hiking Boots Review)YouTube: Ultimate Survival Gear · 83.8K views · Aug 2023
    Search Google for Merrell Moab 3
  7. #7down 3 places since last weekSpire GTXLa Sportivanot checkedAlso #7 Hiking Shoes · #9 Best Lightweight Hiking Shoes · +1Last week #4 · 25 weeks in top 20

    AI places · this week ?

    1. GPT#15
    2. Claude#18
    3. Gemininot named
    4. AI Modenot named
    5. Groknot named
    6. Perplexity#19

    named by 3/6

    The card’s #7 is the 4-week average.

    Not in the October 2026 check ?

    Watch · YouTube ?

    Product Review: La Sportiva Spire GTXYouTube: La Sportiva North America · 27.3K views · Feb 2018

    Also in the top 20 of ?

    Search Google for La Sportiva Spire GTX
  8. #8up 2 places since last weekCascadia 18BrooksAlso #18 Best Trail Running ShoesLast week #10 · 16 weeks in top 20

    AI places · this week ?

    1. GPTnot named
    2. Claude#17
    3. Gemini#1
    4. AI Modenot named
    5. Grok#7
    6. Perplexitynot named

    named by 3/6

    The card’s #8 is the 4-week average.

    People · October 2026 check ?

    • Buyers’ rating4.133 ratings · Jun 2026

    Watch · YouTube ?

    Brooks Cascadia 18 ReviewYouTube: Alastair Running · 28.4K views · Nov 2024

    Also in the top 20 of ?

    Search Google for Brooks Cascadia 18
  9. #9up 5 places since last weekMoab 3 Mid WaterproofMerrellLast week #14 · 7 weeks in top 20

    AI places · this week ?

    1. GPT#2
    2. Claude#1
    3. Gemininot named
    4. AI Modenot named
    5. Groknot named
    6. Perplexitynot named

    named by 2/6

    The card’s #9 is the 4-week average.

    People · October 2026 check ?

    • Score read from review videos4.0/5read from 4 videos · Oct 2026 ? 123

    Watch · YouTube ?

    Wet after one use - Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof reviewYouTube: Short Reviews With Seth · 15.8K views · Dec 2025
    Search Google for Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof
  10. #10up 1 place since last weekSawtooth X Low WaterproofObozLast week #11 · 14 weeks in top 20

    AI places · this week ?

    1. GPT#7
    2. Claudenot named
    3. Gemininot named
    4. AI Modenot named
    5. Groknot named
    6. Perplexity#11

    named by 2/6

    The card’s #10 is the 4-week average.

    People · October 2026 check ?

    • Buyers’ rating3.8775 ratings · Oct 2026
    Search Google for Oboz Sawtooth X Low Waterproof
  11. #11up 2 places since last weekSawtooth X LowObozLast week #13 · 15 weeks in top 20

    AI places · this week ?

    1. GPTnot named
    2. Claude#10
    3. Gemini#8
    4. AI Modenot named
    5. Groknot named
    6. Perplexity#30

    named by 3/6

    The card’s #11 is the 4-week average.

    People · October 2026 check ?

    • Buyers’ rating3.6675 ratings · Oct 2026
    • Score read from review videos4.3/5read from 4 videos · Oct 2026 ? 123
    • Owners’ threads: widespread, serious failures0serious failures · 4 threads read · Oct 2026
    Evidence
    Check evidence
    Frozen October 29, 2026
    Owners

    4 threads read · 0 serious failure themes

    Search Google for Oboz Sawtooth X Low
  12. #12up 3 places since last weekX Ultra 5 Mid GTXSalomonnot checkedAlso #9 Best Waterproof Hiking Shoes · #14 Hiking ShoesLast week #15 · 2 weeks in top 20

    AI places · this week ?

    1. GPTnot named
    2. Claude#4
    3. Gemininot named
    4. AI Modenot named
    5. Groknot named
    6. Perplexitynot named

    named by 1/6

    The card’s #12 is the 4-week average.

    Not in the October 2026 check ?

    Also in the top 20 of ?

    Search Google for Salomon X Ultra 5 Mid GTX
  13. #13up 11 places since last weekTarghee IV Mid WaterproofKEENDebutBiggest climbnot checkedAlso #7 Best Waterproof Hiking Shoes · #11 Hiking ShoesLast week #24 · 1 week in top 20

    AI places · this week ?

    1. GPT#4
    2. Claude#7
    3. Gemininot named
    4. AI Modenot named
    5. Groknot named
    6. Perplexitynot named

    named by 2/6

    The card’s #13 is the 4-week average.

    Not in the October 2026 check ?

    Also in the top 20 of ?

    Search Google for KEEN Targhee IV Mid Waterproof
  14. #14down 2 places since last weekMoab Speed 2 GTXMerrellnot checkedAlso #3 Best Waterproof Hiking Shoes · #6 Hiking Shoes · +1Last week #12 · 21 weeks in top 20

    AI places · this week ?

    1. GPTnot named
    2. Claudenot named
    3. Gemininot named
    4. AI Modenot named
    5. Groknot named
    6. Perplexity#1

    named by 1/6

    The card’s #14 is the 4-week average.

    People · October 2026 check ?

    • Press0/3outlets recommend · 0 with more cons than pros · Jul 2026
    Evidence
    Check evidence
    Frozen October 29, 2026
    Press · 3 publications
    • Switchback TravelMixed · Date not savedOriginal
    • Treeline ReviewMixed · Date not savedOriginal
    • GearLabMixed · Date not savedOriginal

    Also in the top 20 of ?

    Search Google for Merrell Moab Speed 2 GTX
  15. #15up 3 places since last weekMoab 3 Low WaterproofMerrellnot checkedLast week #18 · 2 weeks in top 20

    AI places · this week ?

    1. GPTnot named
    2. Claudenot named
    3. Gemininot named
    4. AI Modenot named
    5. Groknot named
    6. Perplexity#2

    named by 1/6

    The card’s #15 is the 4-week average.

    Not in the October 2026 check ?

    Search Google for Merrell Moab 3 Low Waterproof
  16. #16down 8 places since last weekX Ultra 5SalomonAlso #10 Best Lightweight Hiking Shoes · #17 Hiking ShoesLast week #8 · 14 weeks in top 20

    AI places · this week ?

    1. GPTnot named
    2. Claudenot named
    3. Gemininot named
    4. AI Modenot named
    5. Groknot named
    6. Perplexity#5

    named by 1/6

    The card’s #16 is the 4-week average.

    People · October 2026 check ?

    • Buyers’ rating4.4127 ratings · Oct 2026
    • Press2/5outlets recommend · 0 with more cons than pros · Aug 2026
    Evidence
    Check evidence
    Frozen October 29, 2026
    Press · 5 publications
    • CleverHikerMixed · Date not savedOriginal
    • switchbacktravel.comMixed · Date not savedOriginal
    • treelinereview.comRecommends · Date not savedOriginal
    • outdoorgearlab.comMixed · Date not savedOriginal
    • Gear PatrolRecommends · Date not savedOriginal

    Also in the top 20 of ?

    Search Google for Salomon X Ultra 5
  17. #17down 1 place since last weekTarghee IV Low WaterproofKEENnot checkedLast week #16 · 3 weeks in top 20

    AI places · this week ?

    1. GPTnot named
    2. Claudenot named
    3. Gemininot named
    4. AI Modenot named
    5. Groknot named
    6. Perplexitynot named

    named by 0/6

    The card’s #17 is the 4-week average.

    Not in the October 2026 check ?

    Search Google for KEEN Targhee IV Low Waterproof
  18. #18down 9 places since last weekCascadia 19BrooksAlso #5 Best Lightweight Hiking Shoes · #6 Best Trail Running Shoes · +2Last week #9 · 14 weeks in top 20

    AI places · this week ?

    1. GPTnot named
    2. Claudenot named
    3. Gemininot named
    4. AI Modenot named
    5. Groknot named
    6. Perplexitynot named

    named by 0/6

    The card’s #18 is the 4-week average.

    People · October 2026 check ?

    • Buyers’ rating4.4468 ratings · Oct 2026
    • Owners’ threads: widespread, serious failures0serious failures · 7 threads read · Oct 2026
    Evidence
    Check evidence
    Frozen October 29, 2026
    Owners

    7 threads read · 0 serious failure themes

    Also in the top 20 of ?

    Search Google for Brooks Cascadia 19
  19. #19up 4 places since last weekSpeedgoat 6HokaRe-entryAlso #3 Best Lightweight Hiking Shoes · #8 Hiking Shoes · +1Last week #23 · 8 weeks in top 20

    AI places · this week ?

    1. GPTnot named
    2. Claude#13
    3. Gemininot named
    4. AI Modenot named
    5. Grok#23
    6. Perplexitynot named

    named by 2/6

    The card’s #19 is the 4-week average.

    People · October 2026 check ?

    • Buyers’ rating4.32,334 ratings · Oct 2026
    • Score read from review videos4.0/5read from 4 videos · Jul 2026 ? 123

    Also in the top 20 of ?

    Search Google for Hoka Speedgoat 6
  20. #20up 9 places since last weekAnacapa 2 Mid GTXHokaDebutAlso #10 Best Waterproof Hiking ShoesLast week #29 · 1 week in top 20

    AI places · this week ?

    1. GPT#10
    2. Claudenot named
    3. Gemininot named
    4. AI Modenot named
    5. Grok#3
    6. Perplexitynot named

    named by 2/6

    The card’s #20 is the 4-week average.

    People · October 2026 check ?

    • Buyers’ rating4.2575 ratings · Oct 2026

    Also in the top 20 of ?

    Search Google for Hoka Anacapa 2 Mid GTX

Dropped out of the top 20 ?

Show places 21–100Hide places 21–100
  1. #21Sawtooth X Mid WaterproofOboz · last wk #48 0 wks in top 20
  2. #22Crestwood WaterproofColumbia · last wk #19 1 wk in top 20
  3. #23Targhee IV LowKEEN · last wk #22 0 wks in top 20
  4. #24AX4 GORE-TEXAdidas Terrex · last wk #26 0 wks in top 20
  5. #25Lone Peak Hiker 2Altra · last wk #44 0 wks in top 20
  6. #26Moab Speed 3Merrell · last wk #30 0 wks in top 20
  7. #27Parkclaw G 280Inov-8 · last wk #34 0 wks in top 20
  8. #28Trailventure 2 WPTopo Athletic · last wk #47 0 wks in top 20
  9. #29Peregrine 15Saucony · last wk #32 0 wks in top 20
  10. #30CrestwoodColumbia · last wk #27 4 wks in top 20
  11. #31Moab 3 LowMerrell · last wk #67 0 wks in top 20
  12. #32Targhee IVKEEN · last wk #20 15 wks in top 20
  13. #33X Ultra 5 GORE-TEX LowSalomon · last wk #33 0 wks in top 20
  14. #34Speedcross 6Salomon · last wk #93 0 wks in top 20
  15. #35Renegade GTX MidLowa · last wk #25 3 wks in top 20
  16. #36Charged Bandit Trail 3Under Armour · last wk #39 0 wks in top 20
  17. #37Lone Peak 8Altra · last wk #28 11 wks in top 20
  18. #38Moab 3 WaterproofMerrell · last wk #36 7 wks in top 20
  19. #39Moab 3 Hiking ShoesMerrell · last wk #21 0 wks in top 20
  20. #40Newton Ridge Plus II WaterproofColumbia · last wk #35 3 wks in top 20
  21. #41Newton Ridge Plus III WaterproofColumbia · last wk #38 0 wks in top 20
  22. #42Newton Ridge Plus IIIColumbia · last wk #17 15 wks in top 20
  23. #43Targhee IV Waterproof Hiking ShoeKEEN · last wk #41 0 wks in top 20
  24. #44X Ultra 5 LowSalomon · last wk #43 0 wks in top 20
  25. #45Sawtooth 3Oboz · last wk #46 0 wks in top 20
  26. #46Renegade EVO GTX LoLowa · last wk #53 0 wks in top 20
  27. #47Trail 2650 CampoDanner · last wk #49 0 wks in top 20
  28. #48Katabatic LT Low GTXOboz · last wk — 0 wks in top 20
  29. #49Moraine GTXScarpa · last wk #82 0 wks in top 20
  30. #50Trail 2650Danner · last wk #95 0 wks in top 20
  31. #51Targhee Apex WaterproofKEEN · last wk #61 0 wks in top 20
  32. #52Bushido IIILa Sportiva · last wk #37 0 wks in top 20
  33. #53Ultraventure 4Topo Athletic · last wk — 7 wks in top 20
  34. #54Moab 3 (The Classic All-Rounder)Merrell · last wk — 0 wks in top 20
  35. #55Trail 2650 GTXDanner · last wk #60 3 wks in top 20
  36. #56Cloudhorizon 2On · last wk #58 0 wks in top 20
  37. #57Targhee IV (Best for Wide Feet & Durability)KEEN · last wk — 0 wks in top 20
  38. #58Facet 75 Mid OutDryColumbia · last wk — 0 wks in top 20
  39. #59Hedgehog 3 Mid WaterproofThe North Face · last wk — 0 wks in top 20
  40. #60Renegade GTX LoLowa · last wk #40 0 wks in top 20
  41. #61Newton Nimble LTRColumbia · last wk #63 0 wks in top 20
  42. #62Crestwood (Best Budget Pick)Columbia · last wk — 0 wks in top 20
  43. #63Moab 3 Hiking ShoeMerrell · last wk #65 0 wks in top 20
  44. #64Men's Moab 3 Mid WaterproofMerrell · last wk #69 0 wks in top 20
  45. #65X Ultra 5 Low GORE-TEXSalomon · last wk — 0 wks in top 20
  46. #66Men's Moab 3 Luxe LTRMerrell · last wk #71 0 wks in top 20
  47. #67X Ultra 5 Low GTXSalomon · last wk — 0 wks in top 20
  48. #68Moraine Mid GTXScarpa · last wk — 0 wks in top 20
  49. #69Torrent 3Hoka · last wk — 0 wks in top 20
  50. #70Moab 4 Mid WaterproofMerrell · last wk #56 0 wks in top 20
  51. #71Moab 4 GTXMerrell · last wk #76 2 wks in top 20
  52. #72Men's Moab 3Merrell · last wk #77 0 wks in top 20
  53. #73Men's Moab 3 Luxe LTR Hiking ShoeMerrell · last wk #73 0 wks in top 20
  54. #74Hedgehog 2026The North Face · last wk #74 0 wks in top 20
  55. #75Moab 4 SpeedMerrell · last wk #31 1 wk in top 20
  56. #76X Ultra 4Salomon · last wk #78 0 wks in top 20
  57. #77X Ultra 6Salomon · last wk #79 0 wks in top 20
  58. #78X Ultra 360 Mid Gore-TexSalomon · last wk — 0 wks in top 20
  59. #79Women's Moab 3Merrell · last wk — 0 wks in top 20
  60. #80Rush 2 GTXScarpa · last wk #42 7 wks in top 20
  61. #81Anacapa 3 Low GTXHoka · last wk #80 0 wks in top 20
  62. #82Speedgoat 7Hoka · last wk #50 11 wks in top 20
  63. #83Anacapa 2Hoka · last wk #83 0 wks in top 20
  64. #84Breeze AT Low GTXVasque · last wk — 0 wks in top 20
  65. #85Cloudrock Low WaterproofOn · last wk — 0 wks in top 20
  66. #86Zodiac Plus GTXScarpa · last wk #84 0 wks in top 20
  67. #87Targhee 4 WaterproofKEEN · last wk — 0 wks in top 20
  68. #88Newton Ridge Plus WaterproofColumbia · last wk #86 2 wks in top 20
  69. #89Moab 3 Low GTXMerrell · last wk #85 1 wk in top 20
  70. #90Skychaser AX5 GORE-TEXAdidas Terrex · last wk #45 0 wks in top 20
  71. #91Targhee 5KEEN · last wk #89 0 wks in top 20
  72. #92Konos TRS OutDryColumbia · last wk #64 0 wks in top 20
  73. #93Lone Peak Hiker 3Altra · last wk #94 0 wks in top 20
  74. #94Newton Ridge 3Columbia · last wk #92 0 wks in top 20
  75. #95AX4Adidas Terrex · last wk #96 0 wks in top 20
  76. #96Anacapa 2 LowHoka · last wk #97 0 wks in top 20
  77. #97Talus AT Low UltraDryVasque · last wk #98 0 wks in top 20
  78. #98X Ultra 5 Mid Gore-TexSalomon · last wk — 0 wks in top 20
  79. #99Hedgehog Fastpack IIIThe North Face · last wk #99 0 wks in top 20
  80. #100TrailheadLems · last wk #100 0 wks in top 20

Brand chart

Current race ?

This week ?

Merrell holds #1.

#1 in 21 of the last 25 weeks

1 back1 out

All 14 moves ↓

Tap a card for its products here, its price tier and other charts.

#BrandPlace by weekLast weekWeeks in top 20Top-20 weeks
  1. #1same place as last weekMerrellModels here: #3 Moab Speed 2 · #6 Moab 3 · +18Last week #1 · 25 weeks in top 20

    Merrell products here ?

    20 products in the top 100 · 5 in the top 20

    1. #3 Moab Speed 2Buyers’ rating 4.3 · 863 ratings · Oct 2026
    2. #6 Moab 3Buyers’ rating 4.6 · 4.1K ratings · Oct 2026
    3. #9 Moab 3 Mid WaterproofScore read from review videos: 4.0/5 from video
    4. #14 Moab Speed 2 GTXnot checked
    5. #15 Moab 3 Low Waterproofnot checked

    Where Merrell is strong · top 20 ?

    Search Google for Merrell hiking shoes for beginners
  2. #2same place as last weekSalomonModels here: #2 X Ultra 5 GTX · #12 X Ultra 5 Mid GTX · +10Last week #2 · 25 weeks in top 20

    Salomon products here ?

    12 products in the top 100 · 3 in the top 20

    1. #2 X Ultra 5 GTXBuyers’ rating 4.3 · 879 ratings · Oct 2026
    2. #12 X Ultra 5 Mid GTXnot checked
    3. #16 X Ultra 5Buyers’ rating 4.4 · 127 ratings · Oct 2026
    4. #33 X Ultra 5 GORE-TEX Lowbelow the top 20
    5. #34 Speedcross 6below the top 20

    Where Salomon is strong · top 20 ?

    Search Google for Salomon hiking shoes for beginners
  3. #3same place as last weekKEENModels here: #4 Targhee IV Waterproof · #13 Targhee IV Mid Waterproof · +8Last week #3 · 25 weeks in top 20

    KEEN products here ?

    10 products in the top 100 · 3 in the top 20

    1. #4 Targhee IV Waterproofnot checked
    2. #13 Targhee IV Mid Waterproofnot checked
    3. #17 Targhee IV Low Waterproofnot checked
    4. #23 Targhee IV Lowbelow the top 20
    5. #32 Targhee IVbelow the top 20

    Where KEEN is strong · top 20 ?

    Search Google for KEEN hiking shoes for beginners
  4. #4same place as last weekColumbiaModels here: #22 Crestwood Waterproof · #30 Crestwood · +9Last week #4 · 25 weeks in top 20

    Columbia products here ?

    11 products in the top 100 · 0 in the top 20

    1. #22 Crestwood Waterproofbelow the top 20
    2. #30 Crestwoodbelow the top 20
    3. #40 Newton Ridge Plus II Waterproofbelow the top 20
    4. #41 Newton Ridge Plus III Waterproofbelow the top 20
    5. #42 Newton Ridge Plus IIIbelow the top 20

    Where Columbia is strong · top 20 ?

    Search Google for Columbia hiking shoes for beginners
  5. #5same place as last weekHokaModels here: #1 Anacapa 2 Low GTX · #19 Speedgoat 6 · +6Last week #5 · 25 weeks in top 20

    Hoka products here ?

    8 products in the top 100 · 3 in the top 20

    1. #1 Anacapa 2 Low GTXBuyers’ rating 4.2 · 565 ratings · Jun 2026
    2. #19 Speedgoat 6Buyers’ rating 4.3 · 2.3K ratings · Oct 2026
    3. #20 Anacapa 2 Mid GTXBuyers’ rating 4.2 · 575 ratings · Oct 2026
    4. #69 Torrent 3below the top 20
    5. #81 Anacapa 3 Low GTXbelow the top 20

    Where Hoka is strong · top 20 ?

    Search Google for Hoka hiking shoes for beginners
  6. #6same place as last weekObozModels here: #10 Sawtooth X Low Waterproof · #11 Sawtooth X Low · +3Last week #6 · 25 weeks in top 20

    Oboz products here ?

    5 products in the top 100 · 2 in the top 20

    1. #10 Sawtooth X Low WaterproofBuyers’ rating 3.8 · 775 ratings · Oct 2026
    2. #11 Sawtooth X LowBuyers’ rating 3.6 · 675 ratings · Oct 2026
    3. #21 Sawtooth X Mid Waterproofbelow the top 20
    4. #45 Sawtooth 3below the top 20
    5. #48 Katabatic LT Low GTXbelow the top 20

    Where Oboz is strong · top 20 ?

    Search Google for Oboz hiking shoes for beginners
  7. #7same place as last weekLa SportivaModels here: #7 Spire GTX · #52 Bushido IIILast week #7 · 25 weeks in top 20

    La Sportiva products here ?

    2 products in the top 100 · 1 in the top 20

    1. #7 Spire GTXnot checked
    2. #52 Bushido IIIbelow the top 20

    Where La Sportiva is strong · top 20 ?

    Search Google for La Sportiva hiking shoes for beginners
  8. #8same place as last weekAltraModels here: #5 Lone Peak 9 · #25 Lone Peak Hiker 2 · +2Last week #8 · 25 weeks in top 20

    Altra products here ?

    4 products in the top 100 · 1 in the top 20

    1. #5 Lone Peak 9Buyers’ rating 4.1 · 98 ratings · Jun 2026
    2. #25 Lone Peak Hiker 2below the top 20
    3. #37 Lone Peak 8below the top 20
    4. #93 Lone Peak Hiker 3below the top 20

    Where Altra is strong · top 20 ?

    Search Google for Altra hiking shoes for beginners
  9. #9same place as last weekBrooksModels here: #8 Cascadia 18 · #18 Cascadia 19Last week #9 · 25 weeks in top 20

    Brooks products here ?

    2 products in the top 100 · 2 in the top 20

    1. #8 Cascadia 18Buyers’ rating 4.1 · 33 ratings · Jun 2026
    2. #18 Cascadia 19Buyers’ rating 4.4 · 468 ratings · Oct 2026

    Where Brooks is strong · top 20 ?

    Search Google for Brooks hiking shoes for beginners
  10. #10same place as last weekAdidas TerrexModels here: #24 AX4 GORE-TEX · #90 Skychaser AX5 GORE-TEX · +1Last week #10 · 19 weeks in top 20

    Adidas Terrex products here ?

    3 products in the top 100 · 0 in the top 20

    1. #24 AX4 GORE-TEXbelow the top 20
    2. #90 Skychaser AX5 GORE-TEXbelow the top 20
    3. #95 AX4below the top 20

    Where Adidas Terrex is strong · top 20 ?

    Search Google for Adidas Terrex hiking shoes for beginners
  11. #11same place as last weekScarpaModels here: #49 Moraine GTX · #68 Moraine Mid GTX · +2Last week #11 · 25 weeks in top 20

    Scarpa products here ?

    4 products in the top 100 · 0 in the top 20

    1. #49 Moraine GTXbelow the top 20
    2. #68 Moraine Mid GTXbelow the top 20
    3. #80 Rush 2 GTXbelow the top 20
    4. #86 Zodiac Plus GTXbelow the top 20

    Where Scarpa is strong · top 20 ?

    Search Google for Scarpa hiking shoes for beginners
  12. #12up 1 place since last weekVasqueModels here: #84 Breeze AT Low GTX · #97 Talus AT Low UltraDryLast week #13 · 25 weeks in top 20

    Vasque products here ?

    2 products in the top 100 · 0 in the top 20

    1. #84 Breeze AT Low GTXbelow the top 20
    2. #97 Talus AT Low UltraDrybelow the top 20

    Where Vasque is strong · top 20 ?

    Search Google for Vasque hiking shoes for beginners
  13. #13down 1 place since last weekThe North FaceModels here: #59 Hedgehog 3 Mid Waterproof · #74 Hedgehog 2026 · +1Last week #12 · 25 weeks in top 20

    The North Face products here ?

    3 products in the top 100 · 0 in the top 20

    1. #59 Hedgehog 3 Mid Waterproofbelow the top 20
    2. #74 Hedgehog 2026below the top 20
    3. #99 Hedgehog Fastpack IIIbelow the top 20

    Where The North Face is strong · top 20 ?

    Search Google for The North Face hiking shoes for beginners
  14. #14same place as last weekLowaModels here: #35 Renegade GTX Mid · #46 Renegade EVO GTX Lo · +1Last week #14 · 25 weeks in top 20

    Lowa products here ?

    3 products in the top 100 · 0 in the top 20

    1. #35 Renegade GTX Midbelow the top 20
    2. #46 Renegade EVO GTX Lobelow the top 20
    3. #60 Renegade GTX Lobelow the top 20

    Where Lowa is strong · top 20 ?

    Search Google for Lowa hiking shoes for beginners
  15. #15same place as last weekDannerModels here: #47 Trail 2650 Campo · #50 Trail 2650 · +1Last week #15 · 25 weeks in top 20

    Danner products here ?

    3 products in the top 100 · 0 in the top 20

    1. #47 Trail 2650 Campobelow the top 20
    2. #50 Trail 2650below the top 20
    3. #55 Trail 2650 GTXbelow the top 20

    Where Danner is strong · top 20 ?

    Search Google for Danner hiking shoes for beginners
  16. #16same place as last weekTopo AthleticModels here: #28 Trailventure 2 WP · #53 Ultraventure 4Last week #16 · 21 weeks in top 20

    Topo Athletic products here ?

    2 products in the top 100 · 0 in the top 20

    1. #28 Trailventure 2 WPbelow the top 20
    2. #53 Ultraventure 4below the top 20

    Where Topo Athletic is strong · top 20 ?

    Search Google for Topo Athletic hiking shoes for beginners
  17. #17same place as last weekUnder ArmourModels here: #36 Charged Bandit Trail 3Last week #17 · 9 weeks in top 20

    Under Armour products here ?

    1 product in the top 100 · 0 in the top 20

    1. #36 Charged Bandit Trail 3below the top 20

    Where Under Armour is strong · top 20 ?

    Search Google for Under Armour hiking shoes for beginners
  18. #18up 1 place since last weekInov-8Models here: #27 Parkclaw G 280Last week #19 · 3 weeks in top 20

    Inov-8 products here ?

    1 product in the top 100 · 0 in the top 20

    1. #27 Parkclaw G 280below the top 20

    Where Inov-8 is strong · top 20 ?

    Search Google for Inov-8 hiking shoes for beginners
  19. #19up 5 places since last weekNew BalanceRe-entryAlso #2 Best Running Shoes for Wide Feet · #3 Best Running Shoes for Knee Pain · +4Last week #24 · 11 weeks in top 20

    AI places · this week ?

    1. GPTnot named
    2. Claudenot named
    3. Gemini#9
    4. AI Modenot named
    5. Groknot named
    6. Perplexity#21

    named by 2/6

    Where each AI put its first product. The card’s #19 is the 4-week average.

    Where New Balance is strong · top 20 ?

    Search Google for New Balance hiking shoes for beginners
  20. #20same place as last weekOnModels here: #56 Cloudhorizon 2 · #85 Cloudrock Low WaterproofLast week #20 · 8 weeks in top 20

    On products here ?

    2 products in the top 100 · 0 in the top 20

    1. #56 Cloudhorizon 2below the top 20
    2. #85 Cloudrock Low Waterproofbelow the top 20

    Where On is strong · top 20 ?

    Search Google for On hiking shoes for beginners

Dropped out of the top 20 ?

  • Saucony was #18, now #22 20 weeks in the top 20
Show places 21–52Hide places 21–52
  1. #21Adidaslast wk #23 23 wks in top 20
  2. #22Sauconylast wk #18 20 wks in top 20
  3. #23Arc'teryxlast wk #21 3 wks in top 20
  4. #24Tevalast wk #22 0 wks in top 20
  5. #25Decathlonlast wk #29 0 wks in top 20
  6. #26Lemslast wk #28 2 wks in top 20
  7. #27Mizunolast wk #34 0 wks in top 20
  8. #28NNormallast wk #27 0 wks in top 20
  9. #29Nikelast wk #30 9 wks in top 20
  10. #30ASICSlast wk #26 3 wks in top 20
  11. #31Mammutlast wk #25 0 wks in top 20
  12. #32REI Co-oplast wk #31 0 wks in top 20
  13. #33Pumalast wk #32 0 wks in top 20
  14. #34Asololast wk #35 2 wks in top 20
  15. #35Salewalast wk #36 4 wks in top 20
  16. #36Zamberlanlast wk #48 0 wks in top 20
  17. #37Patagonialast wk — 0 wks in top 20
  18. #38Garmontlast wk #38 0 wks in top 20
  19. #39Timberlandlast wk #33 5 wks in top 20
  20. #40Cotopaxilast wk #41 0 wks in top 20
  21. #41Hi-Teclast wk #39 0 wks in top 20
  22. #42Astrallast wk #42 0 wks in top 20
  23. #43Black Diamondlast wk #43 0 wks in top 20
  24. #44Skecherslast wk #46 0 wks in top 20
  25. #45Xero Shoeslast wk #40 0 wks in top 20
  26. #46Vivobarefootlast wk #47 0 wks in top 20
  27. #47Quechualast wk #45 0 wks in top 20
  28. #48Baffinlast wk #50 0 wks in top 20
  29. #49Karrimorlast wk #51 0 wks in top 20
  30. #50Diemmelast wk #53 0 wks in top 20
  31. #51Jim Greenlast wk #44 0 wks in top 20
  32. #52Roalast wk #54 0 wks in top 20

The monthly check covers products, not brands. ?

The AI panel ?

Where the AIs disagree.

Each AI’s place for the top 10 and each AI’s own #1, in its own answer this week. Rows in chart order; an empty cell: not named this week.well above the other AIs well below not named this week ?
Place on this chartProductChatGPTClaudeGeminiAI ModeGrokPerplexityNamed by
#1Anacapa 2 Low GTX912, well below the others4, well above the others94/6
#2X Ultra 5 GTX3243/6
#3Moab Speed 22, well above the others2326, well below the others3/6
#4Targhee IV Waterproof36664/6
#5Lone Peak 928, well below the others14, well above the others2/6
#6Moab 3132/6
#7Spire GTX15, well above the others18193/6
#8Cascadia 1817, well below the others1, well above the others73/6
#9Moab 3 Mid Waterproof212/6
#10Sawtooth X Low Waterproof7112/6
Each AI’s #1 further down this chart
#14Moab Speed 2 GTX, Perplexity’s #111/6

Further down: AI Mode’s #1 Moab 3 (The Classic All-Rounder) (#54 on this chart)Grok’s #1 Moab 4 Mid Waterproof (#70 on this chart)

The AI panel ?

Where the AIs disagree.

Each AI’s place for the top 10 brands: where it put the brand’s highest-placed product this week. Rows in chart order; an empty cell: not named this week.well above the other AIs well below not named this week ?
Place on this chartBrandChatGPTClaudeGeminiAI ModeGrokPerplexityNamed by
#1Merrell1131116/6
#2Salomon532245/6
#3KEEN3662466/6
#4Columbia1381335126/6
#5Hoka9124395/6
#6Oboz710810105/6
#7La Sportiva151810194/6
#8Altra28, well below the others14, well above the others7, well above the others23, well below the others4/6
#9Brooks17, well below the others1, well above the others73/6
#10Adidas Terrex51/6

Reviews by people · YouTube and TikTok ?

The reviews behind the chart.

39 review videos · one shown per product

4 more reviewsFewer reviews

Short clips TikTok

1 clips · 338K views

The data behind this chart ?

What this ranking stands on.

From the AI panel 139 AI answers over 28 weeks from 6 assistants

From people

  • Buyer ratings37,955
  • Review videos88
  • Owner threads65
  • Press outlets10
  • Recall checks40

Before you buy

Questions buyers ask.

  • Who is #1 for “Best Hiking Shoes for Beginners”, and for how long?

    Hoka Anacapa 2 Low GTX is the #1 product this week, and has been #1 for 6 of the last 25 weeks. Merrell is the #1 brand, #1 for 21 of those weeks.

  • What changed on this chart in the last four weeks?

    8 of the top 20 products were not in the top 20 four weeks ago. The #1 then was Salomon X Ultra 5 GTX; it is #2 now. Among brands, 3 new names joined the top 20.

  • Do buyers, reviewers, owners and the press agree with the AI?

    13 of the top 20 were checked in October 2026: none fails the check, and people place none much lower than the AI does.

Data as of November 2 ?

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New #1s, debuts and the picks that fail the check, from every chart. We will write only when there is news.