This guide is recommend the absolute best in zero drop shoes and boots for long trip hiking purposes.

The best zero drop hiking shoes is Altra’s lone peak 5 for both men and women. This shoe spots a zero toe to heel drop and has solid grip on its soles. This allows you to hike over tough terrains without losing grip. It is also lighter and more comfortable than most hiking boots.

Below are more detailed reviews of individual brands.

Women zero drop hiking boots review

This section covers reviews for women zero drop hiking boots. 

ALTRA Women’s Lone Peak 4 Trail Running Shoe

The Altra lone peak 4 is a back to form shoe from its previous lone peak 3 model.

Things I like

– Weight and comfort: It is lighter than before with a softer fabric for comfortable tracking. The sole is also thinner than previous versions, which is good news for all who doesn’t like high padding. 

– Toe box: The best change is a return to its spacious toe box. The last thing you want is to squeeze your toes during long hiking trips. With this toe box, your toes can breath and has room to wriggle around.

– Outer mesh: Another improvement is the higher quality outer mesh that is intended to make your shoe last longer. On average, an altra hiking shoe should last you for around 7-9 months if you are actively hiking. This improvement should make it last longer.

Things that can be improved

– Waterproof: One thing to note is these both the men and women lone peak 4 are not waterproof. They do get wet very easily if you are caught in the rain or step in a puddle. However, they are also quick to dry once you leave out for a few hours.

In terms of sizing, most people have said to order 1/2 a size smaller than your usual sizing as these tend to be wide.

The Altra lone peak 3 is already a beloved shoe model. The 4 model just makes it so much better for those looking for zero drop hiking shoes. Click here to see prices on Amazon.

Vivobarefoot Women’s Tracker FG  Hiking Boots

It is nice to see a zero drop boot that is both functional and beautifully designed. This Vivobarefoot FG hiking boots is one such model.

Things I like

–Weight and comfort: These boots are definitely lighter than your usual hiking boots. In terms of comfort, it will depend on how well you have adjusted to wearing zero drop shoes. If you are, these will feel comfortable, like a pair of socks. I

– Design: Good looking shoe that can draw compliments

– Toe Box: Wide and roomy. No more cramped toes!

– Waterproof: These boots can keep your feet from mud or small puddles. However, do not expect them to work miracles when there is a heavy rain.

Things that can be improved

– Stiff sole:  One thing to note is that this model seems to have stiff soles when compared to other Vivobarefoot models. It is not a deal breaker but something you should note of.

For sizing, these boots tend to run a bit bigger so order 1/2 to 1 size smaller. Also take note that the leather will stretch a bit once the boots have been worn a few times. Alternatively, you can order your true sizing but prepare some thick socks to fill the gaps.

Men zero drop hiking boots review

This section is for men who needs zero drop shoes and boots.

ALTRA AFM1855F Men’s Lone Peak 4 Trail Running Shoe

Everything said about the women lone peak 4 applies to its male version as well. It is comfortable right out of the box, with a wide toe box and being light weight.

The Altra lone peak 4 for men has also seen much improvements over its previous 3.5 and 3.0 version. 

Things I like

– Sole Grip: One thing that jump out is the improved grip on the solo. You can feel the ground much more which can be a good or bad thing. It is good if you are used to such shoes and want something that can better control when you going downhill. 

It is bad if this is your first pair of zero drop. Since your feet can feel the ground more, you might feel sore after an extensive trail or run.

Things that can be improved

– Not Waterproof: Not waterproof as mentioned in the review of the women version.

Xero Boots Xcursion

The Xero Xcursion is a bit of a mixed bag but I put it here because it is really a pair of good boots, when it is not falling apart lol

There seems to be some manufacturing issues because while some reviewers can get a lot of mileage out of these, others are finding that their boots are falling apart only after a few runs.

Things I like

– Toe Box: Roomy like the rest of the shoes covered here.

– Sole Grip: The grip is solid and ensures there is no slippage or issues with stepping on rocks and such.

– Waterproof: These can keep your feet perfectly dry when you are out on your trail running.

– Customer Service: If you are unlucky and get a pair which isn’t as well made, you can easily get them replaced because their customer support is top notch

Things that can be improved

– Stiff sole: Some might feel the soles a bit stiff and uncomfortable. Compared to the previous version, it indeed feels more stiff but that seems to be done to increase the boot’s durability.

– Production issues: If they can tighten their quality checks, they will receive less negative feedback.

For sizing, I recommend getting half a size larger because the fit is more snug at the tongue area.

Zero drop hiking shoes buying guide

These are the things you should look out for when buying any zero drop boots or shoes for hiking:

• Wide toe box: You will want something more roomy as you will be in those shoes for a long time during the hike.

• Sole: Look for good soles that have solid grip as well as durable.

• Waterproof: You will be crossing different surfaces including mud and puddle so waterproofing is important. If not, they should at least have room to breath and can dry quickly.

• Weight: The lighter the shoe, the less burden it will place on your feet when running or hiking.

Conclusion

Finding comfortable and durable zero drop hiking shoes is not easy. The brands highlighted here such as Altra, Vivobarefoot and Xero are well established brands within this niche that have constantly delivered quality shoes and boots.

You will not go wrong with any of these.