Best Arc’teryx Hiking Shoes Guide

If you’re like me, finding a new hiking shoe can be quite a commitment. You’re looking for a shoe that’s going to last for the next couple of years, most likely through some brutal conditions! It’s no easy feat to find something that’s going to have your back in the wild. Luckily, I’ve had my fair share of experimenting with hiking shoes, and know my way around a shoe.

Today we’re going to be diving specifically into Arc’teryx hiking shoes. Arc’teryx is one of the world’s top brands in outdoor gear, and they are often known for their exceptional quality.

Most professionals in the industry rely upon their intensive knowledge of the outdoors. By the end of this article, you’re going to know what to look for in a pair of hiking shoes, get a list of my top recommendations for Arc’teryx hiking shoes, and get a few alternatives to consider if you’re still not sold.

Let’s get hiking!

Bottom Line Up Front

The Acrux TR GTX Boot is the best hiking shoe on this list if you’re looking for a middle-level investment. These shoes will get you through most standard hikes with reliability, and a bit of style. I use these shoes for 90% of my hikes. The only time I deviate from these is if I’m looking to trail run (in which case I’ll use the Norvan SL 2,) or if I’m doing a winter ascent (where I’ll use the Acrux LT GTX Boot.)

Things to Look for in Hiking Shoes

Let’s start by taking a look at what I normally look for in hiking shoes.

Hiking Style

The very first thing that I look for when checking out new hiking shoes is the style. What is the shoe intended for, and what do I plan on using it for? Arc’terx divides its shoes into three main purposes- Trail Running, Hiking and Trekking, and Alpine and Rock Climbing. 

Trail Running shoes are generally aimed to be as lightweight as possible, and often don’t have the intense level of protection that other hiking shoes can have. They’re the best shoes to wear if you’re planning on running in non-technical terrain, or even if it’s a hot day and you want something lightweight and airy to hike in. 

Hiking and Trekking shoes are for moderate-level hiking trails. You might have to grip a couple of rocks, walk across slippery surfaces, and want a built-in warmth system. For most people, Hiking and Trekking shoes are the appropriate option. 

The top-of-the-line shoes with Arc’terx are their Alpine and Rock Climbing shoes. These are meant for extremely technical expeditions. If you’re worried about exposure, intense grips, or harsh conditions, these are the shoes for you. They’ll keep you protected, while also maintaining maximum warmth and weather sealing. 

Fabric Type

Moving along, the next thing that I generally look for in a hiking shoe is the type of material it’s made out of. Since Arc’teryx is a top-tier brand, I can simply assume that the materials they are using are the best. However, it’s nice to know if a boot is made out of Gore-tex, leather, or any other more breathable materials. This can make a big difference in your hiking experience, depending on the conditions you’re trekking through.

Cut Size

The cut size is an important component of hiking shoes. Essentially the cut size refers to the height of the edges. If you’re doing more technical trails, you generally want to have a higher cut size to prevent your ankle from being sprained or twisted.

For me, I always air on the side of higher cuts because my ankles have been broken before, so I know they’re a bit flimsy. However, one advantage of lower-cut shoes is that you can do trail running, or any sport that requires a more lightweight model. They’re also good to have if you’re often hiking in a climate that’s prone to high humidity or heat.

Outer Grip

One of the first things I do when selecting a new hiking shoe is to look at the bottom. What type of grip does the shoe have? If I’m going to be doing more rugged, technical hiking, I look for shoes that have lots of grip and deep indents. This helps prevent slipping and can provide more strength on sharp rocks.

Many shoe models with Arc’teryx use Vibram technology on their soles, which is a high-quality material made to withstand even the toughest of rocks. 

Design

The final thing that I look for in a hiking boot is the design. What does it look like? Even though many people tend not to care about looks when it comes to hiking, I often think it’s important as a photographer.

I generally air on the side of purchasing hiking shoes that are neutral colored, like black or grey, so that I can be more expressive with my coat or shirt. If I were to wear hiking shoes that were bright blue or red, I’d have a hard time finding gear that goes well with them.

Best Arc’terx Hiking Shoes

Now that we understand what I generally look for in a hiking shoe, let’s take a look at the best of the best Arc’terx Hiking Shoes. The shoes are ranked in order of lightweight to most sturdy. 

Norvan SL 2 Shoe

The first hiking shoes I want to highlight in this article are the Norvan SL 2 Shoes. These shoes are specially designed for maximum efficiency in the trail running world. This means they have extremely breathable material, are super light, and look snazzy. 

The shoes are designed to be hydrophobic, which is perfect for those runs where you begin to encounter light rain. No one likes blisters! In addition, these shoes have a sole made out of Vibram LITEBASE technology, which is specially designed to be flexible while retaining durability.

I especially enjoy how the collar is designed- it’s purposely tight to prevent small rocks or dirt from getting in your shoes.

Pros

• Ultra-light trail running shoes- these are some of the lightest shoes in the industry
• Vibram LITEBASE technology helps you run across rough surfaces while retaining grip and flexibility
• The collar is designed to be smart and efficient for running on dirty trails

Cons

• Some folks claim the fit is a bit wonky and can press hard material against your foot. However, the good thing about Arc’teryx is you can get a refund if they don’t fit well

Aerios FL Mid GTX Shoe

 

If you’re looking for a lightweight but durable hiking shoe that’s one step above a trail running shoe, the Aerios FL Mid GTX Shoe is perfect for you.

Being the most highly rated and popular shoe on the Arc’teryx website, these hiking shoes carry their weight. They’re specially designed for Hiking and Trekking and come with a built-in Gore-Tex system to protect your feet from intense water/snow situations. 

In addition, these shoes have a stronger base than the Novan SL 2 Shoes, as these are built with the Vibram Megagrip. I would also argue that these shoes are much more stable and have a better grip, which is good if you’re doing backpacking or technical summer ascents. 

Pros

• Built with Gore-Tex to keep water/snow off your feet, while retaining heat
• Have a tough base, built with Vibram Megagrip
• Great for longer hikes, like backpacking or through-hiking adventures

Cons

• A few complaints online about side material durability issues for long-term use

Konseal AR Shoe

If you’re an occasional climber or do a lot of rock scrambling while you are hiking, the Konseal AR shoe may be the right shoe for you.

These are the perfect mix of a hiking shoe and a climbing shoe with a rubber outsole that wraps around the outsides and comes over the toe box of the shoe and a versatile tread that has grips for climbing and lugs for hiking. They are also made of suede, so you know they will be able to handle sharp rocks and major movement.

There are also many helpful features that come with these shoes including a gusseted tongue that keeps debris from entering your shoe and an EVA midsole that makes these shoes super comfortable for any long hike. Even though these shoes are super comfy and versatile, some users have noticed them wearing out in under a year around the seams where the rubber meets suede and to the upper ankle area.

Pros

• Made for multiple uses and activities, from climbing to alpine hiking
• The toe cap and outsole are sharp to help with grip during climbing
• Gusseted tongue
• Tread is made to cause friction when climbing and on the trail

Cons

• Durability isn’t great around some seams

Acrux TR GTX Boot

Now let’s get into some of the higher-cut hiking shoes on the list. The first ones I’d recommend are my absolute favorite. The Acrux TR GTX Boot is an extremely technical shoe that’s designed to last for multi-day trips through intense terrain.

However, for a shoe that’s so durable, it’s also extremely lightweight. One of my favorite parts about this boot is the SuperFabric upper material that is resistant to abrasion. This is perfect for those treks through branches and weeds where your shoes can get torn or scratched.

The Acrux TR GTX Boot is also designed with the Vibram Megagrip for maximum protection on the soles, and also features Gore-Tex to keep your feet warm and water-resistant. I almost always choose this shoe when going on any hike that’s longer than one mile, just because it holds up so well.

Pros

• Designed with an upper SuperFabric material that’s resistant to abrasion
• Vibram Megagrip soles are top-of-the-line protection for any type of advanced mountaineering
• Features Gore-Tex to protect your feet from water/snow

Cons

• Shoelaces aren’t designed the best- but can be easily replaced

Acrux LT GTX Boot

The Acrux LT GTX Boot is designed for the most difficult treks in the world and is perfect down to the technical details. It’s built with a 3mm carbon plate on the bottom, which provides maximum support across the board. This kind of grip is important when you’re doing rock climbing/mountaineering that requires navigating intense exposure. You want to make sure you’re boot will support you.

The boot is also built with Gore-Tex for exceptionally wet conditions, and Super-Fabric technology to keep it abrasion resistant. 

Pros

• Super-Fabric technology makes it highly resistant to abrasion 
• Top-of-the-line shoes built for intense routes
• Made with Gore-Tex and water-proof materials

Cons

• Only comes in one color- black/red, shoes are fairly narrow
• Fairly expensive 

Alternatives to Consider

Alright! Now let’s dive into a few similar alternatives to consider. 

Timberland Mt. Maddsen Waterproof Hiking Shoe

One of the top-rated shoes in the market right now is the Timberland Mt. Maddsen Hiking Shoe. Made out of genuine leather, this waterproof shoe is packed with features. It’s got built-in Anti-Fatigue technology and a specially designed Motion Efficiency system.

This makes hiking a breeze and leaves the least amount of strain on your feet. I especially enjoy the way these shoes look as well. They got more style than any of the Arc’teryx shoes, and are significantly cheaper in price.

Pros

• Stylish and extremely long-lasting soles
• Built-in Anti-Fatigue and Motion Efficiency systems make hiking feel like a breeze
• Crafted to be waterproof and keep your feet dry in the toughest conditions

Cons

• Only comes in four colors, which are all fairly bland

Salomon X Ultra 3 Low GTX Hiking Shoes

Over the past couple of years, I’ve gone through two pairs of these hiking shoes because they hold up so well. They’ve been up over 30 14ers in Colorado, and are built for rough hikes. Built with Gore-Tex and soft textiles, they wick moisture away when you step in puddles or end up in mild rainstorms.

They’re also extremely comfortable, which is one of their top-selling features. The Ortholite foam will literally mold to your foot as you break it in, and become the most comfortable hiking shoe you’ve ever had.

Pros

• Made with Gore-Tex and soft textiles to keep water out
• Last for a notoriously long time, and are a “legendary” shoe in the hiking community
• Ortholite foam molds to your feet to create a comfortable and unique fit

Cons

• Sides aren’t made with the best material to be abrasive resistant. Scratching up against rocks can cause tears.

FAQs

Conclusion

Overall, if you’re looking for the best all-around model for hiking, I’d check out the Acrux TR GTX. It’s a middle-level boot that can get you through most situations with ease. I use it for 90% of my hikes.

On the other hand, if you’re looking for something a bit more low-key and lightweight, like a trail running shoe, I’d go with the Norvan SL 2. If you’re looking for something for professional-level expeditions, I’d check out the Acrux LT GTX Boot. 

I hope this article has been helpful in determining your next Arc’teryx hiking shoe. Happy trails!

This article was updated on 08/09/2022 by the All Outdoors Guide editorial team. Our goal at All Outdoors is to provide the most up-to-date relevant information. We updated some of our recommendations to give you better hiking information.