Ian CheesemanLast month, I went hiking with my friends, wearing my so-called hiking shoes. About half an hour in, I realized that I would have been better off barefoot!
Seriously, I was slipping and sliding down everywhere while my friends looked on with half-amusement and half-concern (gee, thanks guys!).
When we got back to the city, my friend slapped me on the back and said, “Let’s go buy you a proper pair of hiking shoes.” Needless to say, my next hike went a lot smoother—so smooth, in fact, that you’d think I was a mountain goat.
So, for aspiring hikers, don’t skimp on your footwear. Snag a trusty pair now from one of Toronto’s best shops for hiking shoes!
How much do hiking shoes cost in Toronto?
In Toronto, the average price range of hiking shoes is $100 to $250, depending on the brand and its features. Affordable hiking shoes may start at $80 while high-end ones might set you back $300 and up.
Watch out for seasonal deals and online promos before making a purchase.
1. BlackToe Running
Since 2013, BlackToe Running has been a go-to spot for hikers, runners, and everyone in between.
Feel free to visit their two locations. While they don’t have identical inventory items, you can actually check their stock online beforehand.
A hiking shoe fave is their New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro. Cool features like its cushioned midsole and Vibram outsole—known for its terrific traction—make this shoe perfect for slippery or uneven terrain.
You can also browse their Saucony, Hoka, and Nike selections.
We like that they have a 365-day price match, since not all stores offer this. Plus, they offer not only free shipping for orders $75 and up but also free returns and exchanges.
Unfortunately, we heard about customers being ignored by staff. This is definitely not ideal, especially if you’re a beginner who’s looking for hiking advice and tips.
Good analysis of my gait and foot pressure points
“Sujina was a great help! I had been using the same brand of shoes for 14 years, and now that I had to look for a new one, she was very knowledgeable and accommodating. After a good analysis of my gait and foot pressure points, she offered me 4 different models, and highlighted the benefits for each. I left with my new pair feeling very comfortable with my choice.”
Carlos Araujo, Google Review
Walked me through different shoe styles and supports
“I just got a new pair of shoes professionally fitted by Patrick. I was hesitant to come to store but Patrick made the whole experience nothing but amazing! He walked me through different shoe styles and supports, and provided guidance with what I would need. Only time would tell if f I got the right shoes but the experience was top notch.”
Denys Iopel, Google Review
2. The Runners Shop
David Ellis opened The Runner’s Shop in 1975, making it the oldest independently owned running store in Canada. He’s actually a top-tier athlete, who has represented the country (and the UK) in the Olympic and Commonwealth Games.
His store carries the Nnormal Tomir 2.0, perfect for rocky terrain due to its amazing traction. Another crowd fave is the IceBug NewRun BUGrip GTX, ideal for long-distance hiking or running—it’s so stable, it even lets you run on ice!
Unlike other stores, they host special events such as the Longest Day Ekiden Relay and The Sunset Shuffle. These are often sponsored by big-name brands like Hoka and Puma, so you know you’re in for a treat.
And we love that you can score 10% off your first order, simply by signing up for their newsletter. What we don’t love is that for returns, you’d have to pay out-of-pocket.
By far the best experience I’ve had shopping for shoes
“The staff is 10/10 and was by far the best experience I’ve had shopping for shoes. They let me try a variety of brands and were super knowledgeable (shout out to Claire). Highly recommend.”
Sean Nugent, Online Review
Can absolutely trust their expertise and recommendations
“I can’t say enough great things about The Runner’s Shop. The staff are so friendly, kind, and knowledgeable — you can absolutely trust their expertise and recommendations. But beyond their product knowledge, this is a business that cares about supporting their community. Really happy with my recent shoe purchase, and can’t wait to join their events in the future.”
Michaela Pedersen-Macnab, Online Review
3. Corso Shoes
Driven by their passion for footwear, a family opened Corso Shoes in 1985. Their mission is to introduce Toronto to high-quality Italian footwear.
For men, we recommend the Ecco ULT-TRN. It has a Michelin rubber outsole–meaning it serves some serious bounce—making it perfect for long or rough hikes.
For women, the same brand offers the SOFT 7 TRED, which has rubber soles with fantastic grip. This is great for all kinds of weather conditions.
If you don’t know anything about hiking shoes, that’s okay. Their team is highly trained in waterproof ratings and proper fitting—they’d be able to steer you in the right direction.
Sadly, their knowledge seems to be overshadowed by their lack of attentiveness, at least according to some customers.
Luckily, they unknowingly make up for it with their cool online deals such as their End-of-Season Clearance (up to 50% off!).
Great quality men’s casual, dress, hiking, and winter boots
“Great quality men’s casual, dress, hiking, and winter boots. Corso takes care of my entire shoe wardrobe with style and the best customer service you just don’t get anywhere these days.”
Jack Black, Google Review
Fantastic store with the kindest staff!
“What a fantastic store with the kindest staff! We went to get my sons first pair of shoes and the staff made the whole experience so easy and enjoyable. Thank you for taking the time to make such a special day for us so memorable.”
Eimear De La Rosa-Brazil, Google Review
4. Getoutside
If you live in and around Queen Street West, it’s likely that you’ve come across Getoutside. Established in 1993, their goal is pretty straightforward: to be everyone’s go-to shoe store.
A trail shoe that seems to have every serious hiker’s attention is the Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof (for men and women). Its unique Vibram outsole and its waterproof membrane allow wearers to hike in all types of terrain.
In addition to Merell, they also stock other well-known brands like Vans and New Balance. Don’t sleep on their hiking accessories either—they offer hiking backpacks, caps, and even fanny packs (don’t laugh, I heard they’re making a comeback!).
Online shoppers are given free shipping on orders $99.99 up. Coupled with their online Sale section, you might score huge savings on your purchase.
We did notice, however, that their hiking shoe selection is comparatively more limited.
Getoutside is my favourite shoe store!
“I don’t live in Toronto, but when I am shoe shopping I always check out Getoutside first. They have an amazing selection and the prices are good. I watch for their great sales. Also, if I have questions, I have always been able to talk to someone in the store to help with sizing or colour’s or whatever. Getoutside is my favourite shoe store!”
tanya Corbin-Riley, Google Review
Huge selection of shoes and very reasonable prices
“A wonderful store and a great shopping experience. There is a huge selection of shoes and very reasonable prices. I loved the independent vibe, and very original decor, with super cool wooden benches. the staff is knowledgeable and helpful but they give you space and are not pushy. lots of items on sale, and you can even stock up on sandals right now (January) – which are on sale. I totally recommend this place.”
Anna P, Google Review
5. MEC Toronto
Outdoor enthusiasts have been familiar with MEC since 1971. Since then, customers have raved about their solid and fairly affordable products, which include hiking shoes.
Speaking of which, they offer hiking shoes for both men and women in a wide variety of brands—Keen Targhee, Merrell, Salomon, you name it, and they most probably have it.
Simply ask their staff for help, and they’ll help you navigate various hiking features like breathable material and waterproof designs. But before approaching one, maybe check out their vibe first, as we heard that some of them can be quite rude.
Now, for budget-conscious folks (like me!), always check out their Deals section online first. Nifty discounts are regularly offered, as well as end-of-season promos.
Another highlight is their membership program, which offers amazing perks like a 30-day price match guarantee, free shipping, and more.
Had the best customer service I’ve had in SO long!
“Today I had the best customer service I’ve had in SO long! The team member was absolutely brilliant and was so helpful with giving direction on where to find products I was looking for and teaching me how things worked. The store itself is bright and well-signed with everything you need outdoor-related. I didn’t get the employee’s name who helped me, but he was so proactive with offering assistance to everyone who walked by. (If the manager is reading this, he’s on the upper level in the backpacks area in one of my pictures. I asked the cashier his name and he wasn’t sure who was working in that department today).”
Liz H, Google Review
First place I’d go to for anything outdoorsy
“Over the last 8 months MEC has always been the first place I’d go to for anything outdoorsy. Their staff is never there for you to sell something you’d regret, and this has been proven to me multiple times when I was getting things I needed for hiking, kayaking, and running.”
Nick Yushkevich, Google Review
