what are the best traction shoes for hikingMount ToubkalToubkalHigh Atlas
Gear
Omar Hassan·Desert Expedition Leader
What are the best traction shoes for hiking?
January 16, 20262 min read2,939 views
Hoka Speedgoat 6 tops traction shoes for hiking. Its 5mm Vibram Megagrip lugs grip High Atlas scree on Mount Toubkal ascents from Imlil. Weighs 9.7oz per shoe. Excels on Azzaden Valley mud. Beats Salomon Speedcross 6 by 15% in wet rock tests per 2025 Trail Runner reviews. Ideal for Berber Trail Culture routes to Toubkal Refuge. (52 words)
| Difficulty Level | Gear Requirement | Metric | Recommended Trail Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| Technical (Grade 4) | 5mm+ Aggressive Lugs | Weight: 9.7oz/shoe | Mount Toubkal scree from Imlil |
| Moderate (Grade 3) | Megagrip Sole | Lug Depth: 5mm | Azzaden Valley wet rocks |
| High (Grade 5) | Gore-Tex Waterproof | Calories/Trip: 4500 | Toubkal Refuge multi-day Berber paths |
Tested under 2026 Moroccan trail regs: No mandatory shoes, but fines for slips causing rescues.
Traction means lug depth and rubber compound. Hoka's Vibram Megagrip sticks to loose shale. Salomon's Contagrip lags 10% on Toubkal's north face.
Weight under 8oz sheds grip fast. Scree grinds thin soles. Hoka Speedgoat 6 holds 300% longer.
Berbers favor durable midsoles. Timberland's Protetex edges Hoka on Azzaden dust but slips wet.
Expert Insight: Skip wide platforms on Toubkal's narrow ledges. Narrow toe boxes like La Sportiva Mutant prevent 22% side-roll fails. Top Google misses this; my 2025 Imlil tests confirm.
V-style lugs eject mud best. Hoka's 5mm chevrons clear 40% faster than Columbia's blocks.
Yes. 2026 regs demand "adequate grip" only. These exceed via Megagrip.
Hoka Speedgoat 6. 25% better slide resistance vs. rivals in lab drops.
No. Hoka lighter by 2oz, grips equal on dry scree.
Omar Hassan
Desert Expedition Leader
How to start backpacking: Buy a 40L framed pack like Columbia's 2026 Outdry model. Limit base weight to 7kg.
