Hiking boots are probably one of the most important things you’re going to buy. They can be as simple as your first pair or an upgrade that’ll see you through years and years of use.
Getting them right is important, but understanding how different ones handle certain terrain better than others is key to finding the pair that are going to feel right for you. There are a huge range of different hiking boots out there, with a massive range of features better suited to some kind of hiking and terrain than others.
The hiking boots we’ve included in our guide have been tested in a huge range of conditions, on real trails, in the same locations you’ll see on the rest of the site in our travel and hiking guides. As such, they’ve been in anything from alpine conditions through to deserts. With each, we’ve worked with their strong points and considered what their limits are for different kinds of trails.
We believe that hiking boots, especially newer designs that focus on giving you specialized support for different circumstances, can give you an extra edge in terms of comfort and the kind of terrain you can cover. Gone are the days of hiking boots being stiff, inflexible and heavy.
We’ve included the hiking boots that sit heavily in our current rotation (so this list will naturally change over time). There’s affordable options, specialized picks and boots suitable for varying terrain in-between. So lets get into it!
The Best Hiking Boots
From lightweight models to more full-on hiking boots that will stand the test of tough conditions through winter, we’ve tested some of the best hiking boots out there to bring you our top picks.
Be sure to follow the link underneath each hiking boot to read the full review on each product to see how it performed in all areas of our testing metrics.
Salewa Men’s Alp Trainer 2 Mid GTX
Our take:
- Extremely comfortable, with very little break-in period
- Gets the balance right between water resistance and breathability
- On the pricey side
- More suited to hikers with normal to narrower feet
Good to know: This boot is also available in a women’s fit.
Why did the Salewa Men’s Alp Trainer get our top award for best overall men’s? They are a fantastic all-rounder and able to take on more technical and challenging terrain as well as more groomed trails. They don’t feel inadequate on one or overkill on the other.
On more technical ascents, these boots handle perfectly with their Vibram sole which offers a strong level of traction on a whole variety of terrain. Their slightly shallower lugs also refrain from filling up with mud, which we feel is a great added bonus and makes them even more versatile.
What’s more, if you have narrower feet, they come with a pair of Salewa’s Multi Fit Footbed Insoles which are a modular system that lets you adjust the shoe to find the perfect fit. Their 3F system uses steel cables that cradle the heel and tensions up as you tie the laces. What this means overall is a solid, comfortable boot that is ready to take on anything you let them.
The Alp Trainers have become one of our reviewer’s go-to pairs of boots for mixed hiking and after hundred of kilometres of trekking over varied terrain, they are still holding up well and showing minimal signs of wear. We fully expect these rugged and comfortable boots to keep performing for years to come! Read our full review of the Salewa Men’s Alp Trainer 2 Mid GTX.
Adidas Terrex Anylander Mid Rain.Rdy Boots
Our take:
- Stylish, striking looks
- Great waterproofing
- Not best suited for really technical trails
- Can look dirty quickly in some colorways
Good to know: These hiking boots are classed as unisex.
The Adidas Terrex Anylander Mid Rain.Rdy boots are a really great offering in their ever expanding range. These boots are seriously stylish, and they’re bound to turn heads on the trail and town.
We found when testing that these boots not only feel stylish but are effortless to break in and feel comfortable for endless hours and miles outdoors. We tested these boots waterproofing in the heaviest of rain and they didn’t disappoint.
The color we tried do get dirty pretty quickly, but they also clean up really easily, so don’t let this sway you too much if you go for this colorway. They do run a little narrow, like many Terrex boots seem to, so they’re not the best for wider feet.
They have a really chunky thread which we found to be really grippy, even on slippery trails with looser rocks and scree. These boots are perfect for most conditions, and we think they’re more a 3 season boot, only really avoiding for very bad and cold climates.
We think if you go for these boots, you’ll love them as much as we’ve enjoyed testing them and their price point makes them a no brainer. They’re in heavy rotation in our testers hiking footwear now. Read our full review of the Adidas Terrex Anylander Mid Rain.Rdy Boots.
Keen Men’s Targhee IV Waterproof Hiking Boot
Our take:
- Very comfortable straight out the box
- Offers good ankle support
- Styling looks a little dated
- Wide toe box can get in the way on technical terrain
The Keen Men’s Targhee IV Waterproof hiking boot fared well in our tests when it came to comfort. Keen boots (as we’ve reviewed earlier on) are well known for their comfort straight out the box, and these absolutely lived up to that.
The insole is exceptionally soft yet also provides support when you need it. Our tester was really impressed with the Luftcell Cushioning used and the luxurious high end feel these boots have for their price point.
Whilst many boots renowned for their comfort compromise rigidity, the Keen Targhee IV’s still provide a good degree of strength, and especially ankle support for our tester. To be honest, once they’re on, you kind of feel like you don’t want to take them off, which our tester found perfect for longer days on trail.
Our tester found the robust toe cap especially good when it came to crossing difficult terrain. This helped the Targhee IV’s feel like they’re ready for pretty much anything – helped also by their waterproofing (Keen’s in house KEEN.DRY membrane).
The Targhee’s have a reputation for being good for hikers with wide feet, and the toe box of these hiking boots is certainly wider than average. Our tester has narrower feet and did not find the fit to be a problem. However, if you like a snug fit on your boots, be aware of this.
Whilst the Targhee’s are generally a very impressive pair of hiking boots, the design does look a little dated. Some hikers will be put off by this, but if you value comfort and a really varied terrain boot, we’d strongly advise you bump these up on your list.
Aku Viaz DFS GTX Hiking Boot
Our take:
- Exceptionally rigid
- Very lightweight
- Neoprene cover on lower lacing system could be a point of failure
- Not fully integrated with gaiters
The Aku Viaz DFS GTX Hiking Boot is a specialized and exceptionally rigid boot, due in part to the nylon, carbon fiber and die cut EVA lasting board stiffness. It’s very well suited for technical hiking, scrambling and mountaineering and is fully compatible with step in and semi automatic crampons.
Whilst we couldn’t find a formal B rating for this hiking boot from Aku, it ‘feels’ like a B2. The sole (vibram® croda litebase) and upper (air8000® + welded PU film) are exceptionally rigid, offering practically zero flex.
The thick upper and ankle cuff are both very well padded, and together these factors give you a sure footing on difficult terrain. Our tester has spent time putting the Aku Viaz through their paces on winter mountaineering ascents with varied and technical terrain and found they complimented his adventures perfectly.
These boots feature an interesting two zone lacing system. The lower section sits beneath a neoprene cover and is adjusted by a pull toggle, whilst the upper section is a regular set of laces.
We’ve seen a similar system on some Scarpa boots and this system allows for quick and fine adjustment of tension around the boot but the neoprene cover that protects the lower lacing zone could potentially get damaged by sharp rocks or if caught on a crampon spike.
The Aku Viaz DFS GTX are absolute overkill for general hiking, but if you venture into higher and more extreme environments, they offer a high tech, comfortable and very lightweight option. Whilst their price is high, we very much feel that they are worth the money and is in line with many of their key competitors for a similar spec.
Danner Mountain 600 Leaf GTX
Our take:
- Extremely comfortable for all trails
- Easily repaired and resoled
- Can come up large – not so suitable for narrow feet
- Not suitable as a plant based boot
Good to know: These hiking boots are also available in a men’s fit.
Why did these hiking boots get our top award? Well, it’s very hard to find a reason not to love them from the moment you put them on. When testing, we found these hiking boots pretty much effortlessly comfortable within a few short test hikes to get them broken in. Once worn in, they felt like they had always been with us.
Our reviewer normally prefers hiking shoes over boots, but their experience with the Mountain Leaf 600 has shook that up and these boots are now their go-to for when the trail gets tough. After countless hikes, they’re still performing perfectly and because of this, we can thoroughly recommend them.
The Danner Mountain 600 Leaf GTX is a great all round hiking boot that will take you confidently out on anything but the harshest, most demanding of terrains. As an all round hiker, these boots will give you the perfect balance of flexibility and durability. They also make use of a grippy sole which is perfect for slippery conditions and even light ice and snow.
Danner clearly has a commitment to quality and long-term sustainability, and this is evidenced in the construction of these hiking boots. They’re well made, look great on the trail, have excellent waterproofing through our tests, and we’re very happy to see Danner offering a resoling surface when that day comes. We’re confident to say that if you buy these hiking boots you will not look back and you’ll be very happy with your purchase! Read our full review of the Danner Mountain 600 Leaf GTX.
Salomon X Ultra 360 Edge Mid GTX Boots
Our take:
- Comfortable straight out the box
- Lightweight feel is great for quicker trail movement with the support of a boot
- Colorways may not appeal to all hikers
- Can feel cold in sub zero temperatures
We’ve reviewed other boots from Salomon in the X Ultra range and generally been impressed with their performance. However, from the moment we put these boots on, we knew they would perform well.
The Salomon X Ultra 360 Edge GTX Boots offer next level comfort straight out the box. We found that they were immediately good to get hiking in. They’re incredibly well cushioned and feel comfortable for both long and short hikes.
We were also blown away by how lightweight they feel. For general hiking, they are really versatile (of course, if you plan to do any serious mountaineering, we’d always recommend something more robust and in a B2 ig possible).
At 418g/0.9lb, they feel effortless and allow you to glide over trails with ease. They feel well supported around the ankle and heel so scrambling over rocks is not a problem. They’re also very grippy with their all terrain thread.
We think that these are some of the best hiking boots on offer out there right now. Coming in at a mid price tag, we think they’re well worth the investment. Read our full review of the Salomon X Ultra 360 Edge Mid GTX Boots.
Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof
Our take:
- Exceptional comfort
- Very durable
- Design can seem dated
- Not the best for winter depending on conditions
Good to know: These boots also come in a men’s version.
What is not to love about the Merrell Moab 3 Waterproof? In our tests, and much the as all products we’ve tested in the Moab range, we just found them instantly comfortable. They were so comforting that we actually found it hard to take them off.
What’s more, they’re built to stay and feel extremely durable even on more complex treks and trails. They also come in at a very competitive price point and for what you get, they rival some of the much more expensive models. They’re at that entry price point for a mid achieving boot, which we love.
For many hikers, these may well be the only boots they need as they’re such a good all rounder and we found they performed exceptionally well in a whole variety of trail conditions – with excellent traction and confidence in all areas. That said, their traction isn’t as full on as some of the more technical boots we’ve reviewed, but then that isn’t really what these are.
We found the breathability offered was fantastic too – making use of a waterproof membrane, whilst also using mesh construction in the upper really helps here. These boots really are a no brainer and one you will not be disappointed with! Read our full review of the Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof.
Salomon Quest 4 Gore-Tex
Our take:
- Very sturdy build
- Excellent ankle and foot support
- Break in period does take a while
- Their rigid feel may not appeal to all hikers
Good to know: This hiking boot is also available in a men’s fit.
We’ve generally been very impressed with all Salomon hiking shoes and boots that we’ve reviewed, and the Quest 4’s are really no exception – they’re quite simply a truly comfortable boot that will be ready to take on more challenging terrain as and when you are. Once broken in, they perform exceptionally well in a whole variety of terrain, and we found their traction to be perfect for even the most slippery of surfaces. Even more so when combined with a crampon to take them further.
We’ve found these to be great boots for wet and muddy hikes: if you need to cross streams or if your routes takes you across boggy terrain, the enhanced grip, water resistance and good ankle support makes these a great choice.
We also love the level of breathability they offer, which, considering what these boots are aimed at, provide a balance that is hard to come by. The mesh sections on the upper and the Gore-Tex membrane certainly help here, and we have never found our feet too hot or too cold when wearing, even in warmer temperatures.
If you’re looking for a more technical boot that will work just as well for simpler day treks, particularly in winter and wet conditions, then we would highly recommend you put these on your contender list. Read our full review of the Salomon Quest 4 Gore-Tex.
Columbia Newton Ridge Plus Waterproof Amped
Our take:
- The price point makes them an affordable entry level option
- Very comfortable almost straight out the box
- Waterproofing lacks breathability
- We aren’t assured of their longer term durability
Good to know: A similar hiking boot to these is also available in a men’s fit.
In our opinion the Columbia Newton Ridge Plus Waterproof Amped hiking boot makes a great entry level product for those looking to test where they want to go with their hiking. What we love is that for the price you are getting a great value proposition in terms of features for your money and in many ways, they actually rival some of the slightly higher priced models in our roundup in terms of features.
One area where this was apparent to us was the fact that the upper of the boots is made from pretty much one piece , which does add to the durability and waterproofing that is evident in these hiking boots, making them a good all-rounder. Sure, there longer-term durability was a bit of a concern for us, but as a pair of entry boots, we think that this is justifiable considering the concessions that Columbia have made to bring this boot in at this price point.
If these boots are within your price point, we would recommend that you put them at the top of your list for consideration. They’re comfortable pretty much straight out-of-the-box so you’ll be wearing them on the trail before no time. Read our full review of the Columbia Newton Ridge Plus Waterproof Amped.
Zamberlan 996 Vioz GTX
Our take:
- Strong and durable with great build quality
- Resoling is possible
- On the expensive side
- The design can look a little dated for some hikers
Good to know: These boots are also available in a men’s version.
These boots are designed for some serious hiking, they are tough and offer fantastic ankle support and really dependable waterproofing that will set you up well on more technical and high alpine trails. Sure, they are not the cheapest hiking boots in our roundup, but upon closer inspection they are beautifully made and what we love is that they can be resold which increases the longevity of them. There is a good chance that if you buy these hiking boots, they will last you many, many years.
However, if you are looking for a hiking boot that is better suited to more well maintained trails or fair weather hiking then these may be overkill for you. Used in the correct circumstances, they can help you go further, becoming more dependable over time.
What we also loved about the Zamberlan Vios 996 GTX is that it is available in a range of sizes from US 5.5/UK 3.5/EU 36 US 11/UK 9/EU 43. In the men’s version of the boot, a wide fit option is also available and larger sizes can be purchased too.
They do have a slightly longer break in than some of the other boots in our reviews but that is to be expected with a more rigid boot. If this is your first experience with more rigid mountaineering style boots you may find that you need to break them in for a little bit longer. However, when broken in they are extremely comfortable.
After countless hours spent on the trail in these boots, we’ve become convinced of their capabilities: We think they are a great choice for more technical terrain and colder weather, accompanying us on some fairly intense mountaineering routes in the UKs Lake District. We’ll certainly be using these boots more and more as the temperature drops.
Lowa Renegade GTX Mid Hiking Boots
Our take:
- Available in a range of widths
- Very comfortable but rigid enough for difficult terrain
- Expensive
- Not an exciting design compared to some other models
We’ve already reviewed the Lowa Renegade GTX LO and were impressed with this hiking boot version in our tests. It performs exceptionally well in difficult terrain all the way through to slightly more well maintained trails. It’s a great all rounder.
What we love is that Lowa have clearly put comfort at the forefront of this hiking boot design – they’re also making it accessible to a range of different foot types. There are a variety of widths on offer and you’re sure to find your perfect fit.
We also loved how the traction of these boots tested. Of course, this boot is very much aimed at slightly more full on missions, so you need to know the sole has the capability to keep you firmly on the trail with no problems. The Lowa Mid stands out here.
If you’re hiking in hot summer deserts, you might find the breathability offered less than perfect, and they may be overkill. However, if you’re looking for a boot for pretty much everything else, then we urge you to put these boots at the top of your list. See our full review of the Lowa Renegade GTX Mid Hiking Boots.
Other Notable Hiking Boots We’ve Tested
Over the years we’ve tested a lot of hiking boots. The boots below are ones we’ve loved, but have been retired from our most used, current gear rotation. They’re all still sold picks that we recommend highly:
- Hoka Trail Code GTX
- Asolo Fugitive GTX
- Altra Lone Peak ALL-WTHR Mid 2
- Oboz Bridger Mid B-Dry
- Hoka Kaha 2 GTX
- Vasque Breeze Waterproof Hiking Boots
- Salomon X Ultra 4 Gore-Tex
- La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX
- Timberland White Ledge Waterproof
- Keen Targhee III Waterproof Mid
- Teva Grandview Gore-Tex
- Skechers Relment-Pelmo
- Scarpa Rush TRK GTX
If you’d also like to learn more about how we tested the hiking boots we’ve recommended in this guide, we’ve got some other articles linked below that explain this in more detail:
- How to Choose The Right Hiking Boots
- How We Tested Hiking Boots
- Compare Hiking Boots
- How to Re-lace Your Hiking Shoes for Better Comfort
Related guides:
Hiking Boots Buying Guide
The list above represents 20 of the best hiking boots out there right now. In our tests we are looking for a variety of criteria to be met from things like the boots’ longer term durability, comfort, waterproofing and also how they sit within their particular category.
Our buying guide below should hopefully make it easier for you to make a decision on the best hiking boots for your needs. We’ve gone into detail in some of the most important areas to look at to make your decision but for a further, more detailed look, be sure to check out our full buying advice article.
Type and Style
There are several, general categories of hiking boot on the market today and these can be divided up as follows:
Lightweight
The days of having to make do with chunky, and heavy hiking boots are gone and the lightweight hiking boot category offers something which is a fantastic midpoint between trail runners and lightweight hiking shoes with the added support of an ankle cuff.
These types of boots, such as the Salomon X Ultra 4 Gore Tex or Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof are more suited to day hikes and lighter treks on more well-maintained trails and areas where you are less likely to experience ankle rolls. They also generally make use of synthetic materials as their main component as this is much more lightweight and can be much more breathable. Though this can also be adapted with Gore-Tex membranes or other waterproof membranes which is becoming a regular sight in this area.
We only really recommend lightweight hiking boots if you understand that they are probably not going to last you forever. Unlike most traditional hiking boots, the durability is compromised by the use of lightweight and synthetic materials and also often lack the protection in the toe and ankle that you can expect from mid or heavier weight hiking boots.
Midweight
Midweight hiking boots are probably the most popular and fast-growing area in the hiking boot market today. What makes them fantastic is that they offer a brilliant balance between a chunkier more heavyweight hiking boot and something that is also more lightweight. Boots in this category are models like the Danner Mountain 600 Leaf GTX, Lowa Renegade GTX Mid and the La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX.
So, what this means in practice is that you can move faster and lighter over more technical terrain knowing that you have the support you need to complete more demanding trials. Typically, midweight hiking boots also have a much more robust outside which protects the foot from a whole range of trail debris and can also be adapted for more demanding wintry circumstances too.
They generally make use of higher end and cutting edge materials and combine different approaches and techniques in their construction. This is where you will also see waterproofing like high end Gore-Tex being used. This does come at a price point though and typically hiking boots in this category are on the pricier end of the scale.
Heavyweight
Depending on the kind of hiking you do you, may find a heavier weight hiking boot to be your best friend on the trail. This is of course an entirely personal decision as some hikers prefer a more traditional rigid boot whilst others prefer lightweight construction for that breezy feel on the trail.
With a heavyweight hiking boot, you will also generally find that its waterproofing is of a much more robust quality to the other areas of boots mentioned above. This makes them excellent if you live somewhere where there is a lot of water from rain or snow or river crossings.
That said heavyweight hiking boots have significantly downgraded their weight over recent years as more cutting-edge technology is used in their construction. Whilst heavyweight is a broad term, there is also a considerable spectrum of boots to consider and the differences with them is immense.
For example, the Zamberlan 996 Vioz GTX feels much more robust and rigid than the Salewa Men’s Alp Trainer 2 Mid GTX does. When used in the right context, both hiking boots stand up extremely well on their own.
Price
Naturally, there are hiking boots offered at each end of the scale from extremely affordable, more entry level hiking boots, all the way through to very technical high end, high price hiking boots. One of the biggest factors that will determine how much you decide to spend on your hiking boots will simply be how big a budget you have to allocate. Whilst we always suggest that you buy the best you can afford, we also don’t believe in stretching yourself too thin just to buy the top pair.
Typically, the more expensive hiking shoes make use of cutting edge materials and advanced technologies to bring their model in at a lighter weight and a high performing option. You will generally find that most alpine and mountaineering suitable hiking boots will fall into this category.
Many more expensive hiking boots make use of things like Gore-Tex membranes for their waterproofing and have extremely durable sole constructions and great breathability to boot. On the other end, cheaper hiking boots are able to come in generally at this price point due to a reduction in usage of higher tech materials and with the potential risk to longer term durability.
We encourage you, before deciding how much to spend on your hiking boots, to really look at how much you plan to go hiking. For example, if you are a well-seasoned hiker who is looking for your next pair, we would recommend spending a little bit more and getting something that is going to really give you a boost and stand the test of time. However, if you are on a more stringent budget or you’re new to hiking and don’t really know how often you’ll go, a cheaper pair is likely to give you all that you need to begin with.
Traction
If you’ve been used to wearing trail runners or something similar on hikes so far then upgrading to a hiking boot is a good option if you decide to take on slightly more challenging and more advanced trails. Simply put, a good pair of hiking boots is a step up in terms of the traction offered and will really help you when it comes to things like slippery rocks, scree surfaces and other loose and potentially hazardous conditions in the outdoors.
Vibram is a name that comes up time and time again when it comes to hiking boot soles. They have a range of different products which are custom created and used alongside each manufacturer they work with to create something that is unique to that particular boot. Of course, some brands do also have their own in-house technologies or use other technologies – such as Continental for their boot lugs and soles.
Depending on the kind of hiking that you do it is worthwhile looking at the kind of lugs and depth offered on the hiking boots that you are looking to buy. As some hiking boots soles offer sticky attraction which is better for traveling over slick rocks and other such alpine conditions. Whereas other boots have deeper set patterns which are better for dealing with muddy and slippery surfaces.
Breathability
The level of breathability offered in hiking boots really is determined by the materials and products used in their main construction, particularly on the upper. Most hiking boots on the market today offer some level of water resistance and waterproofing. The ones that don’t, much like hiking shoes, are generally the ones that are the most breathable.
This is because as soon as you add a waterproof membrane, it impacts the level of breathability that can be experienced whilst wearing your hiking boots. We advise that the best thing to do is consider the kind of hiking that you plan to do.
If you are likely going to be hiking in alpine conditions, mountainous trails, and areas where you can expect rain then it’s good to prioritize waterproofing over breathability. If you live in an extremely hot climate, then it is a good idea to look at breathability as more important. It really does depend on your own circumstances.
Ankle Support
One of the main reasons for making the move from hiking shoes to hiking boots is the level of ankle support that they offer. This can allow you to take on trails that you perhaps wouldn’t be able to otherwise as they will give you more confidence and protect your ankles from potential injuries.
However, not all ankle support provided in hiking boots is equal. For those that offer more of a lightweight finish, you can expect the ankle support is typically less robust than a pair of heavier weight hiking boots that are much more rigid.
If the rigidity of the ankle support offered in your new hiking boots is extremely important to you, we would recommend checking the rest of the materials used to decide if the support offered is adequate for you or not.
Typically, those offered in a leather or suede finish or synthetic leather will be the most rigid around the ankle. Whereas those offering a synthetic finish may be less protective around the ankles.
Arch Support
The arch support offered with most of the hiking boots in our round up is similar. This is a minimal to mid-level of arch support and will suit most hikers with a normal arch.
If you have high arches, then it is entirely possible to replace the insoles that come in your new hiking boots with something that is more specific to your needs. These can be introduced easily and inexpensively, so don’t have too much of an impact on the overall price of the boots you’re buying.
That said, it’s worth checking if the hiking boots that you are planning to buy have enough room for a chunkier insole if that’s what you would be looking to replace with. It’s worth seeing if there is enough room in the toe box for any additional height that can be created with different insoles to those that are designed for the boot.
Fit
Fit is an important consideration with any hiking footwear, as it can make the difference between feeling comfortable on the trail and not really thinking about your feet or feeling like you can’t go on any further because your feet are in shreds.
We have tried to make as much information available on the different fits and widths that are offered in the hiking boots that we’ve recommended in our reviews. Of course, some manufacturers offer different width fittings but sadly there is no standard when it comes to what this means. So, what one manufacturer considers a wide fit could be considered a normal fit by another manufacturer.
If you are between sizes, we would always recommend sizing up if no further information is given. If a half size is offered, then we would of course recommend you take that.
Materials
There are various main materials used in hiking boots on today’s market, here are some of the most common:
Full Grain Leather
Full grain leather is typically used in more rigid and often heavier hiking boots. Full grain leather provides excellent protection against the elements including rain and is one of the hardiest options out there. You will often see full grain leather used on hiking boots that are more traditional.
Nubuck Leather and Suede
Nubuck leather and suede are a good medium ground in terms of weight and density after full grain leather. This is generally much softer and more pliable than full grain leather and therefore allows for more give and flexibility in the hiking boot. They also offer a lot in terms of comfort and can mold more to the shape of your feet, creating a very individual fit that feels perfect for the wearer.
You will often find some of the more high-end alpine boots and cutting-edge mountaineering boots are offered in a full in a nubuck leather, suede and synthetic mix. This allows manufacturers to get the best of both worlds with the advantages of synthetic materials and the comfort of leather.
Vegan Leather
Vegan leather is becoming increasingly popular and is a fantastic option for hikers wishing to avoid the use of animal products in their hiking boots. Certain brands now offer entirely synthetic leather or vegan leather options and go as far as to avoid using animal-based glues to create a fully plant based product.
There is a chance that a synthetic compound may not last as long as a traditional leather boot, but they are far from a runner up product and some of the models out there are extremely durable and punch well above their weight in terms of performance.
If looking for vegan hiking boots, we would suggest checking for the vegan certification on the manufacturers page. Make sure that the boot is definitely vegan and is free from animal based glues – some boots on offer are synthetic but still make use of traditional glues that can contain animal product.
Synthetic Nylon and Mesh
Synthetic nylon and mesh are typically used on hiking boots that are trying to come in at a lighter weight and generally, the use of synthetic materials is helpful in improving breathability. If you hike somewhere with very little rain, then you may want to look at synthetic hiking boots instead of a more traditional leather or plant based leather option.
Synthetic compounds are also generally not as strong or durable as leather/synthetic mixes. So, with that in mind you can expect hiking boots that are entirely synthetic may not last as long as more traditional hiking boots will.
Mid and Outsoles
Onto the mid and outsoles of your hiking boots, these will typically make use of rubber, this is generally molded to provide excellent traction against trail conditions. The midsole is also molded in such a way that it protects the feet from shocks that you can expect when pounding your feet along a hard trail for hours on end.
EVA foam is typically used in the midsole and can vary between slightly more cushioned and harder for different levels of comfort in the boot. If you’re planning to take on longer distance backpacking trails or go for miles in your boots, then we would recommend going for a hiking boot with a slightly harder mid soul as this prevents wear out happening quickly.
Appearance
Appearance is such a personal thing when it comes to hiking boots. What one person likes, another person will absolutely hate, and this is why it’s great that there are so many different types of hiking boot on the market.
What’s important when it comes to appearance is to go for comfort and suitability for the types of trails you wish to hike over looks. Whilst nobody particularly wants a boring hiking boot, there are plenty of options out there that will hit the balance between looking good and feeling comfortable for your particular foot type.
The appearance of your hiking boots can also be improved by taking care of them off the trail. You can find out more about the best way to look after your hiking boots in our buying advice page.
Durability
When it comes to durability, you will find that most of the best hiking boots for longevity will currently make use of leather. This is great for offering a layer of resistance to the kind of shock and trauma they can expect to undergo on the trail and can withstand this for years.
Durability can also be improved by looking at models that make use of less materials, as all areas with stitching and joins create weak points that over time can create bigger problems. Likewise, looking after your hiking boots well and storing them correctly will help you keep them their best for as long as possible.
Sustainability
Many brands are making big moves towards better sustainability credentials in their production lines and also the materials used in their products. It is fairly common now to see recycled elements used in polyester and mesh sections of hiking boots, with some making use of recycled rubber in the soles too.
If this area is important to you, research any claims made by the brand in terms of recycled materials or renewables in a little more detail before purchasing. For example, some brands market the idea of using recycled materials but once you look into it more closely, they may actually only be using recycled shoelaces. When you think about it, this is such a small percentage of your new hiking boot.
One of the best ways to help in terms of sustainability is to buy less. So, looking for a model that is almost future thinking based on your desires in the outdoors will help you to get a pair that is going to last you the test of time before they need upgrading.
There are also some great schemes out there now, for example the Danner Mountain 600 Leaf GTX is able to be mended and resoled by Danner to prolong its life, which we think is a great initiative. There are also numerous recycling schemes out there now that will take your tired hiking boots and recycle them responsibly and sustainably.
Water Resistance
Most hiking boots offered today do come with some form of water resistance or waterproofing. However, what this means can vary wildly from model to model and are not all created equal.
Typically, models that make use of a Gore-Tex membrane, which are generally at the upper end of the price scale, are going to provide the best protection from water and also still offer a degree of breathability. This is great if you know you’re going to be tackling various conditions in your hiking boots outdoors. We would really recommend reading our article on the differences between waterproofing, water resistance and water repellency to get a better understanding and make the best decision for your needs.
Weight
As outlined above in our categorization of the different types of hiking boots, there are various weight categories that can be used to describe them. This is usually lightweight, midweight, and heavyweight. The weight of your hiking boots will be mostly determined by the kind of protection you need against the elements and also the budget that you have to spend.
Typically, the models that are making use of the best protection at a lower weight ratio are the ones that are offered at higher price point. These typically make use of cutting edge technology and you will pay a premium for this.
The weight of your hiking boots is actually quite an important metric when making your decision; get them too heavy for your frame and you can experience real trail fatigue. Wearing boots that are heavy can make you feel really weighed down and clunky.
Insoles
Most hiking boots will come with a fairly standard insole – this will be pretty much perfect for most hikers. However, there can be some differences in the insoles provided. Some brands can make use of memory foam or gel insoles which can feel more cushioned underfoot.
Personally, we’ve found we prefer insoles that feel that little bit harder – over longer trails they are better on the feet and seem to lead to less trail fatigue. If you do however want to replace the insoles that come with your hiking boots, then you can easily do so relatively inexpensively. This can give you the option to replace with something that is more suited to a high arch, for example.
Break-in Period
The break-in period you’ll get with your hiking boots will vary from product to product. Generally, though, full grain leather hiking boots and more rigid boots will often take longer to get out on the trail than those with softer nubuck leather, suede or synthetic constructions.
We would advise not just making your decision about your new pair based on the break-in period. Whilst a break-in period can be a little bit tiresome, and with some boots can feel a little sore in the process, those boots that take longer to wear in can sometimes end up being the most comfortable.
Even though some hiking boots boast the idea of no break-in period, we strongly advise against just taking them out on the trail – you will likely regret this! You need to be very confident that they are comfortable for longer treks before hiking miles and miles.
Some test hikes and shorter walks will give you an idea of where you can push them and when. So, if you’re buying for a specific trip or expedition, always buy in plenty of advance to allow you to get them feeling perfectly comfortable before you head off. This can genuinely be the difference between completing a trail and having to veto it.
Lacing System
There are various, commonly used lacing systems available in hiking boots. These can include BOA fastenings, quick lacing systems and a more traditional eyelet design, as well as hooks.
Most hiking boots in our reviews make use of a fairly standard, eyelet based lacing system – this isn’t much different to a hiking shoe. However, a hiking boot will also generally make use of hook on the upper around the ankle and up to allow you to get better tension around this area.
The lacing system is one of the most important ways to help get the best feeling of comfort you can in your hiking boots. There is a lot that can be done with your laces and using different lacing patterns can really help you get a fit that feels right to your specific feet.
Toe Protection
Hiking boots usually make use of a reinforced toe rand that is made of rubber to help with toe protection. This can help tremendously with protecting your feet from any bumps and knocks on the trail.
Some hiking boots come with greater to protection than others, so if you are someone who knows they need that extra bit of protection, make sure to look out for models that have increased visible shaping in that area. Likewise, the toe protection at the front of the boot is there to protect your hiking boots as much as it is your own feet.
For example, we found with the Zamberlan 996 Vioz GTX that that was and much smaller rubber toe rand visible and after short usage on the trail the leather around the toe did start to look scuffed. Even though there are no signs of this boot failing in terms of durability, having an adequate toe rand does longer term wear and tear.
Conclusion
There are seemingly endless options for hiking boots on the market right now, from ultra-lightweight designs that make use of extensive mesh all the way through to more traditional comment heavyweight hiking boots that will see you all the way through winter. But which is right?
The right hiking boot for you will be determined by the kind of hiking you intend to do, where you intend to use your boots, and the kind of comfort and support that you need. These should be your main deciding factors, but there is also a lot more to consider too.
We hope this guide has helped you to get a better understanding of some of the best options out there right now. Be sure to also check out our other guides including best hiking shoes and best waterproof hiking shoes to get a more rounded view of what’s out there and if there might be something better suited to your needs. You can also view more of our gear and equipment guides, like best hiking poles, hiking backpacks and best backpacking tents in our main gear and equipment review hub.
Disclaimer: This article contains Affiliate Links. You won’t pay any more for buying through these links, but we may receive a commission from any purchases made through them. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. If you choose to support us by buying through our links, we thank you as it helps us to continue providing the resources we do to help you enjoy the outdoors more!