The best hiking boots 2023: robust protection for wild trails

We've thoroughly enjoyed taking to the backcountry trails in the best hiking boots available today to bring you this guide. A quality pair of  boots is arguably the most important component of your hiking gear arsenal, so choosing the right option is vital. The expertly crafted boots contained here give you the comfort, protection and stability to take on hiking adventures of all kinds.

We kick things off with our best all rounders, from the perennially popular Merrell Moab 3 Mid GTX, which provides a balance of support and stability that'll work well for most trails, and the excellent Aku Trekker Lite III, for those with more technical mountain terrain on their agenda.

With fall and winter beckoning, we then reveal our pick of the best winter boots and finish with plenty of lightweight choices for when summer rolls back around. Whatever kind of adventure you're planning, these boots will make sure you're comfortable and protected.

The best hiking boots

The quick list

Best all-round hiking boots

Merrell has kept the key features that make the Moab a classic, including its accommodating fit, wide toebox and plush padded ankle collar, but this third iteration has had a few upgrades too. In our tests, we noted that the redesigned uppers have smaller mesh panels and more robust pigskin suede leather for enhanced durability, backed with a waterproof and breathable Gore-Tex liner. 

In common with trends in the wider outdoor industry, Merrell has focused on making the Moab more sustainable too. The mesh, webbing and laces are all now made from recycled materials. That’s a significant step forward in environmental terms when you consider just how many pairs of these boots are sold worldwide – but their robust build should also ensure that they last a long time, ensuring sustainability through longevity.

We found that the midsole delivers a good balance of stability and cushioning, with a bit more arch support than most mid boots. The Vibram outsole also has chunky 5mm lugs for dependable traction. All in all, it’s a solid and well-built boot, which is comfortable and reliable, with versatile all-round performance and an accommodating fit.

Read our full Merrell Moab 3 Mid GTX hiking boots review

These beautiful boots from a brand based in the Italian alps absolutely ooze style before you get them dirty, but we found they also perform impressively once we stopped posing and started tackling trails and peaks. The construction is robust, with precision stitching reinforcing each eyelet in the lacing system, which is where pressure is applied every time you pull the boots on. Having three pairs of quick-lace hooks at the top of each boot really enabled us to get them done up nice and tight, for a firm and secure ride when we started pounding the paths. 

The component parts are all top end, from the Vibram Curcuma outsole up to the Gore-Tex lined suede-and-fabric upper. There is an all-round rand that shields toes and heels and on test they were warm, comfortable, confidence-giving and classy, protecting our feet from the elements and supplying a really decent level of performance. They’re not as lightweight as some other daywalking boots out there, but the level of ankle support is far superior to the vast majority of other comparable boots.  The standard last is quite narrow in the toebox department, but the Trekker Lite IIIs are also available in a wide fit.

Read our full Aku Trekker Lite III GTX review

When you throw a heavy backpack on your shoulders, you need a rugged hiking boot to carry the load. We found that the La Sportiva's TX5 is up to the challenge. A Gore-Tex Extended Comfort membrane supplies the breathable barrier against the in ingress of water, while an Ortholite Approach footbed supported our foot inside the boot. On the outside the Nubuck leather upper is mountain-fit, and a protective rubber rand, toecap and a combined to shield our feet from roots, rocks and trail debris. The high collar not only provides protection for ankles, its also supplies excellent support for when we were tackling technical trails with a heavy pack.

Deep in the forest and high in the hills, when the underfoot conditions are rocky, slippery and uneven, the boot’s Vibram MegaGrip sole and Impact Brake System offers shock protection and stability. LaSportiva’s 3D Flex System and an underfoot stabilizer provides freedom of movement yet further protects your lower legs from twists and turns on challenging and tricky terrain.

This is one of the lighter and less protective and aggressive models in the Keen boot range, aimed at people who prioritise staying nimble and moving fast across landscapes such as long-distance trails, rather than attempting hard hikes in really tough terrain. However, with some ankle support and an excellent heel-lock system, they are capable of looking after you on reasonably technical trails and/or multiday escapades while wearing a pack. The 4mm multidirectional lugs on the outsole are also adequate for such escapades in most conditions, but they’re not aggressive enough for anything too epic. 

But, used in the right conditions and on the tracks they were designed to tackle, these boots are a joy to wear. Quick and easy to put on, they felt fantastically light and comfortable on our feet. Meanwhile the innovative heel-lock system works well with the laces to supply a super secure grip around the heel and forefoot area, providing complete confidence with every step, even on rough terrain while wearing a pack. 

Featuring the brand’s own KEEN.DRY membrane, the NXIS EVOs are waterproof and breathable. On test in wet and muddy conditions we found that the external knit mesh did accumulate lots of dirt, however, which impacted their performance, was fiddly to clean and made us slightly concerned about the longevity of the product. We think this model is best suited to drier climes as a result.

Read our full Keen NVIS EVO Mid review

Best winter hiking boots

Whether you’re a fan of La Sportiva’s waspy yellow colour palette or not, there’s no denying that these boots are a great example of head-turning trail bait. An instantly striking-looking boot, the Trango TRK GTX boasts a distinctive and durable waterproof upper constructed from top-quality 1.6mm-thick Idro-Perwanger leather. Beneath the bright and brazen outer, a breathable Gore-Tex performance comfort membrane works its magic to complete the breathable waterproofing system.

La Sportiva’s excellent 3D flex system facilitates impressive bendiness both between the ankle and the foot, and across the toe region, while attempting to maintain a level of rigidity across the sole that’s crucial to confident rock work (latitudinal flex with longitudinal lockout). We’ll be reporting on how successfully this is achieved in a more extensive review.

We found the Vibram Mulaz rubber sole to be stickier than a good old pub floor, making this a great boot for scrambling. The rear lugs and the impact brake system help maintain control and traction on tricky terrain and steep slopes, and the sole also features a technical ‘climbing zone’ beneath the toe, ideal for rock edging and use on via ferratas. A dual density EVA midsole supplies yet more flex. There’s a light TPU overlay around the toe and around most of the rest of the boot. A fully synthetic option of this boot is available for the vegan hill hoppers out there.

Read our full La Sportiva Trango TRK GTX review

First introduced 25 years ago, Lowa’s Renegade Mid has established itself as a great all-rounder, equally at home on well-trodden trails and in the hills. It’s durable and well built, with double-stitched nubuck leather uppers and a waterproof-breathable Gore-Tex lining for reliable wet-weather performance. It’s also cut higher than most mid boots, offering superior stability and support, plus even more protection if you splosh through bogs or streams, as we did on test. 

You also get a well-padded tongue and ankle cuff for comfort. Underfoot, the midsole consists of a full-length stabilising shank embedded in a PU ‘Monowrap’ frame. We found it gave the boot more stiffness than most comparable rivals, warding off impacts from rocks and tree roots whilst also providing a more stable platform on uneven or broken terrain. Traction comes from a Vibram Evo sole unit, which has deep, sharply angled lugs that give good grip across a range of different surfaces. 

The accommodating fit suits a variety of foot shapes, and the broad, blunt toebox gives plenty of room for toes to splay – ideal for long hill days. As an all-leather boot, the Renegades inevitably feel heavier and slightly less flexible than a fabric hiker, but this has its upsides too. The moderately stiff midsole ensures good torsional stability, providing a good, solid platform underfoot.

Read our full Lowa Renegade GTX Mid hiking boot review

Best summer hiking boots

This version of the Hanwag Banks has been 15 years in the making. During that time the Bavarian-based designers have been constantly evolving the last for this family of boots in response to hikers’ heartfelt feedback, and the men’s version is now available in versions made with a normal last, and a straight-fit extra last. The new boot also has a slightly larger forefoot, to increase comfort levels on the trail. We discovered that the Vibram sole offers excellent grip, although the lugs are nowhere near as aggressive as some of the more technical boots featured here.

It's primarily designed as a hut-to-hut hiking boot, for use in the lower areas in late spring to early autumn, but there’s a reinforced PU-foam wedge in the heel to increase cushioning during foot strike, and to improve the roll-off as you take your net step. The 100% PFC-free upper is made from certified-sustainable Nubuck leather, and there’s an option to go with or without the Gore-Tex liner (the alternative option being you stick with the comfy leather lining).

We thought the metal lace hooks were well engineered and built to last, while the inside stitch-and-turn seams complete a very attractive and classy finish. In fact, longevity is central to the design and build of this and other Hanwag boots, with double-stitching and cemented construction, making this a keeper for many years of hillside high jinks.

Read our full Hanwag Banks review

Light on the foot and on the planet, the minimalist Vivobarefoot Magna Lite SG boots are made almost entirely from recycled materials and have a barely there feel when you’re wearing them out on the trails.

If you’re a barefoot fan, then these boots are well worth looking closely at. On test we found them to be very breathable and comfortable to wear over long periods of time. They have a 2.5mm sole base, which provides some protection from puncture wounds caused by sharp sticks and stones, but the trail feel remains excellent. The 5mm chevron-shaped lugs are intelligently arranged to supply good traction and braking control when walking down steep descents. The toebox is really wide, which allows your pinkies to spread out – another feature of many of the best barefoot running shoes, because it helps with trail feel.

The boot is very flexible – you can roll it up with one hand – which makes them easy to pack and very useful for taking on your travels. There are downsides to this, of course, because they offer none of the rigidity and all-foot, all-weather protection that a more traditional hiking boot supplies. With this in mind, we would not advise using them when carrying a heavy pack, or for hiking at altitude or in cold and challenging climates.

Read our full Vivobarefoot Magna Lite SG hiking boot

The best lightweight hiking boots

These ultra-light, mid-height hiking boots are so light they feel like they must have helium in the heels. Featuring a quick-lace fastening system, we found them speedy to put on and they leant themselves to moving quickly once we were on the trails – in fact they seem to encourage it, with their sporty feel, low profile and trail-running-shoe-like Contagrip outsole. The aggressive lugs are well spaced, so they don’t collect mud (which would add weight and slow you down, going against the Cross Hike’s raison d'etre), and cleverly arranged, to supply traction going uphill and braking ability and close control during fast technical descents. The lugs even extend up onto the toe cap, so we were able to get a grip on very steep terrain. They supply a comfortable ride and the heel cap and toe box both feel secure without being too tight (Salomon footwear is often narrow in the toe, but these don’t pinch at all). 

The Gore-Tex membrane an integrated tongue makes them reliably waterproof up to the lower ankle. The downside of the quicklace system and the spongey nature of the cuff and tongue is that it really is hard to get a solid grip around the ankle – we feel an extra lace loop and a very slightly taller cuff would make the world of difference here. As it is, these are absolutely superb for zooming along technical trails if you are sure on your feet and you’re not carrying a heavy load, but less suitable for backpacking with a weighty pack (which, to be fair, isn’t what they’re designed for).

Read our full Salomon Cross Hike Mid GTX review

Another entry in Vasque’s iconic Breeze model line-up, the LT boots are 25% lighter than previous models. Best-in-class lightweight materials and construction keep your feet comfortable, dry and stable when you are pushing miles on a fast and light day hike. Created exclusively for Vasque, Vibram’s Ground Control LiteBase with Megagrip offers a hard-to-match combination of lightweight and superior traction on rocks, roots and mixed terrain. 

The upper is constructed from a combination of synthetic microfiber, abrasion resistant mesh and a waterproof Gore-Tex liner. We found that the result is a very lightweight comfortable boot for hiking dawn to dark. These are highly recommended for fastpackers. For color conscious hikers, there are multiple combinations to match your style preferences. 

Lovely looking hiking boots, the Skuta Mid Ecos offered instant comfort as soon as we got them out of the box and stuck our hooves in them. The leather upper is soft and supple, the molded EVA midsole supplies good cushioning, which is complemented by the use of a gel insert in the heel and, unless you’re extremely prone to hotspots and blisters, there is no real need to wear these boots in before hitting the hills.

The open mesh design doesn’t fill you with confidence about their waterproofing credentials, but on test the Skutas stood up pretty well to being immersed in water during stream crossings and on coastal tracks. 

With a reinforced rand and a toe cap, the Skutas provide more toe protection than they first appear to. Robust without being overly chunky, they can be worn with hiking shorts or long walking pants, and look good with a pair of jeans at the pub just beyond the trail head too. 

As the name suggests, Haglöfs place plenty of stock in the environmental considerations that have gone into making these boots. The Proof Eco membrane is entirely fluorocarbon-free and the premium leather in the upper is sourced from a tannery audited by the Leather Working Group, which endeavors to ensure ethical practices and supply chains are used in the production process of leather goods. The heel and toe areas have been reinforced with extra suede, to add to the durability, and the tongue is integrated with the use of a gusset, which completes the waterproofing system and prevents gravel, stones and water getting into the boots.

Read our full Haglöfs Skuta Mid Proof Eco review

Combining the light feel and track-clinging capability of the best trail running shoe with the ankle support and extra protection of a decent hiking boot, the Roclite 345 GTX is proving a popular choice for hikers who don’t want to dawdle. The graphene-strengthened G-GRIP outsole – appearing here for the first time on a walking boot – seizes hold of challenging terrain like an angry gorilla, but we found it also quickly shook off mud, grit and snow thanks to the multi-directional claw-shaped cleats. This sole technology isn’t just a solid performer, however, it’s also genuinely durable, so you can be confident of getting many miles out this boot.

We found the Gore-Tex upper provides good weather protection, while a cushioned midsole supplies some suspension, absorbing the shock of downward foot placement while returning plenty of bounce back into your step.     

The bendy blade is, of course double edged, and some of what you gain in flexibility and dexterity you lose in sturdiness, but Inov-8’s footwear is forged in the fells of the English Lake District and can deal with almost anything the elements throw at them.

Read our full Inov-8 Roclite 345 GTX review

From North American footwear specialists Keen, the Zionics are another model in the brand’s ever-expanding range of lightweight walking boots that supply weather protection and foot support without the heft and bulk of a traditional hiking hoof. Impressively, the Ripstop upper of the Zionics is made with mostly with recycled P.E.T. plastic, with some TPU overlays for additional strength.

While remaining lightweight, there is a little bit less mesh on display on these boots than on the Keen NXIS Evos, and they don’t accumulate as much muck as a result. The waterproofing is good, enhanced by PFA-free DWR, and the fit is really comfortable, but we don’t think the foot hold is quite as secure without the KonnectFit heel-capture system that features on the NXIS Evos. 

The level of cushioning is what makes the Zionics stand out, however. They feature an air-injected midsole, plus a stability shank, and boast a heel ‘crash pad’, formed by the outsole extending around the heel to help absorb the impact of repeated footfall. We did experience some slipping on test, especially on smooth wet rock, and the braking capability isn’t quite up there with some boots, including the NXIS Evos, that have reverse chevrons on the rear. 

Read our full Keen Zionic Waterproof Hiking Boots review

Best hiking boots for technical trails

If the Vioz feels a little stiff straight out of the box, that’s because it’s a full grain leather boot that requires a degree of breaking in. However, once we tamed these handmade Italian stallions, we didn't want to stop cantering around the hills in them.

We found that the Vioz was an outstanding performer on the trails, combining excellent durability with technical ingenuity. High-quality 2.4mm-thick leather stretches in one beautiful expanse across the upper, which has been treated with hydrobloc to repel water, and a Gore-Tex lining completes the breathable waterproof system.

These waterproof hiking boots feature an extremely robust riveted lacing system with metal eyelets all the way up to the speed hooks on the cuff, which itself is well padded for comfort and relatively high for good ankle support. A gusseted tongue keeps trail debris from entering the boot. The midsole is reassuringly rigid and robust, bolstered by the Z-flex GT shank, and it contains Zamberlan ‘air’ cushioning technology for comfort.

The Zamberlan Vibram 3D outsole is particularly impressive, with really pronounced and aggressive lugs and a central ridge along the middle section for extra security on loose terrain.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and it takes a while to get used to looking at these boots, let alone wearing them. Hoka OneOne are, of course, famed for their maximist footwear, but the TenNines take this to a whole new level – these boots have more sole than James Brown in a fish and chip shop. 

Hoka say they’re ‘part hiking boot, part hovercraft’ and it's hard to argue with that description. The ‘Hubble’ heel is cloven, and protrudes from the back of the boot to make a huge footprint, so that anyone following your steps in the mist and mud could be forgiven for thinking they’re on the trail of a mighty monster. But, all this foam and rubber does have a purpose. We found that the TenNines deliver a very cushioned and comfortable walking experience, no matter how rough and rugged the terrain underfoot is, considerably cutting down on knee stress. 

Despite the large look, the heel to toe drop is only 4mm, and the rocker shaped sole and Hubble heel maximize optimum heel-to-toe energy transition, propelling you forward, in an efficient cadence – or at least that is the theory. On test, we found quite a bit of merit in these claims, once you get used to being taller (which affects your centre of gravity, and not always in a good way, especially on technical trails). There are three pairs of quickhooks on the lacing system, which lets you get a great grip. And underneath all this is a Vibram megagrip hi-traction outsole with 5mm lugs, which works well, supplying decent grip. The vegan-friendly ripstop textile upper incorporates a Gore-Tex bootie, which supplies breathable waterproof protection. 

Hiking boots comparison table

How we test hiking boots

Our reviewers test hiking boots across varied terrain, including technical trails, in a range of conditions, with and without backpacks. Specific features (including foot and ankle support, toe and heel protection, cushioning, waterproofing, breathability, grip, materials used and general comfort) are tested against claims made by the brand, and we assess factors such as durability, environmental impact and value for money.

Meet the testers

Pat Kinsella

Writer, editor and enthusiast of anything involving boots, bikes, boats, beers and bruises, Pat has spent 20 years pursuing adventure stories. En route he’s canoed Canada’s Yukon River, climbed Mont Blanc and Kilimanjaro, skied and mountain biked through the Norwegian Alps, run an ultra across the roof of Mauritius, and set short-lived records for trail-running Australia’s highest peaks and New Zealand’s Great Walks. He’s authored walking guides to Devon and Dorset, and once wrote a whole book about Toilets for Lonely Planet. Follow Pat’s escapades here.

Matthew Jones

An outdoors writer and editor, Matt Jones has been testing kit in the field for nearly a decade. Having worked for both the Ramblers and the Scouts, he knows one or two things about walking and camping, and loves all things adventure, particularly long-distance backpacking, wild camping and climbing mountains – especially in Wales. He’s based in Snowdonia and last year thru-hiked the Cambrian Way, which runs for 298 miles from Cardiff to Conwy, with a total ascent of 73,700 feet – that’s nearly 2½ times the height of Everest. Follow Matt on Instagram and Twitter.

Alex Foxfield

Alex is a qualified Mountain Leader and writer with an insatiable passion for the mountains. A Cumbrian born and bred, his native English Lake District has a special place in his heart, though he is at least equally happy in North Wales, the Scottish Highlands or the European Alps. Through his hiking, mountaineering, climbing and trail running adventures, Alex aims to inspire others to get outdoors. He is currently President of the London Mountaineering Club, training to become a winter mountain leader, looking to finally finish bagging all the Wainwright fells of the Lake District and hoping to scale more Alpine 4000ers when circumstances allow.

How to choose the best hiking boots

When thinking about how to choose a pair of the best hiking boots, first consider if you need to make such a serious purchase. If you're looking to do fairly straightforward day walks in temperature conditions, you will look a little bit daft turning up in boots that could tackle Mount Rainier. Better to go for a pair of hiking shoes or a trail running shoes if this is you; they'll feel lighter and your feet won't cook in the heat.

Boots become absolute hiking essentials once you get more technical trails of the coasts, hills and mountains. This is when comfort and grip become your biggest priorities when looking at the best men's hiking boots. A well-made flexible boot with good lugs and mid-height ankle protection will suffice perfectly.

However, as trails become more technical — especially if they traverse high-alpine areas with exposed rock, snow and ice — rigidity across the sole of the boot becomes a real requirement, along with better thermal properties and the additional ankle protection offered by a higher cuff.

In the following overview of things to look for when buying, you'll come across a few terms that you might not be familiar with. If you're in need of a jargon buster, check out our explainer on the parts of a hiking boot. 

Fit and comfort

A well-chosen pair of men's hiking boots should last several years. When it comes to the best hiking boots, comfort is just as important as performance, so you actively look forward to getting back on the trails. Poor-fitting boots can cause blisters, coldness, toe injuries, general discomfort and even accidents, all of which will discourage you from going hiking again. Of course, you should always take time to break in hiking boots after purchasing them.

All brands have their eccentricities – such as a tight toe box – and some tend towards being larger or smaller than you might expect for the size, so try before you buy if possible. Factor in the need for a good hiking sock – our guide to the best hiking socks you can buy will point you in the right direction.

Weight

Every ounce counts when you’re hiking and never is this more pronounced than in the boot department – if you feel like you’re walking around with feet clad in concrete, the experience will be utterly miserable from start to finish, especially if you are tackling a long thru-hike. A lightweight option could turn what would have been a suffer-fest into an absolute joy.

Of course, there is a trade-off – greater protection usually comes at a weight cost, so more extreme trails will demand studier and heavier hiking boots. As a rule, though, cheaper, less technical boots made with inferior fabrics and technologies will be heavier than their more finessed and thought-through counterparts. Our selection of the best men's hiking boots takes this into account.

Support

The tougher the terrain you’re tackling the greater level of protection and support you’ll require. Mid-height boots, or even the best trail running shoes, might be fine for low-alpine adventures in dry environments, but once you start taking on mountain trails that venture across exposed rock, scree, snow and ice, you will need more support and rigidity to help with edging, prevent the likelihood of slippage and ankle injury, and provide more protection.

When you are burdened by more weight, such as a large backpack for a multiday wilderness trip , your centre of balance and natural stability will be affected. This increases the need for more supportive, control-enhancing footwear. Even with a pair of the best trekking poles along for the ride, if you're manoeuvring around rock formations and hopping across streams, you'll need that support. Good grip is essential for technical descents, and your knees will thank you for choosing a boot that absorbs some of the impact incurred during repeated footfall.

Price

Choose a good pair of hiking boots now and you’ll get many miles of action out of them – so it’s well worth investing time and some hard-earned cash on better materials. While there’s a limit to everyone’s budget, any investment made in serious kit (and boots are the most important things in your trail toolbox bar none) serves as inspiration to get out, go further and explore more. 

That said, many brands offer a non-waterproof iteration of their boots for hiking in hot or dry climates, and although invariably cheaper than their higher-spec counterparts, it’s a mistake to dismiss these as the poor cousins of the range. The best men's hiking boots are tailored according to the needs of the user and, worn in the right terrain, will be more comfortable than the pricier option. 

Seasonality

The best hiking boots for summer differ from the best hiking boots for winter. Most hiking boots are 3-season, though most can cope with winter hikes until crampons are needed above the snowline. However, once in the realm of ice and snow, winter boots are essential for your own safety.

Due to their need to offer exceptional support, a rigid-crampon compatible sole and weatherproof qualities, winter boots tend to be more expensive and heavier. If you are looking to hit the trails this summer, a lighter, 3-season boot will suffice. 

• Best hiking shoes: lighter footwear for faster adventures