- Quick list
- Best overall
- Best for the mountains
- Best for serious backpacking
- Best for easy hiking
- Best lightweight all rounder
- Best vegan hiking boots
- Best crampon compatible hiking boots
- Best for overnight adventures
- Best for summer
- Best for winter
- Best barefoot-style boots
- Best for day hikes
- Best boots for versatility
- Best for grip
- Best for cushioning
- Best for durability
- Best for maximalists
- Comparison table
- How we test
- How to choose
The best hiking boots are the backbone of your trail kit and worth investing in. While you might be happy cutting corners elsewhere, nothing matches the ankle support, insulation and protection of a quality hiking boot.
For warmer weather and speedy trails you may be looking for a lightweight boot that doesn't require maximum grip. Meanwhile, in wet conditions a boot with a waterproof membrane, such as Gore-Tex, is vital. The best hiking boots usually come with waterproofing as standard, as well as grippy rubber outsoles that provide traction on boggy ground and wet rock. They should also save you from a soaking if you unexpectedly find yourself up the ankle in mud! Meanwhile, the high cut of these kinds of boots will mean your ankles stay protected from knocks and bumps.
We rate the ever-popular Merrell Moab 3 Mid as the best hiking boot overall, while the Aku Trekker Lite III is an ideal choice for mountainous hiking, although vegans may prefer the Aku V Slop Light GTX. For serious backpacking on rough trails, we recommend the La Sportiva Trango TRK GTX. There's also a barefoot option to consider if that's more your speed - Vivobarefoot's Magna Lite SG. Female hikers should also see our guide to the best women's hiking boots.
The quick list
This is our quick list, a brief overview of the best hiking boots available today. To delve deeper into each pair, see our more detailed write ups further down the page in this guide.
A good balance of support and stability, with more arch support than most hiking boots.
Striking a balance between protection, stability and comfort, the Trekker Lite IIIs are a superb mountain hiking boot
Great protection on rough trails, with plenty of support when you're carrying a heavy pack.
A joy to wear on more established trails. Light and comfortable, with a great heel lock system.
A lightweight all-rounder that's great for multi-day missions when you're seeking comfort and good ankle support
This revamped classic has been brought bang up to date with sustainable manufacturing and vegan-friendly materials. The fit is carefully considered, the sole is grippy, and the aesthetic is timeless
These crampon-compatible hiking boots might be heavy-duty, but they're also very comfortable, waterproof, breathable, and suitable for all but the hottest summer days
These classy hiking boots are recyclable and recraftable, and comfortable out of the box. Choose them for overnight and weekend adventures or low-alpine routes
A supremely comfortable, classy looking and well constructed boot that'll give you years of summer adventures.
Great technical boot with flexibility in ankle and toe, but enough rigidity for rock work.
Offers unrivalled connectivity with the trail if you're willing to put in the work to get used to them.
A lightweight, comfortable boot for fast day hikes, with great traction on mixed terrain.
High-quality waterproof hiking boots with interchangeable midsoles.
The graphene-strengthened outsole grabs onto tough terrain, and easily shakes off mud, grit and snow.
Lightweight, highly cushioned and comfortable but a little less protective than some of Keen’s other boots
With terrain-chewing teeth, reassuringly rigid midsole, and extremely robust lacing system.
Plush and comfortable even on very uneven terrain once you get used to the sheer thickness of the sole.
The best hiking boots we recommend in 2024
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The best hiking boots overall
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.
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
The best hiking boots for mountain routes
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
The best hiking boots for serious backpacking
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.
The best hiking boots for easy hiking
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. 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.
Read our full Keen NVIS EVO Mid review
The best lightweight all rounder
It might be named after Moab city on the edge of Utah's Arches National Park, but many hikers believe the name of the original Merrell Moab stands for Mother of All Boots, and with good reason. The brand claims it as the world's best selling hiking boot, with more than 28 million sold since it was launched 15 years ago.
Now the company has produced the Merrell Moab Speed 2 GTX, a hiking boot aimed at delivering all the desirable features of the flagship design, but at a lower weight. Our tester described this model, available in mid and low-cut options, as looking like a boot but feeling like a shoe. They're a significant 193g (6.8 oz) lighter than the Moab 3 Mid GTX, tipping the scales at just 400g (14.1 oz).
And while they may have more of a sneaker aesthetic than the classic version, they still tick the hiking box, with features including a Gore-Tex membrane to keep the water out, grippy Vibram soles and upper lace hooks. They're comfortable straight away too, although with less space for your toes than rival brand Keen.
As a lighter option, there's no leather in the Speed 2. Instead it has a ripstop nylon upper and uses a significant amount of recycled materials. There's plenty of ankle cushioning and a gusseted tongue to keep out trail muck. However, there isn't a protective rand, and the outsole is less rigid than the classic version, which is probably why the brand rates this design for moderate trail use rather than truly rugged terrain. This model is a standout on comfort though, with our tester rating them as among the most comfortable boots they've ever worn.
Read our full Merrell Moab Speed 2 GTX review
The best vegan hiking boots
This is a new take on Aku's Slope, which was designed as a light trekking shoe in the 1990s. At the time it was pioneering in its use of Gore-Tex - the first Italian boot to feature it, and for its comfort levels, which were quite different from the stiff options typically available at the time.
The new V-Light model has taken a giant step towards sustainability, thanks to the use of recycled microfiber for the upper, which is significantly lighter than the leather used in the original. In fact, this is a vegan-friendly hiking boot that eschews animal materials entirely. Aku also traces the journey of every component to its factories in Italy, with the aim of reducing its environmental, err, footprint.
Thankfully, despite these changes, it has retained many of the features that people like about the design, with a last that's designed for dynamic action, providing support to the heel and giving forefoot propulsion when tackling mountain trails and uneven ground.
The Gore-Tex membrane is highly waterproof and breathable, and bonded to the rest of the upper using Aku's Air 8000 tech - a glue that's applied with a lattice construction, to enhance, rather than hinder breathability. The tongue is integrated into the upper, keeping out trail muck and adding to the boot's waterproofing.
Choosing a microfiber upper has cut the weight by 30% from what it would have been had suede been used. With lugs designed to hold fast on muddy ground, a build that allows a respectable hold when edging, and a precise fit there's a lot to like here.
Read our full Aku Slope V-Light GTX review
The best crampon compatible hiking boots
The Scarpa Mescalito TRK Pro GTX might not be the lightest boot out there, clocking in at a not insignificant 710g / 1.6 lbs for a US size 10 (UK size 8, EU 42). But that shouldn't count against it, as this is a heavy duty boot and its weight is comparable to boots like the La Sportiva Trango Tower GTX, which is designed to do a similar job.
This is a durable model, with a decent price relative to other boots with the same kind of spec. The design combines comfort and flexibility with a high level of protection and durability. And it's got a B1 rating to boot (sorry), which means it's crampon compatible. Although the plush nubuck upper means it's warmer than some, it's perfectly suitable for use in all seasons in more temperate countries like the UK and so definitely falls into the all rounder category.
Do bear in mind that this is a style that needs to be worn in, although not for as long as our tester anticipated, finding that they were comfortable enough after just a couple of wears. It is important to lace these boots properly and position the tongue correctly. The fit needs to be precise or you will get rubbing. But don't let that put you off - just don't scrimp on adjusting them properly when you pull them on and you should be fine.
Despite wearing them across boggy ground for long periods, our tester found the waterproofing held up well, with no water penetrating inside the boot. The DYNAMIS TRK sole was impressively grippy and handled technical terrain well, while remaining comfortable on flat paths as well.
Read our full Scarpa Mescalito TRK Pro GTX review
The best hiking boots for overnight adventures
Made with a beautifully soft, full-grain leather upper, available in wide or standard width, and backed by a partially recycled Gore-Tex liner, the Mountain 600 Leaf GTX are comfortable straight out of the box, reliably waterproof to the ankle and reasonably breathable.
These stylish boots come with two lace options. There are five pairs of robust metal eyelets, plus two pairs of speed hooks, and the system facilitates a good firm grip. The gusseted tongue is waterproof and integrated, but only up to the bottom of the speed hooks, which, as our tester points out, means the boot can be breached in relatively shallow water.
Danner have used Vibram SPE midsoles, heralded as equally dynamic but far more durable than EVA equivalents, and Fuga Outsoles with Megagrip ‘self-adaptive’ diamond-shaped lugs, which are intended to supply grip without restricting the flexibility of your foot. Our tester was impressed with the traction these soles provided, but somewhat skeptical about the proclaimed ‘intelligence’ of the outsole, noting that the performance was broadly similar to soles with chevron-shaped lugs.
The outsole also has ‘flex lines’, which enable the boot to bend as you tackle trails, adding to the dexterity of the footwear (although this does mean they lack the rigidity required for rock edging on more technical terrain). However, these boots are designed more for low alpine adventures and weekend-long escapades on fairly well-formed tracks and trails, rather than high mountain missions. So they prioritize weight savings over heavy protection, and feature a minimalist toecap and a small rand that only really covers the heel. For their intended purpose, they do offer excellent comfort and confidence, with good ankle support to help with balance when carrying a backpack.
Danner offer a recrafting, repair and resoling service on their footwear, which is ostensibly great for the environment, but quite heavy on your wallet.
Read our full review of the Danner Mountain 600 Leaf GTX
The best hiking boots for summer
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. 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).
Read our full Hanwag Banks review
The best hiking boots for winter
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. 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.
Read our full La Sportiva Trango TRK GTX review
The best barefoot-style hiking boots
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, although they are not waterproof.
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 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 hiking boots for day hikes
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.
The best hiking boots for versatility
The Duality GTX mid-height boots offer something genuinely different, with two interchangeable, color-coded pairs of midsoles: a red one designed for hiking through forests and along country and coastal paths, and a green pair for tackling more technical terrain, potentially even alpine ascents (although these are definitely not mountaineering boots – they’re better suited to 3-season low-alpine use). Although it might appear slightly gimmicky, on test we found that the distinction between the midsoles was indeed tangible, and that it did make a noticeable difference to our hiking experiences.
The upper is constructed from supple nubuck leather with a tight fitting, densely woven inner sock that reaches around the Achilles and extends for the full length of the laces. The whole ensemble is extremely flexible, requires no breaking in, and it’s really comfortable to wear – once you’ve got the boots on that is, because that can be a bit of a struggle, thanks to the tightness of the sock.
The upper is enveloped in a Gore-Tex membrane, which supplies effective breathable waterproof protection. There are vent holes on the leather chassis, which help with the breathability of the boot. With substantially reinforced toe and heel protection, these boots do look after your feet very well. The lugs aren’t super aggressive, but they do their job well, supplying grip, traction and braking control when required.
The environmental credentials of the Duality boots is pretty decent – the midsoles are made with algae-based Bloom Foam, and the knitted upper, webbing and laces are all 100% recycled polyester. The leather comes from a tannery audited by the Leather Working Group and the DWR treatment used is fluorocarbon free.
Read our full Haglöfs Duality AT1 GTX review
The best hiking boots for grip
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.
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
The best hiking boots for cushioning
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's 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. 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.
Read our full Keen Zionic Waterproof Hiking Boots review
The best hiking boots for durability
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.
They 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.
The best hiking boots for maximalists
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.
The best hiking boots comparison table
| Hiking boot | Price | Weight | Style | Best use |
| Merrell Moab 3 Mid GTX | $165 (US) / £130 (UK) | 593g / 20.9oz | Waterproof, mid-height hiking boots | 3 season use: sub-alpine hiking and trekking on hills, dales and trails |
| AKU Trekker Lite III GTX | £190 (UK) | 570g / 20oz | Waterproof mid-height hiking boots | 3 season use: hiking, backpacking, trekking, scrambling, technical trails |
| La Sportiva TX5 GTX | $218 (US) / £180 (UK) | 530g / 18.7oz | Waterproof, rugged hiking boot | 3 season use: hiking, backpacking, technical trails |
| Keen NXIS Evo Mid | $180 (US) / £140 (UK) | 429g / 15.13oz | Waterproof, mid-height hiking boot | 3-season use: day walking, hiking and trekking on non-technical trails |
| Merrell Moab Speed 2 Mid Gore-Tex | $180 (US) / £155 (UK) | 400g / 14.1 oz | Waterproof, lightweight mid-height hiking boot | 4 season use: most forms of hiking |
| Aku Slope V-Light GTX | £240 (UK) / €209.90 (EU) | 510g / 18oz | Waterproof, vegan-friendly hiking boot with a classic aesthetic | 4 season use: most forms of hiking |
| Scarpa Mescalito TRK Pro GTX | $TBD / £285 (UK) | 710g / 1.6 lbs (size 42) | Waterproof, heavy duty hiking boots | 4 season use: crampon compatible |
| Danner Mountain 600 Leaf GTX | $220 (US) / £220 (UK) | 510g / 18oz | Mostly waterproof, mid-height hiking boot | 3-season, non-technical hiking with or without a pack |
| Hanwag Banks | $250 (US) / £180 (UK) | 625g / 1lb 6oz | Waterproof, mid-height hiking boot | 3 season use: light hiking, lowland trails |
| La Sportiva Trango TRK GTX | $220 (US) / £215 (UK) | 720g / 1lb 9.4oz | Waterproof, rugged hiking boot | 4 season use: hiking, backpacking, trekking, technical trails, scrambling. However, no crampon compatibility for winter mountaineering |
| Vivobarefoot Magna Lite SG | $253 (US) / £170 (UK) / €200 (EU) | 350g / 12.5oz | Barefoot hiking boots | 3 season use: light hiking, hill walking |
| Vasque Breeze LT GTX | $180 (US) / £150 (UK) | 754g / 1lb 11oz | Waterproof, mid-height hiking boots | 3 season use: fastpacking and light day hikes |
| Haglöfs Duality AT1 GTX Mid | £204 (UK) | 1,180g / 2lb 9.5oz | Waterproof, mid-height hiking boots | 3 season use: non-technical hiking |
| Inov-8 Roclite 345 GTX | $190 (US) / £155 (UK) | 345g / 12.1oz | Waterproof, low-height hiking boot | 3 season use: speed hiking, scrambling, technical trails and fastpacking |
| Keen Zionic Waterproof Hiking Boots | $170 (US) / £160 (UK) / €180 (EU) | 480g / 16.93oz | Waterproof, mid-height hiking boot | 3-season use: day walking, hiking and trekking on non-technical trails |
| Zamberlan Vioz GTX | $310 (US) / £190 (UK) | 715g / 1lb 9.2oz | Waterproof, rugged hiking boot | 3 season use: hiking, backpacking, trekking, technical trails, scrambling |
| Hoka OneOne TenNine Hike | $260 (US) / £220 (UK) | 504g / 17.5oz | Waterproof, mid-height hiking boots | 3 season use: hiking, backpacking, trekking |
How we test the best 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
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.
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 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.
