The Best Hiking Boots of 2026

Editor’s note: I just received the new-for-2026 Salomon Quest 5 ($240) for testing, and have given it a few brief hikes. We’ve updated the guide with the new edition, as most of the older Quest 4s are now mostly sold out. The review below is based on extensive testing of the Quest 4, a very similar boot.

It’s worth noting that the Quest 5 is significantly lighter per boot (about 2.5 ounces). Those ounces really could add up over time. I have also noted that the Quest 5 seems to run slightly larger than the Quest 4, which should only matter if you’re between sizes. I’ll update this guide once the initial testing and review of the Quest 5 are complete, around the end of March.

Another important note is that the Quest 5 women’s edition is now called the Quest Echo GORE-TEX ($220), which is intentionally designed for a women’s fit while building on the legacy of the Quest collection. Both models are now in testing with GearJunkie editors.

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Salomon makes a wide range of hiking boots, but the Quest is its elite model. The latest edition of the Quest is the fifth generation. It’s even lighter than previous models!

We tested the Quest 4 while hiking through the alpine desert of Western Colorado and the epic Tour du Mont Blanc in France, Italy, and Switzerland. Our team also used it off-trail as a hunting boot in the Rocky Mountains, pushing it to its limits.

The Quest 5 carries on that tradition, with a lighter build that leverages a plastic 4D Advanced Chassis to offer significant support.

As a real hiking boot, the Quest 4 was exceptional. It has a moderately stiff sole, a robust build, a grippy outsole, and great support. Some testers consider it on the heavier side of hiking boots, but after spending hundreds of miles literally in it, I think this is one of the more perfectly balanced hiking boots on the market. The Quest 5 appears to be up to the same tasks. Further testing will verify if that’s the case!

During the tour du Mont Blanc, the Quest 4 held up to long sections of snow, steep rock, and mud, and even rushing, knee-deep creek crossings. It feels great on the foot, protecting it from abuse.

This is a serious boot that is designed for backpacking with heavy loads. If you’re seeking a shoe for super casual day hikes and quick warm-weather jaunts, the Quest 4 isn’t it. But this article is meant for hiking and backpacking, so if you plan to take these out on long days or carry a decent amount of weight, they’re a great choice.

The outsole of the Quest 4 has an aggressive tread and widely spaced lugs. Rugged trail conditions should be no problem for these boots — sand, mud, snow, and scree are all well within the capabilities of the Quest 4.

One of the key characteristics of the Quest 4 is its tall ankle height. The high-top design is especially handy while hiking through muck or shallow streams. One of our testers wore these on very deep stream crossings coupled with gaiters, and they stayed incredibly dry in thigh-deep water.

While fully stuffing a backpacking pack, the tall cuff offers noticeable protection against rolling an ankle. However, it also limits mobility and feels a bit clunky for those accustomed to shoes.

Though the Quest 4s are stiff through the sole, they do soften up and break in relatively quickly. A GORE-TEX membrane and water-resistant upper reliably keep moisture out, but the boot’s overall breathability does suffer as a result. This boot runs a little large with a roomy toebox that can easily accommodate wider feet.

Overall, Salomon’s top-of-the-line Quest 4 is an outstanding backpacking boot. The Quest 5 promises similar performance at a lighter weight, although we’ll be testing in earnest this month.

Read Review: Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof

At 32 ounces for the pair, the Moab 3 ($170) has a zonal arch, reinforced heel support, and an EVA footbed for added comfort and security. They’re ideal for individuals looking for support, especially in the arch, but they don’t provide the natural footbed some are looking for these days.

The recently updated Moab 3 features a more supportive insole, a cozier midsole, and a revamped Vibram outsole for improved traction and confidence. They also crafted the new Moab with sustainable materials, making this the most environmentally friendly iteration yet.

The breathable mesh upper is reinforced by a suede leather overlay for increased durability. And despite the mesh, which improves breathability, the boots proved to be completely waterproof through eight river crossings.

“These hiking boots are made for folks with high arches, and they’re so comfy the first time you put them on,” said one tester who took the pair up gullies, through meadows, and across many streams to treeline.

The Moab 3 boots are simple and durable, ideal for traditionalists looking for a classic look. We also like that they’re super easy to lace up and tighten down, which adds to their functionality around camp. As a perennial favorite, they’ve proven to be some of the best hiking boots you can get for $150.

The Salomon X Ultra Mid 5 GTX ($190) is a very comfortable, fairly light, waterproof boot that meets the needs of both backpackers and day hikers. It’s a comfortable fit for many hikers right out of the box. For on-trail use, it put a spring in my step and moved me along quickly thanks to its featherweight design and responsive midsole.

This is a perfect shoe for day hikers and backpackers willing to trade a little support for lighter weight. For many, it will be a goldilocks boot, as it fits most feet well, is light and responsive, and offers modest support.

The X Ultra series has been a top hiking boot for several years. With the latest iteration, released in spring 2025, this boot gets a little more durable and slightly wider in the forefoot, which improves its utility for most hikers.

The Ultra Mid 5 GTX maintains a burly Contagrip outsole for ideal traction for a wide range of surfaces. I used them on dirt-packed and rocky trails, and even steep, rutted-out muddy roads while turkey hunting. They even proved capable hiking steep sand dunes. Whether on quick trips or overnight excursions, they kept me on my feet and in control.

The Ultra 5 update brings a revamped upper to this crowd-favorite, improving durability for the long haul. It maintains the “Advanced Chassis” (ADV/C) introduced in the Ultra 4 edition. This molded insert in the outsole affords solid lateral support while still keeping the front flexible enough for unrestricted movement. This comparative lack of support was a slight complaint with older models, and the brand addressed it well.

This fifth edition also addresses a minor critique of the last model, which sometimes allowed laces to slip free from the single hook eyelets during off-trail travel. For the fifth edition, a more aggressive hook eyelet keeps laces from slipping free during aggressive testing.

Hiking at the Great Sand Dunes National Park during the spring run-off, the GORE-TEX liner proved waterproof, yet reasonable breathability for cold through temperate warm weather. I stood the shallow, flowing Medano Creek at the base of the dunes for more than half an hour and my feet stayed bone dry.

At just under a pound per boot (1 pound, 15.5 ounces per pair — a bit heavier than the previous model), the X Ultra 5 Mid GTX is quite light for a supportive, mid-height hiker with technical capabilities. Overall, they’re a fabulous choice for those who want support in a lightweight boot.

The video below dives into details about the previous iteration of the X Ultra 5, which is very similar..

The KEEN Revel IV Polar Boots ($190) are a standout winter hiking boot — delivering a rare balance of warmth, waterproofing, comfort, and traction that makes them ideal for serious cold-weather hiking, snowshoeing, or winter peakbagging. The mid version is rated to –25 °F and the high version to –40 °F. Both boot heights use KEEN.WARM insulation and a heat-trapping insole that kept our testers’ feet warm and dry even during pre-dawn ascents, thigh-deep snow, or long ridge walks in subfreezing temps.

On the technical front, the boots employ a waterproof, breathable membrane under a leather-and-mesh upper that shrugged off snow, slush, and wet conditions during tests. The higher-cuff “High” version adds extra coverage for deep snow and wet conditions, while the “Mid” offers a lighter, more agile stride for long hikes or mixed terrain. The boots’ Polar-Traction rubber outsole delivered consistent grip on packed snow and ice — enough to inspire confidence on steep frozen slopes or rocky mountain approaches.

The comfort and fit round out the appeal: both versions offer a secure heel and midfoot hold, a roomy toebox for thick socks, and a padded collar/tongue that reduces pressure points even under load. While the High version sacrifices a bit of ankle mobility for maximum warmth and snow coverage, the Mid strikes a balance between protection and agility — making the Revel IV Polar boots a versatile choice depending on whether you expect deep snow or long winter hikes.

Carrying on the Speed Goat tradition, the HOKA Speedgoat 6 Mid GTX ($180) continues to walk the narrow line between hiking boots and hiking shoes — the fact that HOKA makes a wildly popular low-top version makes us a little less reluctant to include it in a guide alongside so many traditional hiking boots. Caveats aside, the Speedgoat 6 is still my favorite ultra-lightweight hiking boot, with notable improvements over the Speedgoat 5.

It’s worth noting that we’re approaching “hiking shoe” territory with these. If this is your jam, definitely check out GearJunkie’s guide to the best hiking shoes here.

If you’re used to hiking in a hightop leather boot, the Speedgoats may look a little underpowered with their all-synthetic uppers, cushy midsole, and elastic ankle cuff. Compared to your daddy’s Danners, they aren’t going to be getting a resole or lasting a generation, but they are usable and comfortable right out of the box if you size them correctly. That’s one of the biggest advantages of choosing a more shoe-like boot. These fit snugly in the heel, allow for some toe splay up front, and fit very true to size.

The ankle cuff on the 6 is quite a departure from the 5, erring on the side of breathability with an elastic and Velcro closure system, whereas the Speedgoat 5 had a higher ankle cuff. The new closure functions like a gaiter — it comfortably cinches snugly around the ankle and keeps out pebbles and sand as well or better than any high-top boots. They do not have as much ankle support as the 5s, so if ankle stability is an issue for you, take a look at the HOKA Anacapa Mid if you’re still keen on the HOKA fit, or the Salomon Ultra 5 Mid.

The mid version of the Speedgoat comes with a GORE-TEX liner, and this is the source of a real gripe. GORE-TEX is breathable, but having no liner at all is even more breathable. Our tester definitely noticed his feet sweating on hotter days. With the elastic ankle cuff, the waterproof portion of the shoe isn’t actually that high up the ankle, so it doesn’t take much of a puddle or very deep snow for water to get in over the top and into the shoe.

So why have the GORE-TEX liner at all? To be fair, our team tested these mainly in the desert region of eastern California, and an East Coaster or someone in the Pacific Northwest has a lot more moisture in the air and on the grass to deal with. I wish there were an option to have the Mid without the liner. 

The Vibram rubber outsole provides plenty of grip on smooth rock surfaces and ball-bearing gravel, on uphill slogs and downhill charges. What really stands out about hiking in the Speedgoats is how step for step, they just feel more like a running shoe than a hiker. Even without cranking on the laces, the heel feels locked in without movement to cause hot spots. This is especially apparent on the downhill.

The ideal fit is a snug, stable heel, with room up front for your feet to swell and splay as the miles stack up, and enough arch to prevent your foot from sliding to the front of the boot on the downhill. The Speedgoat 6 fits our lead tester well, and he was able to experience the sublime balance of security and roominess. While everyone’s foot is different, I think there’s a good chance you’ll get a similar ride.

If you’re trail shoe curious or just want to see what all the HOKA fuss is about, the Speedgoat 6 Mid GTX is a good entry point to the comfy-out-of-the-box experience you get from a lightweight hiker. And for those in the know, they’re a great winter alternative for your favorite HOKA Speedgoat trail running shoes.

More often than not, choosing the rugged durability of an all-leather hiker comes with the pain of breaking in a stiff, rigid boot that may or may not fit perfectly at the end of the day. Meindl seeks to remedy this with a unique memory foam liner in its MFS Vakuum Hiker ($380).

The adaptable memory foam made these boots feel comfortable right out of the box. GearJunkie Editor Will Brendza said they “enveloped his feet in a memory foam hug”. That says a lot coming from a guy who prefers all-leather mid-height hiking boots and is no stranger to breaking them in.

Memory foam lines the upper, the back of the heel, and the sides of the boot, and there is also memory foam in the footbeds. Meindl recommends sizing half a size down from your regular size, and Brendza can confirm, finding a perfect fit with a size 10 instead of his usual 10.5.

Most other ways, the Vakuum Hiker can go toe-to-toe with the most heavy-duty of all leather boots. A GORE-TEX liner ensures they stay completely waterproof, and a tough Vibram outsole means the tread will remain grippy for hundreds of miles. 

The six-eyelet and 11-hook lacing system very effectively locks the heel in place and maintains ankle support. There are plenty of adjustment points to dial in the fit. The lacing system is also the source of our major gripe, as the lace hooks will bend if you crank down too hard. They can be bent back in place, but this will weaken them over time. 

Like most all-leather high-top boots, the Vakuum hikers do not breathe well. If you’re worried about your feet cooking, the Salomon Quest 4, with its more breathable synthetic upper, could be a better choice that still offers significant support.

Or, if you prefer a stiff-soled boot that can really handle gnarly and off-trail terrain, check out GearJunkie’s guide to the best hunting boots for some more options.

Meindl makes excellent boots, and the MFS Vakuum Hiker is a top-shelf option. It’s a great choice for those who carry heavy packs and want significant support and the foot protection that heavier hiking boots can provide.

Read Review: SCARPA Rush 2 Pro Mid GTX

Blending the agility of a trail runner with the support of a more traditional hiking boot, the SCARPA Rush 2 Pro Mid GTX ($199) is a welcome update to the original Rush 2. GearJunkie’s testing team thrashed these boots while hiking in the dry, cactus-strewn Texas hill country and in Big Bend National Park, where they proved to be great protection against spiky plants, and much more breathable than an all-leather hiker.

The Rush 2 Pro Mid GTX has a slightly taller ankle cuff than the previous version, which pairs well with the GORE-TEX liner, and allowed our Texas-based tester to slosh through shallow creeks instead of rock hopping. When the creek got too deep and water crested the top of the boots, they dried out fairly quickly.

At about 1 pound, 10 ounces, these boots are some of the lightest in our guide, with some of the all-leather options weighing up to 4 pounds per pair. That weight adds up step after step over many miles, and the Rush 2 Pro mid still offers good protection despite its lightweight. 

The Rush 2 Pro Mid GTX is an excellent option for anyone who wants a supportive, breathable, warm-weather boot. Our testers recommend sizing up a half size from your regular boot size, especially if you have a wide foot.

The Scarpa Moraine ($189), released in March 2024, is the first lightweight hiking shoe to incorporate RECCO rescue technology — a reflective system that helps search and rescue teams locate lost or injured hikers. Previous RECCO-equipped footwear has been limited to heavy-duty winter and mountaineering boots.

The shoe itself performs as a solid everyday hiker. Built with Nubuck leather and recycled nylon uppers, it hosts Scarpa’s proprietary SuperGum rubber outsole. We never felt like traction was an issue. The 4mm lugs provided a surprisingly good grip on wet rocks and scree. At 1 pound, 4.6 ounces per shoe, it’s one of the lighter hiking boots we’ve tested.

Field testing revealed comfortable out-of-box performance with no break-in required. Compared to the Terrex Free Hiker or the Merrell Moab 3, the Moraine has a narrower, more technical fit. Though not suited for trail running, the boots offer good stability and support for day hiking. The Nubuck leather showed effective water resistance. Breathability is decent at a hiking pace but showed limitations during more intense activity.

Overall, we prefer the Salomon X Ultra 5 Mid GTX because it breathes better and it’s lighter weight. If you want a supportive and comfortable boot with a more traditional leather upper, the Scarpa Moraine could be what you’re looking for.

The addition of RECCO technology provides an extra safety measure for backcountry travel, allowing rescue teams to locate the wearer using helicopter-based detection systems. Given that hikers account for approximately one-third of all search and rescue calls, this feature adds meaningful value to an otherwise solid hiking shoe.

The Adidas Terrex Free Hiker 2.0 GORE-TEX ($220) is another running shoe-esque entry into the boot world, complete with all the perks and pitfalls associated with lightweight boots.

First, the perks — break-in time is quick, and if you nail the sizing, you’ll get a comfortable fit right out of the box. The Boost eTPU foam is shock absorbent and has a great response. A little light jogging in these is totally doable if you’re looking to get some cardio in on slushy days, but they won’t replace your running shoes. I tested the GORE-TEX version and found it much more breathable than the all-leather Keen Targhee IV. If you like the fit and want even better breathability, there is a non-GORE-TEX version available.

The Continental rubber outsole with its 5mm lugs felt solid on gravel and slush — perfect for hiking, but they did feel a little clunky on pavement. 

Fit is a bit of a challenge with these boots. One tester had trouble with pressure points on his ankle, though he was able to get a better fit with some adjustments. Other testers feel the Free Hiker runs large and has too much free space in the heel. I recommend trying a pair on if you have the opportunity, and potentially sizing down a half size from what you normally wear. A roomy fit in the heel can lead to rubbing and, eventually leading to hot spots and blisters, especially on the uphill. 

If you’re interested in a lighter-weight boot and want a little more ankle support than what’s offered by the HOKA Speedgoat 6 Mid, the Free Hiker could be a viable alternative. Conversely, if you’re looking for a lighter boot with an even more running-shoe-like fit, definitely check out the Speedgoats. 

Finally, I received a few comments on the Free Hiker’s style. Some folks think they look pretty cool, and while aesthetics aren’t my first priority on a hike, I’d be lying if I said I don’t care what my boots look like.

Danner has had a good run with its Mountain 600 series thus far, first with the original Mountain 600 and then the Mountain 600 Leaf. Now, with its Mountain 600 EVO ($279), Danner looks to expand its Performance Heritage line by expanding its boots’ capabilities. 

The biggest difference between the Mountain 600 and Mountain 600 Leaf was the ability for the Leaf series to be recrafted (resoled). This was a big step for the modern boot world that harkened back to the heritage of Danner and boots like its Mountain Lite’s having the ability to be resolved.

With the Mountain 600 EVO, Danner has paid careful consideration to the midsole and outer sole of the boot to expand its capabilities. All of the Mountain 600 series are ripe for hiking, but the 600 EVO is the first of the line rated for backpacking.

GearJunkie editors tested the 600 EVOs in a variety of conditions, from snow and ice to mud and rain. In doing that, our tester went on short hikes with a daypack and backpacking trips with upward of 30 pounds on his back. In all conditions, the boots remained stable and comfortable. This is due in part to the decision to go with a TPU shank over the nylon shank found in the other Mountain 600 versions.

Compared to nylon, TPU is designed to last longer and is rated for more aggressive terrain and a higher weight load, which is expected when you’re backpacking.

There was an initial concern that the EVO’s ankle, with its minimal cushioning, would not be as supportive as it ended up being. These are the instances where we’re happy to be wrong. The ankle provided just the right amount of support and required little to no adjustment after the second or third time out.

Ultimately, the only problem with the Danner Mountain 600 EVOs was that Danner opted not to include the iconic red or green laces. But rambling over miles of rolling trails proved this boot is a worthy contender.

A more traditional backpacking boot, the high-cut Nucleo High 2 GTX ($259) is big news for La Sportiva because it’s the first hiking boot the brand has made for wider feet. The leather boot was protective in the way that only a leather boot can be. It is also waterproof, thanks to a GORE-TEX liner.

Despite the extensive waterproofing, the breathability of the Nucleo High 2 GTX is enhanced by microvents under mesh from the arch of the foot to the ankle along the line of the sole — GORE’s Surround system — which made these more breathable than we would have expected. A Vibram rubber rand and toecap deflected scuffs and rocks, hinting at long-term durability for a very reasonable price point.

The Vibram sole had steady grip climbing, braking traction on descents, and a slightly rockered shape that made it easier to heel into a step and toe out of it. For a more traditional-looking boot, these have a modern feel akin to the HOKA and Altra options mentioned earlier.

Well-padded fabric at the Achilles gave plenty of pressure-free, range-of-ankle movement on steep descents. On rocky trails, a polypropylene stiffener in the midsole protected feet from bruising, an essential feature considering the natural footfall these promote.

If you truly have wide feet, the Nucleo High 2 GTX will likely be too narrow, which is quite common in the footwear industry. While this one is wide for La Sportiva — and it welcomes more hikers than ever to wear the company’s classic European hiking boots — they’re more of a wide medium cut, limiting toe splay for those with a wide forefoot.

If you’re lamenting the change of last because you have narrow feet and have always loved how La Sportiva fits, don’t stress. The brand still offers the Nucleo High in a “normal fit” too.

Read Review: The Keen Targhee IV.

The KEEN Targhee IV ($180) is a lot of hiking boot for a very reasonable price. It packs in a durable leather upper, long-lasting “fused” midsole, and waterproof membrane into a roomy package great for those with higher-volume feet.

The Targhee is an iconic boot in the KEEN lineup. It’s earned a lot of love from both our testers and hikers for its rugged build and versatile features. The 2024 version brings a new technology that KEEN claims makes it much more durable. The boot’s midsole is fused to the upper using a new process that eschews glue. So the brand guarantees that it will never delaminate.

My testing through mud, snow, and rocky trails proved it’s a capable boot ideal for cooler conditions on rough trails. While it’s not a top choice for off-trail hiking or scrambling, it’s a great option for those who put down a lot of miles and want significant support.

KEEN uses its proprietary outsole, which is grippy and effective. While we tend to prefer Vibram, the KEEN outsole works well and keeps the price lower.

Be aware that the KEEN Targhee IV boot runs significantly large. I sized down a half size and some may even want to go down one full size from their normal street shoes.

The Asolo TPS 52 GV EVO ($400) boots have lasted one of our testers for nearly 10 years. She’s taken them on numerous backpacking trips throughout the West, including the Tetons, Wind Rivers, Glacier, and Sawtooths. They’ve proven comfortable, durable, and supportive throughout.

This is a stiffer boot and requires a break-in period. But once broken in, the Asolo TPS 520 feels like an extension of your body, ready for whatever conditions might lie ahead.

The deeply channeled outsoles provide excellent traction and reduce the buildup of debris, and the padded ankle collar is comfortable and useful for keeping rocks out. With a classic mountaineering look, these boots are surprisingly versatile.

We’ve read some complaints of the sole coming off, but have never experienced this ourselves. In doing some research, it seems that most complaints of sole failure are from boots that are 10-plus years old, and any boot that’s left out in the sun or in high-temperature storage is susceptible to weakening.

It’s worth noting that these boots can be resoled, which generally costs around $100, and can make them a boot for life, as has happened with our tester.

Hoka has always been about innovation — and can consequently be quite polarizing. From the inception of their brand, the folks at Hoka have churned out futuristic designs with bleeding-edge tech, in wild color schemes that pop off the shelf.

The Anacapa 2 Mid GTX ($195) brings unique flair to the traditional hiking boot last, seemingly forcing people to either end of the spectrum. You either love ’em, or you hate ’em, but one thing’s for sure — there are few hiking boots like them.

Senior Editor Chris Carter recently got to spend several days testing the low and mid versions of the new Anacapa 2 in Zion National Park with Hoka developers, putting the boots through the wringer and truly picking Hoka’s brain on its interesting design.

While he doesn’t usually pick boots as his steed of choice for long treks, these made quite the impression on him. The supremely tacky outsole, thoughtfully placed Meta-Rocker, and unique Achilles heel cushion, make these shoo-ins for any serious hiker’s shortlist.

The Anacapa 2 has Hoka’s Meta-Rocker technology — a curved silhouette with denser foam placed at strategic points in the midsole, giving each stride a degree of smooth propulsion. The Anacapa 2 Mid has a late-stage Meta-Rocker, which puts the rocker point closer to the toe for added stability with slower paces.

Though our editor prefers an early-stage rocker for swifter movement on the trail, this is perfect for those who want stable confidence over variable terrain, and aren’t too concerned about setting land speed records. For most hikers, this is the design of choice.

Vibram Megagrip — hands down the best outsole — decorates the bottom of the shoe. Its performance on slippery, rocky terrain, or muddy, uneven trails is second to none. Qualms with other Hoka outsoles were addressed with this shoe.

Vibram can be rendered useless if mud packs in tight around the lugs, making the sole a single, sleek sheet that easily slips around. The Anacapa 2 Mid has a “self-cleaning” lug pattern that channels mud away from the lugs as you step, forcing it to slide off the sole, and allowing the deep sticky tread to work its magic. This, paired with a GORE-TEX liner, makes these boots power players in wet, sloppy conditions.

The protruding SwallowTail heel is perhaps the first feature you notice on the Anacapa 2 Mid — and isn’t for everyone. It undeniably provides better traction and stability while bombing down uneven hills, but can sometimes snag on roots and rocks (or even the other boot) as you clunk down the trail.

Another standout feature is the extra, flexible cushioned insert that molds around your Achilles heel. The back of the shoe dips down low, allowing this insert to rock back and forth as you ascend or descend while hiking. In all honesty, this is one of the more cozy heel cups we’ve experienced, and we had zero blister woes during our testing period.

We do find these boots to be sized a bit large, so make an effort to try them on in-store before snagging a pair. These are also on the heavier (and pricier) end of the spectrum, but the comfort and cushion they afford atone for these sins. Nearly every element of the shoe is designed with recycled components, making this a much more sustainable shoe than the previous iteration, without sacrificing longevity.

For a healthy balance of plush comfort and broad stability over rough, wet terrain, it’s hard to beat the Anacapa 2 Mid GTX.