The Best Hiking Boots of 2024

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. Now, 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.

Our 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 modest 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. We sized down a half size and some may even want to go down one full size from their normal street shoes.

For a deeper dive, check out GearJunkie editor Sean McCoy’s full review of the Keen Targhee IV.

The magic in the design comes from SCARPA’s traction-enhancing, shock-absorbing concave impact zones that compress and absorb energy as you walk — dubbed an Interactive Kinetik System (IKS). As soon as we weighted the shoe, the impact zones flexed so the boot’s secondary lugs could bite into the trail for increased traction where it was needed the most.

The Rush’s synthetic mesh upper has supportive welded overlays with a padded, softly lined collar for lightweight, dynamic ankle support that still allows for natural mobility. Its GORE-TEX Invisible Fit lining kept our feet dry, and also provided a surprising degree of breathability.

We wore the Rush 2 Mid GTX boot for speed hikes with and without a pack, and for overnight trips carrying significantly more weight. The versatility and confidence-inspiring design combine for a remarkably comfortable, traditional feel, all of which is enhanced by material that’s lighter than what we’ve seen in other SCARPA hikers in the past. They tend to run small, and might not be ideal for those with wider feet, especially if your feet are wider in the forefoot.

Compared to other Salomon shoes, the Quest 4 feels stiff, heavy, and robust. If you aren’t used to wearing burly, ankle-high hiking boots, these will require some getting used to and a substantial break-in period.

Let us be clear: This is a serious boot that is designed for backpacking with heavy loads. If you’re seeking a shoe for casual day hikes and quick mountain jaunts, the Quest 4 isn’t it.

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.

While hauling a fully stuffed backpacking pack, the tall cuff offers noticeable protection against rolling an ankle. However, it also limits mobility and feels a bit clunky at first — especially when the boots are cinched down tight.

Though the Quest 4s are stiff through the sole, they do soften up and break in after a few days on the trail. A GORE-TEX membrane and water-resistant upper reliably keep moisture out, but the boot’s overall breathability does suffer as a result. We also found that 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. If you plan to trek for many miles through variable terrain with plenty of cargo on your back, these are the best hiking boots we’d recommend.

At 12.4 ounces per shoe, these hiking boots are a great choice for backpacking and other fast hiking endeavors. And while it’s definitely on pace to function as a trail runner (with a little extra protection), it functions great as a hiker too, offering versatility on par with the Lone Peak All Weather 2 (reviewed above).

In terms of a hiking boot, the Speedgoat 5 Mid has everything you could want: ankle support with robust collars, cushion, good traction, and a lighter-weight, flexible design that moves with your feet as you go. A GORE-TEX membrane bootie wraps the shoe, keeping you protected from water, mud, and any other moisture-laden terrain, though this feature does limit its breathability.

Our testers loved the fit and noticed the boot wasn’t too stiff upon breaking in. It’s also perfect for varied, multi-surface terrain and trails that involve more technical elements, like hiking through boulder fields, scrambling, or making small stream crossings. The HOKA Speedgoat 5 Mid can handle almost anything, making it one of the more versatile options on this list.

If you’re looking for a less traditional “boot” and more of a shoe that will work for trail running, hiking, and anything in between, the HOKA Speedgoat 5 Mid might just be your next favorite shoe.

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.

We 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. We found that 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 we could find with the Danner Mountain 600 EVOs was that Danner opted not to include the iconic red or green laces. But we got over it after a few dozen miles of comfortable rambling.

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 shoes 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 energetic feel of this shoe comes from a rockered midsole that propels you forward with each step. While this feature can make it an energy saver for some, we’d recommend giving it a try, as some prefer a more natural footfall.

This technology is paired with a TPU plate with a forked heel and forefoot for lateral stability. In testing, this feature also protected our feet from rocks on uneven trails.

Although the VECTIV Exploris is rockered, a feature that can make some shoes feel wobbly, we felt exceptionally stable and confident in this shoe. Many hiking shoes and boots have protective plates in the midsole.

This boot’s Y-shaped lugs have zonal traction for general stability. Also, the harder lugs on the perimeter of the forefoot gave this boot extra bite when testing conditions were soft, slick, or rocky. We found ourselves really appreciating the grippy SurfaceCTRL outsole for confidence over sloppy loose terrain.

Adding to the many traction features of this shoe, the heel has aggressive braking lugs that helped us maintain control during descents — the dreaded downhill that can prove treacherous. The sole is also anatomically scored, which provides a fluid, natural feel through each footfall.

The VECTIV Exploris 2’s meshy upper is lined with The North Face’s FUTURELIGHT waterproof fabric, a light, breathable material that kept our feet dry and comfortable, even on warmer days. For a unique, rockered flair to your hikes, these comfortable and durable boots will get you there with about as much comfort as you could ask for.

Altra’s signature ultrawide toebox leaves the feet plenty of space for a natural footfall and gives the toes room to splay. These features helped us hike longer miles without foot pain and constriction and prevented the onset of blisters or hot spots.

When we wore this hiker in cooler temps, the internal space actually helped our toes stay warm. The natural shape allowed constant blood flow to reach the toes, and there was space for warm air to circulate.

These boots use an eVent bootie to keep feet dry. The membrane truly breathes, making this one of the least sweaty water-resistant shoes we’ve tested. That said, it’s not fully waterproof in submersion, but more accurately water-resistant. This makes it ideal for hiking where you might encounter shallow creeks and the forecast shows the potential for thunderstorms.

The Lone Peak All-Weather Mid 2 has a springy insole that gives the boots a running shoe feel, putting some spring in your step and allowing your feet to flex as they would naturally on varied terrain.

The sole’s directional V-shaped lugs were grippy on rocks and roots, but are just shallow enough to not get packed with mud. Due to its ultra-lightweight design, the lugs do wear down faster than heavier, thick-soled boots. The updated All-Weather Mid 2 does have a MaxTrac outsole that boosts traction and durability from previous models.

The sole extends slightly longer than the body of the boot in the back, which reflects Altra’s attention to the natural shape of the heel where it meets the Achilles. This made rolling through each step feel natural and smooth.

A gusseted tongue kept water out when we misjudged the depth of a puddle. It also kept out fir needles, leafy debris, sand, shale, and the common off-trail annoyances that tried to creep in on various hikes.

The 25mm stack height felt lower in the heel than others we tested, which keeps unnecessary pressure off the toes and proved to be super comfortable over long days with extended mileage.

Overall, those with experience in zero-drop footwear should find the Lone Peak All-Weather Mid 2 an ideal option for a variety of excursions. That said, there is an adjustment period for those used to boots with arch support and heel elevation. For those acclimated to zero-drop footwear, these are probably the best hiking boots for you.

We took the Pedrocs on some wild excursions bushwhacking up muddy Appalachian slopes, parkouring through boulder-strewn creek beds, and galivanting over technical alpine terrain, and this boot leaves very little to be desired. Then, even after serious torture, they look sleek and stylish enough to trot around town after the adventure. Gotta love getting compliments in Target while running errands post-hike.   

Durable boots often feel like a ball and chain on fast and light adventures, but this shoe rides the line between clunky durability and lightweight comfort almost perfectly. The Powertex waterproof, yet breathable, membrane is paired with a ripstop TPU rand meshed with Kevlar cables to deliver lightweight strength with a smooth, soft ride. These things are going to last for years of abuse but won’t wear you down in the process.

We felt confident bombing down scree slopes or cruising over muddy, root-strewn trails in these, and our legs weren’t exhausted afterward. They seem to shine on speedy missions. The Pomoca Speed Hiker Pro outsole has an aggressive multidirectional lug pattern that grabs sludgy terrain and refuses to let go. Additionally, it almost has that sticky rubber feel of an approach shoe, giving you stability as you navigate rocky terrain.

Cons? It was honestly hard to find any, but we did wish for a little more fine-tune adjustability around the ankles, as there is only one hook eyelet and the ankle rides a bit higher than others. The minimalist silhouette does contribute to its light 780-gram weight though.

Designed for speed hiking through rough, unpredictable landscapes, the Pedroc Pro Mid PTX Boots would be great for the hiker who knows they’ll be cranking fast but still needs top-notch protection from the elements.

The ankle bone support structure (ABSS) is touted as top-notch by hunters with ankles prone to rolling. Reviewers say this boot is “out-of-the-box comfortable” on repeat, making it a bit of an anomaly in the sturdy, robust category of boots. While these boots are warm and very suitable for cold temperatures, they may not be insulated enough for those whose feet run cold.

The Nevada series does have some flex, making it a great all-around boot for hiking, backpacking, and hitting the trail with a load of meat in your pack. The price of the Nevada GTX can easily be justified — once it’s yours, it’s yours for a long dang time, especially if you live somewhere with a local resole shop.

For the price of two midlevel hunting boots, this boot is quite the investment. But, for anyone familiar with how investments work, you’ll save cash in the long run with a boot that will probably outlive your pet.

Additionally, this boot does require leather maintenance, so it’s more suitable for individuals who don’t mind pulling them out for a wax every now and again.

For more info, check out our contributor’s full review of the Crispi Nevada GTX.

Despite the extensive waterproofing, the breathability of the Nucleo High II 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 us plenty of pressure-free, range-of-ankle movement on steep descents. On rocky trails, a polypropylene stiffener in the midsole protected our feet from bruising, an essential feature considering the natural footfall these promote.

If you truly have wide feet, the Nucleo High II 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.

These boots proved comfortable from the very first wear. The wider toebox gave us plenty of room for toes to wiggle and splay out naturally. One narrow-footed tester found them too roomy, so keep that in mind if your feet are on the narrow side.

We had adequate traction even on wet rocks during a stream crossing, and the GORE-TEX liner kept our feet dry through it all. Due to their lightweight structure and layering, we didn’t have a problem with our feet overheating or sweating, even on warmer spring hikes.

Most waterproof boots swelter in the heat of the summer, but if you’ll be crossing streams or hiking through mud, we’d recommend giving these a try, even in the heat.

The Heel Lock strap provided subtle yet helpful foot support. Teva claims it helps lock your foot in place and decreases toe pressure on descents, and we found that is the case on long downhill sections of trail.

The Grandview GORE-TEX may not have enough support or traction for technical rocky terrain or extended backpacking trips, but for day hikes and around-town jaunts, it’s a strong contender.

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.

Of the shoes we tested, the Salomon Cross Hike 2 Mids ($190) gave us some of the greatest confidence over loose, sloppy terrain with their mega-deep, Y-shaped lugs and Mud Contagrip outsole. The sharp lugs are deeper around the heels, and extend up the toebox, offering solid traction on steep downhills, and boosted grip on uphill slogs.

The lugs are also crafted from a compound that maximizes adhesion. Our tester found these to be some of the better performers over rocky terrain, both dry and wet, and felt surprisingly comfortable on some mandatory Class 4 scrambling during a recent climbing trip.

The Quicklace system is fast and efficient, but we did find it a bit harder to get a fine-tuned fit around the ankle with how thin the laces are, compared to regular laces. This is a small price to pay for the simplicity of throwing these on and off with more ease than most on this list. These consequently became our go-to boots for technical climbing approaches where you change between boots and climbing shoes frequently.

In short, the agile but supportive Cross Hike 2 Mids offer stellar traction that won’t wear you out. They fit comfortably right out of the box, and give you waterproof protection on fast and light missions in the mountains.

At 2 pounds 7 ounces per pair, these boots are surprisingly light for how well-built they feel. The Nubuck leather and Cordura upper provide a confidence-inspiring barrier when moving through brush. And a burly Vibram Evo outsole has thick lugs in an asymmetrical pattern that provides exceptional grip over steep, loose ground.

While not considered wide, the platform was adequate even for moderately wide feet, so those with very narrow feet may find them a bit too roomy. The derby cut lacing style does allow for quite a bit of customization, so we can imagine these boots breaking in to provide comfort and support for a wide variety of foot volumes.

For the modern, ultralight crowd, the Renegade will probably feel too bulky. We wouldn’t recommend them for thru-hiking, but for off-trail rambling, hunting, remote fishing ventures, or any activity that could require some bushwhacking, these fit the bill. They’re also not ideal for traversing or scrambling over certain types of rock, as the lack of flexibility in the sole prevents the feet from flexing to provide grip.

Overall, the Renegade GTX Mid pairs classic looks with modern, technical materials to create a do-it-all boot that should hold up to years of heavy use.

True to their experimental nature, the newly minted Anacapa 2 Mid GTX ($195) brings a 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 shoes 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 shoes 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.

We’ve always been fans of 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 features 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 our favorite outsole — decorates the bottom of the shoe. Its performance on slippery, rocky terrain, or muddy, uneven trails is next to none. Qualms we’ve had 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 features 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 shoes 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. The jury’s still out on whether we dig this design, but it has helped us on a number of occasions.

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.