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The Best Hiking Boots of 2024

Whether you need a budget-friendly day hiker or a backcountry-ready option, weโ€™ve found the best hiking boots to keep you comfortable and prepared on the trail.
(Photo/Honey McNaughton)
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When youโ€™re moving through the wilderness, having the right gear helps keep your mind and body free to experience nature without unnecessary distractions. As the foundation of your gear, a comfortable, technically sound pair of hiking boots can set you up for an experience to remember.

Our team has years of experience hiking and backpacking through a wide range of landscapes, and weโ€™ve become quite picky when it comes to finding the best hiking boots. Weโ€™re especially keen on boots that maximize comfort while meeting technical requirements to help keep your mind on the objective at hand.

Author and Senior Editor Chris Carter has tested over 20 different pairs of boots in the past year alone and has his finger on the pulse of the hiking boot market to bring you the most current, deserving selection possible. An alumnus of each of the Triple Crown trails in the United States (PCT, CDT, and AT), Chris has racked up enough blisters over thousands of miles in brutal terrain to know what makes a hiking boot worth its mettle. He’s fastidiously choosy about the footwear he depends on in the backcountry, and allows only the very best into this roundup.

Additional perspectives come from Sean McCoy and Nick LeFort, both avid hikers, consummate woodsmen, and long-time GearJunkie contributors. As a hunter, Sean has hauled his fair share of weight in and out of the backcountry and knows the value of a supportive hiking boot. Nick has put in his time as a boot fitter and can speak to sizing and fit considerations.

Through the testing process, we primarily focused on comfort, traction, support, and durability. Secondary factors included value, style, and weight. After years of hiking and months of testing the newest options out there, weโ€™ve compiled a list of what we truly believe to be the best hiking boots for men and women.

Because all feet are unique, thereโ€™s no single boot that works for every hiker. Weโ€™ve divided this list into categories to help you find the best boot for you. For more help choosing the right boot, weโ€™ve included a complete buyer’s guide along with a handy comparison table and FAQ.

Editorโ€™s Note: Our solid selection of the best hiking boots remains the same as of August 27,2024, with the Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX still leading the pack. They’re likely the best hiking boots for most people, but if you’re looking for a heavy-duty boot for backcountry work, hunting, or lots of off-trail rambling in inclement weather, don’t ignore some of the great boots farther down on our list, like the Crispi Nevada GTX Hunting Boot or the Asolo TPS 52 GV EVO. We’ve also added a Price and Value breakdown to help folks with a budget in mind.

The Best Hiking Boots of 2024


  • Weight: 1 lb. 14.4 oz. (pair)
  • Waterproofing: Yes
  • Upper material: Polyurethane-coated leather/textile
  • Width: Standard

Pros

  • Minimal break-in time
  • Lightweight
  • Stable and supportive

Cons

  • Narrow toebox may restrict those with wider feet
  • Somewhat easy for lace to come out of shallow hook eyelet while bushwhacking

  • Weight: 1 lb, 4 oz.
  • Waterproofing: Yes, KEEN.DRY
  • Upper material: Nubuck leather
  • Width: Standard, with roomy toebox

Pros

  • Comfortable out of the box
  • Good value
  • Supportive and stable without feeling clunky
  • Roomy forefoot

Cons

  • Not suitable for narrow feet
  • KEENโ€™s waterproofing is not as effective as other options
  • Not ideal for rugged off-trail use

  • Weight: 1 lb. 13.2 oz.
  • Waterproofing: Yes
  • Upper material: Recycled mesh/recycled microfiber
  • Width: Standard to narrow

Pros

  • Reinforced toebox adds long-term durability
  • Lightweight and nimble
  • Outsole is especially grippy on boulders and slabs

Cons

  • Narrow toebox may not suit hikers with wide feet
  • Runs small

  • Weight: 2 lbs. 14.4 oz.
  • Waterproofing: Yes
  • Upper material: Leather and synthetic
  • Width: Standard

Pros

  • Highly supportive
  • Ideal for backpacking with heavy loads
  • Durable

Cons

  • Requires a significant break-in period
  • Too bulky for easy and moderate hiking

  • Weight: 1 lb. 8.8 oz.
  • Waterproofing: Yes
  • Upper material: Synthetic
  • Width: Standard

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Waterproof
  • Great traction and grip (5mm lugs)
  • Versatile

Cons

  • Not the most breathable
  • Some found issues with sizing; try a pair on first

  • Weight: 2 lbs., 6 oz.
  • Material: Full-grain leather
  • Best Use: Hiking, backpacking
  • Top Attributes: Vibram Fuga Traction outsole, TPU shank

Pros

  • All the Vibram technology baked into the boots
  • Ample cushioning without the bulk of a cushioned boot
  • Ability to be resoled

Cons

  • They don't come with the classic red or green laces

  • Weight: 2 lbs. 0.7 oz.
  • Waterproofing: Yes
  • Upper material: Pigskin leather/mesh
  • Width: Standard or wide options

Pros

  • Affordable
  • Waterproof
  • Comfortable

Cons

  • Wide fit doesnโ€™t work for narrow feet
  • Bulky

  • Weight: 1 lb. 13.6 oz.
  • Waterproofing: Yes
  • Upper material: Synthetic
  • Width: Standard

Pros

  • Stable
  • Tunable lacing
  • Conserves energy

Cons

  • Rockered profile takes some wear to get used to

  • Weight: 1 lb., 14 oz.
  • Waterproofing: No, but they are water-resistant
  • Upper material: Synthetic
  • Width: Wide, extra wide in the toebox

Pros

  • Light
  • Accommodating toebox
  • Supportive
  • Sheds mud

Cons

  • Not as much rock protection as some shoes
  • Due to lightweight design, not as durable as more traditional hikers

  • Weight: 1 lb. 11 oz.
  • Waterproofing: Yes
  • Upper material: Synthetic
  • Width: Standard

Pros

  • Lightweight but durable
  • Agressive lug pattern
  • Uses sustainable materials

Cons

  • Difficult to fine-tune-adjust the ankle

  • Weight: 3.9 lbs.
  • Waterproofing: Yes
  • Upper material: Leather
  • Width: Standard

Pros

  • Exceptionally sturdy and stable
  • Easy to break in compared to other heavy-duty boots
  • Long-lasting durability

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Insulation can sometimes feel inadequate in cold conditions
  • Requires care and maintenance to preserve leather upper

  • Weight: 2 lb. 1 oz.
  • Waterproofing: Yes
  • Upper material: Leather
  • Width: Standard

Pros

  • Breathability from underfoot
  • Superb braking lugs
  • Lightweight

Cons

  • Not ideal for narrow feet

  • Weight: 2 lbs. 2 oz.
  • Waterproofing: Yes
  • Upper material: Leather
  • Width: Standard or wide

Pros

  • Stylish
  • Out-of-box comfort
  • Roomy toebox

Cons

  • High arches may not fit all foot shapes
  • Not ideal for narrow feet

  • Weight: 4 lbs. 2 oz.
  • Waterproofing: Yes
  • Upper material: Leather
  • Width: Standard (break-in period makes them feel a bit narrow at first)

Pros

  • Super durable
  • Laces rarely need to be replaced

Cons

  • Slow break-in process
  • Some users report delamination of the outsole

  • Weight: 1 lb. 13.2 oz.
  • Waterproofing: Yes
  • Upper material: Synthetic
  • Width: Standard

Pros

  • Super aggressive lug pattern offers stellar traction
  • Grippy Contagrip rubber boosts adhesion to rocky surfaces

Cons

  • A little difficult to fine-tune fit because of lace system
  • Large lugs make walking on road or concrete a bit clunky

  • Weight: 2 lbs. 7 oz. (pair)
  • Waterproofing: Yes
  • Upper material: Nubuck Leather/CORDURA
  • Width: Standard

Pros

  • Supportive
  • Rugged and durable
  • Waterproof but breathable

Cons

  • Stiff โ€” Not ideal for slick rock
  • A bit bulky

  • Weight: 2 lbs., 4 oz.
  • Waterproofing: Yes
  • Upper material: Waterproof Nubuck leather
  • Width: Standard

Pros

  • Sustainably made
  • Sticky Vibram Megagrip outsole with self-cleaning lug pattern
  • Comfortable achilles cushion

Cons

  • Runs a bit large
  • Swallowtail heel can snag on roots and rocks

Hiking Boot Comparison Chart

Hiking BootPriceWeightWaterproofUpper MaterialWidth
Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX$1751 lb., 14.4 oz. YesPolyurethane-coated leather/textileStandard
KEEN Targhee IV $1651 lb. 4 oz.YesNubuck leatherStandard, with roomy toebox
SCARPA Rush 2 Mid GTX$2191 lb., 13.2 oz.YesRecycled mesh/recycled microfiber Standard to narrow
Salomon Quest 4$2302 lbs., 14.4 oz.YesLeather and syntheticStandard
HOKA Speedgoat 5 Mid$1801 lb., 8.8 oz.YesSyntheticStandard
Danner Mountain 600 EVO$2502 lbs.,6 oz.Yes Full-grain LeatherStandard
Merrell Moab 3$1502 lbs., 0.7 oz.YesPigskin leather/meshStandard or wide
North Face VECTIV Exploris
Mid FUTURELIGHT
$1791 lb., 13.6 oz.YesSyntheticStandard
Altra Lone Peak All-Weather Mid 2$1901 lb., 14 oz.No, but is water-resistantSyntheticWide, extra wide in the toebox
Salewa Pedroc Pro Mid PTX Boots$2001 lb., 11 oz.YesSyntheticStandard
Crispi Nevada GTX Hunting Boot$4403 lbs., 14.4 oz.YesLeatherStandard
La Sportiva Nucleo High 2 GTX$2392 lb., 1 oz.YesLeatherStandard
Teva Grandview GORE-TEX$1752 lbs., 2 oz.YesLeatherStandard or wide
Asolo TPS 52 xGV EVO$3604 lbs., 2 oz.YesLeatherStandard
Salomon Cross Hike 2 Mid GTX$1901 lb., 13.2 oz.YesSyntheticStandard
Lowa Renegade GTX Mid$2552 lbs., 7 oz. YesNubuck Leather/CORDURAStandard
Hoka Anacapa 2 Mid GTX$1952 lbs., 4 oz.YesWaterproof Nubuck leatherStandard
Backpacking in hiking boots
The best hiking boots are the ones that suit your personal needs; (photo/Eric Phillips)

How We Tested Hiking Boots

The GearJunkie team has tested hundreds of pairs of hiking boots. Weโ€™ve hiked along gradual city park paths and backpacked through rugged alpine terrain in our search for the best hiking footwear on the market. The recommended boots on this list are the result of our thorough and never-ending field testing.

Editorial Director Sean McCoy broke trail with this guide back in July 2020, crafting our initial selection of eight worthy hiking boots. Whether packing out a kill from deep in the backcountry or clocking miles on cruiser singletrack โ€” Sean is intimately aware of the importance of proper footwear for streamlined adventures.

Senior Editor Chris Carter took over this guide in August 2022. He has been combing through his stinky shoe rack, scrubbing through online hiking forums, and endlessly bugging his dirtbag backpacking buds ever since to narrow in on the succinct list of 17 boots you see today.

Chris has thru-hiked the Triple Crown of long trails in the United States: the Pacific Crest Trail, the Continental Divide Trail, and the Appalachian Trail. He knows the importance of properly fitting, comfortable boots for long backpacking trips, and is extremely particular about the footwear he depends on in the wild.

When we assess a boot for its durability, we wear it regularly and keep a close eye on long-term performance. When we test a boot for support and stability, we trudge through rough terrain and pay extra attention to ground feel and roll resistance. Our waterproofing testing involves exposure to puddles, precipitation, and other elements that youโ€™re likely to encounter on the trail.

Our recommendations are not fixed in time. As new hiking boots hit the market, weโ€™ll be waiting to put them to the test. If theyโ€™re exceptional, weโ€™ll be sure to add them to this list of the best hiking boots on the market.

Hiking boots are durable and supportive, but sometimes they’re overkill for short hikes or lightweight backpacking. For some lighter-weight options that break in more quickly, take a look at our guide to the best hiking shoes.

Buyerโ€™s Guide: How to Choose a Pair of Hiking Boots

Choosing the optimal hiking boot is an ever-complicated and personal endeavor. We all have unique foot shapes and needs on the trail, so research and testing are often critical in finding boots with that perfect blend of fit and function.

Boots built for durability and stability tend to be less forgiving than most footwear. And because youโ€™re often wearing them for hours on end, they require a more precise fit. Here are a few things that can help you find the best boot for your foot.

Hiking Boot Components: Uppers, Midsoles, and Outsoles

Hiking boots โ€” and hiking shoes โ€” are composed of three main components: the upper, midsole, and outsole. The design of each element helps dictate how durable, breathable, and water-resistant the boot is going to be.

Upper

Salomon Quest 4 GORE-TEX Hiking Boots
The Solomon Quest Q4 hiking boots are great for rugged hiking and backpacking; (photo/Eric Phillips)

A hiking bootโ€™s upper is the outer material on the top and sides of the boot. There are a handful of materials commonly used in hiking boot uppers, but generally, uppers are either leather or synthetic.

Leather uppers are more traditional-looking, and they tend to be highly durable and abrasion-resistant. However, they sometimes require long-term care to prevent cracking and unsightly aging. A perfect example would be the burly, age-defying Crispi Nevada GTX.

Synthetic uppers tend to be lighter than leather. They also tend to dry faster and generally cost less. An example of a synthetic upper would be The North Face VECTIV Exploris 2 Mid FUTURELIGHT.

Typically, synthetic uppers are not as durable as leather, but modern advances seem to be closing the gap. For those who prefer not to use animal products, synthetic uppers are obviously the way to go.

Midsoles

The midsoles of the Salewa Pedroc Pros are comfortably cushioned without being unstable; (photo/Honey McNaughton)

A midsole provides underfoot cushioning and adds structural stability to the entire boot. Stiff boots likely come with a thick and stiff midsole, and most often require a break-in period.

Stiffer midsoles provide the most durability, but because they have less give, can also be harder on the feet. Stiff midsoles are ideal for providing traction on highly technical terrain where foot movement isnโ€™t ideal, such as mountaineering, ice climbing, and movement over variable terrain like talus fields.

Soft and flexible hiking shoes are built with thinner, more pliable midsoles. Stiff boots can prevent your feet from becoming tired and sore, but flexible boots may be more comfortable and nimble for fast and light hiking, and they tend to prevent blisters.

Different boots have different levels of midsole cushion, and which model to go with boils down to personal preference and the level of hiking you plan to do; (photo/Honey McNaughton)

Modern hikers engaging in long-distance pursuits are finding that softer midsoles provide the balance of technical performance and comfort they need for extended use, turning to boots like the Altra Lone Peak All-Weather Mid for their long-distance endeavors.

Midsoles are generally made from EVA or polyurethane. EVA is lightweight and soft, while polyurethane is firmer and more durable. If you plan to hike long distances with a heavy pack, either is a viable option, but it really depends on your personal needs.

If you have weaker arches and require support, stiffer midsoles can prevent unnecessary soreness over long distances. If youโ€™re already used to more minimal, flexible footwear, softer midsoles allow the muscles in your feet to function more as nature intended. PCT hikers, for example, are trending toward softer midsoles that limit blistering and strengthen the feet over time.

Outsoles

Hiking boot uppers
If you plan to hike on variable surfaces, be sure to purchase hiking boots with grippy outsoles; (photo/Eric Phillips)

The outsoles of hiking boots are made of rubber with varying grades of stiffness and grip. Harder outsoles on stiff boots sometimes include additives such as carbon to reduce weight. While extra-stiff outsoles are durable and good for carrying heavy loads, they can feel slick when hiking off-trail.

Stiff outsoles are ideal for scrambling on steep rock or other situations where traction is integral to safety. Softer outsoles are ideal for packed, heavily trafficked trails where technical terrain is less frequent. A boot that bridges this gap quite well is the La Sportiva Nucleo High 2 GTX.

All outsoles include a lug pattern designed to increase traction and grip. Widely spaced lugs are less likely to accumulate mud, while shallow lugs are better for hiking over rocky surfaces.

Aggressive traction is key for confidence while trekking over loose terrain; (photo/Honey McNaughton)

Some lug patterns are symmetrical, while others have a degree of asymmetry thatโ€™s primarily integrated to reflect the natural contours of the feet through the footfall. Both have varying degrees of stiffness, so choosing the right lug pattern tends to be a personal preference.

Some outsoles include a heel brake, which can reduce your chances of sliding while descending steep slopes. Most modern hiking boots integrate a heel brake to some degree, as do most running/hiking hybrid shoes.

Take this into consideration if your backcountry travels are going to take you up and over high-altitude passes or on trails that are particularly steep.

Weight

With a more minimal stack height, Altra’s Lone Peak All-Weather Mid 2s fall on the lighter end of the spectrum for ultralight missions; (photo/Honey McNaughton)

A pair of hiking boots can weigh anywhere from 1.5 pounds to well over 4 pounds. The weight of your boots will depend on their structure and materials.

Generally, more robust boots with leather uppers and stiff soles will be heavier (such as the Vasque Breeze AT Mid GTX), while hybrid synthetic models will be lighter (such as the Altra Lone Peak All-Weather Mid 2).

There is always a give and take with weight. So, heavier boots often prove to have higher degrees of waterproofness and long-term durability, though they may not be the most comfortable options.

If an ultralight backpacking trip is on the docket, you’ll want some featherlight boots to go with your streamlined kit; (photo/Honey McNaughton)

Synthetic boots with flexible soles will be lighter and perform more like running shoes. Carrying heavy boots on your feet on long hikes can cause fatigue, but heavy boots also tend to offer more support. As weโ€™ve previously stated, itโ€™s important to know your personal needs and shop accordingly.

In the summer months, itโ€™s not uncommon to see people hiking in rugged lugged sandals. Most often, however, itโ€™s not their first rodeo, and theyโ€™ve long developed the foot strength to strip weight and transfer more work to the muscles of the feet.

Support & Stability

Hiking boots support and stability
Stable and supportive hiking boots are important โ€” especially on rocky terrain; (photo/Eric Phillips)

If youโ€™re hiking with a heavy load, youโ€™ll most often want some stable and supportive hiking boots. A stiff outsole and midsole in a boot like the La Sportiva Trango Tech GTX add support underfoot. And a nice firm ankle collar supports the ankle joint when missteps over loose ground are a possibility.

Heavier boots tend to have rigid ankle support, whereas lighter hybrid options tend to have more of a sock-like fit around the ankle. Our ankles are intended to have a certain degree of flex, and some have more stable ankles than others. This is another important factor to consider when choosing the best boot for your feet.

Arch support is another key factor to consider, and also depends on your personal preference and foot shape. Some people have higher, active arches and can use shoes without arch support (like the Altra Lone Peak) over long distances without issue.

Most manufacturers limit the amount of arch support they include in the footbed to accommodate a variety of foot shapes out of the box. If you know you need arch support but donโ€™t necessarily need orthotics, more traditional, rigid boots like the Lowa Renegade tend to offer more built-in support underfoot.

Traction

Salewa’s Pedroc Pros have deep, aggressive lugs with sticky approach-shoe-like rubber for confidence over rocky terrain; (photo/Honey McNaughton)

Different lug patterns are designed for different kinds of terrain. Although some boot companies make their own outsoles, Vibram soles are still the standard for high-quality outsoles and maximum traction. Vibram makes a wide variety of soles, from extremely stiff soles for mountaineering and scrambling to more flexible soles for running and hiking on packed trails.

Some boots include a smooth section of rubber under the toes for smearing on slabs of rock. Other boots have deep lugs built for soft or muddy trails. Most lug patterns work for a variety of terrain, but if you will be hiking in extreme conditions, look for something more aggressive with larger or pointier lugs.

On steep and loose terrain, a heel brake is a handy feature. This is the defined spot on the heel that helps prevent slippage when walking downhill.

The HOKA TenNine running shoe takes a heel brake to the next level, but most hiking boots are much more subtle. These days, anything intended for heavy use on- and off-trail will have some sort of heel brake, but theyโ€™re integrated to varying degrees.

Waterproofing

Dry feet = enjoyable hiking; (photo/Emily Malone)

If youโ€™ll be wearing your boots when itโ€™s rainy, snowy, or cold, get a waterproof and breathable pair. They’ll keep moisture out, which will keep your feet comfortable regardless of how many miles youโ€™re ticking off.

The trade-off between impermeability and breathability is evident in heavier boots, so consider something lighter weight if your feet will be getting wet but not soaked. Generally, the more waterproof a boot is the heavier and less breathable it will be.

There are a few exceptions, however, and modern advances in venting seem to be improving this age-old dilemma, hence our rave reviews of the SCARPA Rush 2 Mid GTX.

If youโ€™re hiking primarily or exclusively in hot, dry conditions, donโ€™t get a waterproof boot. A membrane-free boot will keep your feet cool and dry, and the release of moisture can help prevent blisters. If you live in the high desert surrounded by mountains, youโ€™ll probably need a summer boot and a shoulder season boot for when moisture adds more variability to the trails.

Waterproof hiking boots help you navigate wet terrain with ease; (photo/Honey McNaughton)

Breathability

As mentioned above, breathability and waterproofness are tied together, for better or worse. The more waterproof a boot is, the less breathable it will be, and vice versa. If youโ€™re hiking in hot, humid environments where you donโ€™t expect to encounter water, a lightweight, ultra-breathable boot is ideal (the regular version of the Altra Lone Peak All-Weather Mid 2, for instance).

When your feet donโ€™t air out, you increase the risk of blisters, callouses, and more serious injuries like trench foot (way more common in older, less advanced boots). Breathability not only means that air can move through and out of the shoe, but it also lets water vapor escape. Dry feet stay warmer in colder temperatures as well.

GORE-TEX and other waterproof proprietary membranes (such as the FUTURELIGHT membrane on The North Face’s VECTIV Exploris 2) are breathable to a certain degree, but can quickly feel stuffy and sweaty in dry, desert climates. If you’ll primarily be trekking through dry areas, aim for more breathable “water-resistant” liners, like Altra Lone Peak All-Weather Mid 2‘s eVent material.

All modern manufacturers take this into account when designing the best hiking boots, so some element of breathability will be built in. Still, itโ€™s an important consideration for your unique feet (sweaty vs. dry), as swampy/cold feet can truly make or break an outing.

A boot’s breathability can greatly impact hiking comfort, particularly in hot environments; (photo/Chris Carter)

Insoles

Not all hiking boot insoles will be a good fit for every foot. Depending on the shape of your foot, you may need to purchase insoles separately. If you have a high arch, look for insoles that cater to this trait specifically.

Other insoles promote a flatter, more natural footfall, while others can increase the amount of heel-to-toe drop. If your insoles are wearing out faster in a specific spot, itโ€™s a good sign that you should explore a different option.

Toebox Room

For hikers who have feet with toes that splay out more than others, or just naturally wide feet, shoes with narrow toeboxes can be uncomfortable over long distances. As the miles stack up on a long journey, your feet will also swell quite a bit, exacerbating the issue. This can lead to blisters, plantar fasciitis, or other foot issues.

If you feel like your toes are playing a game of sardines in every hiking boot you try, it may be time to give wide-width shoes a shot, or models that have enlarged toeboxes. Altra is the king of ultra-wide toebox clown shoes, and though they may look silly, they afford you some of the most natural feeling strides of any boot we tested.

Don’t bash ’em until you try ’em! Altra’s Lone Peak All-Weather Mid 2s have the widest toebox of any of the shoes we tested; (photo/Honey McNaughton)

Zero-drop, with plenty of space for your toes to breathe with each step, Altra boots leave very little to be desired. We tested the Lone Peak All-Weather Mid 2 for this guide, but every Altra shoe boasts this roomy feature.

Crampon Compatibility

If you plan to do some major winter hiking or mountaineering, you’ll need boots that work well with crampons. These traction devices are critical for extreme conditions, and they provide traction when crossing steep snow or ice. In general, heavier, stiffer boots are more compatible with crampons.

The La Sportiva Trango Tech GTX Boot is a perfect example of a lighter-weight crampon-compatible boot. Micro-spikes are becoming increasingly popular for thru-hikers who prefer to carry less weight while ultralight backpacking, and they tend to work well over more flexible, lighter boots like the Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX.

Solid, comfortable hiking boots make long, arduous treks go by with ease; (photo/Honey McNaughton)

Price & Value

The boots in our guide range in price from $165 to $440. So if money isn’t an issue, should you just go ahead and buy a $440 pair of boots? No! Fortunately, all of the boots in this guide are high quality, and our Top Pick is actually on the cheaper end of the spectrum. Our price and value breakdown can help you understand what you need in a boot, what you don’t need, and what exactly you’re paying for when you shell out the big bucks.

Budget

“Budget” is often correlated with lower quality. In terms of the boots we tested, price and quality correlations are not quite so clear. Our Best Budget pick is the KEEN Targhee IV ($165). This is a mid-height boot with a durable leather upper and Keen’s proprietary waterproof liner.

One way manufacturers can keep prices lower is by using a proprietary waterproof liner instead of jumping on the GORE-TEX wagon, a process that involves licensing, testing, and design requirements to meet the standards of the GORE-TEX brand. Proprietary liners vary from brand to brand in their degrees of breathability, and GORE-TEX has loads of data (and marketing) that suggests their liner is the most breathable. However, all the proprietary liners are quite effective at keeping water out.

The less expensive models in our guide typically have synthetic or partially synthetic uppers. Synthetic uppers are less expensive to produce and generally breathe much better than boots with all-leather uppers, while a fully leather upper is much more durable than synthetics.

The least expensive boot in this guide is the Merrell Moab 3 ($150). This boot employs a combination of pigskin leather and synthetic material to balance durability and cost savings. It’s a wide-fitting, comfortable boot, but it is not the most supportive and not the best choice for long distances or backcountry work.

Mid-Tier

Most of the boots in this guide inhabit the mid-tier of boot prices, including our best overall choice, the Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX ($175). Mid-range boots often get a GORE-TEX liner and may have a full leather upper. They’re heavier, more durable, and offer more protection than the lighter (albeit more comfortable out of the box) less expensive boots.

If you’re going backpacking or hunting, or in a situation where you’ll be carrying a lot of weight in the backcountry, these boots are worth shelling out a little more. The upper end of the mid-tier includes boots like the La Sportiva Nucleo High 2 GTX ($239), a high-top full-leather, waterproof boot that can even handle some light-duty mountaineering.

Premium

The most expensive boots on our list are heavy-duty boots like the ones your dad wore. Ranging from $300 to $400+, these are tanks for your feet that often meet the protective standards for wildland fire fighting or trail building. They take a significant amount of time to break in, and we recommend wearing them around the house and dialing in your sock game before committing to big miles. They’re the most supportive boots made, and once you’ve paid the entry fee and achieved a good fit, they’ll last you the rest of your life.

Hunters, trail workers, arborists, and anyone who needs to trudge through mud and snow while off-trail and carrying a heavy load should consider a premium boot. The Asolo TPS 52 GV EVO ($360) is a killer boot that will easily handle snow and ice while you hike with chainsaws or pulaskis, or haul a kill out of the wilderness.

The fully insulated Crispi Nevada GTX Hunting Boot ($440) is the crรจme-de-la-crรจme of hunting boots, and will keep your feet warm and dry whether you’re on the move or waiting for game to come your way. With proper care, a premium boot can last longer than your feet will.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most comfortable hiking boots?

The most comfortable hiking boots are ones that feel good when you put them on before your hike โ€” and that still feel good when you take them off at the end of your hike.

A very soft boot might feel great to slide into at home, but it might not have enough support or protection to leave you feeling great after a long day on the trail.

What are the best lightweight hiking boots?

The best lightweight hiking boots are the ones that fit your foot. Check out Altraโ€™s Lone Peak All-Weather Mid 2. We loved them for their feather weight, superb support, and their roomy toebox. If you donโ€™t need a waterproof boot, choose one without a membrane.

The Lone Peak All-Weather Mid 2’s are great, wide, lightweight shoes for long adventures; (photo/Honey McNaughton)
Hiking boots vs. hiking shoes: Which do I need?

Whether you hike in shoes or boots is a personal preference. Hiking boots give more ankle support, so if youโ€™re carrying a heavy load backpacking, theyโ€™re a great choice. But many thru-hikers wear hiking shoes for big adventures, like the Appalachian Trail.

Structure underfoot matters as much as how high the boot is. Choose a boot or shoe that feels good to wear and gives you confidence when youโ€™re hiking.

Should I get waterproof hiking boots?

If you plan to regularly hike in wet and cold environments, it may be wise to get waterproof hiking boots. You may not plan on getting wet, but itโ€™s always a possibility in the outdoors. Waterproof boots make sure youโ€™re prepared for anything. Depending on the weather and season, you may want a pair of winter hiking boots.

That said, waterproof boots tend to be hotter and less breathable. So, if you plan to hike in warm and dry conditions such as the desert, waterproof boots are not the best choice.

Waterproof hiking boots can be helpful companions on wet adventures, but don’t boast as much breathability in hot climates; (photo/Chris Carter)

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