When you head out to a trail as a seasoned hiker or merely an occasional enthusiast, you need the right attitude to embrace the endeavor and footwear capable of keeping your feet safe and comfortable. Considerations include comfort, stability, and support with a balance between keeping the weight down and durability. If your boots don’t fit properly or are poorly crafted, you’ll suffer some discomfort and potentially an injury.
With the market full of hiking boots for your consideration, some research is in order. To help you cut that process down to size, some of the best have been selected as an introduction. There’s a comparison table to begin, followed by brief descriptions, specifications, pros and cons, photos, videos, and a buying guide.
If you have any questions or concerns, please use the comments section at the bottom. I’d love to hear your thoughts.
For more information on hiking and camping gear, please check out these reviews:
Portable Showers for Camping Backpacking Water Filters Headlamps Night Vision Binoculars Marine Binoculars Backpacking Stoves Backpacking Tarp Shelters Camping Knives Backpacking Tents Backpacking Backpacks Backpacking Sleeping Pads Camping Beds Portable Toilets Bivy Sacks Camping Hammocks Backpacking Sleeping Bags Ultralight Tents SUV Tents 4 Season Tents Truck Tents 4 Person Tents Beach Tents
Best Hiking Boots for 2021
- Salomon Quest 4d 3 GTX
- Merrell Moab 2 Mid WP
- Scarpa Zodiac Plus GTX
- Salomon X Ultra Mid 3 GTX
- Garmont Santiago Mid GTX
- Keen Targhee II Mid Hiking Boot
- Vasque St. Elias GTX
- Danner Mountain 600 EnduroWeave
- The North Face Chilkat 400 II
- Timberland Mt. Maddsen Hiker
Best Hiking Boots Comparison Table
| Picture | Hiking Boot | Weight Waterproofing | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
  | Salomon Quest 4d 3 GTX | 2 lbs 13.2 oz Gore-Tex | 4.8 | $$$ |
  | Merrell Moab 2 Mid WP | 2 lbs 2 oz Waterproof Breathable Membrane | 4.4 | $$ |
  | Scarpa Zodiac Plus GTX | 2 lbs 6.4 oz Gore-Tex | 4.6 | $$$ |
  | Salomon X Ultra Mid 3 GTX | 1 lb 15.6 oz Gore-Tex | 4.5 | $$ |
  | Garmont Santiago Mid GTX | 2 lbs 1 oz Gore-Tex | 4.8 | $$ |
  | Keen Targhee II Mid Hiking Boot | 2 lbs 2 oz Waterproof Breathable Membrane | 4.4 | $ |
  | Vasque St. Elias GTX | 3 lbs 1 oz Gore-Tex | 4.5 | $$ |
  | Danner Mountain 600 EnduroWeave | 2 lbs 2 oz No Waterproofing | 4.2 | $ |
  | The North Face Chilkat 400 II | 2 lbs 22.2 oz DryVent Waterproofing | 4.7 | $$ |
  | Timberland Mt. Maddsen Hiker | 2 lbs 6 oz TimberDry Waterproof Membrane | 4.3 | $ |
| Picture | Hiking Boot | Weight Waterproofing | Rating | Price |
The Salomon Men’s Quest 4d 3 GTX is a rugged midweight boot that is comfortable and sturdy.
Capable of supporting heavy weights, the 4D chassis design and construction components are durable, stable, and flexible, and with a Gore-Tex lining, it is waterproof and breathable, great for hardcore hikers and backpackers.
- Best For: backpacking
- Gender: men’s, available in a women’s version
- Weight: 2 lbs 13.2 oz
- Waterproofing: seam-sealed Gore-Tex membrane
- Upper: Nubuck leather/textile
- Lining: Gore-Tex Performance Comfort waterproof/breathable bootie
- Midsole: dual-density EVA
- Outsole: Contagrip rubber
- Other Features: 4D chassis design adds support and forefoot flexion, gusseted, padded tongues with a contoured instep fit
- Warranty: 2-year limited
- Price: $$$
Pros: sturdy, comfortable, supportive, water-resistant, good toe protection
Cons: not cheap, not as good in hotter or cooler environments, amount of seams may lessen durability, sizes run narrow
The Merrell Moab 2 Mid WP boots are superior in comfort with contoured footbeds and a stylish look.
With a 5mm lug, the Vibram outsoles deliver good traction.
The waterproof membrane and mesh lining provide breathability and a fair degree of water-resistance but if you are looking for a higher level of performance against wet conditions, this boot is also available in a Gore-Tex version.
- Best For: hiking
- Gender: men’s, available in a women’s version
- Weight: 2 lbs 4 oz
- Waterproofing: waterproof breathable membrane
- Upper: suede leather/mesh
- Lining: mesh
- Midsole: EVA, contoured footbeds
- Outsole: Vibram TC5+ rubber with 5mm lug for grip
- Other Features: molded nylon shanks for stability, air cushion heels absorb shock, bellowed, foam tongues keep debris and moisture out, protective rubber toe-caps
- Warranty: 60-day guarantee
- Price: $$
Pros: water-resistant, good gripping, stylish looks, comfortable, breathable, no breaking in required, reasonable pricing
Cons: not exceptionally supportive underfoot, durability is questionable, not for packing heavy loads
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The Scarpa Zodiac Plus GTX is a versatile, relatively lightweight, well-ventilated, and water-resistant boot with a durable full-leather upper, and good traction from the Vibram Drumlin rubber soles.
It’ll handle all kinds of weather and terrain and makes a good hiking boot that can cross-over for more challenging mountaineering expeditions.
- Best For: backpacking
- Gender: men’s, available in a women’s version
- Weight: 2 lbs 6.4 oz
- Waterproofing: Gore-Tex
- Upper: suede leather
- Lining: Gore-Tex Performance Comfort membrane
- Midsole: Polyurethane/EVA
- Outsole: Vibram Drumlin rubber
- Other Features: can be resoled, asymmetric lacing system for a precise fit, snug Sock-Fit construction
- Warranty: 1-year limited
- Price: $$$
Pros: water-resistant, durable, good breathability, good ankle support
Cons: fairly expensive, wider fit, stiff requiring longer break-in period
The Solomon X Ultra Mid 3 GTX is lightweight with mid-ankle support great for day hikes and light backpacking.
A Contagrip rubber sole has a good grip that works on a variety of surfaces and the Gore-Tex lined upper is breathable and water-resistant.
The advanced chassis is surrounded by cushioning foam and the other design features outlined below for a comfortable, stable fit.
- Best For: hiking
- Gender: men’s, available in a women’s version
- Weight: 1 lb 15.6 oz
- Waterproofing: Gore-Tex
- Upper: leather/textile
- Lining: Gore-Tex waterproof breathable membrane
- Midsole: injected EVA
- Outsole: Contagrip rubber
- Other Features: comfortable foam-cushioned chassis, tongue gussets block out debris, mudguards and integrated rubber toe caps, outsole line pattern increases flexibility and reduces fatigue, Ortholite foam and contoured EVA heel cups for increased cushioning and heel support
- Warranty: 2-year limited
- Price: $$
Pros: lightweight, comfortable, waterproof, moisture-wicking breathable lining, durable for the weight
Cons: slow to dry out, limited traction on wet rocks
The Garmont Santiago Mid GTX Boots are stylish and lightweight, suitable for on-trail and off-trail hiking.
The Vibram Megagrip rubber outsoles provide a good grip on a variety of surfaces and the Gore-Tex lining is waterproof and breathable.
The design ensures stability, support, and comfort, and precision extended lacing enables a custom fit.
- Best For: hiking
- Gender: men’s, available in a women’s version
- Weight: 2 lbs 1 oz
- Waterproofing: Gore-Tex
- Upper: 1.6mm suede leather/nylon mesh
- Lining: Gore-Tex Extended Comfort waterproof breathable membrane/textile
- Midsole: dual-density EVA
- Outsole: Vibram Megagrip rubber
- Other Features: full-grain collar linings, rubber toe caps, comfortable toe boxes, nylon shanks for torsional rigidity, can be resoled, asymmetrical ankle cuffs provide better stability and comfort
- Warranty: 1-year limited
- Price: $$
Pros: flexible out of the box, lightweight, durable good gripping sole, water-resistant, ultra-comfortable design, good toe protection and comfort
Cons: favors narrow feet
Keen Targhee II Mid Hiking Boot
The Keen Targhee II Mid Hiking Boot is low-priced and comfortable without any break-in time.
The rugged outsoles can tackle what the terrain has to offer and they have breathable waterproof membranes to keep your feet dry and aerated.
Great for all manner of hiking, there may not be enough stability and support for off-trail backpacking with a heavy load.
- Best For: hiking
- Gender: men’s, available in a women’s version
- Weight: 2 lbs 2 oz
- Waterproofing: Keen Dry waterproof breathable membranes
- Upper: Nubuck leather/nylon mesh/webbing
- Lining: nylon
- Midsole: dual-density compression-molded EVA
- Outsole: carbon rubber with 4mm multidirectional lugs for traction and durability
- Other Features: rubber toe guards, supportive nylon shanks, webbing pull loops at heel and tongue for easy on and off
- Warranty: 1-year limited
- Price: $
Pros: comfortable out of the box, reasonable price, good toe and foot protection, water-resistant, good for wider feet
Cons: questionable durability, low stability for weaker ankles
The Vasque St. Elias GTX backpacking boots are comfortable with a traditional-looking leather upper and high marks for durability, stability, and water-resistance.
The Gore-Tex waterproof membrane keeps your feet dry and comfortable and the Vibram Frontier molded sole has a design that minimizes rubber while maintaining a fair level of traction.
The good all-around performance suitable for rugged trails is offset some by being the heaviest of the models reviewed here.
- Best For: backpacking
- Gender: men’s, available in a women’s version
- Weight: 3 lbs 1 oz
- Waterproofing: Gore-Tex
- Upper: 3mm Nubuck leather
- Lining: Gore-Tex waterproof breathable membrane
- Midsole: S.E. midsole with EVA cushioning pods
- Outsole: Vibram Frontier rubber
- Other Features: thermoplastic urethane shank for support, soft EVA footpads are extra shock-absorbing
- Warranty: 1-year limited
- Price: $$
Pros: comfortable, stable, water-resistant, very durable, good foot protection
Cons: heavy, limited breathability
Danner Mountain 600 EnduroWeave
The Danner Mountain 600 EnduroWeave hiking boots are lightweight and stylish, suitable for a technical hike on the trail or knocking about around town.
The abrasion-resistant carbon-washed textile upper and air mesh lining is breathable, though not water-resistant, and the Vibram Fuga outsole delivers excellent traction on a range of wet and dry surfaces.
They have a cushioned midsole for comfort and a 3-layer footbed with supportive heel frames for stability.
The low price makes them an easy choice for purchase.
- Best For: hiking
- Gender: men’s, available in a women’s version
- Weight: 2 lbs 2 oz
- Waterproofing: none
- Upper: breathable carbon-washed woven textile
- Lining: air mesh
- Midsole: A.S.E. midsole with EVA cushioning pads
- Outsole: Vibram Fuga with Metagrip technology
- Other Features: thermoplastic urethane heel frames and removable 3-layer Ortholite footbed provide stability and support
- Warranty: 1-year limited
- Price: $
Pros: comfortable, lightweight, gripping outsole, breathable, low-priced
Cons: not waterproof
The North Face Chilkat 400 II gets high marks in a number of categories for winter hiking.
These mid-calf boots are lightweight with warm silver eco insulation and top-level waterproofing.
The fit is not precise, however, they are rated well for comfort and the TNF winter grip outsole with temperature-sensitive lugs delivers great traction, and a molded rubber shell protects well against bumps and scrapes.
- Best For: winter hiking
- Gender: men’s, available in a women’s version
- Weight: 2 lbs 22.2 oz
- Waterproofing: DryVent waterproof construction
- Upper: full-grain waterproof leather
- Lining: PrimaLoft silver eco insulation
- Midsole: compression-molded EVA
- Outsole: TNF Winter Grip
- Other Features: temperature-sensitive rubber lugs for increased traction, molded rubber shell protects against curbs, rocks, and roots
- Warranty: 1-year limited
- Price: $$
Pros: warm, rubber shell protection, exceptionally water-resistant, lightweight, comfortable, temperature-sensitive lugs aid in traction
Cons: can be tricky to size (run small), fit not precise, laborious to tie-on
The Timberland Mt. Maddsen Hiker has classic rugged hiking boot styling and an attractive leather upper at a very reasonable price.
Lightweight, recycled rubber is used for the outsole, and recycled PE for the waterproof lining makes this boot a good choice for the green conscious.
The design provides a nice mix of comfort and stability.
- Best For: hiking
- Gender: men’s, available in a women’s version
- Weight: 2 lbs 6 oz
- Waterproofing: TimberDry waterproof membrane
- Upper: full-grain waterproof leather
- Lining: eco-conscious recycled PE waterproof membrane
- Midsole: compression-molded EVA
- Outsole: green rubber (42% recycled rubber)
- Other Features: fully gusseted tongue keeps debris out, internal TPU shank for torsional rigidity, anti-fatigue comfort technology, metal lace loops
- Warranty: 1-year limited
- Price: $
Pros: water-resistant, rubber lugs for traction, attractive leather styling, comfortable, low-priced
Cons: questionable durability
Hiking Boots Buying Guide
Components and Materials
- Upper refers to the material on the top of the boot that connects to the outsole. It can be made from leather, synthetic materials including nylon or mesh, or a combination. The choice will have an impact on durability, weight, breathability, and waterproofing. Leather is durable and often waterproof but heavy. Synthetics are lightweight and provide ventilation but may not be as sturdy as leather.
- Midsole – This is the part of the boot between the upper and the outsole that acts as a shock-absorber providing support and cushioning. EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) foam which is soft and cushiony and PU (polyurethane) which is stiffer and more durable are the most commonly employed materials.
- Internal Support – This includes materials between the midsole and outsole that provide added structural support. These can take the form of a shank for increased stiffness and torsional rigidity or plates that serve as a barrier to protect feet from hard objects like roots or rocks that could injure or bruise your foot.
- Outsole – This is the outer bottom surface of the boot. Usually, the substance used is rubber. The tread pattern and heel brake are important features that determine the amount of traction possible for the types of terrain you may encounter.
Durability – Boots can take a beating when used over rugged trails and when carrying significant weight in your backpack. Typically leather uppers are the sturdiest but often lack breathability.
A combination of leather and synthetics can often be a compromise that is durable yet provides ventilation and is more lightweight.
A quality rubber outsole is also a factor to consider. Most of the models reviewed above use a superior proprietary version or the highly regarded Vibram.
Weight – Keeping in mind that the features you desire are incorporated into the design, and durability is not compromised, a lightweight boot will probably be your best choice. It will be less of a burden and conserve energy as well as improve mobility.
Waterproofing is a big plus in avoiding discomfort, blisters, or other injuries to your feet. Treated leather uppers can accomplish it while being heavier and sometimes lacking ventilation.
Another option is a waterproof liner. Gore-Tex is a reliable material for this but manufacturers also offer several other high-quality materials that can be as good or nearly so.
Ventilation – Especially when hiking in warm weather, a breathable boot will help keep feet from getting hot and sweaty. Boots using synthetic materials in the upper or have some other breathable lining like waterproofing Gore-Tex, offer significantly aerating ventilation.
Traction – Slipping can result in injuries and inefficient use of energy making a gripping outsole important. Look for boots that can perform on a variety of surfaces with an outsole made of quality rubber with deep lug patterns that are multi-directional and widely spaced.
Stability – A boot that is stable, doesn’t twist and is supportive around the ankle provides a foundation that can prevent stress and injury. Ankle-level and high tops provide better support for the ankle. A shank, which is a rigid material placed between the outsole and midsole, can make the bottom firmer decreasing any twisting and keeps your foot on a more even plane.
Comfort and Fit – Having a good fit is obviously an important factor in the functionality and comfort of the boot. Make sure you know your size and look into the details of sizing provided by the manufacturer and any feedback from buyers, especially if you are buying online and don’t have a chance to try them on first. Some boots have a lacing system that allows a more adjustable fit.
With a good fit as a starter, other factors that add to comfort are a spacious area around the toes, and the padding inside, around the top, and on the tongue. In addition, a cushioned footbed can soften the feel, good breathability can keep it cool and ventilated, and waterproofing can keep you dry.
For more information on hiking and camping gear, please check out these reviews:
Portable Showers for Camping Backpacking Water Filters Headlamps Night Vision Binoculars Marine Binoculars Backpacking Stoves Backpacking Tarp Shelters Camping Knives Backpacking Tents Backpacking Backpacks Backpacking Sleeping Pads Camping Beds Portable Toilets Bivy Sacks Camping Hammocks Backpacking Sleeping Bags Ultralight Tents SUV Tents 4 Season Tents Truck Tents 4 Person Tents Beach Tents
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