Unearth The Voyage
Finding the right hiking boot can transform your outdoor adventures from painful slogs into comfortable journeys. Whether you’re tackling rocky mountain peaks, muddy forest trails, or desert switchbacks, your feet deserve protection and support that won’t quit. This year’s lineup of hiking boots combines cutting-edge materials with time-tested designs to keep you moving confidently across any landscape.
1. Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX
Speed hikers rejoice because this boot moves like a sneaker but protects like a fortress. The X Ultra 4 Mid GTX delivers ankle support without the clunky weight that usually comes with mid-height boots. Salomon’s Contagrip outsole grips wet rocks better than most competitors, making sketchy creek crossings feel surprisingly secure.
Gore-Tex keeps rain and puddles outside while your feet stay dry inside. The chassis system stabilizes your foot on uneven ground without restricting natural movement. Perfect for those who want to cover miles quickly without sacrificing protection on technical sections.
2. Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof
Out of the box, these feel like slippers with serious grip. No break-in period means you can wear them straight to the trailhead without developing blisters on mile two. Wide-footed hikers finally have a dependable option that doesn’t squeeze toes into submission.
The Vibram TC5+ sole provides reliable traction across mud, gravel, and loose dirt. Waterproof membrane keeps moisture out during stream crossings and surprise rain showers. Merrell designed this boot for people who value immediate comfort and all-day wearability on moderate trails without technical scrambling.
3. La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX
When morning frost gives way to afternoon sun, most boots turn into sweat factories. La Sportiva solved this problem with Gore-Tex Surround technology that lets your entire foot breathe, not just the top. Leather construction provides durability that synthetic materials can’t match on rough, brushy trails.
Full-height coverage protects ankles from rocks and branches on overgrown paths. Temperature regulation keeps feet comfortable as conditions change throughout the day. This Italian-made boot excels when your adventures span multiple climate zones or dramatic elevation changes.
4. Hoka Kaha 2 GTX
Plantar fasciitis sufferers and anyone with cranky feet should pay attention here. Hoka packed serious cushioning into a boot that somehow still feels stable on uneven terrain. The thick midsole absorbs impact from rocky descents that would normally leave your joints aching.
Gore-Tex waterproofing handles wet conditions while the oversized sole provides surprising traction. Despite the plush feel, the chassis system prevents ankle rolls on off-camber sections. Long-distance hikers carrying heavy packs appreciate how these boots reduce fatigue over extended miles.
5. LOWA Renegade GTX Mid
Some boots become classics because they simply work, year after year. The Renegade has been a go-to choice for over two decades, and the current version maintains that reputation. LOWA’s nylon and suede upper balances flexibility with support for everything from day hikes to weekend backpacking trips.
Gore-Tex lining keeps feet dry without overheating on moderate climbs. The Vibram outsole delivers dependable grip across varied terrain. Versatility makes this boot ideal for hikers who need one pair to handle multiple trail types and pack weights.
6. Scarpa Rush TRK GTX
Technical trails demand boots that can handle scrambles and steep pitches without feeling clunky. Scarpa blended nimble agility with genuine support in this suede beauty. The rubber rand wraps around the toe and heel, protecting against rock strikes that would damage lesser boots.
Gore-Tex ePE liner provides waterproofing without harmful PFAS chemicals, appealing to environmentally conscious hikers. The boot moves more like an approach shoe than traditional hikers, making it perfect for routes that blur the line between hiking and light climbing.
7. Zamberlan 996 Vioz GTX
Backpackers carrying 40-pound packs through the Rockies need boots built like tanks. This Italian leather workhorse provides the stiffness and support that heavy loads demand. Zamberlan designed the Vioz for steep, rocky backcountry where ankle stability prevents injuries.
The resolable Vibram outsole means you can refresh worn treads instead of buying new boots. Full-grain leather requires break-in time but rewards you with years of reliable service. Serious multi-day trekkers appreciate the durability that justifies the higher price point.
8. KEEN Targhee IV Waterproof Mid
Anyone tired of cramped toe boxes should try KEEN’s roomy fit that lets toes spread naturally. The Targhee IV features new KEEN.Fusion bonding technology specifically engineered to prevent the sole delamination issues that plagued older hiking boots. This construction method creates a stronger bond between upper and outsole.
Waterproof membrane keeps feet dry through puddles and wet grass. The wider platform provides stability on uneven ground without feeling bulky. Budget-conscious hikers get solid performance and comfort without premium pricing.
9. Oboz Bridger Mid Waterproof
Rocky, root-filled singletrack trails test boots in ways smooth paths never will. Oboz built the Bridger to handle punishment from jagged rocks and gnarly roots without falling apart. The O-Fit insole provides arch support that reduces foot fatigue on long days.
B-DRY waterproof membrane keeps moisture out while allowing sweat to escape. Trail runners transitioning to hiking boots appreciate the secure fit and responsive feel. Oboz’s reputation for durability means these boots often outlast their expected lifespan.
10. Hoka Anacapa 2 Mid GTX
Lightweight doesn’t have to mean flimsy, and this boot proves it. Hoka used recycled materials to build an environmentally friendlier option without sacrificing performance. The Vibram Megagrip outsole sticks to wet rocks and slick logs better than standard rubber compounds.
Gore-Tex waterproofing handles all-weather conditions from spring rain to fall sleet. Cushioning provides comfort without the extreme thickness of Hoka’s burlier models. Day hikers who rack up vertical gain appreciate how little these boots weigh during steep climbs.
11. La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX
Mountain runners who need more ankle protection should look at this trail-to-peak crossover. La Sportiva’s trail running expertise shows in the secure heel cup that locks your foot in place during steep descents. Aggressive lugs bite into loose dirt and scree that would send smoother soles sliding.
Gore-Tex keeps feet dry without adding excessive weight or bulk. The boot excels on mixed terrain where you’re scrambling one minute and hiking the next. Technical routes with exposure benefit from the precise control this design delivers.
12. Salomon Quest 4 GTX
Multi-day backpacking trips require boots that can handle 50-pound packs without turning your ankles into jelly. The Quest 4 features Salomon’s Advanced Chassis system that provides stability under heavy loads. This boot feels calm and controlled even when you’re tired and the trail gets rough.
Gore-Tex waterproofing protects against stream crossings and unexpected weather. The stiffer construction supports your feet through long miles of varied terrain. Serious backpackers trust this boot for extended wilderness trips where gear failure isn’t an option.
13. On Cloudrock 2 Waterproof
Swiss engineering meets trail performance in this surprisingly nimble boot. On’s CloudTec cushioning system absorbs impact while maintaining ground feel for precise foot placement. The locked-in fit prevents heel slip during steep descents that would cause blisters in looser boots.
Waterproof construction handles foul weather without adding unnecessary weight. Fast hikers who prefer light, responsive footwear appreciate how quickly these boots move. The updated version available from On’s website includes refinements based on feedback from the original model.
14. Columbia Newton Ridge Plus II Waterproof
Not everyone wants to spend $200 on their first pair of hiking boots. Columbia created an entry-level option that doesn’t sacrifice essential features like waterproofing and decent traction. The Newton Ridge handles casual to moderate trails without the premium price tag.
Omni-Grip outsole provides reliable traction on most surfaces except extreme technical terrain. Waterproof construction keeps feet dry during typical trail conditions. Beginners building their outdoor gear collection appreciate the value and performance balance this bestseller delivers.
15. Danner Mountain 600 Leaf GTX
Heritage boot styling meets modern comfort technology in this versatile design. Danner used recycled-content Gore-Tex to reduce environmental impact while maintaining waterproof performance. The Vibram Fuga Megagrip outsole provides excellent traction for day hikes and urban exploration alike.
Comfortable enough for travel and capable enough for trails, this boot transitions seamlessly between environments. The look appeals to hikers who want performance without sacrificing style. Day hikers and casual adventurers find the Mountain 600 hits a sweet spot between function and appearance.
16. Oboz Sawtooth X Mid Waterproof
Trail shoe wearers ready to upgrade to ankle support should consider this versatile option. Oboz designed the Sawtooth X as a do-most-things hiker that handles varied terrain without specializing in any one area. Firm support prevents ankle fatigue on longer hikes while maintaining enough flexibility for comfortable walking.
The confident outsole grips well across different surfaces from dirt to rock. Waterproof protection handles wet conditions without overheating on dry days. Hikers expanding their trail ambitions appreciate how this boot grows with their abilities.
17. adidas Terrex Free Hiker 2.0 GTX
Sneakerheads who hit the trails will appreciate the BOOST cushioning borrowed from adidas running shoes. The sock-like waterproof upper wraps your foot in a secure, comfortable embrace that feels more like athletic footwear than traditional hiking boots. This design excels on well-maintained trails and handles mixed city-to-trail adventures.
Gore-Tex keeps feet dry during wet weather without sacrificing breathability. The Continental rubber outsole provides grip on varied surfaces. Fast, light hikers who prefer modern athletic styling over classic boot aesthetics find this design appealing.
18. Altra Lone Peak ALL-WTHR Mid 2
Zero-drop devotees no longer have to choose between natural foot positioning and ankle coverage. Altra built this boot with their signature wide toe box that lets toes splay naturally with each step. The waterproof bootie keeps feet dry while maintaining the barefoot-inspired stride that Altra fans love.
Ankle coverage provides protection on rocky trails without restricting natural movement. The roomy fit accommodates foot swelling during long hikes better than narrow designs. Minimalist hikers seeking weather protection without abandoning natural biomechanics find their match here.
