Unearth The Voyage
As the leaves change color and temperatures drop, fall hiking brings both beauty and challenges to the trail. Wet conditions, slippery surfaces, and unpredictable weather make proper footwear essential for comfort and safety. Mid-height hiking shoes offer the perfect balance of ankle support and lightweight flexibility that autumn adventures demand.
1. Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof
Known as the “Mother of All Boots,” the Merrell Moab 3 lives up to its legendary reputation with instant trail comfort. No break-in period needed here!
The redesigned insole cradles your foot while the Air Cushion heel absorbs impact on rocky descents. When autumn rain turns the trail to mud, the waterproof membrane keeps your socks dry without sacrificing breathability.
Vibram TC5+ outsoles grip confidently on wet leaves and slick rocks. Weekend warriors and seasoned backpackers alike appreciate the Moab’s balance of durability, protection, and all-day wearability when fall conditions turn unpredictable.
2. Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX
Speed meets protection in Salomon’s nimble trail performer. The X Ultra 4 Mid GTX feels more like an athletic shoe than a traditional hiking boot, letting you move quickly through changing fall landscapes.
GORE-TEX waterproofing stands up to creek crossings and sudden showers without weighing you down. The Contagrip outsole features multidirectional lugs that bite into mud and wet surfaces with surprising tenacity.
Stability comes from Salomon’s Advanced Chassis system, which supports your foot on uneven terrain while still allowing natural movement. Fast-hikers covering serious mileage before winter arrives will appreciate this boot’s technical capabilities.
3. HOKA Anacapa 2 Mid GTX
Cloud-like cushioning meets eco-friendly design in HOKA’s distinctive mid-height offering. The moment you step into the Anacapa 2, that signature marshmallow-soft midsole welcomes tired feet with plush comfort.
Extended heel geometry creates a smooth rolling motion that reduces fatigue during long fall hikes. GORE-TEX waterproofing keeps autumn moisture at bay while recycled materials in the upper reflect HOKA’s sustainability commitment.
Trail grip comes from the Vibram Megagrip rubber compound that maintains traction even on wet, frost-covered surfaces. Hikers with joint issues particularly appreciate how the Anacapa’s cushioning absorbs impact on those longer, cooler autumn adventures.
4. Altra Lone Peak ALL-WTHR Mid 2
Revolutionary foot freedom defines these trail-ready mids from the zero-drop pioneers at Altra. Your toes spread naturally in the FootShape toe box, creating better balance and comfort as you navigate autumn’s challenging terrain.
The zero-drop platform encourages proper alignment and natural stride even when the trail turns technical. Waterproof protection comes via a seam-sealed bootie that keeps feet dry through puddles and light rain without the stiffness of traditional hiking boots.
Altra’s MaxTrac outsole with TrailClaw lugs grips confidently on wet rocks and mud. Trail runners transitioning to hiking and natural movement enthusiasts find these boots perfectly suited for fall’s variable conditions.
5. KEEN Targhee IV Mid Waterproof
Rugged reliability has made the Targhee a favorite among hikers who value comfort in challenging conditions. The roomy toe box accommodates thicker fall socks without squeezing, while the leather upper molds to your foot over time.
KEEN.DRY membrane technology blocks moisture while allowing vapor to escape, keeping feet comfortable when temperatures fluctuate. The ESS shank provides stability for carrying moderate loads over varied terrain.
All-terrain rubber outsoles with 4mm multidirectional lugs maintain grip on slippery autumn surfaces. Particularly beloved by hikers with wider feet, the Targhee IV offers dependable performance when fall trails demand versatility and protection without excessive weight.
6. adidas Terrex Swift R3 Mid GTX
Athletic performance meets mountain-ready protection in these technical trail boots. The Continental rubber outsole—inspired by high-performance car tires—delivers exceptional grip on wet autumn surfaces where other boots might slip.
GORE-TEX waterproofing keeps feet dry through stream crossings and unexpected downpours. The Promoderator technology in the midsole adds torsional stability when carrying heavier packs over rough terrain.
Despite their robust protection, these boots maintain a relatively lightweight feel. Urban hikers venturing into more demanding fall terrain appreciate how the Swift R3 combines adidas’ athletic DNA with serious trail credentials for those days when conditions demand confidence with every step.
7. Oboz Bridger Mid Waterproof
Montana-tough design meets all-day comfort in these trail-ready performers. The Bridger’s nubuck leather upper offers exceptional durability while developing a personalized fit over time—perfect for those committed to extending hiking season through fall.
B-DRY waterproofing handles puddles, stream crossings, and unexpected showers with confidence. The O-FIT insole system provides three layers of support that maintain comfort even after miles on challenging terrain.
Granite Peak outsoles feature deep, winterized rubber lugs that shed mud and grip confidently on wet surfaces. Especially popular among hikers who tackle technical trails with loaded packs, the Bridger delivers serious protection without the bulk and weight of a traditional backpacking boot.
8. The North Face VECTIV Fastpack Mid FUTURELIGHT
Trail innovation meets weather protection in this technologically advanced speed hiker. The VECTIV plate technology—borrowed from running shoes—provides forward propulsion and stability that helps conserve energy during long fall day hikes.
FUTURELIGHT membrane offers nanospun waterproofing that breathes exceptionally well during temperature swings common in autumn. The rockered midsole design promotes natural forward motion while reducing fatigue on longer adventures.
Surface Control rubber grips confidently on wet rocks and roots when fall conditions turn slippery. Fast and light hikers covering significant distances in variable weather particularly appreciate how these boots combine running shoe responsiveness with the protection and waterproofing needed for unpredictable fall conditions.
