Best 15 Hiking Boots Of 2024

I know a few superb hiking boots which will be excellent for your needs. These boots are some of the finest that I am aware of that can protect your feet from mud, pain and other annoyances. These boots have plenty of positive reviews which is why I am also recommending them. These items are amazing and worth every penny which is why I usually strongly recommend them. You are likely to be happy with your purchase and I know that simply because these hiking boots down below are made of high quality materials.

Best Hiking Boots – Quick Chart

How To Choose A Pair Of Hiking Boots

Types Of Outdoor Footwear For Hiking The Trails

There are many ways to classify shoes. If you look at the sporting good store, there will be shoes for basketball, tennis, running, cross training and so on. There are shoes for going to town, going to clubs, going dancing, and etc. The point is, our feet require a lot of comfort for different tasks. The more comfortable our feet or the more comfortable we are, the better we can perform. It is the same for hiking. There are many classification of shoes for hiking because the terrain varies significantly and the weather varies also. Not to mention that people like to rock scramble which also requires that the shoes have traction.

Hiking Shoes

Hiking shoes are often low cut shoes with flexible midsoles. They are often used for hikes that are not that strenuous. They are meant for short hikes and where the hiker is not carrying a lot of weight. The shoes will often look like trail running shoes or simply a low cut version of hiking boots. They are generaly made out of textile with leather, suede, or synthetic reinforcements. These materials provide support and provide protection against abrasions. These often have the best breathability out of all the types of hiking or trekking shoes out there. If you are going on a hike with warm or sunny weather and will not go through a lot of mud or water then these types of trekking shoes are a good idea to use.

Hiking Boots

Hiking boots offer more protection and support the hiking shoes. I would definitely recommend hiking boots rather than hiking shoes for your trekking needs. I often trip and land on the side of my foot. These types of accidents put a lot of stress on the ankles. Without the support of hiking boots, I would have had so many injuries already. Hiking boots are meant for tougher terrain, longer hikes, and where the hiker is carrying moderate amount of weight on his pack. If you are a beginner hiker that tends to have rolled ankles then I highly recommend these types of hiking gear.

Backpacking Boots

Backpacking boots are the taller version of hiking boots. They are meant for serious hikers who are going to hike for multiple days, variable rough terrain, and carrying a heavy load. They provide lots of support and protection for the feet and ankles. One of the drawbacks however will be the weight of these shoes. They will have a higher weight which means the hiker will use more energy with every step. However, it is just a small price to pay for being able to be comfortable on different types of weather and terrain. If you are going to be hiking for 3 or more days then I highly recommend having one of these trekking gear.

Mountaineering Boots

Most of us are not going to need mountaineering boots. Unless you are planning on ice climbing, crossing glaciers, winter hiking, or any tough terrain then you will need mountaineering boots. However, for most people, we are just interested in trekking boots that are meant for day hikes that last 6 to 8 miles. Most people are just weekend warriors or weekend hikers. We do not need mountaineering boots to hike 6 to 8 miles most of the time. It will just be overkill. These types of shoes are also very heavy. It will most likely deter us or make the hike harder rather than easier.

Common Hiking Boot Features To Look For

Waterproof

One of the things I first check is whether the trekking boots are waterproof. I check this first before I even check the price. I often find bodies of water such as rivers, streams and etc. in my hiking trails. There is nothing more annoying than my socks getting wet or water getting inside my shoes. It is just not very comfortable. I would rather avoid it by buying gear that are waterproof. It can ruin my hike and deny me some enjoyment. It will be the same for you. Wet feet will not be fun for anyone while hiking 6 to 8 miles.

Traction

I love to rock scramble. It is for this reason that I often buy trekking boots that have lots of traction. It is very hard to rock scramble and do bouldering on steep cliffs without a comfortable hiking shoe. However, traction is also useful for a lot of things. There are many cases when the trail is going downhill. You can hurt yourself if you slip or trip. There are many cases when I hike with other people and they slip easily while hiking on a downward slope. This can be easily avoided if you have trekking gear that have traction.

Insulation

If you are going winter hiking or going on a trail filled with snow, it is a wise decision to use boots with insulation. Boots with proper insulation will keep your feet warm and comfortable. If your feet do not get proper warmth, it may get frostbite and the hospital may have to chop it off.

Crampon Compatible

If you are planning to hike during the winter or on a trail filled with snow, then you will often have to use crampons. The snow can melt and become very slippery. It is for this reason that you will need to have more traction on your boots so that you do not slip and fall. Some boots cannot handle crampons. They are not compatible.

Comfort

Comfort is the main reason we need to buy trekking boots. We can avoid blisters, abrasions, wounds and injured ankles with trekking boots. We can be very comfortable hiking 8+ miles with good gear. If our feet gets a blister, wound, wet or anything uncomfortable, it is the start of a not very fun hiking experience. Comfort is one of the things we should always consider. Our feet must be very comfortable while walking for prolonged periods of time.

Price

The price of the boots is very important. There are lots of boots to choose from ranging from affordable ones to $400 ones. Seriously, if you are just doing day hikes every weekend, you do not need a very expensive pair of boots. I hike a lot, and the boots that I have are really worth $100. Most people I see have boots that are around $50. They don’t really hike that much so that is good.

Durability

It is important that you get boots that are very durable. Durable boots will allow you to save money since you really only need 1 pair for years to come. You don’t need to keep replacing your boots every time there is a new model. As long the boots have traction, they feel comfortable then you can still use them. It is important that your boots are durable so that you do not need to replace or repair them for a long time.

Style / Color

Style and color would be the last thing you will have to consider. Most boots are pretty good looking. They are not going to be neon colored or cheap looking. After you have considered everything then you should pick the style and color that you want. Keep in mind that certain colors tend to cost more.

Hiking Boots Upper Construction

Full Grain Leather

Full grain leather boots are very durable and sturdy. They can handle a lot of punishment and they work well. The leather is very abrasion resistant and offer a lot of water repellent capabilities. One of the drawbacks is that you will have to spend more time breaking in your boots. Full grain leather is heavy as well and not that breathable. So they are not very good for hiking very fast.

Split Grain Leather

This material is very good for trail runners. This material is very light in weight and offer great breathability. The boot or shoe will often have a nylon mesh to allow more air to get into and out of the item. This material is not that waterproof but companies tend to put a waterproof liner to make their boots repel water. This material is rather cheap to produce so the shoes and boots are very cheap as well.

Nubuck Leather

Nubuck leather is the buff down version of full grain leather. This material looks like suede. This offers amazing water repellent and abrasion resistant capabilities. This material is more flexible than full grain leather. This is a great material that you will often see in a lot of hiking boots.

Synthetics

Synthetic material can be polyester, nylon, PU and synthetic leather. This material can be a combination of anything. Synthetics are very cheap and inexpensive so the boots are often inexpensive as well. One of the drawbacks is that this material absorbs water rather than repelling it which means that companies will often put a waterproof liner or membrane to make the boots waterproof. Synthetics are pretty popular due to their low price and that they are also very light in weight.

Waterproof Membranes

Waterproof membranes are added to make the boots waterproof. The fabric is made out of Gore-Tex, eVent or some other technology or fabric. These membranes will make the boots repel water and keep the feet dry while hiking.

Hiking Boots Midsole

The midsole is the part of the boots that offer cushioning, absorbs shocks and stability to the feet.

Ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA)

EVA is a type of foam that is commonly found in running shoes and lightweight hiking shoes. EVA is very soft and offer a lot of cushioning. There are varying thickness and layers of EVA. The softer the EVA, the more comfort it will bring to the feet but the faster it will break down. The denser the EVA, the more support it will provide and not breakdown easily as well.

Polyurethane (PU)

Polyurethane provides more support and lasts longer than EVA. This is a very dense and very stiff material so they are often seen in backpacking and mountaineering boots. This material is rather heavy also so boots with this midsole will often be very heavy. This is great for hikers and backpackers who carry a lot of weight.

Plates

Plates provide protection and support against rocks, debris, roots, small pebbles and uneven terrain. These are often found in trail running shoes and not boots. They give the shoes more protection.

Shanks

Shanks protect the heal and arch of the foot. They stiffen the midsole and vary in length depending on the size of the boots as well. Shanks are great for backpackers and hikers that go through very rocky and rough terrain. These are often seen in trail running and hiking shoes.

What Are Insoles?

Factory insoles are made out of EVA and they provide protection and comfort to the hiker’s feet. There are also third party providers that sell insoles. You can take out the insole of your shoes or boots and replace them with a new one. There are lots of insoles from different companies and these insoles often provide more comfort to the feet than the factory made ones.

What Are Outsoles?

The outsole of the shoe or boot is the part that makes contact with the terrain or ground. Different boots will have different designs of outsoles. The better the design, the more traction it will provide. Outsoles are often made out of rubber and the softer the rubber, the more traction it will provide. However, softer rubber will also disintegrate faster.

Lugs or Cleats

Lugs or cleats provide additional traction to the boots or shoes. They look like teeth that are often in front of the shoe but they can also be placed all over the shoe. It depends on the activity. This is very common in soccer shoes and rugby shoes. They provide additional traction and allows the shoes to shake off mud easily as well.

Heel Brake

A heel brake is a raised heel zone. This feature provides a lot of stopping power to the boots or shoes. It is a great feature for people that often face steep descents. A great way to stop the forward momentum and keep yourself from falling. This will prevent slips and falls to give the user more control.

Best Hiking Boots

Here are some amazing hiking boots that provide a lot of comfort and traction. All product links are affiliate links.

1. Salomon Men’s X Ultra 3 Mid GTX Hiking

Technical Specs
Material: Textile / Nubuck Leather
Waterproof: GORE-TEX waterproof protection
Sole: High Traction Contagrip® sole
Traction: High
Feature Summary: Waterproof hiking boots: whether you are hitting the trails or looking for a solid work shoe, designed for maximum traction on all terrains, efficiently tackles technical hikes and really shines during tough descents

Short Review: One important thing I understand for sure is that this pair of hiking boots is extremely amazing. This features Descent Control Technology that efficiently tackles technical hikes and really shines during tough descents, even in wet conditions. This is extra durable, waterproof, mid hiking boots are designed for maximum traction on all terrains. Salomon is an amazing company that creates very high quality boots and shoes for hiking and other outdoor adventures. This one is very durable and waterproof. It can handle mud and keep your feet dry while walking on a pool of water. The traction is pretty good also and can handle steep rock inclines that are pretty smooth. I think this is amazing and I love it.

2. KEEN Men’s Targhee II Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot

Technical Specs
Material: Waterproof Nubuck Leather
Waterproof: Yes
Sole: Rubber sole
Traction: High
Feature Summary: Low-profile upper with ghillie lacing for comfort and secure fit, four-wheel-drive performance for your feet, shoe is revamped with the keen, dry waterproof breathable membrane to keep your feet dry and comfortable

Short Review: If you are searching for an awesome pair of outdoor boots, then this is a good choice to try. This features all-terrain rubber outsole that provides high traction grip in muddy environments and on rocky surfaces. This also comes with external support shank and mid cut height adds ankle support and balance on uneven surfaces. The boots are very comfortable and it feels good to hike with after several hours and miles. I recommend this amazing pair of boots and I know that you will love using this too. This received numerous good reviews because of the price and its quality. You will be content getting this item because this is very durable and comfortable.

3. Asolo Men’s Fugitive GTX Hiking Boots

Technical Specs
Material: Suede leather and Cordura nylon upper i
Waterproof: Water Resistant
Sole: Asolo Syncro rubber outsole
Traction: High
Feature Summary: Ideal choice for light hikers and trekkers who demand lightweight and comfort with a snappy design, Duo Asoflex midsole in which two elements are melted together to improve comfort and performance, anti pronation, anti supination and anti torsion

Short Review: This pair of hiking boots is unbelievable and I know you will love it when you try it. This is constructed of a stiff material benefits anti pronation, anti supination and anti torsion and also constructed with a softer material offers shock absorption while walking. Asolo makes pretty good outdoor items and this one is an amazing pair of boots from them. I can only say great things concerning this item mainly because I have no issues about it. This is made out of high quality materials and it feels good to hike with. The usefulness and comfort this brings to the feet and for hiking purposes is amazing which is why I highly recommend this. The only drawback is that this item is very expensive so you will end paying a lot if you want this item.

4. Lowa Men’s Camino GTX Hiking Boot

Technical Specs
Material: Leather and synthetic
Waterproof: GORE-TEX waterproof construction
Sole: Synthetic sole
Traction: High
Feature Summary: Shaft measures approximately 6.5″ from arch, Supination-Pronation System helps reduce or prevent over-pronation and supination, x-Lacing with pressure-distributing tongue stud

Short Review: I like using this pair of hiking boots and I know that you will too. This is constructed out of GORE-TEX which gives it waterproof capabilities and makes this breathable also. Comes with supination-Pronation System helps reduce or prevent over-pronation and supination. This has a marvelous structure and great quality. I knew that a great deal of people will really like this mainly because of how comfortable this feels on the feet. How refreshing it is to have something that works as terrific as it looks. This is pretty waterproof also which makes it ideal for different terrains and for different weather. The only drawback is that this is pretty expensive.

5. Columbia Men’s Newton Ridge Plus II Suede Waterproof Hiking

Technical Specs
Material: Full-grain leather and mesh
Waterproof: Yes
Outsole: Rubber sole
Traction: High
Feature Summary: Durable midsole for long lasting comfort, superior cushioning, and high energy, comfortable and worry-free with this boot’s waterproof full-grain leather and mesh bootie construction, durable mesh tongue for breathability

Short Review: If you’re looking for an unbelievable pair of hiking boots then you will want to look at this. This is constructed out of PU-coated leather, suede, and mesh upper provides long-lasting durability and breathability and comes with waterproof seam-sealed construction keeps out the wet elements for a dry foot environment. This is one of the finest I have tried, hands down. I’ve tried many. I like that this is very affordable. Most of the boots I have listed are twice or even four times the price of this one. If you just hike once a week or once every two weeks then this item is great for you. The lovely and flexible design is among the reasons why this item has a considerable amount of positive customer feedback. Aesthetically, I have discovered this to be extremely good. It is both wonderful to the eyes while also being extremely sturdy.

6. Vasque Men’s Breeze 2.0 Gore-Tex Waterproof Hiking Boot

Technical Specs
Material: Leather
Waterproof: Goretex waterproof
Sole: Synthetic sole
Traction: High
Feature Summary: Very durable and made to last, material is high quality, Vasque’s most breathable hiking boot with abrasion-resistant air mesh panels

Short Review: If you wish to get an exceptional pair of hiking boots then you need to try this out. This is Vasque’s most breathable hiking boot with abrasion-resistant air mesh panels. Vasque has a lot of boots and footwear that are very good for the outdoors and for casually going out. Comes with GORE-TEX with Extended Comfort Technology for breathable waterproof protection. This works very well and it has a whole lot of the things that I am looking for. The company is pretty good considering that they always create amazing items like this one. This is waterproof, great for muds, and similar types of terrain plus this is incredibly good and worth every penny.

7. Salewa Men’s Mountain Trainer Mid GTX Alpine Trekking Boot

Technical Specs
Material: Leather
Waterproof: Yes
Sole: Synthetic sole
Traction: High
Feature Summary: Extended comfort lining for optimal waterproofing and breathability, water is kept on the outside, while perspiration can easily escape from the inside, suede leather and stretch fabric upper with a protective pu-coated rand

Short Review: This pair of hiking boots is among the best that I have ever tried. This features breathable Gore-Tex liner allows your feet to stay comfortable in changing weather conditions. This includes a lightweight Vibram sole and the new dual-density Bilight Technology midsole offer increased comfort during travel in mixed and technical terrain.  A whole lot of the materials used to create this item are really high quality which is why this is pretty durable. This is somewhat expensive though and the company is pretty good but not that popular. I am happy that it did. This is very comfortable, a little bit more room on the toes that I expected though. Overall, the boots are very good.

8. NORTIV 8 Men’s Waterproof Hiking Boots

Technical Specs
Material: Waterproof leather
Waterproof: Yes
Sole: Rubber Sole
Traction: High
Feature Summary: Men hiking boots features waterproof leather and waterproof membrane construction, upper use soft suede leather material which is comfortable and durable, slip & abrasion resistant and flexible response to various outdoor terrain

Short Review: You will surely love and make use of this pair of boots for hiking on a regular basis. This is constructed out of premium water-resistant mesh fabric and leather upper and has high traction lug rubber outsole and EVA midsole. This is made out of leather that is both very durable and very waterproof also. This incredible company consistently develop superb items and I continue to recommend them. This is one of those items that can provide comfort to the feet while on a hiking trip plus the price tag is also rather low. I am shocked at the effectiveness of this item. The materials that are used in this item are pretty high quality but the price does not reflect that. If you just go hiking once every two months then this is a good pair to have.

9. Merrell Men’s Moab 2 Vent Mid Hiking Boot

Technical Specs
Material: Leather and Textile
Waterproof: Yes
Sole: Synthetic sole
Traction: High
Feature Summary: Bellows, closed-cell foam tongue keeps moisture and debris out ;Merrell air cushion in the heel absorbs shock and adds stability, blended EVA contoured foot bed with added zonal arch and heel support

Short Review: This pair of boots for hiking is among the finest that you can obtain. This is constructed out of pigskin leather and mesh upper and features kinetic Fit ADVANCED removable contoured insole with reinforced heel cushioning for medium support. The low price is one of the things I love about this boot. The weight is very light which is great so that we can have more energy while in the outdoors. This also features Merrell Air Cushion in the heel that absorbs shock and adds stability. Hiking is a lot more fun if you have a good item like this because this is very comfortable on the feet. The simple fact that this is extremely high quality allowed this boot to become extremely popular.

10. Hi-Tec Men’s Bandera Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot

Technical Specs
Material: Leather/Textile
Waterproof: Yes
Sole: Rubber Sole
Traction: High
Feature Summary: Lace-up hiking boot featuring suede overlays, striped nylon straps, and logo on tongue/heel, removable molded insole, traction rubber cupsole

Short Review: Another thing I understand for certain is that this pair of hiking boots is pretty good. This features Dri-Tec waterproof membrane ensures that your feet will stay dry and secure lacing system with rustproof hardware for a secure fit. This comes with oft fabric linings and waterproof Suede and textile uppers. You can certainly see why lots of people really like this item if you read through the positive customer reviews. The item is pretty stable on most terrain and it is also very breathable which means it will let odor and sweat evaporate. The material is very lightweight which is why this is good for the outdoors. A very versatile item that gives lots of usefulness while in the outdoors which is why I highly recommend this. The price is also pretty decent. It is not too expensive and even on the affordable side.