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The Best Hiking Boot

Last updated on August 14, 2020

We looked at the top 11 Hiking Boots and dug through the reviews from 85 of the most popular review sites including and more. The result is a ranking of the best Hiking Boots.

Best Hiking Boot

Our Review Process

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If you like exploring scenic terrain, wandering through forest trails or just going for long walks in the wilderness, it’s important to have a good pair of hiking books. This kind of footwear is designed to protect your feet and ankles during your hike, ensuring you don’t get injured. The construction of hiking boots makes it easy to walk over rough and uneven terrain. They are stiff around the ankles, which can help to prevent sprains.

There are three main types of hiking boots, each designed for a specific kind of hiking, with their own benefits and features. Hiking shoes are low cut and are perfect for day hiking. They have flexible midsoles and will work for long-distance journeys. Day hiking boots, on the other hand, are mid- to high-cut. They work for all-day hiking trips or multiple-day backpacking trips. They are flexible and easy to break in. Backpacking boots are the most durable of the three options and are designed for multi-day trips with a heavier backpack in the backcountry. They are cut high above the ankles so they provide added support. They have stuff midsoles so they work well for off-trail travel. Be sure to consider what kind of hiking you do most when selecting your hiking boots.

The fit of your hiking boots is important for your safety and comfort. If your boots are too big or too small, you’ll have trouble enjoying your hike, and blisters could even cause you to cut it short. Make sure you look at the sizing chart before you buy and measure your feet accordingly. Try your boots on at the end of the day, which is when they are their largest size due to normal swelling. Be sure to wear socks that prevent moisture build-up, which leads to blisters.  Break in your hiking boots long before your first trip on the trails to ensure your feet don’t get sore during your hike.

Our Picks For The Top Hiking Boots

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Product Overview
Our Take
  Best for Bad Weather

Timberland Men’s White Ledge Waterproof Ankle Hiking Boot

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Timberland

Men's White Ledge Waterproof Hiking Boot

These 100% leather boots offer excellent durability, while the rubber soles provide traction to ensure you don’t slip on wet trails. The seam-sealed waterproof construction means you don’t have to worry about wet feet. The rust-proof speed-lace hardware with hooks ensure your laces are secure.

Overall Take

Durable ShoesThis is a durable and waterproof option for those who explore the outdoors in any weather.

  Best for Hot Feet

Columbia Women’s Newton Ridge Plus Waterproof Hiking Boot

Columbia

Women's Newton Ridge Plus Waterproof Boot

These waterproof boots provide breathability and comfort. The lightweight midsole offers superior cushioning and high-energy return. The hook-and-loop closure system makes it easy to get the perfect snug fit.

Overall Take

Breathable Mesh Textile/Leather UppersThese boots provide comfort during both casual and strenuous hikes.

  We Also Like

KEEN Men’s Targhee 2 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot

KEEN

Men's Targhee 2 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot

This lightweight choice has a stiff shank, aggressive tread and excellent toe cap protection, but does not require much time to break in. Plus, they are highly breathable, so you can wear them in the warmer months. These work well for those with wide feet.

Overall Take

Minimal Break-In PeriodThese nubuck leather waterproof boots are sturdy and comfortable without a long break-in time.

  Strong Contender

Salomon Men’s Quest 4D Hiking Boot

Salomon

Men's Quest 4D Hiking Boot

These lightweight boots have durable construction and are perfect for day hikes. The lug pattern on the soles ensures that you don’t slip. Plus, this boot also offers protection for technical trails.

Overall Take

Legendary Speedcross Lug PatternThis rubber sole and unique lug pattern eats up soft, technical trails with ease.

  Also Great

Merrell Men’s Moab 2 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot

Merrell

Men's Moab 2 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot

These comfortable boots can be worn right out of the box without much break-in time, and they have a cushioned collar and tongue, plus a highly supportive footbed. The air cushion in the heel absorbs shock and adds stability. There is also extra protection in the toe cap.

Overall Take

Strong Arch and Ankle SupportThese boots ensure your feet are well supported during long hikes on rough terrain.

Don't just take for granted what one reviewer says. Along with our own experts, Simplemost analyzes the top expert reviews of the leading products and generates a score you can actually trust.
18

Products Considered

We identified the majority of the hiking boots available to purchase.
11

Products Analyzed

We then selected the leading and most popular products for our team to review.

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85

Expert Reviews Included

In addition to our expert reviews, we also incorporate feedback and analysis of some of the most respected sources.

64,904

User Opinions Analyzed

We also incorporate user reviews from the leading retailers including

The Best Bang For Your Buck

Columbia Women’s Newton Ridge Plus Waterproof Hiking Boot

Our Total Score

9.4

Our Take

These waterproof boots provide breathability and comfort. The lightweight midsole offers superior cushioning and high-energy return. The hook-and-loop closure system makes it easy to get the perfect snug fit.

What to Look For

  • One of the most important elements to consider when buying hiking boots is durability. Hiking boots handle rough terrain and weather and need to be strong enough to last through it all. The uppers of the boots, which is the material the boot is made out of on the outside, impact their durability, water resistance, weight and other factors like breathability. The most durable material for uppers is full-grain leather, which is commonly used in hiking boots. It’s perfect for those who want to go on multi-day trips through rugged terrain. However, it’s not as light or breathable as nylon or split-grain leather. Keep in mind that with leather hiking boots, you need a long time to break them in, so don’t buy them right before your hiking trip.
  • Synthetic uppers, which can be made from nylon or polyester, are lighter than leather and don’t require as long to break in. However, they are not as durable, though they do dry faster than leather. Keep this in mind if you frequent wet trails.
  • When you’re walking on rough terrain, you want to ensure that your feet have the support you need to stay comfortable. The midsoles, or the cushioning, affect how stiff your boots are. Opt for stiffer boots for long hikes on uneven terrain. This way, you’ll get more stability.
  • Be sure to take a look at the outsoles. You want to make sure they have enough grip so you don’t slip on the trails when they are wet. The lug pattern is what provides traction on the soles; in general, the deeper the lugs, the better the grip. If you frequent muddy trails, then look for widely spaced lugs, which will shed the mud more quickly.

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