Best Hiking Boots – a Complete Buyer’s Guide

If you prefer your hiking experience to be blister and hot-spot-free then it’s important to invest in a decent pair of footwear. These days the best hiking boots have become quite technical in their construction and you’re unlikely to find a one-size-fits-all solution.

Good news though is that if you choose the best hiking shoe for the specific kind of trekking you’ll be doing, then those built-in bits of shoe technology really come to the fore. We listed below options for waterproof boots, gore-tex hiking shoes, Columbia hiking boots, and more.

Hiking Footwear: Reviews

Salomon Men’s Quest 4D 3 GTX Hiking Boot

At a Glance

These are terrific all-around best hiking boots that offer the stability and support you get from a solidly built hiking boot without excess weight.

Uppers are made from a mix of suede leather and nylon mesh and are very durable. The abrasion-resistant lining combines with the Gore-Tex to give you a shoe that breathes well, is waterproof, and dries quickly.

We like the quality lacing system and the lace anchors on the ankles make it easy to get a snug fit. While the uppers are attractive, it’s the chassis that sets this boot apart from the rest.

Molded EVA insole borrows technology from running shoes to give good stability and cushioning in a lightweight hiking boot. We’d wear them “as is” because there’s no need to swap out the insoles for something like SuperFeet.

These best hiking boots for mountain treks require little to no breaking in and feel comfy right from the start.

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Asolo Men’s Fugitive Gtx Hiking Boots

At a Glance

If you need a hiking boot that will survive the harshest trails while carrying a heavy pack, then these are a great option. The hiking shoes with the best traction for slippery trails will keep you on your feet.

Both the mid and outsoles are thick and offer excellent isolation from anything underfoot. The upper is made from 1.8mm suede, leather, and high-tenacity nylon fabric with a well-protected rubber toecap.

All of this combines to produce a seriously tough shoe, but you pay the price in the weight department. Altogether, they weigh in at 3 lbs. 2 oz, making them heavier options. These hiking boots are really comfortable, but they are designed for heavyweight hiking, so be prepared for a stiff sole.

If you’re on a long ascent with a heavy pack, you’ll be grateful for that extra support, though. These heavy-duty hiking boots will last for ages, but you’ll need a lighter pair for your day hikes.

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KEEN Men’s Targhee III Hiking Shoe

At a Glance

This is a great shoe for lightweight hiking boots and is attractive enough to wear as an everyday casual or work shoe. Also, if you have wide feet, Keen’s makes these in both regular and wide sizing.

The proprietary Keen. Dry waterproof tech does a good job of keeping the water out while offering good breathability. Soles offer decent grip but the shoe doesn’t have the kind of stability that you get from the more expensive footwear.

They’re great for light hiking but if you’re hiking with a heavy pack you’re going to want a shoe with more support. That being said, for this budget-friendly price you get a very comfortable hiking shoe with quality leather uppers.

If you’re looking for some protection from rolling your ankle but aren’t keen on a boot then the mid-ankle support that the Targhee offers is ideal.

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Salomon Men’s X Ultra Mid 3 GTX Multifunctional Hiking Boot

At a Glance

Just by looking at these hiking boots, you can tell that they’ve been built for speed. It’s as if they took a trail running shoe and turned it into a hiking boot.

These are the lightweight hiking boots at 15.8oz, that we reviewed and were highly flexible. If you’re packing light and moving fast, then these are the hiking boots you want to be wearing. Despite the lightweight design, you still get proper ankle support and good toe protection.

Overall, the soles offer pretty good grip (we prefer Vibram), but the reduced weight means that they don’t provide the kind of underfoot protection that you get from heavier hiking boots.

Mid boots have a fantastic snug fit and are comfortable straight out of the box. If you wear thicker hiking socks, then we’d go a half size up.

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Columbia Men’s Newton Ridge Plus II Waterproof Hiking Boot

These leather hiking boots are a great option if you’re looking for a quality boot at a budget-friendly price. It’s well put together with mostly PU-coated leather and suede, giving it a premium look and feel.

Seam-sealed construction offers outstanding waterproof performance, but the mostly leather construction doesn’t breathe well. This makes the Columbia Newton Ridge Plus II Waterproof Hiking boots ideally suited for hiking in cooler temperatures.

The lightweight midsole, tongue, and padded collar contribute to a very comfortable fit, but the ankle support isn’t great. If you’re on a budget and want a shoe that works for a moderate day hike and an everyday work shoe, then these are great.

Also, when you’re hitting more formidable trails for longer hikes, you’ll need to spend a little more and go for the Targhee.

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Lowa Men’s Renegade GTX Mid Hiking Boot

At a Glance

If you’re looking for the closest thing to an all-around hiking boot, then the Lowa Renegade is hard to beat.

You get the underfoot isolation and stability that you get from heavyweight hiking boots but with the low weight of lightweight hiking boots. To achieve the lower weight, they’ve used thinner leather which does impact the durability.

These are incredibly comfortable shoes, though. Thinner leather means that there’s minimal break-in period, so they’re ready to go straight out of the box. Lowa Renegade GTX Mid Hiking boot does have a Vibram outsole, so you can expect the bottoms to go the distance.

The thinner leather upper also means that while it’s a waterproof boot, it still breathes a little better than a thicker leather boot, keeping your feet dry.

If you want a boot that is relatively rigid but light, then this is a great option.

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KEEN Men’s Ridge Flex Mid-Hiking Boot

The midsole has a full-length shank but still offers some flex from the toes to the arch, with the rest of the sole feeling reasonably rigid. Newly launched, Keen combined their trusted Targhee waterproof hiking boots with the KEEN. BELLOWS FLEX technology to reduce the energy each step takes and made the Ridge Flex Mid Height Hiking Boot.

This is a very comfortable shoe with a wide toe box that offers plenty of room for wider feet. Additionally, it has speed-lacing webbing for you to customize the snugness of the leather and mesh upper. The construction is top quality, and the fact that they’ve gone for leather and performance mesh uppers means these best hiking boots will last.

Despite the rugged build, they only require 2 or 3 miles to break in and feel far more comfortable than their rugged appearance suggests. The outsole is made of KEEN.ALL-TERRAIN rubber outsole for higher-traction grip. Also, this waterproof boot incorporates a pro-biotic-based technology called the Eco Anti-Odor, which breaks down the odor in sweat so your hiking boots don’t smell.

On the whole, the Keen Dry membrane does offer some breathability in combination with its leather upper and KEEN.ALL-TERRAIN rubber outsole for higher-traction grip means these hiking boots can handle multiple terrain conditions.

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Vasque Men’s Breeze WT GTX Waterproof Hiking Boot

At a Glance

The Breeze in the title is a nod to the fact that these best hiking boots offer one of the better breathability performances we’ve seen from a leather boot.

Breeze WT GTX is a winter hiking boot with integrated mesh panels, 200g insulation, and Gore-Tex is a 3-season shoe that can take you into 4,000-foot peaks in 10-degree weather. What’s more, the mesh inserts are key to achieving good breathability but if you do any bushwhacking they do tend to accumulate burrs.

Some best hiking boots we’ve seen have had issues with brittle shoelace clasps at the top of the boot so we were happy to see that Vasque has used sturdy clasps with rivets that go all the way through the leather.

These hiking boots were comfy pretty much out of the box but you may need longer laces since we couldn’t double knot ours.

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Merrell Men’s Moab 2 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot

At a Glance

Merrell says that the “Moab” in the name stands for Mother Of All Boots. If by that they mean that like mom, these make you feel comfy, are very supportive, and keep going no matter what then they’ve got it spot on.

As we’ve come to expect from Merrell these are very comfy and need little to no breaking in. If you have high arches then you’ll especially appreciate the great arch support the midsole offers.

Vibram outer sole has a good grip and performs well in rugged and irregular terrain. The construction isn’t as durable as some of the more expensive shoes we’ve reviewed but it’s a great durable hiking boot for rough terrain, especially for the price.

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Columbia Men’s North Plains II Hiking Shoe

At a Glance

Columbia has used their patented Techlite midsole to create a hiking shoe that has excellent cushioning with high energy return. This means that even after a long time on the trail you keep getting great support without having your feet bottom out and feeling what’s under the sole.

These shoes have great flex and are great for covering ground in a hurry. The mix of quality leather with mesh and fabric offers good durability while maintaining its lightweight nature and breathability.

The construction incorporates a seam-sealed membrane bootie so your feet will keep fairly dry even if you briefly hit a stream or two. Just don’t expect too much in the way of waterproof performance.

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How to Choose Footwear for Hiking

Choosing the right hiking boot comes down to the material, weight, and comfort of the shoe. The material and weight of the shoe dictates the construction and features you’re going to get and the optimal choice comes down to the type of activity you’ll be engaging in.

And also, the comfort you’ll achieve is determined by correct sizing and again, matching the shoe to the activity and terrain. In general, you’ll be choosing between three main styles:

Hiking shoes

These are the kinds of hiking shoes vs trail runners or ultralight hikers will use. They’re lightweight with flexible midsoles.

Though not particularly water resistant but they are highly breathable. These shoes have a low-cut design which offers less ankle support but allows for higher mobility.

Day Hiking Boots

Mid-weight hiking boots are better suited to short to medium-length trips where you’ll be carrying a light pack. They come with either a mid or high ankle and a midsole that is a little stiffer but still has good flex.

This results in more support for multiple angles that tougher terrain presents as well as support for the pack weight you’re carrying. These best hiking boots will often incorporate waterproof breathable inner membranes.

What about Trail Running Shoes?

Trail runners (trail running shoes) can be a good option if you’re hiking in easy terrain. The advantage is that these aren’t too heavy, and feel more like an ordinary trainer or running shoe, but are often waterproof and provide a decent sole.

If you aren’t running, but still want something waterproof and lightweight, it’s worth taking a look in the trail runner section, before making your final choice.

Backpacking Boots

These heavier-weight, high-cut trekking boots are designed for rougher terrain and long-distance backpacking trips with a heavy pack. They are mostly all-leather and are waterproof boots rather than just water-resistant.

Most of the best boots in this category will have stiff Vibram soles offering more traction, stability, and durability. The base of these outsoles are also wider than those found in lighter hiking shoes and boots. This results in better stability and weight distribution to transfer the heavier load you’re carrying.

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Hiking boot categories

Hiking shoes or hiking boots are often referred to in terms of weight. This refers both to the actual weight of the shoe and the kind of construction and intended use of the shoe.

Lightweight

Typically low-cut shoe with a flexible, softer rubber sole. These are the kinds of shoes you pull on for a few hours of trail running or an ultralight day hike with only the bare essentials in your pack.

Midweight

With these shoes will have either a mid or high-cut ankle support with a thicker, harder outer sole. The midsole is stiffer but still offers a good amount of flex. Overall support of the shoe offers good stability with a light to medium pack while still allowing for a fair degree of mobility.

Heavyweight

Thick, full-grain leather uppers with high-density midsoles and thick, hard outsoles. These high-cut boots offer good ankle support. They’re designed to offer the high durability and support needed when carrying heavy packs.
Before choosing a suitable hiking shoe you need to decide on the kind of hiking you’ll be doing. For the sake of simplicity, this can be categorized as either lightweight, midweight and heavyweight hiking.

Hiking Boot Considerations

Weight

Being careful with your pack weight can be completely undone by wearing heavy hiking boots. Some hikers say that every pound of weight on your feet has the same effect as adding five pounds to your pack.

As a result weight on your feet will drain your energy 4-6 times quicker than weight on your back. Don’t cut corners by going for a light boot if you absolutely need that support but make sure that the features and weight are justified by the activity and terrain.

Going without waterproof membranes or shanks and plates can save a lot of weight and reduce fatigue significantly.

Hiking boots vs hiking shoes

As the cut of the boot gets higher it naturally offers more support to your ankle more support from twisting and bending. That’s great if you’re carrying a pack and you’re moving over uneven terrain.

If you’re trying to move quickly and you’re packing light then that extra ankle support can feel restrictive. Basically, if you’re carrying a heavy pack or tend to roll your ankles then opt for a boot.

Furthermore, if you’re packing light and moving fast then go for a hiking shoe.

Stiffness and stability – ankle support & more

A good hiking boot will do more than just shield the underside of your foot from the trail. You want it to support your ankle, and the arch of your foot and provide a solid base for the rest of your frame, especially if you’re carrying a pack.

Stiffness and stability of the outsole, midsole, and ankle cuff are key to achieving this. The heavier your pack, the more stiffness, and stability you’re going to need.

That being said, an overly stiff shoe doesn’t make for comfortable walking. For lighter activity opt for a softer, more flexible shoe. If you want the best of both worlds then a midweight boot will give you the support you need while still offering some “give”.

Waterproofing – what about sweaty feet?

Best Hiking boots with all-leather uppers are going to be your only true waterproof option. Being able to block out any water comes at a price though. These shoes don’t breathe at all.

Hiking shoes that incorporate membranes like Gore-Tex or eVent are often referred to as “waterproof-breathable”. What this actually means is that the shoe is water resistant, not waterproof, while still allowing a measure of breathability.

Of course, you can always use products to waterproof your hiking boots.

Breathability

This refers to the ability of the shoe to allow moist, warm air from the inside to escape to the outside of the shoe. Trapping heat and moisture inside your shoe can make your feet feel like they’re overheating, sweaty, and uncomfortable in warm weather.

Also, once you take them off, your fellow hikers won’t want to sit near you. A shoe with a water-resistant membrane will offer some breathability but if you’re after a shoe that breathes really well in warmer temperatures it’s best to go for an all-synthetic, lightweight shoe with plenty of mesh panels.

Lacing Systems

The way you lace your best hiking boots can have a big impact on how they fit and feel. While regular lacing will work for most cases, there are some techniques you can use for certain cases.

Alternate lacing systems can reduce pressure on the top of your foot, lock your heel more securely in the shoe, (see more about preventing heel slippage here), reduce cuff pressure or even accommodate narrow feet.

There are some good explanations of hiking boots lacing systems. Whatever lacing system you settle on, it’s only as good as the laces and eyelets you use.

Replace laces that are showing signs of wear and check your eyelets for any signs of damage too. Don’t wait for an eyelet or lace to break before considering replacing it.

#	Preview	Product	Rating	Price
1		Timberland Men’s White Ledge Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot,…	No ratings yet	$120.00 $99.95	Shop Amazon
2		NORTIV 8 Men’s Ankle High Waterproof Hiking Boots Outdoor…	No ratings yet	$59.99	Shop Amazon
3		Salomon Men’s X ULTRA PIONEER MID CLIMASALOMON™ WATERPROOF…	No ratings yet	$149.99	Shop Amazon

Hiking Boot upper materials

The material that the uppers are made from will have an impact on the durability, weight, breathability, and water resistance of the shoe.

Full grain leather

Offer a high degree of water resistance and are very durable. Leather is expensive, doesn’t breathe well, and is a lot heavier than synthetics. This makes it better suited for long hikes with a heavy pack over rough and rocky terrain.

Leather hiking boots can often have a longer break in time than modern synthetic uppers.

Split grain leather

Full-grain leather can be split to form several layers. This thinner leather is often mixed with synthetic fabrics like nylon mesh panels.

The leather and mesh give you some of the durability that full-grain leather offers with better breathability and lighter weight at a lower cost.

Nubuck leather

Full-grain leather that is sanded to give a suede look and feel. It offers good durability with excellent abrasion and water resistance.

The brushed appearance also means that scratches don’t show as easily as they do on regular leather. It also exhibits better flexibility than full-grain leather does.

Synthetic fabrics

Normally Nylon or Polyester. These lightweight hiking boots materials offer superior flexibility, drying, and breathability at a lower price point. They don’t offer the level of durability that leather does though and wear quickly.

Waterproof membranes

A boot with a waterproof lining or membrane, such as Gore tex or eVent offers good protection in rainy conditions or when crossing streams.

The more waterproof the boot is the less it’s going to breathe so remember that if you’re heading out into warmer weather.

Vegan Hiking Boots

If the only milk you drink comes from Almonds then you may prefer Vegan uppers. These are made without any animal products or by-products like leather or wool.

Insulation

Some hiking boots are designed specifically for use in cold temperatures and will have insulation built into the uppers to keep your feet warm.

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Hiking boot midsoles

Hiking boots with stiffer midsoles offer better protection to the soles of your feet from roots and rocks on the trail. Softer midsoles will offer more cushioning but will wear out faster. Hiking boot midsoles are typically made from:

EVA – This lightweight and soft material offers superior cushioning and requires little to no breaking in. These are great for lightweight day trips or trail running shoes but don’t offer enough support when carrying a heavier pack.

Polyurethane – This material is denser and heavier than EVA and is used in backpacking and mountaineering boots where a more supportive midsole is needed. It doesn’t offer any cushioning but is longer lasting and provides better support for heavier packs.

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Hiking boot internal support

Shanks

On heavier-duty hiking shoes you might want more stiffness and support than the midsole alone provides. A shank is an insert that is around 3-5mm thick that the manufacturer places between the outsole and midsole to achieve this.

Plates

Even with the best outsole and midsole your foot still has some spots that are more susceptible to bruising from rocks and roots. Semi-flexible thin plates are strategically inserted between the midsole and outsole to protect these key areas.

Toe protection

A toe guard is a reinforced area around the outside of the front end of the boot. This not only prevents wear and tear but also protects your toes when you inadvertently end up kicking a rock or root.

Hiking boot outsoles

Your choice of outsole will have a big impact on the traction, comfort, and durability you get from your boot. A softer rubber sole will offer better traction on a variety of surfaces but will wear out faster.

Heavier duty outsoles will have carbon added to the rubber. These will hold up for a lot longer but won’t grip nicely on slicker surfaces. Besides the material used, the layout and other design features are also worth considering:

Lug pattern – The lugs are the bumps and grooves in the sole pattern. The deeper the lugs the more traction you’re going to get. Make sure that the spaces between the lugs are wide enough for mud to shed more easily.
Heel brake – A heel brake is a raised area of the sole around the heel zone. This helps to prevent your foot from slipping on steep descents. Not all hiking boots have this so it’s worth looking out for if you’re heading into steep terrain.

Crampon compatibility

If you’re heading into steep and rough mountainous terrain or winter hiking then wearing crampons will help a lot.

There are three main crampon binding types and it’s important to check that the type you’re using is compatible with your boot.

For the most part, this calls for a stiffer sole and a welt (groove) on the heel and/or toe to secure the crampon.

How to fit a hiking boot & find your size

No matter how technically superior a boot is, if it doesn’t fit right then you’re in for some blisters (learn more on how to prevent blisters in our guide), hot spots, and an unpleasant hike. Your foot should feel comfortable the second you put the boot on and it needs to hold your foot securely in place when walking.

A boot that fits right will keep your heel from lifting in the shoe. If your heel and boot don’t lift as one then you need to go a size smaller.

Your toes need to have enough wiggle room so they don’t hit the front of the shoe when walking downhill. When your toes touch the front of the shoe when standing then you need to go a size up.

Fine Tuning the Fit

Getting the right size boot is critical for long-term comfort. Just knowing your regular shoe size isn’t enough.

Hiking boot sizing tips:

• Try on boots at the end of the day – Your feet tend to swell towards the end of a day of walking in shoes.
  If you’re shopping for a new pair of hiking boots try them on later in the day than rather than in the morning.
  That way the snugness of the fit is going to be a better indication of how tight they’ll feel on the trail. You could have as much as a half size difference at the end of the day and this will give you more of a true fit.
• Orthotics – If you wear orthotics bring them along to wear inside the boots you’re trying on.
• Wear appropriate socks – Try the boots on while wearing your hiking socks. Regular dress socks are really thin and will give you a completely different fit than when you’re wearing hiking socks.
• Spend some time in the boots – They might feel great when you put them on but it’s worth spending a few minutes in them walking around.
  Some stores will have an inclined ramp that you can walk up and down. Walk up the ramp and make sure your heel doesn’t slip in the boot because that will cause a blister pretty quickly.
  Make sure your toes aren’t hitting the front of the boot when walking down the ramp.
• Know your feet – Make sure you understand any special needs your feet have.
  Maybe your feet are wider or narrower than most.
  If you’ve developed plantar fasciitis or have weak arches you need to understand what a shoe needs to accommodate these issues.
• Know your physical condition – If you tire easily then wearing a lighter shoe will make a big difference to how quickly you become fatigued. Get the sizing right but opt for lighter upper fabrics, midsole and outsole construction.
• Ask your footwear specialist – Maybe you’ve always had a particular issue with hiking shoes. Share this with your footwear specialist and ask for suggestions.
  If the store assistant is more than just a sales clerk they should be able to give you good advice.
• Shopping online – When shopping online consider a brand you’ve worn before. Not all brands have the same sizing consistency.
  Most of the good brands will have a sizing guide and it’s worth paying attention to customer reviews to get a feel for whether the sizes are true to fit.
• Change your knot strategy – If the shoe fits great but you still feel pressure on the top of your foot or your heel keeps lifting no matter what, consider changing your lacing technique.
• Try an insole – You’re unique and so are your feet. Consider aftermarket insoles (ie footbeds) if you don’t find a boot that gives you the arch support you need.
• Break your boots in before your first trip – Don’t head out on a hike with brand new boots.
  You want to break them in by wearing them for about two weeks.
  Wear them around the house, while walking the dog or even on a mini hike where a boot issue isn’t going to be too much of a disaster.

FAQs

Are they waterproof and does it matter?

Hiking boots with waterproof membranes like GoreTex and eVent are great at keeping water out while still allowing your feet to breathe.

Even so, they’re going to get warm and won’t be as breathable as a lightweight hiking shoe.

When you’re worried about rain or crossing some streams then go for a shoe with some water resistance. If it’s unlikely you’re going to walk in water then save yourself some money and get a lighter, more breathable shoe.

Where will you be hiking?

• Flat, even, well-worn trails – If you’re not carrying a heavy pack then low-cut hiking shoes or trail runners are ideal.
• Uneven terrain – You’re going to need some ankle support for the multitude of angles you’ll encounter.
• Streams, Rain, or Snow – Hiking footwear with all leather uppers will keep the water and snow out. For even more protection use gaiters just in case.

When is it time to replace my old pair of boots?

You love those hiking boots but they’re looking a little tired. If you’ve put between 500 and 600 miles on them then it’s a safe bet that you could do with a new pair. When you see any of these signs it might be time to replace them:

• Worn laces – The laces can easily be replaced but if they’re worn and frayed then it probably means that other areas of your boots are too.
• Loos eyelets – Loose, bent or broken eyelets are also an indicator of excessive wear on your shoes.
• Worn ankle support and insoles – If your ankle cuff or insole is losing shape or developing cracks you’re not going to get the support your feet need.
• Cracked midsole – Eventually your midsole will show signs of cracking or compression cracks. This is a sure sign that your boots aren’t up to giving you proper support anymore.
• Worn outsole tread – Smooth outsoles mean reduced traction and could be dangerous.

Should I consider an insole?

Some shoes look great and fit great but just don’t give you enough arch support. It may be that no matter how hard you look, you just don’t find a shoe that accommodates your needs.

It may be time to consider using an insole. You could experiment with some options yourself but a decent outdoor clothing outlet should be able to help you make a better decision.

See this comprehensive resource on choosing an insole to fit in your hiking boot.

What style of boot do I really need?

The style of boot you choose really comes down to where you’ll be wearing them and your personal preference. If you stick to well-worn trails for walks through the woods then a hiking shoe will give you enough support and comfort.

These shoes are also more versatile and lend themselves to being worn casually too.

If you prefer leaving the tracks and cutting your own trail then opt for a boo with a higher cuff. This gives you more ankle support and will keep debris out of your shoe.

If you’re going to make your way through some really rough stuff then a more rugged shoe with abrasion and water resistance is a better bet.

Weight of your backpack

The heavier your pack weight, the closer you may be getting to needing the support that comes from heavyweight hiking boots. Before running off to buy a pair of hiking boots it’s worth considering if lightening your pack isn’t the better solution.

It also comes down to personal preference. Some backpackers are fine with mid-weight boots and a pack of 40lbs or more. Also, don’t forget to take your own weight into consideration.

If you’re overweight, then you may need the extra support you get from heavyweight boots even with a moderate pack weight. Pack weight in itself shouldn’t be the determining factor.

Consider the terrain, weather conditions, and if your pack weight is really heavy enough to sacrifice wearing a more flexible shoe.

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How to Find the Best Hiking Boots?

If you’re looking to buy a single pair of hiking boots that’ll suit a variety of hiking scenarios then stick with something from the mid-weight range.

You’re going to sacrifice speed on shorter trails, and it won’t be up to long hikes with a heavy pack but it’ll cover most of your bases.

And you’re better off spending more to buy a decent pair of midweight hiking boots than buying two cheap pairs to cover both lightweight and heavyweight. Quality backpacking shoes will last longer if you properly clean hiking boots too.

When you generally do just one kind of hiking then choose a shoe that is purpose-made for those conditions.

Avoid the temptation to default to a waterproof shoe. They’re great in the wet but horrible when it gets hot. We have listed some budget hiking boot options above but it’s worth investing in the best hiking boots your budget allows for.

Then if you buy cheap hiking shoes then what you save now will be paid back on the trail in Band-Aids.

#	Preview	Product	Price
1		Teva Women’s Tirra Sandal,Bering Sea,9.5 US	$85.00 $52.33	Shop Amazon
2		KEEN Womens Whisper Closed Toe Sport Sandals,…	$114.95 $71.50	Shop Amazon
3		Teva Women’s Hurricane XLT 2 Sandal, Black, 8	$75.00 $66.25	Shop Amazon
4		Chaco Womens ZX/2 Classic, With Toe Loop, Outdoor…	$100.00 $62.71	Shop Amazon

FAQS

What makes a hiking boot great for long treks?

Great hiking boots combine comfort, durability, and support. Look for waterproof materials, good ankle support, and a sole that grips well.

How do I know if my hiking boots fit correctly?

Your boots should fit snugly around your heel and instep, with enough room to wiggle your toes. Try them on with hiking socks for the best fit.

Can I use hiking boots for everyday wear?

Yes, many hiking boots are designed for versatility and comfort, making them great for daily use as well.

Need More Advice on Hiking Gear and Footwear?

Here are some links to our most popular articles:

• 15 Best Hiking Boots for Men Worth Breaking In
• Hiking Shoes vs Hiking Boots
• 15 Best Women’s Hiking Boots -Find Your Cute Pair
• 15 Best Mountaineering Boots for Climbing
• Step Up Your Hiking Game: Guide to Different Water Shoes Types

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