Club Benefits
Any avid hiker knows the importance of using a pair of the best hiking boots. They should keep you comfy, stable, and dry as you trek, no matter what the weather.
To make sure our recommendations met this standard, we tested a range of the best hiking boots, wearing them out in rain and shine to ensure they can meet the challenges of both wet and dry weather across a multitude of climates. During these tests, we also assessed each pair on their comfort, grip, foot and ankle protection, and of course, weatherproof qualities.
We used this data to round up the best hiking boots from across a range of styles and budgets to carry you on your next adventure. See which models made it onto our guide — including options from Hoka, Salomon, Timberland, and more — and why we love them.
Best hiking boots to buy right now
Why you can trust Tom's Guide Our writers and editors spend hours analyzing and reviewing products, services, and apps to help find what's best for you. Find out more about how we test, analyze, and rate.
The best all-around hiking boots
Are the Keen Targhee IVs the ideal gorp-core hiking boots? For me, yes. I demand arch support and appreciate a pretty design, even if my boots will be getting muddy on long hikes. The Targhee IV’s cushioned sole is bouncy and forgiving on long walks, and the shape of the boots mean my toes weren’t crushed at the front when moving down hill. They are also available in half sizes to egt the best fit. The softer leather upper of the shoe will scuff easily in rocky conditions but this doesn’t take away from them being awesome waterproof boots.
The boots take a step away from the hard leather design Keen boots are known for, which may not impress serious mountaineers. However, they made my trek an absolute pleasure.
With cushioned insoles giving bouncy arch support that will have you feeling like you’re walking barefoot through the field. And with plenty of space at the front of the shoe, there are no crushed toes or blisters to be heard of. And the support from the back to front bracing is the icing on the cake.
The inside of the boots and the padded tongue are lined with a breathable mesh which is slightly tough at the the top of the shoe for the first few wears, but it did become more malleable over time.
A design feature noted by Keen is the extra space in the toe area of the shoe. I found this to be super comfortable as hiking boots I have owned in the past have crushed my toes and caused blisters on the side, which I didn’t experience here.
The Keen Targhee IV boots are the definition of an ideal hiking boot. The Targhee IV’s soft construction might not stand up to the most demanding hikes quite as well as the previous hard-shell Targhee IIIs, but I’ll take the added comfort any day.
- Read our full Keen Targhee IV review
Best hiking boots for wide feet
If you want a pair of light yet still supportive hiking boots that fit wider feet, you should seriously consider the Keen Targhee Apex Mid hiking boots.
The Apex Mid provides more flexibility than your average boot, but still offers ample support, bridging the gap between sneakers and traditional hiking boots perfectly.
In testing, I was impressed at the amount of grip that the multi-directional lugs of the soles provided, as well as the level of waterproofing. This means you can wear them in any weather and across any terrain (even on river walks!), without being worried that your feet will get wet, or that you'll slip.
Let's talk about the elephant in the room — the design. From the picture at the top of this section, you'll have noticed that the Apex Mid has a pretty eclectic-looking design that you'll either love or hate. I'll admit, it's not quite to my taste, but I'm more than willing to sacrifice aesthetics for the comfort the Apex Mid provides.
Another thing to keep in mind is that while the wide fit will be perfect for those who find most hiking boots to be a little snug, if you don't need wide-fit boots, you may find them to be a little spacious.
All in all, this is a shoe I want with me even on the trickiest trails. It's super comfy, surprisingly light, yet still offers excellent arch and ankle support, and offers incredible grip.
- Read our full Keen Targhee Apex Mid review
Best hiking boots for ankle stability
We were impressed with how comfortable this Hoka walking boot was. Founded by two French adventure athletes who clearly know a thing or two about mountains, the boot feels lightweight underfoot, with a protective yet responsive midsole foam. We had no problem doing faster hikes in this shoe and appreciated the extended heel geometry, which allowed for a stable feel on the trails.
Like a lot of the best Hoka running shoes, this boot came up a little narrow, so if you're between sizes, it's definitely worth sizing up. It's a shame there are no wider versions of this boot like there are in Hoka's running shoes. The Anacapa did give a little after 50 miles or so, but it definitely feels snugger than other boots on test. The lacing system didn't budge and felt supportive around the ankle on unstable trails. The boot also comes in a low version, for hikers who prefer a shorter design.
Testing these shoes in all weathers, we were also impressed with the GORE-TEX waterproofing, which kept our feet dry during wet, muddy walks. This is a great hiking boot for beginners who are looking for a comfortable and supportive boot that they don't have to spend months breaking in.
Best waterproof hiking boot
If you want a comfortable, highly waterproof hiking boot with plenty of grip on wet and dry surfaces, I have to recommend the Columbia Tellurix Titanium OutDry.
Comfy straight out of the box with no break-in period, the Columbia Tellurix Titanium OutDry are perfect for long hikes thanks to their lightweight construction and responsive cushioning. They're extremely grippy and supportive, too, making them perfect for uneven terrain and muddy trails. Their grip was impressive, even on recently rained-on boulders.
During testing, we found them to be incredibly waterproof thanks to Columbia's proprietary OutDry treatment. This membrane is bonded to the outer shell to block moisture and keep your feet dry, which these shoes absolutely did, even when walking in the rain, through puddles, and even wading through a stream.
However, they aren't the most breathable of hiking boots, meaning they can feel a little hot, especially if you are hiking in warm weather. Additionally, in testing, I found that the standard fit ran a little narrow, which is definitely something to keep in mind, especially since their wide-fit models are only available in the US.
The Tellurix Titanium OutDry are dependable hiking boots that are especially well-suited to cold or wet conditions. If you're looking for a boot to keep your feet warm and dry, no matter the conditions, then they're an excellent option.
- Read our full Columbia Tellurix Titanium OutDry review
Best hiking boots for speed
Hiking boots today can be as much of a fashion statement as they can be a technical tool that can make or break a serious mountain hike. Salewa manages to combine both in its Pedroc Pro Powertex Mid PTX, one of the most comfortable boots we tested.
The $199.95 Pedroc Pro PowerTex Mid PTX is a mid-height technical hiking boot boasting a lightweight and impressively breathable design intended for quick ascents. However, it's also waterproof to fend off sudden downpours and has enough strength and padding to protect your ankles against slip-ups on rocky terrain — not that we ever had any reason to doubt the Pedroc outsole's confidence-inducing adhesion.
Salewa touts its boots as "blister-free" (at least for the first year), and in our many miles and weeks of testing, we had no reason to doubt their claim. The Pedroc Pro Powertex are comfortable yet snug, employing a similar lacing system and net of Kevlar cables used on the ultra-light Pedroc Air. It makes for a nice snug fit without binding or pinching, and we found it even accommodates wide feet within its regular form factor.
If you were looking for evidence that Italian designers have an edge when it comes to making products that are both functional and stylish, you should look no further than our two top hiking boots here. With roots in Germany, Salewa is now based in northern Italy, as is Scarpa, the other leading Italian in our lineup. Both the Salewa Pedroc Pro Powertex and the Scarpa Rush 2 Mid GTX excel in terms of comfort, surefootedness, and style, making them equally at home on the narrow streets of Moderna or the stunning slopes of the Dolomites.
Best low-cut hiking boots
If you're looking for a trail companion that can keep up with rapid ascents and give you an extra boost of confidence navigating rocky hikes on a hot summer day, look no further than the $149.95 Salewa Pedroc Air hikers.
The Pedroc Airs are the lightest hikers we tested. They have a breathable knitted mesh upper wrapped in a net of Kevlar cables. These provide a soft, flexible feel but with enough strength that you don't feel your feet are vulnerable to the elements. Better still, the Pomoca outsoles are super sticky, delivering extra confidence on steep descents.
Surprisingly, we found the lightweight EVA midsole offered the right mix of shock absorption and stability to also tame city streets. Indeed, the Pedroc Air was so grippy and light that they had us skipping from rock to rock and from curb to curb (we just couldn't help ourselves). And yet, we never had cause to doubt that the Salewa hikers would hold up to our over-exuberant daily treks. In fact, the only weakness we could find with the Salewa Pedroc Airs is that our feet did feel the dampness in heavy downpours.
Best mid-cut hiking boots
Tested over three days hiking the Swiss Alps' Val d'Anniviers, I can confirm that the Columbia Konos TRS OutDry Mid Shoes can handle a whole range of terrains—uneven mountain climbs, rocky paths, muddy trails, and wet meadows—despite their less traditional appearance.
They feature great traction from the outsole, feel superbly comfortable on foot with the heel cradling midsole, keep the feet dry in damp conditions thanks to the waterproof OutDry upper, and are perfectly breathable in hotter climates.
The mid-cut design offers a trainer-like aesthetic and provides enough ankle support for a mix of trails. The shoe is impressively lightweight, well-cushioned, and comfortable even after 10+ hours of wear.
The trainer style of this mid-cut hiking boot may not appeal to those who prefer a more traditional high-cut hiking boot. Also, the mesh upper which makes the shoe nice and breathable is a little challenging to clean after muddy hikes.
That being said, if you’re looking for a lightweight, trail-ready shoe that’s comfortable straight out of the box, the Columbia Konos TRS OutDry Mid Shoes deliver excellent performance at a reasonable price. They’re an excellent alternative to bulkier hiking boots for casual adventurers.
Best hiking boots for mixed terrain
If you're looking for a hiking shoe that can handle any kind of terrain with no issues, the Merrell Moab 3 is rugged, functional, and perfect for hitting the trails — no matter what kind.
During testing, they performed excellently on all terrain, excelling especially on tricky outdoor paths like slime-coated stonefalls and grassy knolls. My feet felt cushioned and supported, and I never felt unsteady, even on rocky paths. Going uphill was a breeze, even in muddy conditions, due to the Moab 3's 5mm grippy lugs. I didn't slip once, either, even on a downhill stony and slippery path. The soles were excellent for finding holds and gripping onto them.
If I had one wish, it would be for a little more ankle support. The overly cushioned interior of the shoe made me feel a little under-supported. With this being said, if you like the sound of the Moab 3 but the lack of ankle support is a dealbreaker, then you'll be pleased to know that there is a boot option.
You should also note that while I did not have an issue wearing these hiking shoes out and about in the city — my feet felt cushioned and secure — I would not recommend buying these shoes as everyday sneakers. They are hiking shoes, and they look (and act) the part.
So, if you want a pair of rugged, stylish hiking shoes that can handle any kind of terrain you wish to walk across, the Merrell Moab 3 has got you covered.
- Read our full Merrell Moab 3 review
Best technical hiking boots
With a name more typically associated with skis and bindings, Salomon's Cross Hike boots make the ideal footwear for an apres ski trek. Their design is reminiscent of high-tech alpine ski boots, yet their lightweight offers your feet relief after a day of downhill skiing.
A close competitor to the Scarpa Rush 2 in this review, the Salomon Cross Hike boots similarly boast Gore-Tex waterproofing an Ortholite inner sole and very comfortable uppers. For the outsole, Salomon uses a design with large lugs that work well in loose dirt and slush; they're less forgiving, however, on city sidewalks. Our pair of Cross Hikes had a distinctive neon sole, which we found was not as grippy on slick rocks in the rain as other boots.
The most distinctive aspect of the Salomon Cross Hikes, however, is its "quicklace" system. Rather than standard laces, the shoes use a fixed, single-pull tie, which you then tuck into a pocket at the top of the tongue. We've never found the approach that much faster than tying up standard laces, but it does give the boots a tidier and smoother appearance. Occasionally, we found the excess lacing loop dangling over our boots, although it never snagged on anything on our hikes. Still, the quicklace system receives mixed reactions. You'll either love it or hate it.
Best hiking boots for cold weather
If you're looking to go hiking in a particularly cold climate, you'll want a hiking boot that can keep your feet warm for the entire trek. Enter the Columbia Newton Alpine, a good-looking and relatively affordable hiking boot, which offers excellent performance in tricky terrain and cold and wet weather.
During testing — which included a hike in Norway across rocky, uneven surfaces, wet and icy conditions, and even wading through a mountain river over mossy rocks — I was very impressed by the Newton Alpine's grippiness, as I experienced no slippage and was able to stay steady, no matter the terrain.
When the Newton Alpines had gripping issues, this was on particularly smooth and/or slick surfaces — wet pavements and spilled gasoline in particular. However, these issues were on the streets, not the trails.
At $130, the Columbia Newton Alpine hiking boots are decently affordable, although this does come with some downsides. I found that while they're certainly attractive to look at, when wearing them, I found they felt a little cheaply made. Not super flimsy, but not the kind of boot you'd expect to last years, either.
Additionally, while the suede upper kept my feet incredibly warm while on my hike, it is also not very breathable. While the warmth is more than welcome in colder climes, if you're looking to wear them during warmer weather or as street wear, you'll likely end up finding them hot and sweaty — despite the fact that Columbia markets them for this use.
I also found them a little uncomfortable to wear after around six hours of use, due to the lack of padding around the dorsal and ankle areas, causing the dorsal rivets to rub against my skin.
If you're looking for a pair of mid-terrain, cold-weather hiking boots, then the Columbia Newton Alpine boots are an excellent choice. However, keep in mind that despite what Columbia says, they aren't really suited for warm-weather, street, or light trail use. If you're up a mountain in the cold, though, you'll find yourself grateful for their incredible grip and insulation.
- Read our full Columbia Newton Alpine review
Best shoes for beach hikes
The Columbia Drainmakers aren't necessarily hiking boots, but if your nature walks take you onto the beach rather than the forest or the mountains, they're a decent pair to add to your arsenal.
This is a hybrid water shoe and sneaker, with rubber soles to prevent slips, even on wet surfaces. The Columbia Drainmaker evacuates water efficiently, allowing you to go from in the sea to on the sand without issue. This does not mean your feet will be dry, but it's a lot better than trying to walk in waterlogged shoes. Additionally, during testing, I was pleased with its comfortable fit and steady support, even on uneven surfaces.
However, the arch support could definitely be better, and during testing I did experience some rubbing on my heels as I wore them without socks, which did get worse when wearing them in water. This could be remedied with some beach socks, however.
Overall, the Columbia Drainmaker is a great sneaker/watershoe hybrid, with excellent grip and great support for walking across uneven terrain, like rocky beaches. However, if you want to walk miles in them, it's worth getting some beach socks to prevent rubbing.
- Read our full Columbia Drainmaker review
How to choose the best hiking boots for you
Here's a few pointers.
Comfort
The first priority for any hiker should be comfort. The bad old days of having to break in stiff and uncomfortable boots before a trip are thankfully a thing of the past. We still recommend that you spend a couple of days in a new pair of boots before committing them to two weeks of wandering around the fjords of Norway, but when you first put on new boots, they should feel comfortable from the start. With most of today's technical materials, they aren't going to get more comfortable the more miles you put in.
Weather
Dealing with weather is the second factor for hikers. If crossing the lava flows of Iceland is what you're after, you're going to have some days of rain, and you won't have time to waste drying out your boots along the way. So waterproof boots are a necessity, including gusseted tongues, which are attached to the shoe all along the sides to keep out dirt and water. Most of the models we reviewed have both features.
Terrain
When choosing the right hiking boot, also consider the type of trekking you usually prefer. Different outsoles are often designed for different types of hiking. For example, softer, stickier soles are great for scrambling over smooth rocks and slippery terrain, while some soles, such as the particular Vibram sole used in the Merrell Moab 3 boots are specifically intended to deliver extra traction on melting ice. Furthermore, harder soles underfoot may not provide much shock absorption but will deliver more protection from jagged rocks and uneven terrain.
Materials
Finally, consider the construction of the hiking boots. If you're a hot-weather, public trail day hiker, you'll want a boot that is light and breathable. On the other hand, if you often find yourself on more challenging hikes in cooler climates, you'd be better served choosing a heavier boot with more foot protection and greater warmth.
How we test the best hiking boots
All the boots on this list have been tested over numerous miles in different climates and on different terrains. When we were walking, we were looking for how well they grip different footpaths, how waterproof they are and how supportive and comfortable they feel by the final miles of a trek.
We also looked for extras like toe protection — designed to stop you from losing a toenail if you hit a rock on the trail, ankle protection and Ortholite insoles. Below, we have tested a mix of lightweight hiking boots for softer trails, and more high-tech boots for advanced hiking.
