Conquer the trails with the best hiking boots of 2024

Hiking boots provide all types of support and comfort that normal shoes can’t when you’re out exploring wild terrains. They provide ankle support and comfort and some even have additional features that protect you from severe weather like snow and extreme heat.

That’s why having reliable hiking boots is essential if you love exploring the outdoors. But with a lot of hiking boot brands to choose from, picking the right fit can be a daunting task. Luckily, we’re here to help. 

From the best backpacking boots to the most comfortable hiking boots, we’ve reviewed our top picks to help you choose the most suitable pair to protect your feet during your adventures. 

Read more: Find the best hiking shoes for women here

Best overall

Rogue Hiker Mid GORE-TEX

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$164.99 at Merell

Most waterproof

Keen Targhee III Mid Height Waterproof Hiking Boot

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From $78.95 at Amazon

Most lightweight

Lone Peak All-Wthr Mid 2

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$180 at Altra

Best for snow

Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid Winter Thinsulate Climasalomon Waterproof

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$131.25 at Salomon

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Best overall

Rogue Hiker Mid GORE-TEX

You save $65.01 (28.27%)

$164.99$230

$164.99 at Merell

For men

$164.99 at Merell

For women

Pros & Cons

• Lightweight

• Waterproof

• Made from recycled materials

• May not be as reliable for winter trails

• May be too stiff for beginners

These lightweight Merrell hiking boots have all the features you need to support your feet when you go the distance. Made from recycled materials, it has a waterproof and breathable membrane to protect your feet from all types of weather.

The Rogue Hiker Mid GORE-TEX is integrated with a bellow gusset to keep debris out and rock plates for added stability. With durable hooks and eyelets to keep your boots in place and Vibram MegaGrip outsole for extra traction, these are without a doubt, the best hiking boots for men and women.

Most waterproof

Keen Targhee III Mid Height Waterproof Hiking Boot

$62.15

From $78.95 at Amazon

For men

From $62.15 at Amazon

For women

Pros & Cons

• Removable footbed

• Doesn’t absorb water

• Durable construction

• Tough to break in

If you need reliable waterproof hiking boots, the Keen Targhee III Mid Height Waterproof Hiking Boot is the perfect pair for you. Made with KEEN.DRY Waterproof technology, its membrane construction lets vapor out without letting any water in, keeping you dry throughout your hike.

Made with perfluorinated chemicals (PFC) to create a dense coating on the fabric, water beads on it instead of soaking in. With its durable construction and breathable mesh lining, your feet will get the care and support you need, no matter the terrain you’re exploring.

Most lightweight

Lone Peak All-Wthr Mid 2

$180

$180 at Altra

For men

$180 at Altra

For women

Pros & Cons

• Only weighs 15 ounces

• Responsive midsole foam

• Encourages better alignment

• Doesn’t absorb sweat well

• Not meant for tough terrains

Combining the comfort of a trail runner with the support of a hiking boot, these lightweight hiking boots from Altra won’t weigh you down even when the going gets tough. Using waterproof bootie construction, the Lone Peak All-Wthr Mid 2 only weighs 15 ounces.

The responsive Altra EGO midsole foam keeps you connected to the ground without overbearing your feet while their signature FootShape comfort construction leaves plenty of room for your feet to sit comfortably. When you’re wearing the Lone Peak All-Wthr Mid 2, you’ll give your feet the treatment they deserve.

Best for snow

Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid Winter Thinsulate Climasalomon Waterproof

You save $43.75 (25%)

$131.25$175

$131.25 at Salomon

For men

$131.25 at Salomon

For women

Pros & Cons

• Thick insulation

• Waterproof construction

• Grips well in icy conditions

• Doesn’t suit hot climates

For those who love to tackle winter terrains, we highly recommend the Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid Winter Thinsulate Climasalomon Waterproof. Thanks to its 3M Thinsulate 200g insulation, you’ll stay warm and dry in ice-cold weather.

To help you move in slippery conditions, the boots are constructed with a winter Contagrip outsole as well as a gaiter hook for added protection. Plus, its ADV-C Chassis helps optimize stability without limiting your movement so you can explore all types of terrains in the snow.

Best mountaineering boots

La Sportiva Nepal Cube GTX Hiking Shoe

$648.95

$648.95 at Amazon

For men

$648.95 at Amazon

For women

Pros & Cons

• Compatible with various crampons

• Reduce impact forces

• Supports natural ankle movement

• Waterproof

• Not suitable for low-level hiking

Made for extreme adventurers, the La Sportiva Nepal Cube GTX Hiking Shoe cuts no corners when it comes to its make. Compatible with various crampons that are often used for ice climbing, these boots remain lightweight while providing full support to your ankles and feet during your hike.

An impact brake system reduces impact forces and increases traction while the Vibram soles provide superior grip for your excursions. It’s also designed to be waterproof so your feet will remain dry in extreme conditions.

Top leather option

LOWA Renegade Gtx Mid Hiking Boots

$233.09

From $233.09 at Amazon

For women

From $249 at Amazon

For men

Pros & Cons

• Made with high-quality Nubuck leather

• Helps prevents blisters

• Climate-control footbed

• Some reports of issues with soles

Shopping for leather hiking boots? Look no further than the LOWA Renegade Gtx Mid Hiking Boots. Made with Nubuck full-grain leather, it holds your feet in place and reduces hot spots to keep your feet comfortable.

Its climate control footbed reduces blisters from heavy trekking and keeps your feet dry in all weather conditions. We also love the full-length nylon shank that adds stability on rugged terrain and the use of Monowrap midsole technology that reduces the boots’ weight.

Most comfortable

Hoka Anacapa Mid GTX Hiking Boot

$184.95

$184.95 at Backcountry

For men

$184.95 at Backcountry

For women

Pros & Cons

• Eco-conscious construction

• Waterproof

• Keeps dirt and debris out

• Not suitable for extreme winter wear

When hiking through tough terrains, you’ll need comfortable hiking boots like the Hoka Anacapa Mid GTX Hiking Boot. Using innovative technology to prolong comfort and iNubuck leather to keep your feet dry at all times you’ll be able to go the distance no matter rain or shine.

The boots are eco-consciously constructed using recycled polyester and soy-based PU. Plus, it offers improved load-bearing and smooth transitions, thanks to its extended heels. You’ll also love the ultra-grippy Vibram MegaGrip outsole that gives you more grip as you conquer the trails.

What is the difference between hiking shoes and hiking boots?

The biggest difference between the two is the ankle support that hiking boots offer. While hiking shoes are usually more lightweight, hiking boots can withstand tougher terrains and hike more miles.

Should I buy a size bigger for hiking boots?

Ideally, your feet should fit snuggly into your hiking boots to maximize support. That said, deciding on the right size will have to depend on a few factors like the construction, if you have wide feet or narrow and your overall comfort.

Most sites will even advise you to size up if they need you to. That said, the best way to determine the right fit is by measuring your feet and comparing it to the boots' measurement on site. 

Are heavier hiking boots better?

Not necessarily. Hiking boots are usually heavier than hiking shoes due to their more durable construction like thicker Vibram soles and metal hooks to help you survive more extreme conditions. 

That said, most hiking boot brands do their best to keep their hiking boots as lightweight as possible to avoid wearing your feet down. When choosing the right boots, focus on the features rather than how heavy it is.

Our favorite hiking boots revealed

To help you select a pair, here are three of our top-rated hiking boots:

• Rogue Hiker Mid GORE-TEX: These hiking boots have everything you need from sole support, breathability, lightweight and waterproof membrane. Paired with the recycled materials it’s made from, it’s a top contender.

• Lone Peak All-Wthr Mid 2: Hiking will tire you out but your boots shouldn’t which is why we love these lightweight boots. Weighing only 15 ounces, you’re getting all the support you need without feeling weighed down. 

• Hoka Anacapa Mid GTX Hiking Boot: To power through outdoor terrains, you’ll need to feel comfortable in your boots which is why this Hoka Anacapa Mid GTX is at the top of our list. Need we say more?

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Prices updated on 02/21/2024. We are not responsible for any changes to the prices mentioned above.