Best Hiking Boots of 2023 [Ranked]
Are you tired of having sore feet after hiking? An essential piece of gear you will ever own is your hiking boots. Your boots are crucial for making your hike through the wilderness a success.
It would help if you had something to take you across all terrains, from the hot desert to the cold peaks. Most importantly, you need hiking boots that will keep you feeling comfortable. That means that no matter whether you need ankle support, have narrow feet, or have wide feet, you need to find the perfect hiking boots for you. We recommend that you focus on getting a pair of waterproof hiking boots that way, you have protection while exploring.
1. Danner Mountain 600
Category: Heavyweight
Photo: Danner
The Danner Mountain 600 hiking boots alternate between casual work shoes and trail footwear. Danners is famous for its boots, but with its new Mountain 600, the manufacturer created an easy-to-use and waterproof hike with classic looks.
The footwear uses the Danner Dry waterproof protection and has leather uppers (fully grained in $20 extra) with a Vibram SPE lining and a Vibram Fogout. These lightweight, feel-good products work well on trail systems or town roads. They’re a suitable leather boot perfect for traveling on shorter hikes with the help of their ankle support.
The Mountain 600 is not a high-mileage boot. The materials aren’t well known for their durability, especially when subjected to rough terrain. However, if you value in-town comfort and a little style, the Mountain 600 will do you well.
2. Keen Targhee III Mid
Category: Midweight
Photo: KEEN
The KEEN Targhee line is a popular day-hiking and easy-to-moderate backpacking boot because it has excellent out-of-the-box comfort. The KEEN Targhee III has been on the market for some time now—it was launched in the fall of 2017—and it delivers exceptional value for money. With a surprisingly robust waterproofing membrane and an aggressive outsole, the Targhee III is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a versatile and comfortable midweight hiking boot.
KEEN Targhee III Mid is a traditional waterproof hiking boot. The Nubuck upper has Nubuck leathers which feature padded nylon mesh for ventilation, a robust design, and a build. The ankles are strong despite the small size. In addition, it features a unique padded waterproof material that holds the boot together.
3. Columbia Newton Ridge Plus II
Category: Midweight
Photo: Columbia
The Columbia Newton Ridge Plus II is one of the most affordable hiking boots on the market. It’s currently on sale for under $90, yet it features a leather upper and a completely waterproof, seam-sealed design. Furthermore, the cushioned collar and tongue provide excellent comfort right out of the box. However, against its competitors, including the KEEN Targhee III, the Newton Ridge Plus II doesn’t offer much in terms of breathability. Its design also does not allow for any ankle support, and it’s more suited toward casual hikers who don’t do a lot of long-distance hiking or backpacking.
The Columbia Newton Ridge Plus II (and regular Plus for women) are among the most affordable hiking books. These are also some of the most comfortable hiking boots on the market as they are one of the go-to boots for day hikes. This leather boot offers ankle support and excellent construction and requires minimal bending. However, this shoe is hardly breathable for a 10-mile hike, and people who wish to get a good trekking boot would want to go elsewhere.
The durability problems may occur with heavier usage, and it can be best used around the town or on a local trail. However, its design is robust and can be used casually and for business purposes.
4. Salomon Quest 4D 3 GTX
Category: Heavyweight
Photo: Salomon
The Salomon Quest 4D 3 GTX is all about walking comfort, with technologies to reduce tiredness throughout your travels. This boot is light and cushioned enough for backpacking yet sturdy enough for trekking, with running shoe-adapted technology that allows you to reach the next campsite with happier feet. In addition, the 4D’s wet traction will help you keep your footing even on difficult ground.
The lightweight hiking boots are constructed from premium Nubuck leather with soft cushioning, making them ideal for lightweight trail or ultralight backpacks. Some community members have shared that these Salomon 4D 3 GTX’s are among the best lightweight hiking boots you can buy. Salomon has improved outsoles to use classic Contragrip technology that provides outstanding strength and traction.
5. Altra Lone Peak ALL-WTHR
Category: Lightweight
Photo: Altra
The Lone Peak ALL-WTHR shoe from Altra is well-known for its excellent fit and comfort, and it has long been a favorite among trail runners and thru-hikers. Altra recently introduced the ALL-WTHR Mid hiking boots, which add an over-the-ankle collar and waterproof eVent uppers for additional support and protection. Weighing just over one pound per pair, the Lone Peak ALL-WTHR Mid is a great lightweight hiking boot for those looking for something versatile and comfortable.
The Lone Peak ALL-WTHR Mid combines the ankle height with the Lone Peak’s distinctive wide toe box, generous cushioning, and zero-drop design, providing instant comfort (no break-in period) together with extra support on rugged terrain or when carrying a burden. In our opinion, the Lone Peak ALL-WTHR Mid is best for wet, icy, or muddy trails. In addition, they are an excellent choice for hikers who don’t want to switch between different shoes depending on the terrain on their backpacking trips.
The downside of the Lone Peak ALL-WTHR Mid could be that durability might not be as good as with some other hiking boots, but this has yet to be confirmed. However, Altra is known for its quality construction, so this may not be an issue.
6. HOKA ONE ONE Tor Ultra Hi
Category: Lightweight
Photo: HOKA ONE ONE
The Hoka One One Tor Ultra Hi hiking boots are ultra-light hiking boots designed by one of the major athletic footwear companies. It’s made of leather, nylon, and mesh and is as light as many “lightweight” trekking boots. There isn’t much more you could want from an adventure shoe with all the comfort and ankle support you need when carrying a heavy load.
The Tor Ultra Hi is one of the best waterproof hiking boots that you will find on the market today. It features an eVent membrane which is seam-sealed and guaranteed to keep your feet dry in the wettest conditions. However, this does come at a cost as they are one of the most expensive boots on our list.
The Hoka One One Tor Ultra Hi is mainly recommended to those looking for the best waterproof hiking boot that money can buy, as it is built with premium materials and will provide all of the comforts you could ask for in a lightweight shoe. They’re great for everything from short hikes through the woods to long-distance backpacking trips and everything in between.
This lightweight boot is also great for people who suffer from plantar fasciitis, as they provide a lot of cushioning and support. So if you’re looking for comfort over durability or budget, look no further!
7. Salomon X Ultra 3 Mid GTX
Category: Midweight
Photo: Salomon
Salomon X Ultra 3 Mid Gore-Tex is a shoe that perfectly combines the weight and agility of a trail runner with the comfort and ruggedity of a great hiking boot. The X Ultra 3-Mid Gore-Tex weighs about 1 pound, offers a padded ankle sole and Gore-Tex waterproofing, and is equipped with Salomon Classic Contragrip technology. All the technology used in the Salomon X Ultra 3 Mid Gore-Tex makes it one of the ideal waterproof boots for rough terrain.
Salomon’s X Ultra 3 Mid Gore-Tex is one of the best hiking boots for its excellent balance of lightness, comfort, and durability. The Moab 2 Mid WP from Merrell is another well-known version with similar goals. Compared to the Salomon, the Moab 2 has superb overall cushioning, especially underfoot, which is also more supportive. However, it is also a bit heavier and less nimble. The X Ultra 3, on the other hand, is lighter by 4.3 ounces per pair, has a more athletic feel to it, and provides comparable support—we believe that Salomon’s lacing system allows for a better all-around fit. Those looking for a comfortable boot for day hiking on technical terrain will love the X Ultra Mid Gore-Tex.
Naturally, there are a few trade-offs with the Salomon X Ultra 3 Mid Gore-Tex’s reduced weight. However, the most significant trade-off is the lack of underfoot protection, thinner than the Salomon Quest 4. In addition, because the X Ultra is more flexible and does not sit as high on the ankle as the Quest, it isn’t as supportive over rough terrain.
8. Vasque St. Elias GTX
Category: Midweight
Photo: Vasque
The Vasque St. Elias Gore-Tex is a well-rounded, middle-of-the-road hiking boot from the brand. While other brands offer lightweight boots, winter boots, starter boots, and more, the St. Elias is designed as a capable hiking boot that can handle a range of terrains in various climates. In addition, the Vasque St. Elias Gore-Tex is designed with an athletic feel that makes it perfect for long days on the trail but also has enough cushioning in its midsole to make it comfortable even when you’re walking around town all day.
If you are looking for a lightweight boot, then the Vasque St. Elias Gore-Tex is not necessarily suitable for you, as it falls into our category for midweight hiking boots. However, at just over two pounds per pair, it is not the heaviest option out there. This boot offers a variety of features that make it perfect for day hikes and backpacking trips alike.
The St. Elias Gore-Tex comes with a Vibram MegaGrip sole which provides excellent traction on various surfaces, making it an ideal choice for hikers who enjoy a variety of terrains and like to go off-trail. In addition, they come with a waterproof interior and are made with a durable nubuck leather upper, which protects the boot from water, dirt, and debris.
This boot’s weight and comfortable design make it an excellent option for day hikers and backpackers alike who are looking for a versatile, all-around hiking boot.
9. Adidas Terrex Swift R2 Mid GTX
Category: Lightweight
Photo: Adidas
This Adidas Terrex Swift Mid Gore-Tex is a lightweight synthetic boot ideal for walking or running. It has a Gore-Tex waterproof coating which is most effective at keeping water out. In addition, the shoe provides good traction and can keep the laces hidden through the lacing bundle.
Whether you’re trekking through the woods or scaling mountains, Adidas Terrex Swift R2 Mid Gore-Tex will get you there. These trail runners have a cutting-edge design that can handle any condition.
Adidas’ Terrex Swift R – Mid Gore-Tex Trail Runner Boot is ideal for long days of hiking or running on wet, slippery trails. It offers good traction and Gore-Tex waterproof protection to keep your feet dry. In addition, the boot is constructed with an extra-resistant Continental™ rubber compound outsole that uses Adidas Traxion technology for optimal grip in all directions. These lightweight hiking boots are an excellent choice for day hikes and short backpacking trips alike at just over one pound per pair.
Understanding Lightweight, Midweight, Heavyweight hiking boots
Hiking boots can be broken up into three different categories that should be considered when looking for your next hiking boot. These categories are based on the weight and type of hiking the boot was designed for.
Lightweight Hiking Boots
Lightweight hiking boots are under 18 ounces and are designed with less dense material and are ideal for anyone looking to get a nimbler hike without having ankle protection. While they look robust and relatively waterproof the North Face Ultra GTx Surround boots are fairly lightweight at approximately 13 g.
Midweight Hiking Boots
The midweight hiking shoe is between 18-22ounces (by boot), and they might be the one you think about when thinking about going hiking. The North Face Ultra 110 GTX boots are an example of this, weighing in at 20 ounces.
Heavyweight Hiking Boots
Heavyweight Hiking Shoes/Backpacking Boots (over 22-33 oz) These types of hiking boots typically have a stiffer material to keep your ankles protected and they will be more water-resistant than lightweight or midweight. They also provide more support to carry heavy loads. The Salomon Quest boots are one example of these types of shoes, weighing in at over 30 oz.
How to choose a pair of hiking boots?
It’s a personal decision to pick hiking boots for yourself. Boots made for stability or durability have less forgiveness and need a better fit than some others. A boot that is made for waterproofing or a lightweight hike should be considered if those are the features you need.
If you’re looking to buy, go to your local outdoor shop and ask the employees which hiking boots would fit you best. They will have knowledge on what other brands we may have missed that make good boots as well as how different materials feel when being worn.
With so many options available to you, deciding on the best pair of hiking boots for your needs can be a daunting task. To help you out we’ve put together this list of factors that will guide you in your search and give you an idea of what to look for when shopping online. Whether it is backpacking through the mountains or trekking across lava fields, there are certain factors that apply no matter where your hike takes you! Keep these things in mind as well as our helpful tips below before making any purchases and good luck with getting those perfect boots! Which hiking boot do YOU like most? Comment down below
