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We have tested hiking boots for 11 years, with close to 80 unique models bought and pitted head-to-head. This updated review analyzes 17 of the best models available today. Our review team is a group of avid hikers excited to share their experiences with you. This team of alpine guides and backcountry enthusiasts spent months hiking through mountains, deserts, and forests on the trail and off before scoring, ranking, and passing final judgment on all the models in our lineup. The resulting review has in-depth details on specific performance areas and recommendations for finding the best hiking gear for your budget.
If you want a lighter-weight option, considering something from our top men's hiking shoe review could be an excellent alternative to a full boot. And even though most boots come in both men's and women's versions, it is not always the case that they perform similarly for both. To that end, we conduct in-depth testing by female reviewers in our review of the best women's hiking boots and top-ranked women's hiking shoes.
Editor's Note: We updated our men's hiking boot review on March 8, 2024, to include alternative picks to our top award winners.
Very stable, super plush sole, leather upper is durable
Top-level hiking boot performance, excels in all metrics
Best choice for rock and snow travel, durable, breathes well
Lightweight, comfortable, excellent traction
Very durable, stable, great foot protection
Cons
Lacing hooks are not perfect, some break in period required, not great for hot climates
Expensive, not as great for hot and dry climates
Wider fit, not the best lace locking system, very expensive
Narrow fit, slightly small sizing
Heavy, diminished breathability
Bottom Line
This hiking boot offers immense comfort and is stable and supportive, making it a perfect choice for those venturing on anything from day hikes to heavyweight backpacking trip
The gold standard of what a great hiking boot should be, and we heartily recommend it for those seeking the best possible performance on and off the trail
For rocky alpine approaches and moderate snow travel, this model is a lightweight mountain boot disguised as a hiking boot
This high-performing hiking boot tears up technical terrain with maximum precision and is at home far from the trail
A beefy boot that provides excellent structure and support for carrying heavy packs in rough terrain
Slightly longer break-in period than lighter boots
The Hoka Kaha 2 GTX is an outstanding boot that combines comfort and support with some really cool new designs, sure to turn heads when you walk down the trail. The meta-rockered style that uses Hoka's unique Swallowtail heel gives a much smoother gait when striding along, and thanks to 2 inches of ridiculously comfortable EVA compression molded foam, it feels like you are walking on a cloud.
Despite all this comfort, the Kaha doesn't feel like wearing a big marshmallow. There is enough stability in the midsole and through the high-top ankle that those seeking top-level protection will find it in this boot. Using durable materials like nubuck leather and adding in a tried and true Gore-Tex liner for waterproofness, we believe this is one of the best boots you could ask for in most climates outside of hot and dry environments. If you require a boot that's ready to hit the trail right out of the box, we found the lightweight and thin-soled Salomon X Ultra Mid 4 Gore-Tex didn't require a break-in period. Though it's lacking somewhat in the durability department, it is supportive.
The Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof is a comfortable and affordable hiking boot that feels good right out of the box. Testers were blister-free over dozens of miles, and the arch support is some of the best in the category. The insole and EVA midsole provide excellent cushioning, and the padded tongue minimizes chafing during ankle flexion. The suede and mesh upper don'tlook waterproof, but in reality, this boot offers above-average protection through shallow water crossings and mud.
We think the Moab 3 Mid is a great option overall for the casual backpacker requiring wet weather protection, but the padding and suede upper also make this one of the warmer boots during hot weather hikes. We were also lukewarm on their traction capabilities in anything besides smoother terrain due to the shallow lugs. Despite these critiques, this is an excellent and affordable boot that will provide long-lasting comfort to a wide range of potential hikers. If you desire better traction without paying the highest dollar, the mid-range La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX is one to consider. It's lightweight and features excellent traction built for more technical terrain.
Many seams could present durability issues over the long term
On the heavier side
Not best for light hiking
The Salomon Quest 4 Gore-Tex is a tried and true hiking boot that, in many ways, defines the category. Hiking boots have historically been tall, supportive, and capable of providing exceptional support to those ferrying large loads into the backcountry. In the total package of the Quest 4, you are treated with cushioned comfort, excellent stability, and some of the best waterproof credentials in the business. This boot is for hikers who want to do long and demanding backpacking trips in difficult terrain, carrying a heavier pack. With the tallest ankle cuff height of any boot in our review and an innovative support structure, we feel these are the most stable backpacking boots out there, and the height also gives them an advantage in water resistance.
We wholeheartedly recommend the Quest 4 for hikers needing the ultimate support and performance on heavyweight backpacking trips. It excels on long hikes thanks to a customizable fit that adapts to the shape of your foot. It has the support you need when carrying overnight backpacking gear, and its traction ensures you won't slip. The boot weighs more than many other models we tested, but we think that weight is well worth the performance upgrade. The only aspect where this boot doesn't excel is with dumping heat and sweat on hikes in hot and arid climates. Aside from that, we are thoroughly impressed with this world-class hiker. Those looking to go lighter without significantly sacrificing stability should look at the La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX.
The Scarpa Zodiac Plus GTX is a pared-down mountain boot, making it an optimal choice for off-trail travel, mountain scrambling, and carrying heavy loads. It has excellent stability, giving you the confidence to edge or smear up the steepest terrain you might encounter on a challenging cross-country hike. The Vibram sole is sticky while staying durable, and the full-grain leather upper will take a lot of abuse before it starts showing signs of wear.
On the other hand, we had to knock off some comfort score points due to the rigid midsole. The boot features a rockered sole, which will make it walk better than the average mountain boot, but also less soft of a ride as you get in a less stiff boot. Consider this model if you are into off-trail travel, carrying overnight packs, and scrambling up 3rd and 4th-class terrain. If you want more versatility, the plush-soled Hoka Kaha 2 GTX offers a higher degree of comfort.
The La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX is a trail running-inspired boot shoe that has been beefed to be one of the best all-terrain machines out there. With the comfort of a shoe and the support and traction of a boot, the Ultra Raptor punches well above its weight class. This is the hiking boot for you if you want the most capable cross-country footwear while also keeping weight down and prioritizing on-trail walking comfort — something that similarly capable, heavier-weight models don't always do a good job at.
Our biggest complaint with the Ultra Raptor II Mid is the sizing: we had to reorder these boots in a half size larger than our normal street shoe size to achieve the right fit. We should also note that La Sportiva offers this boot in a wide version, so prospective users should be able to find the right fit armed with that knowledge. On the other hand, those with wide feet planning on treading trails that don't require high degrees of support may find the zero-drop Altra Lone Peak ALL-WTHR Mid 2 to be a comfortable fit.
Weight (per pair): 1.85 pounds | Upper: Leather and textile
REASONS TO BUY
Supportive
Low weight
More comfortable than most
Fast
REASONS TO AVOID
Durability issues
Not as rugged as many heavier models
The Salomon X Ultra Mid 4 Gore-Tex is one of the lightest hiking boots we have worn. These boots keep the same mid-ankle support that we expect for off-trail travel and excursions with heavy packs while shaving nearly a half-pound from the previous model — through some kind of black magic, we can only assume. These boots use the same ADV-C Chassis and ActiveSupport technologies as the low-top shoe version of this model, and we find that the support they offer is exceptional, wrapping securely around the foot to create a stable platform that resists rolling. They are waterproof thanks to the Gore-Tex liner, making them perfectly suited for nearly all terrain types and environments.
Think of this boot as a bridge between the lightweight world of trail runners and hiking shoes and heavy-duty traditional hiking boots. They are at the lightweight end of the boot spectrum, retaining some of the added stability and support that this category is known for, while cutting huge amounts of weight and remaining as flexible and agile as a running shoe. The sole might be thinner than some folks will want in uneven terrain, but that is a trade-off we are fine with on lightweight hikes. These are going to be best for the hiker who really wants the weight savings of the shoe but still needs the support of a boot. But if your adventures require a more rugged model for alpine climbs, the Scarpa Zodiac Plus GTX can tackle the mountain.
The La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX is our favorite boot for coming out of water crossings unscathed. The Gore-Tex Surround lining and nubuck leather upper kept our feet dry, and the boot itself dried quickly after splashing through streams. The gusseted tongue also helped with water repellency. These are also one of the lighter pairs in this category, which definitely saved our feet after long miles. The Vibram sole has pleasantly grippy lugs, and the heel has some rock to it that makes it easier to brace and brake on downhills.
We found the stability of this boot to be somewhat disappointing. Even though it has extra cushioning on both the inside and outside of the ankle, the upper still gives way under torsion. We also found the lace hooks were curiously and frustratingly challenging to use. It means the laces stay really secure, but we've never really experienced issues with lace hooks on other boots, so we aren't sure why La Sportiva went with the hard-to-use redesign here. Regardless, this model is our first pick for those stomping through puddles and making their way across streams, brooks, and shallow rivers. Another model you may like for water crossings is the stable Salomon Quest 4 Gore-Tex.
The Altra Lone Peak ALL-WTHR Mid 2 has a couple of unique things going for it: it is one of the only "zero-drop" boots in our review, and it has the most forefoot space of any boot we tested. Zero-drop shoes and boots have been making a name for themselves in recent years, as the neutral height allows the foot to be in a more natural, almost barefoot-like position. Some love them, and some don't care for them, but if you are interested in zero-drop hiking boots, the Lone Peak is our top choice. We like how comfortable and springy they are, and those with wide feet will really appreciate how much room they get in the forefoot for toes to splay, making this a pretty great choice for someone who wants more room in their boots for comfort or for wider feet.
While this is a mid-top boot, the Lone Peak ALL-WTHR is still pretty flexible and does not offer as much support or stability as other models in the same weight class. It is not uncommon to find zero-drop shoes trending towards this minimalist style, allowing the foot to be more of a partner rather than the boot imparting all of the support. We find this type of footwear to be effective for long thru-hikes where the amount of weight you carry is pared down. If you need a lightweight model that bridges the gap between hiking shoes and boots, the comfortable and supportive Salomon X Ultra Mid 4 Gore-Tex is worth a look.
The wide toe box of these "boots" really allows the foot to spread out. Maybe not so great for technical terrain but for smooth trails like this it makes for very comfortable strides.
Credit: Ryan Huetter
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We test all the products in our review out in the field in all manner of terrain. From sun to mud to stream crossings, you can take confidence that we put these boots through the wringer.
Credit: Ben Applebaum-Bauch
Why You Should Trust Us
Over a decade, we've tested almost 80 pairs of men's hiking boots. Our testing took place in some of the most rugged and iconic mountain ranges in the country, including the High Sierra, the Cascade Range, volcanoes and deserts of southern Peru, and the desert country around Moab. This review draws on hours of research followed by months of testing, more than 350 miles of collective hiking, and strategic tests. Comfort and support are crucial for footwear, so we weighted these the heaviest. Traction scores combine our experience hiking in each boot for up to 20 miles, as well as an average of each product's scores on specific dry rock, wet rock, scree, mud, and scrambling tests.
Our hiking boot testing is divided across six rating metrics:
Comfort (25% of overall score weighting)
Support (25% weighting)
Traction (15% weighting)
Water Resistance (15% weighting)
Weight (10% weighting)
Durability (10% weighting)
Our expert panel of testers is led by Ryan Huetter, a full-time AMGA/IFMGA certified mountain guide with a bachelor's degree in Outdoor Adventure Management. Ryan uses hiking boots (a crucial professional tool) extensively, hitting the trail almost daily and logging thousands of trail miles in the last ten years. He is joined by Ben Applebaum-Bauch, another thoroughly seasoned backpacker and hiker. Ben has guided trips all over the Appalachian Trail, including the 100-mile Wilderness, and climbed more peaks than he's managed to count. Thanks to this impressive test team, we feel confident in our assessments and the advice we provide to help guide you to your next best hiking boot.
Running down hills felt super stable thanks to the high top support in the Kahas.
The high flood height and one piece suede leather outer kept the water from getting inside the boot.
These boots take a bit more time to break in than others, so this 25-mile hike was a bit much for them right out of the box.
Analysis and Test Results
We believe that all good hiking boots can be effectively assessed using six key traits, outlined below. We developed a scoring system based on weighted metrics to rate each boot objectively. After spending countless hours hiking in each model and taking diligent notes about their performance, we tally up the scores to give you a clear understanding of each model's performance. Boots that score well across all metrics are given top awards, while others may do admirably in one or two categories and are awarded for their specialized performance.
Value
Value is an important aspect to consider, as you want to get the best boot that will suit your needs for the lowest price. We think of value in terms of how much performance you get for each dollar spent. There are some very competitively-priced boots in our review, some of which also score impressively well.
While tromping through this swampy meadow, the Merrell Moab 3 keeps our feet dry with its waterproof lining. This high-value hiking boot will accompany you on the trail through all sorts of tough conditions.
Credit: Ryan Huetter
We find that as price increases, the best gains come in the support and durability metrics. You'll pay more for high-quality materials that are well crafted, and these boots usually last longer. You can get a good boot that will provide stability for a reasonable price, but we found the most expensive boots in our review to be the best at tackling rough off-trail, especially with lots of weight in your pack. For instance, the Scarpa Zodiac is really expensive but also perfectly suited to cross-country hiking and peak-bagging. That said, if you want to spend a lot less, the Merrell Moab 3 delivers solid all-around performance for a very reasonable price, as does the Salomon X Ultra Mid 4.
Ready to put down some miles? We hiked hundreds of them to test these boots for you.
Credit: Ryan Huetter
Comfort
The most critical factor when deciding on a hiking boot is comfort. Gone are the days of painfully breaking in heavy leather boots. With many more synthetic materials being utilized today, hikers can choose from a wider range of boots with much better comfort in the uppers and more cushioned midsoles. With an ever-growing number of hikers questing on many of our nation's popular thru-hikes, a comfy pair of boots is the first step in preparing for such an endeavor. The Salomon X Ultra Mid 4 is comfortable for a midweight boot and feels great from day one, requiring no break-in period, as is the Merrell Moab 3 Mid. We love the fit and feel of the leather upper on the Hoka models like the Kaha 2 and the Anacapa 2 Mid, though they took a few hikes to adequately break them in so that the leather was pliable. The lightest models, such as the Lone Peak All WTHR Mid 2, are unbelievably comfortable while on firm trails and paved paths. However, the weight savings derived from a thinner sole means that foot comfort is compromised while on uneven and rocky terrain.
We noted three primary attributes when considering comfort:
Footbed Feel
How does the boot feel when laced up and standing? When laced, are there any pressure points, and how large is the toe box? When you step on that pointy rock on the trail, does your foot feel it? After several hours of hiking, which models still made our feet feel great? The Salomon X Ultra Mid 4 and Merrell Moab 3 Mid are among the most comfortable straight from the box. The Hoka Kaha 2 did the best job keeping our feet happy after many miles and hours with a moderate pack thanks to a solid 2-inch plush dual-density foam midsole, though many other models were not far behind. For those who already like or are intrigued by zero-drop footwear, or who favor a wider fitting boot, the Lone Peak ALL-WTHR is a super comfortable option in this niche category.
We really love the comfort and ease of use of the Altra boots. We recommend them to those who'd like to try zero-drop footwear.
Credit: Ryan Huetter
It is worth spending the time to find out a bit more about your own feet, as we all have different foot volume and arch height, and these traits change as we age. Certain models fit low, medium, or high volume feet the best. Insole thickness and shape will also have a lot to do with initial comfort impressions. Sometimes that space can be reduced or taken up with an aftermarket insole, though we tend to recommend finding a boot that fits as well as possible first and then fine-tuning the fit as necessary.
We want a boot to make our feet feel comfortable when walking on these types of trails.
Credit: Ryan Huetter
Ankle Collar and Lacing System
We noted the number and type of lacing eyelets, how the heel box holds the back of the foot, and whether there was any slippage. The Salomon models feature our favorite lacing systems. The fit and construction of the ankle collar are super important when logging many miles or traveling steep grades. The Merrell Moab 3 has a shorter cut with less ankle protection but is still quite comfortable. The La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II Mid has a high, 5-inch ankle collar made of flexible foam panels and provides comfortable support on par with some of the best boots in the review.
By using the novel Active Support wings that wrap around the foot snugly when securing the laces, the X Ultra 4 GTX boots cradle the foot and result in a very stable fit.
Credit: Ryan Huetter
Breathability
Blisters form due to heat and friction, and damp skin has lots of friction. Hikers have developed many tricks and techniques to keep blisters at bay, including Mole Skin, duct tape, and foot powder. Our perspective? Choose a boot with better breathability from the get-go. Wearing boots with a waterproof membrane (even a breathable one) always limits the ventilation ability of the footwear.
Our testers put each model through the wringer, measuring their level of breathability in all types of terrains and climates.
Credit: Ross Robinson
Overall, the Salomon and Hoka models are comfort champs, thanks to their soft and flexible materials that still impart good stability.
Support
The biggest reason to wear a hiking boot rather than a trail runner or a hiking shoe is for increased stability. The higher the ankle is cut, the more resistance the boot will provide to rolling ankles. These boots also have thicker and more supportive soles, giving added protection against sharp rocks, a notable weakness in lighter shoes. Looking at support, our review team considers torsional stability in the sole, height, and security of the ankle cuff, as well as the width of the sole and stiffness below the footbed, to determine the rating for this metric. This review covers boots that barely rise above the ankle to much taller ones that provide unparalleled ankle support. Your needs may not require the full-on stability of a high-top model, and a mid-cut boot may give a better blend of flexibility, mobility, and support.
Also, consider that for many of the lighter-weight models, such as the Altra Lone Peak, the boot's stability relies upon the compression gained from a sound lacing system. Soft and supple materials that do not have much structural integrity on their own become more rigid and supportive when wrapped tight around the ankle. Other boots, like the Lowa Renegade GTX Mid and Timberland Mt. Maddsen Mid Waterproof, have thick leather that offers much more structural support. For those who are experiencing the aches and pains of life on the trail, such as those hiking in retirement, stability will be an essential asset.
In addition to the many miles we hiked, we took a couple of measurements to quantify how well each product supports the ankle and resists lateral rolling. First, we measured the height of the ankle collar from the footbed to its tallest point of the instep. The Salomon Quest 4 has one of the tallest ankle collars at 8 inches, with the Hoka Kaha 2 just behind it at 7.5 inches tall. We also measured the width of the sole at the forefoot. A wide forefoot provides a more stable platform and resists rolling in lots of terrain, but in technical off-trail travel, a snug and narrow fit can be even better, as we found in the case of the La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II .
The Hoka Kaha 2 GTX are stable at speed, even on uneven and rocky trails, thanks to their 7.5 inch ankle collar height.
Credit: Ryan Huetter
Finally, we grabbed the sole by the heel and toe and twisted side to side to get an idea of torsional stability, which is the boot's ability to resist the twisting of the sole on uneven surfaces. Better torsional stability translates to less foot fatigue on rough terrain, especially when carrying a load. Overall, we awarded the Salomon Quest 4 a top score in this metric. It ticked all the boxes (tall ankle collar, wide forefoot, torsional rigidity) in the lab and gave us tons of confidence to speed through rough terrain. The Lowa Renegade also received accolades in this metric, which comes as no surprise thanks to its plastic/urethane shank. Also notable are the Scarpa Zodiac Plus and La Sportiva Trango Tech.
Hiking through the bog was a great way to test for support and stability in slippery conditions while wearing the Salomon Quest 4D boots.
Credit: Ryan Huetter
Traction
Traction is one of the most important aspects of a hiking boot, but a lot goes into determining what qualifies as good traction. There are a few things to consider regarding a boot's ability to keep from slipping. The amount of stiffness that a boot offers, usually in the form of a shank, gives it more purchase when you can only get the toe of your foot onto an edge or if you need to kick steps up loose scree or snow. Secondly, the type of rubber compound used will impact how well the sole grips. Softer rubber will smear and deform against a smooth slab of granite, though this softer rubber will suffer longer-term durability issues. Harder rubber won't smear nearly as well, though it will give more bite into soft slopes and resist wear. Lastly, we consider the tread shape and patterning. Shallow lugs, the "teeth" on the bottom of the sole, will give more surface area contact and engage better with smooth terrain, while deeper and more spread out lugs will grip better in mud and snow, making them better for off-trail use.
During our backcountry exploits across a wide variety of terrain types, we were able to test for traction on wet and dry trails, damp and dry rock, snow, and mud. It should come as no surprise that the models made by the companies known for their quality rock climbing footwear rose to the top regarding traction. The Scarpa Zodiac Plus came in at the top of the pack in this category, though the La Sportiva Trango Tech GTX is nearly as capable and flexes slightly better in the forefoot, making it the better choice for smearing on rock slabs.
The deep lugs and 'impact brake system' of the Nucleo High II GTX provide reliable traction across a variety of terrains and ground conditions.
Credit: Ben Applebaum-Bauch
Moving on to loose terrain, we tested these boots in off-trail travel on High Sierra backpacking routes and alpine climbing approaches and descents. We found a narrower midsole offered better edging performance on looser ground, rolling over less when plowing through scree and hopping over talus. Our favorite pair to take into the boulder fields and scree slopes were the Zodiac Plus boots, with their blend of stiffness and a nimble sole. It is perhaps the best boot in this review for technical rock climbing, with a sticky climbing zone on the toe and a sole that ascends steep rock with ease.
From desert trails to the tops of tall mountains, where will your hiking boots take you? These Scarpa Zodiacs are up to the task.
Credit: Ryan Huetter
With a deep snowpack in the Sierra Nevada, we had many opportunities to test these boots in snow and mud as well. The best performers had stiffer soles for edging and serrated lugs to kick steps in mature summer snow and dislodge mud. The Quest 4 was a favorite of testers, followed by the Scarpa Zodiac yet again.
While these are different traction scenarios, we assigned all the products an overall traction score. We discuss how each one performed during the traction tests in their respective reviews, as some sole types were high performers in certain terrain types but did not compete as well in a range of environments.
Climbing mountains is what the Zodiac is meant to do. Excellent traction in all terrain types make this valuable to hikers and seasoned alpinists alike.
Credit: Ryan Huetter
Water Resistance
We all want dry feet when hiking. Dry feet are key to avoiding blisters and staying warm when walking in the cold and wet. And wet feet are far from comfortable. Almost all of our test models feature some waterproof/breathable fabric membrane. Most models use a Gore-Tex or eVent brand membrane, while Keen, Merrell, Timberland, and Lowa use proprietary membranes.
First, we measured what we call the "flood level" of each boot. A typical design feature of hiking boots is a gusseted or bellows tongue. Not only do the gussets keep rocks and debris from entering the shoe, but the waterproof membrane also extends through this gusset. We measured the depth of water we could wade into with each boot before it flooded in over the top. The overall top-scoring Nucleo High II comes in with a height of 6.75 inches.
Stream crossings were absolutely no problem with the La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX. We even made a point of standing still in the running water to see how our feet fared and they stayed dry every time.
Credit: Ben Applebaum-Bauch
Second, we took each boot through a stream test. Fording streams is a better test than standing around in the water, which is a task a rain boot would be better suited for. There were varying degrees of performance. Taking the top spots are the La Sportiva Nucleo High II and Lowa Renegade, followed by the Salomon Quest 4, Hoka Kaha 2, Scarpa Zodiac and others.
Even though there is a lot of mesh in the upper, the waterproof lining of the Merrell Moab 3 kept our feet dry while walking through this swampy meadow.
Credit: Ryan Huetter
No waterproof membrane that protects the foot can withstand continuous exposure to water. All will eventually wet out, so we also considered the ability of the boot to dry out once fully inundated. The best performer here was the Altra Lone Peak ALL-WTHR. By using all synthetic materials that are very thin, this boot dried out very quickly after being fully submerged in water. The Salomon X Ultra 4 was also notable in this metric, with a PU leather upper that resisted inundation and quickly dried after being submerged.
While others searched for dry logs to hop across, we had no problem fording this creek on a wet hike along the Washington coast while wearing the X Ultra 4.
Credit: Ryan Huetter
Weight
Weight is a factor to consider when choosing a hiking boot, as it translates directly into efficiency. It will be more efficient to lift less weight with each step over the course of a hike (which for day hikes has been estimated at between 6,300 and 10,500 steps on average). That makes intuitive sense, though there is a limit to the amount of weight savings a boot can have before there is a decrease in stability and performance on more aggressive terrain. We give 15% of our total scoring to this metric, recognizing that it is important but shouldn't be the single determining factor in choosing a boot.
The Salomon X Ultra Mid 4 Gore-Tex is almost the lightest product we tested at 1.85 pounds for a US men's size 11 — a weight that was unheard of just a few years ago in this category. The Lone Peak ALL-WTHR Mid 2 is a smidge lighter at 1.83 pounds, giving those who want a wider fit another excellent lightweight option. There are certainly some trade-offs to going with the lightest possible boot, namely support and durability. We loved the Keen Zionic Waterproof Mid, as it was one of only three boots to be under 2 pounds, but the sacrifice of support was too great for us to recommend it for more than just on-trail use. Think of these boots as being a bridge between heavy-duty boots and more minimal hiking shoes. We found a lot of really capable contenders around the 2-pound mark, namely the La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II, which is light enough but gives up nothing in regard to performance.
Hovering just above the 2 pound mark, these Ultra Raptors hardly weigh you down and provide lots of usefulness for that extra weight.
Credit: Ryan Huetter
Those with stronger ankles and more backpacking experience can often get away with a lighter-weight hiking boot, provided that they are not carrying loads more than about 30 pounds. For beginner and intermediate backpackers, and especially those hauling considerable weight, burlier mid and high-top boots are going to be the safest option.
Bounding over talus on a long hike to a remote peak, lightweight models like the Salomon X Ultra 4 boots are more nimble and responsive than bulkier, heavier boots.
Credit: Ryan Huetter
Durability
No boot will last forever, especially with heavy use. Synthetic fibers will fray and begin to wick moisture, soles will delaminate and wear thin, and the boot will lose structure and become soft. That is the trade-off for getting to wear boots that are made of modern materials. Many hikers praise their boots purchased decades ago that have endured 20 years while failing to mention that the pair weighs four or five pounds and may have cost a small fortune.
We were happy to find that most of the models in this review held up well through the months-long testing period. No boot suffered damage to the point of losing function. That said, we expect any hiking boots within the price range of these models to last at least a couple of seasons. Materials used vary from mesh to full-grain leather, and we found that the less reliant on synthetic materials a boot is, such as the Vasque St. Elias FG GTX, the better it would perform when pitted against rough wear. Throughout our hiking experience, we consistently find that lighter-weight boots, utilizing lightweight materials, often begin breaking down ahead of the heavier-duty models we have tested. It's a general rule but one worth considering when looking into long-term value.
We have included additional updates for durability where appropriate on models that our testers have loved and decided to keep and wear for longer than the normal testing period, but it should be noted that just because these boots have shown signs of wear and tear, they are not necessarily less durable than boots which were only tested during the review period
We love the St. Elias for its simplicity, excellent stability, and proven durability.
Credit: Steven Mace
No boot is immune to damage, but the St. Elias, Scarpa Zodiac, and the Timberland Mt. Maddsen stood out as the most durable pieces we reviewed, thanks to their reliance on thick leather outers rather than flimsy synthetic materials. We also really liked the nubuck leather uppers on the Kaha 2 GTX and Anacapa 2 Mid GTX. It is a lighter and thinner grade of leather but still holds up much better than a piece of mesh. We assigned durability just 10% of the overall score, admitting that a season of testing is a short amount of time to flush out the exact differences in longevity.
The full leather upper of the Timberland Mt. Maddsen Mid should do well over time resisting wear and tear.
Credit: Ryan Huetter
Conclusion
If you want to get out and go hiking, your footwear choice is one of your most important decisions. While many are making the switch to trail running shoes for dramatic weight savings, this can affect how much you enjoy your trip. Lightweight backpacking has its place, but if you are new to hiking or plan to carry the a pack, you should consider the benefits of a solid pair of sturdy hiking boots. Offering additional support that the lower-cut models simply cannot, investing in a good pair of boots will help you avoid pain, discomfort, fatigued feet, and rolled ankles.
We hope this extensive review helps you find the perfect boots and allows for many miles of happy trails in them.
