Best Hiking Boots (2026): Walking Shoes, Trails, Backpacking

Jul 11, 2026 5:32 AM

The Best Hiking Boots and Shoes for Any Adventure

From strenuous hikes and serious summits to weekend rambles in the park, these boots help you make the most of your time outdoors.

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Over the past 12 months I’ve tested more than 50 pairs of outdoor shoes, from traditional leather hiking boots and their modern equivalents to ultralight trail runners and everything in between. I’ve popped out for dog walks around my local park, hiked for days along rugged coastal paths, thru-hiked with heavy packs, and even stepped out on the occasional glacier.

Hikers have hundreds of options to choose from these days, from old-school leather clodhoppers to ultralight trail-running sneakers, stiff approach shoes, and pillowy long-distance hikers made for big-mile days. Selecting the right pair depends on where you walk, how fast you move, how much you carry, and how much punishment your feet are prepared to tolerate. Below, I’ve pulled together my top picks for all sorts of different hikers.

I’ve also compiled a separate guide to whether you Should Hike in Boots or Trail Runners, plus looked into The Best Lightweight Hiking Boots and Shoes. And don’t forget to check out more of WIRED's outdoor guides, like the Best Hiking Daypacks, Best Puffer Jackets, and Best Backpacking Stoves.

Updated July 2026: I’ve added the HOKA Kaha 3 GTX, Salomon X Ultra 5 Mid GORE-TEX, Keen Targhee Apex Hiking Shoe, Mammut Duncan III Low GTX, Altra Lone Peak 9+, and Danner Mountain 600. I’ve also updated links and prices.

Jump To

The Best Modern Hiking Boot

Photograph: Chris Haslam

Hoka

Kaha 3 GTX

They’re big and look even bigger on your feet, but the Hoka Kaha 3 GTX are the most comfortable, well-cushioned mid-cut hiking boots I’ve worn this year. They’re brilliantly plush, impressively supportive and fantastic over long days with or without a loaded pack. Comfort costs, though.

The dual-density midsole is super thick and I expected to hate Hoka’s signature boing-boing feel, but they’re reassuring underfoot. As such, they’re not a particularly precise boot, and can feel a little unwieldy over tricky terrain, but the 4-mm lugs and Vibram Megagrip outsole stick to mud, rock, and trails with ease. If you want a boot to chew through mile after mile of trails without you noticing, the Kaha 3 GTX should be your top pick.

Having a Gore-Tex Invisible Fit liner and generous heel support also make them ideal for wet weather, muddy conditions, and stream-hopping. The payoff here is hot feet after a few hours of hard work, but if you can’t face wet socks, and wouldn’t dream of hiking in sandals, it’s a necessary evil.

As someone who seems to be always recovering from one ankle injury or another, the higher boot profile provides me plenty of reassurance. The high lacing and metal hooks help me dial in the fit too, and while there’s actually little evidence boots reduce the risk of ankle injury, the support can be felt in each step, and helps to balance out the softer feeling underfoot.

The Boots I Keep Coming Back To

Photograph: Chris Haslam

Danner

Mountain 600

Unless they’re already on my feet, my very well-loved pair of Danner Mountain 600 boots lives in my trunk, ready to go whenever I need them. The 4.5-inch design is a new-school take on the classic boot, with a nice cushioned EVA midsole, robust leather upper, and fantastic grip, courtesy of Vibram Megagrip. They’re by no means the sexiest of modern hiking boots, and they lack the traditional charm of a pair of Danner Mountain Lites, for example, but they’re half the price, close to half the weight and arguably twice as comfortable over a long walk.

On a three-day hike along the coast of Devon and Cornwall, I had planned on testing a pair of new ultralight boots, but I changed my mind at the trailhead and opted for this old favorite. And they performed superbly, covering mile after mile with no rubbing, hotspots, or cause for concern. They are chunky compared with modern trail shoes, not especially fast-moving, and the leather runs hot when the temperature rises, but they are the closest thing I’ve found to a “trusty” old pair of boots. Given how many pairs I test, this is high praise indeed. The tread is getting a little worn now, but Danner can resole and even replace the leather uppers when the time comes.

A Superb Mid-Cut Boot

Photograph: Chris Haslam

Salomon

X Ultra 5 Mid Gore-Tex

The Salomon X Ultra 5 Mid Gore-Tex looks like a classic pair of modern hiking boots, with chunky dimensions, robust features, and good support, but these mid-cut Salomon boots are deceptively light at 1.94 pounds per pair. I have spent years urging people to buy the superb Salomon Quest 4 GTX, but these have become my preferred choice from the brand.

While not specifically designed for hauling heavy packs, I had no issues over several weekend overnighters, and was taken by just how versatile they were. The Contagrip rubber keeps you surefooted when climbing, and while the EnergyCell midsole lacks the squish of the Hoka Kaha 3 GTX, those more used to traditional hiking footwear will like the firm but responsive feel. They’re not too stiff, and not too soft, just easy to get on with, even straight out of the box.

A Gore-Tex lining provides dependable waterproofing, and extra warmth, and the build quality feels reassuringly solid, with an upper made from a tightly woven synthetic material reinforced with Kevlar. This is a superb all-around boot from Salomon.

Light, Comfortable, and Dependable

Courtesy of Keen

Keen

Targhee Apex

The Targhee collection, named after a hardy American sheep breed known for its resiliency and fine wool, was first launched in 2005, with the intention of being versatile, robust, and comfortable from the get-go.

I’ve walked in many pairs over the years, and they remain a dependable choice I’m happy to recommend, even though they’ve never been the most aesthetically pleasing. But with the new Keen Targhee Apex, they’ve gone all-in with a trail-running Gorpcore look that actually works. I know that looks aren’t important when you’re scrambling over rocks and through puddles, but in the high-fashion world of the outdoors these days, pretty and practical ideally go hand in hand.

Regardless of style, these are wonderful waterproof trail shoes that weigh just 0.75 pounds each. They feel light without being fragile. The footbed is generous, allowing my feet to spread comfortably over a long day, and there’s plenty of stability through the midsole. Grip is reassuring on mixed terrain too, and the outsole digs in confidently on both ups and downs, and toes are well protected.

The best feature, however, is the all-new ReGENX midsole, which gives you a spring in your step, but without the mushy feeling you sometimes get with trail-running styles. There’s also enough side-wall support to stop them feeling like basic sneakers. If you prefer a little more support, there is a Targhee Apex boot version, which is also impressively light at 1 pound and 10.4 ounces per pair.

Stiff, Stylish, and Stable

Courtesy of Mammut

Mammut

Ducan III Low GTX

I love these reassuringly robust, traditionally styled hiking shoes from Swiss brand Mammut. The Ducan III Low GTX is the antithesis of the modern trail-runner-for-hiking shoe, with a structured feel offering a stiff and massively grippy sole, excellent protection, and long-distance comfort. They’ve been given an A7 flex rating on Mammut’s own stiffness scale (which goes from A1 to A9, with higher numbers signaling more stiffness)—which gives you a good idea how they perform over difficult sections and climbs.

Much of this stiffness comes from the Flextron plate, designed to add more midfoot stability to reduce foot fatigue. It does work, especially over varied terrain, although if you find yourself walking for miles over flat, even ground, the lack of plushness from the EVA midsole can be tiring. It feels more composed than cushioned, and your feet will ultimately thank you.

Weight is 17.3 ounces per US-9.5 shoe, putting it on the heavier side for a low-cut hiker, but that heft has purpose, and remember, the uppers are made of thick suede. There’s a Gore-Tex liner, and a nice slab of Vibram XS Trek for grip. They do run quite narrow—more approach shoe than trail runner—so check sizing carefully, although in my opinion, the snug fit helps with control.

The Thru-Hike Essential

Courtesy of Altra

Altra

Lone Peak 9+

The Altra Lone Peak shoe first launched in 2011 and now has a cult following, particularly with thru-hikers looking to go the distance. Weighing 11.55 ounces for men’s, the Altra Lone Peak 9+ is silly light and beyond comfortable, while the reinforced toe and heel offer excellent protection from nature’s trip hazards. I tested the non-waterproof version, but there is a Gore-Tex option for just $5 more.

Being an Altra, it has a zero-drop design and a super-wide toe box to encourage natural movement. While this does give the sneaker a rather orthopedic look, the comfort is hard to argue with, especially after a long day’s hiking. Be warned, though, you will need to train your legs to adapt to a zero-drop design before taking on any serious distances.

The midsole here doesn’t offer super-shoe levels of cushioning, and that’s not a bad thing, as they remain balanced and responsive over all types of terrain. There’s a rock plate too, which really makes a difference. The Lone Peak 9 has a MaxTrac rubber outsole, but the 9+ boasts a class-leading Vibram Megagrip compound that simply eats up the trail.

A Brilliant, Light Boot

Photograph: Chris Haslam

Photograph: Chris Haslam

La Sportiva

Prodigio Hike GTX

For me, La Sportiva is a brand built for climbing. I’ve worn out countless pairs of its climbing shoes, and a fair few of their super-grippy approach shoes. But as I’ve discovered, La Sportiva also makes a good line of trail-running and fast-hiking footwear.

The La Sportiva Prodigio Hike GTX combines trail runner agility with boot-level protection, delivering surprising versatility on rugged terrain. The boots remind me of the first generation of the Adidas Terrex Free Hiker ($165), which changed the way brands looked at hiking footwear. The elasticated knitted upper is wonderfully comfortable, even if getting them on does remind me of wrestling into surf booties. The fit is snug rather than generous—this is consistent with La Sportiva in general—but the footbed was fine for my wide feet, and the overall impact is a feeling of security, without the bulk of a traditional boot. And at 1.65 pounds for the pair, they are the opposite of bulky.

Waterproofing comes courtesy of Gore-Tex ePE, the latest-gen membrane, and while I imagine the knitted design will wear out relatively quickly, they show no worrying signs of wear after a week’s walking in the Lake District. The FriXion Red Dual-Mix outsole is a new compound for me, but I have no complaints, even across treacherous loose slate, and the EVA cushioning manages to balance plushness and responsiveness. My only real complaint is with the laces, which are very spaced out, so dialing in the fit isn’t so easy.

A Great Day Hiker

Photograph: Chris Haslam

Arc'teryx

Kopec Mid GTX Boot

Part of Arc’teryx's first wholly in-house-designed footwear collection, the Kopec Mid GTX Boot replaces the popular Aerios. Despite the high price, it’s a hugely versatile, waterproof boot. Made from 100 percent nylon Cordura, the upper is very durable and gives the boot a stiff, secure feel, despite weighing just 11.9 ounces for a size 8.

Designed for day hikes over varied terrain, they’ve impressed me with their the stability and cushioning. If you’ve been disappointed by the soft sneaker feel of many new-generation options from brands like Hoka, these hit the sweet spot. They have out-of-the-box comfort but feel far more secure when scrambling or just walking for hours on end. The security in the heel and ankle and from the 3D-molded collars and tongues is matched by a Vibram Megagrip rubber sole with 4-mm lugs. I’m a big fan of this rubber compound, and here the lugs have been arranged to give the most grip for the least weight.

After three months of regular wear—on and off the trails—they still look remarkably box-fresh, and I appreciate being able to simply hose them down to wash away the mud. Yes, they’re expensive for day hikers, but the materials used do offer a genuine crossover between old and new designs, without compromising on style or performance.

Best Mountain Boot

Photograph: Chris Haslam

Mammut

Kento Tour High GTX

Serious alpine terrain demands respect. If you’re going to be encountering snow, ice, rocks, and steep climbs, you need a mountaineering boot. Weighing 1 pound, 5.8 ounces per boot (in a men’s 9.5) the Kento Tour High GTX, from Swiss mountain stalwarts Mammut, offers a surprisingly agile mix of stiff-soled support, grip, and protection. Given the height and stiffness, it’s a remarkably comfortable boot. Despite the big 11-mm drop, it’s easy to stick to your natural stride.

These boots are built for serious terrain and transporting heavy loads, and are crampon-compatible for icy conditions. Surprisingly, they have impressive out-of-the-box comfort, and just enough flex to stop them from feeling like ski boots. Gore-Tex takes care of the waterproofing, and the velour leather upper and shoe-style lacing system means you can really dial in the fit.

Tested on a snow-covered glacier in freezing conditions, I was impressed by the warmth offered, and the Vibram Hexa Tech sole made me feel more mountain goat than amateur mountaineer. I’ve also worn these boots to scramble rocky ascents, and they instill confidence in every step, while never feeling cumbersome.

The Influencer Choice

Photograph: Chris Haslam

Photograph: Chris Haslam

On Running

Cloudrock Low

Relentless high-profile marketing campaigns and frequent launches mean the once-niche Swiss brand On Running, known for its unmistakable hole-y soles, is now playing in the big leagues. Love it or hate it, the brand now has footwear for every occasion, including these waterproof Cloudrock Low hiking shoes, which have yet to put a foot wrong. The first thing I noticed as I headed out in the Cloudrocks was just how unlike a pair of regular On Running shoes they felt. The super-soft midsole I’ve enjoyed in their running shoes is surprisingly stiff. They remain comfortable regardless of how long you’re on your feet, and there’s a traditional hiking boot feel to them, which marks a change from all the super-cushioned hybrid options.

They’re stable, and the Missiongrip rubber outsole and lugs are deep and offer excellent grip. Although they have no ankle-roll support, I still felt secure in them over uneven ground. In fact, I’d happily carry a pack just to have extended periods in them. It’s not an especially fast shoe, prioritizing control over propulsive power, but I think a lot of people will really enjoy them, both on and off the trail. On Running also does a high-top version and a limited-edition colorway in partnership with Beams and REI, which looks great. It’s just a pity they are so expensive. If you do want a similar but cheaper design, the $120 Adidas Terrex Skychaser AX5 GTX is worth a look.

A New Classic

Photograph: Chris Haslam

Merrell

Moab Speed 2 GTX Mid

In the 15 years since they launched, I’ve worn several pairs of the classic Moab 3 Mid and highly recommend them. But over recent years, Merrell’s Speed collection has turned my head and pleased my feet.

The Moab Speed 2 GTX Mid is around 2.8 ounces lighter per boot (14.1 ounces total), and you can really feel the difference after a few miles. The upper is made from nylon ripstop TPU, which looks robust and gleefully sheds water, dust, and mud, and is easier to clean than traditional suede. I wonder if it will prove as durable over the years as suede, but so far, so good. Comfort is spot on, with a generous toe box and nicely padded collar. I also like that there’s not an excess of material in the waterproof tongue bellows, which can often crease and become a point of weakness over time.

The foam midsole makes it feel reassuringly like a walking boot rather than a squishy trainer, but there’s still a nice amount of flex in the forefoot and plenty of cushioning. Combine that with the shoe’s Vibram TC5+ outsole and its deep, well-spaced lugs, and you’ll be impressed by how nimble it feels over all sorts of terrain. These aren’t mountaineering boots by any stretch, but they proved especially good at navigating slippery tree roots and muddy forest trails.

The Moab Speed 2 Mid GTX is also available in a women’s specific fit, and as a stylish hiking shoe. There’s also a heavier but burlier leather boot option I’m looking forward to testing.

Other Boots to Consider

Zamberlan

Salathe Trek GTX RR

Italian-made hikers built for protection without feeling like clogs, the Zamberlan Salathe Trek stand six inches tall, with ankle coverage, generous padding, and rubber reinforcements around the boot. The Vibram Pepe outsole with Megagrip sounds faintly ridiculous, but it proved seriously capable over two week-long backpacking treks in California’s Sierra Nevada. The soles felt sticky and tough on steep granite ascents, slippery creek crossings, and lakeshore scrambles, giving enough confidence to trust even a toehold before stepping up. —Michael Calore

Zamberlan

334 Circe GTX (Women’s)

These are the best hiking boots I’ve tested. Zamberlan’s X-Active Fit, built on a women-specific last, works brilliantly for narrow feet and ankles, giving a secure, precise fit that feels better than the heat-molded boots I’ve tried. The elasticized, padded tongue lets the laces cinch quickly and evenly, while the toe box still has room for long days. A wide heel and big, sticky Vibram soles keep things stable over rocks, logs, and uneven ground. Each shoe remains impressively light. The Gore-Tex Extended Comfort waterproofing is designed to last for life, and the shoes can be resoled. —Adrienne So

Nortiv 8

Armadillo 2

I was skeptical of such a low-cost boot, but if your budget is tight, you'd be hard-pressed to find better boots than the Armadillo 2. They’re comfortable, with robust eyelets, ankle support, and a roomy toe box, and they don’t look cheap. In the wet English Lake District, my feet stayed dry after hours splashing through puddles, with no blisters or toe-bashing. Fit is generously wide, so consider sizing down. The lugs are a bit shallow, too. For casual hikers, the Nortiv8 Armadillo 2 is cheap and capable.

Hanwag

Tatra II GTX

At 3 pounds, 5 ounces per pair, these Nubuck leather and Gore-Tex boots from Germany are as traditional as they come. Mercifully, however, the chunky dimensions require little breaking in, and I didn’t feel any discomfort on a nine mile hike—even across the shin, a notorious pressure point for me—right out of the box. I initially struggled with the narrow fit of the Tatra II, but there are a generous range of widths available. They’re expensive, but if you struggle to find boots to fit awkward feet, they’re worth the investment, especially as the leather will last for years, and the Vibram AW rubber can be resoled.

FAQs

How to Fit Your Hiking Boots

Buying the most feature-packed, premium-priced walking boots does not guarantee you a comfortable fit. A good pair of hiking boots should be snug but never tight, and remain comfortable no matter how far you roam. Here’s how to dial in the perfect fit.

Know your size: Specialist retailers will have a universal measuring tool (known as a Brannock Device) to check your foot’s length, width, and arch. Some can also measure volume. Armed with this information, they can suggest brands that cater to your specific foot shape. If you’re buying online, most brands and retailers will have sizing charts for you to refer to, but you can also download a printable Brannock sizing chart from Meindl.

Wear hiking socks: It sounds obvious, but when trying on your walking boots and shoes, wear the socks you like to walk in. Take them with you into the store, or ask for a sample pair.

Go late in the day: Ideally, you want to try your new boots on toward the end of the day, or after you’ve been on your feet for a good few hours. Feet swell a little over time, so it’s advisable to try on boots when they’re at their largest to help weed out any possible pressure points.

Check for dodgy seams: It takes only a small knot or lumpy stitch on the inside of your boot to cause irritation and potential blisters. Manufacturing errors can happen, so the brand and retailer will be happy to replace your boots.

Walk in them: Difficult in the store, but at home make sure you wear your walking boots inside the house for a good few hours before making a decision. It’s important to work out if a boot is comfortably snug or simply too tight, and discover any possible irritation.

Still Having Foot Trouble? Here Are a Few Lacing Hacks

Try toe box lacing. If your toes are in a world of pain after 20 miles on the trail, there’s an argument to be made that you need new boots. But for instant relief for tired and swollen feet, try toe-box relief lacing. Unlace the boot and simply relace, but skip the bottom one or two sets of eyelets. This helps the toe box expand, relieving pressure on your feet without causing the midfoot or ankle to slip.

Relieve pressure with window lacing. Feet eventually get tired regardless of how comfortable your boots are, and pain on the top of the foot is extremely common. Window lacing can alleviate the torture and requires unlacing across the top of the foot and relacing with some gaps to create a “window.” To do this, simply skip an eyelet or two and lace straight up on both sides, before finishing as usual. The no-lace hole created on the top of the foot should relieve the pressure.

Reduce heel slipping with heel lock lacing. Hikers with narrow feet and ankles often suffer with heel slip, which can cause painful blisters. One method to hold the foot in position is to use a surgeon’s knot, which anchors the heel without overtightening on the rest of the foot. First, unlace the boot down to the lace hooks closest to the top of your foot. Now tie a granny knot, but add in one or two extra wraps, before finishing the lacing as usual. This prevents the lace from slipping—it will cinch down on your loose ankles. It’s also a neat trick for keeping any kid’s shoes tied for longer.

Three Signs You Need New Walking Boots

Have the treads started to become thin? When the tread pattern starts to flatten and the lugs lose their definition, wet rocks and loose gravel will start to feel unstable. If you’re slipping where you used to feel planted, the outsole’s rubber has hardened or worn smooth, and it’s time to repair (if you can), or more likely, replace.

Is the midsole flat? A healthy midsole should spring back slightly when you press the arch or heel. If your boots feel flat or thin, and you can feel every pebble on the path, the cushioning has compressed and stopped absorbing shock. Once that happens, no amount of new insoles will bring the comfort back.

They’re leaking. Waterproof membranes break down over time and are almost impossible to repair properly once breached. Crease points on modern sneaker-style boots and shoes are particularly vulnerable. You can treat leather and reapply DWR coatings with products like Nikwax Fabric & Leatherproof to prevent water soaking in, but once the membrane is torn, keep away from water.

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Chris Haslam is an award-winning consumer technology journalist with over 20 years’ experience. As contributing editor for WIRED he specializes in audio, smart home, sustainability, and all things outdoors. Testing tents in McLaren’s Monsoon chamber remains a career highlight, while pitching reviews of exercise bikes a week before lockdown 1.0 was ... Read More

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