Regardless of whether you are a dedicated backpacker or someone who enjoys casual hiking, having a dependable pair of hiking boots is crucial for ensuring your comfort, safety, and overall enjoyment while on the trail. Unlike regular footwear, hiking boots offer the essential support and protection that cannot be provided by other types of shoes.
Bruce Pinker, a New York-based podiatrist, emphasizes the importance of ankle support when hiking, especially on uneven terrain like rocks, tree branches, or water streams. He recommends using hiking boots, especially for activities involving rock climbing or uphill movement.
Hiking boots should not only be protective and supportive but they should also have good traction to keep you from slipping as you climb. It is important that they fit comfortably to prevent blisters and provide enough cushioning to absorb shock.
Lowa Renegade GTX
The Lowa Renegade GTX is highly favored among hikers who frequently face challenging landscapes and carry heavy loads due to its exceptional durability and foot protection.
Although the Renegades are expensive, their outstanding durability justifies the cost as they eliminate the need for purchasing new boots for a considerable amount of time. Typically, boots with such high support can be constricting, but this is not true for the Renegades. After a bit of breaking-in, these boots can be comfortably worn for extended periods.
If you desire optimal ankle support and stability, the Lowa Renegades excel in these aspects. Additionally, it is worth mentioning that they have an appealing appearance.
Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX
The Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX boots prioritize comfort as their main feature. They offer flexibility and a great fit from the moment you try them on. Moreover, these boots are remarkably light for their category, making them an ideal option for backpackers with a pack weight of 35 lbs. or less.
For those seeking the ideal combination of protection and cushioning, the X Ultras might not offer the same level of support as the bulkier models included in this list. However, they will provide a comfortable experience akin to a dream. Even though the flexible collar permits greater ankle movement, the midfoot wing ensures stability, instilling confidence when traversing uneven landscapes.
In conclusion, we are thoroughly impressed with the X Ultras and highly endorse them for individuals seeking a hiking boot that is both lightweight and comfortable for extended distances with a reduced weight burden.
Merrell Moab 3 WP
The low price of the Merrell Moab 3 WPs should not be misconstrued as an indicator of lower quality. These reliable hiking boots have been the preferred option for hikers on a budget for a considerable period of time.
If you are looking for a midweight boot for day hiking, we highly recommend the Moabs. They are comfortable, durable, and do not require much time to break-in before being ready for the trail. Additionally, they offer decent breathability for waterproof boots.
They are not our top preference for long distance hikes because they feel slightly heavier than our preferred lightweight options. However, they have a long lifespan and are our preferred option for day hikes and weekend trips where both the weather conditions and trail demand more protection than what a hiking shoe can provide.
Oboz Bridger BDry
With its premium insoles and distinct traction pattern, the Oboz Bridger BDry is specifically crafted to offer exceptional support and flexibility. The outsole’s deep, multidirectional lugs extend beyond the sides of the shoe, ensuring secure grip regardless of the angle at which your foot makes contact with the ground.
The Bridgers take longer to break in compared to others, but they compensate for it with their exceptional durability in the long run. Even after being worn in, the Bridgers remain stiffer than many other boots mentioned here. However, this can be seen as a positive aspect if you need additional support. The inflexible design will assist in preventing unstable footing and potential ankle injuries.
The Bridgers cater to individuals requiring a reliable and supportive boot for backpacking with a heavier load or engaging in demanding day hikes across rugged trails.
Columbia Women’s Newton Ridge Plus Hiking Boot
If your hiking plans depend on your budget, these boots with a classic appearance and modern comfort and support features are a reliable choice. Similar to our top pick, this pair is affordable and provides ample cushioning while still being lightweight and not overly bulky. Our tester found them to be immediately comfortable, without needing a break-in period, earning them a 5 out of 5 rating for comfort and preventing blisters. However, the toe box could be more spacious, resulting in a slight deduction in fit score, although the boots are available in wide sizes for those who prefer a roomier fit.
During our trail testing, we found that the Newton Ridges provided sufficient support for both short and long hikes. Similar to our top choice, the rubber sole performed effectively on various surfaces. Regardless of the terrain or conditions, the impressive traction of these shoes ensured that our tester was able to maintain stability. Consequently, this pair received a perfect score of 5 out of 5 for stability, support, and traction. Additionally, like our top pick, the light weight of these shoes allows for a fast and comfortable hike, particularly when carrying lighter packs.
The pair of boots is waterproof and has a lining that seals the seams. The tongue is partially-gusseted, which is useful when walking in the rain. We admire the fact that these boots have a stylish design that combines the features of a work boot and a hiking boot. They are made from leather, suede, and breathable mesh, and we are impressed with their durability. Even after going on multiple hikes, they still look brand new, and we anticipate that the suede material will hold up well over time. You can choose from five different color combinations, ranging from earthy tones to bright hues, to achieve a classic or trendy trail look.
KEEN Targhee III Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot
For those who are new to hiking, we suggest considering Keen’s Targhee III. This boot has a strong reputation for its high quality and sustainable craftsmanship, ensuring its longevity. Additionally, it is designed to be easily broken in by beginners due to its flexible upper construction. During our test hikes, we discovered that it offers ample space for the feet to relax. The boot is equipped with medium-light padding that is streamlined around the ankle collar and throughout, along with a durable outer material and slip-resistant treads in multiple directions. It also has an interior that effectively prevents odors and maintains the freshness and dryness of your feet.
The boot scored a 4.5 out of 5 in comfort due to the presence of pleasant EVA foam cushioning underfoot and a flexible ankle. One aspect we appreciate is the lacing system strap that offers a personalized fit and enhances stability by wrapping around the heel. However, we observed the insufficient padding and lack of stability, which are crucial for hikers carrying heavy packs. As a result, we deducted points for both cushioning and support.
However, we believe that they provide a feeling of stability and support on nearly all types of surfaces and offer exceptional protection. If you are a casual hiker in need of a reliable, waterproof boot for regular excursions, we believe that these boots will exceed your expectations.
