To fully enjoy nature without unnecessary distractions, it is crucial to have the appropriate gear when navigating through the wilderness. A pair of comfortable and technically sound hiking boots forms the basis of your gear and can greatly enhance your memorable experience.
Having accumulated years of experience in hiking and backpacking across various landscapes, our team has developed discerning standards for selecting the finest hiking boots. Our focus lies in maximizing comfort and fulfilling technical specifications to ensure your sole concentration remains on the intended goal.
During the testing process, our main priorities were comfort, traction, support, and durability. In addition, we considered secondary factors such as value, style, and weight. After extensive hiking experience and months of testing, we have created a list of the best hiking boots for both men and women, based on our genuine beliefs.
Our Picks
Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX
Our favorite all-around hiking boot for 2023 is the Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid. It is built with added ankle support and protection, similar to a trail running shoe. Last spring, the boot was updated with a sleeker upper and revised chassis, providing both comfort and low weight. Despite these changes, it still maintains solid toe protection, stability, and well-rounded traction. Moreover, the Salomon build quality is exceptional, standing up well to trail abuse compared to other boots in the same weight and price range. Whether you are a fast-moving day hiker, lightweight backpacker, or thru-hiker, we highly recommend the X Ultra 4 Mid.
The X Ultra’s lightweight construction comes with a few compromises. The biggest compromise is the lack of underfoot protection, which is thinner compared to the Salomon Quest 4 and HOKA Anacapa that have a sturdy and heavily cushioned sole. Additionally, the X Ultra is quite flexible and doesn’t provide as much ankle support as the Quest, making it less suitable for technical terrain or when carrying a heavy backpack. However, it outperforms other ultralight options like the Altra Lone Peak in terms of durability, protection, and support. Plus, a bonus is that the X Ultra is one of the few lightweight designs available in wide sizes.
Merrell Moab 3 Mid WP
The Merrell Moab 3 is our top choice for day hikers and lightweight backpackers who primarily hike on maintained trails. One of the reasons this boot is so popular is its comfortable and foot-friendly feel, as well as its reliable performance on trails, all for a reasonable price. At $150, you can expect excellent cushioning both underfoot and around the collar, dependable Vibram outsoles, and Merrell’s in-house waterproof membrane. If you’re willing to spend $170, there is an upgraded Gore-Tex model available. Although the Moab was updated to the “3” version last year, the proven design has not been heavily altered. Notable changes include a greater use of recycled fabrics, such as the mesh lining and laces, and slightly more aggressive traction.
What are the disadvantages of the Moab 3 Mid WP? The boot lacks support for carrying a heavy load or scrambling on rocky or rough trails compared to more expensive models. Additionally, it feels heavier than its actual weight due to the amount of cushioning and thick materials, making it feel outdated when compared to more agile and contemporary options like the X Ultra 4 or HOKA’s Anacapa. However, at a significant discount, the Moab provides a comfortable and performance-driven option for many day and weekend adventures.
SCARPA Rush 2 Mid GTX
The SCARPA Rush 2 Mid GTX ($219) combines a traditional feel with a modern look, offering the support and protection of a mid-height, waterproof hiker. Its exceptional levels of cushioning left us astonished.
SCARPA’s design incorporates a special feature called the Interactive Kinetik System (IKS), which enhances traction and absorbs shock with concave impact zones. When pressure is applied to the shoe, these impact zones flex and allow the secondary lugs of the boot to grip the trail where traction is most necessary.
The synthetic mesh upper of the Rush features welded overlays for support, along with a padded collar that offers lightweight ankle support and allows for natural mobility. Additionally, the GORE-TEX Invisible Fit lining kept our feet dry and surprisingly allowed for breathability.
Salomon Quest 4 GORE-TEX
Salomon produces various hiking boots, with the Quest being considered their top-tier model. The most recent version of the Quest, known as the fourth generation, offers improved features such as reduced weight, enhanced grip, and increased support. To evaluate its performance, we took the Quest 4 ($230) for a test while trekking across the alpine desert of Western Colorado. Impressively, it gracefully managed challenging trails and rocky scrambles.
In comparison to other Salomon shoes, the Quest 4 is perceived as rigid, weighty, and sturdy. If you are not accustomed to wearing strong, ankle-height hiking boots, adapting to these shoes will take some time and a significant period of initial use.
To be clear, the Quest 4 is not suitable for casual day hikes or quick mountain jaunts; it is specifically designed as a serious boot for backpacking with heavy loads.
The Quest 4’s outsole has an aggressive tread and lugs spaced widely apart, making it suitable for tackling rugged trail conditions. These boots can handle sand, mud, snow, and scree with ease.
The tall ankle height of the Quest 4 is one of its main features, making it particularly useful when trekking in muddy areas or shallow streams.
While carrying a backpack fully packed for backpacking, the tall cuff provides noticeable ankle protection. Nevertheless, it restricts movement and feels somewhat bulky initially, particularly when the boots are tightly fastened.
Hoka Anacapa Mid GTX
Hiking boots have become more enjoyable recently, thanks to popular running shoe brand Hoka. Hoka, renowned for its lightweight and comfortable designs, has made a serious entrance into the hiking footwear market. Our top choice from their collection is the Anacapa Mid, which incorporates Hoka’s renowned springy midsole, a curved shape for a smooth experience on the trail, and a sturdy construction with durable nubuck leather and a Gore-Tex waterproof liner. During a backpacking trip in Colorado’s San Juan Mountains, we were content with the Anacapa’s agile nature, which combines the sensation of a trail runner with ample protection and a secure lacing system that extends over the ankle.
Our primary concern with the Anacapa is its durability, specifically the longevity of its outsole. The majority of the tread is made of high-quality Vibram rubber, but Hoka included large sections of blown rubber in the middle of the design. Blown rubber is commonly found in road running shoes and has a foam-like texture. Consequently, our pair has already suffered significant damage from rocky trail use. To be fair, we took the boots on a challenging ridgeline scramble, but the outsole still appears to be a weakness in the overall construction. Overall, if you primarily stick to established trails and prioritize comfortable cushioning and nimble performance, the Anacapa is definitely worth a try.
KEEN Targhee III Waterproof Mid
Retailing at $165, the Targhee III is the latest iteration of a timeless staple from KEEN. This boot, which has remained in their collection for an extended period, continues to be popular due to its versatility as a hiking boot suitable for a diverse group of individuals.
These boots weigh just over 2 pounds per pair and are considered to be reasonably light for a durable boot. They utilize KEEN’s proprietary KEEN.DRY membrane to provide waterproof functionality. Additionally, they offer immediate comfort without requiring an extensive break-in period for most individuals. However, individuals with narrow feet may find that these boots do not provide an ideal fit.
During our initial test, we went on a hike spanning around 12 miles across a range of terrains featuring rocky and occasionally muddy conditions. The boot functioned as anticipated, ensuring content feet, providing excellent grip, and, crucially, preventing any blister formation.
The Targhee III is a direct competitor to the Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX as it offers comparable support, weight, and appearance. The main distinction lies in its higher-volume fit, which makes it more suitable for individuals with wider feet or those who prefer a roomier fit.
Both the Targhee III and the other pair of hiking boots are of excellent quality and suitable for long-lasting use during hiking and backcountry exploration. The Targhee III, in particular, stands out due to its affordable price, lightweight design, and ability to maintain durability.
