When it comes to hiking boots, finding the right pair can make all the difference in your outdoor adventures. From lightweight designs to robust, heavy-duty options, we’ve rounded up some of the best hiking boots on the market to help you make an informed choice. Here’s a detailed look at some top contenders:
1. Salomon Quest 4 GTX ($540 – $550)
Category: Heavyweight
Weight: 2 lb. 13.5 oz.
Waterproof?: Yes (Gore-Tex)
What We Like: Exceptional support and traction on rough terrain.
What We Don’t: Pricey and heavy.
The Salomon Quest 4 GTX is a powerhouse for serious hikers tackling challenging terrain. Its sturdy construction and excellent grip make it ideal for rough trails, though the weight and price might be a bit much for casual hikers. The boot is built to endure demanding conditions, making it a worthy investment for those who need top-notch performance.
2. Merrell Moab 3 Mid GTX ($220 – $230)
Category: Midweight
Weight: 2 lb. 6.4 oz.
Waterproof?: Yes (Gore-Tex)
What We Like: Great value for money and good all-around performance.
What We Don’t: Lacks some durability compared to pricier options.
The Merrell Moab 3 Mid GTX continues the legacy of its popular predecessors with reliable comfort and performance. It’s a solid choice for general hiking needs, offering a good balance of weight, cushioning, and waterproofing at a reasonable price.
3. Lowa Renegade GTX Mid ($239 USD)
Category: Midweight
Weight: 2 lb. 8.8 oz.
Waterproof?: Yes (Gore-Tex)
What We Like: Excellent support and comfort for extended hikes.
What We Don’t: Higher price point.
The Lowa Renegade GTX Mid is known for its exceptional support and comfort, making it a top choice for serious hikers. While it comes with a higher price tag, its durability and performance in tough conditions justify the investment.
4. La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX ($239 USD)
Category: Light/midweight
Weight: 2 lb. 1.6 oz.
Waterproof?: Yes (Gore-Tex Surround)
What We Like: Lightweight and durable with good breathability.
What We Don’t: Runs narrow and provides only moderate support.
The La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX combines lightness with durability, making it suitable for day hikes and moderate backpacking. Its Gore-Tex Surround technology offers excellent breathability, though its narrow fit might not be ideal for everyone.
5. Scarpa Zodiac Plus GTX ($265 – $349 USD)
Category: Midweight
Weight: 2 lb. 6.4 oz.
Waterproof?: Yes (Gore-Tex)
What We Like: High performance and excellent protection for rugged terrain.
What We Don’t: Expensive and overbuilt for moderate trails.
The Scarpa Zodiac Plus GTX is built for harsh conditions, offering top-notch protection and performance on rugged terrain. Its high price might be a drawback for some, but it’s a great choice for serious hikers and mountaineers.
6. Adidas Terrex Free Hiker 2 GTX ($200 – $380)
Category: Lightweight
Weight: 1 lb. 15.4 oz.
Waterproof?: Yes (Gore-Tex)
What We Like: Comfortable fit and good traction.
What We Don’t: Durability concerns with the exposed midsole.
The Adidas Terrex Free Hiker 2 GTX impresses with its comfortable, sock-like fit and excellent traction. However, its exposed midsole might wear down quickly, particularly on rugged terrain.
7. Keen Targhee IV Waterproof ($360 – $370)
Category: Midweight
Weight: 2 lb. 8.7 oz.
Waterproof?: Yes (Keen.Dry)
What We Like: Affordable with a tough leather upper.
What We Don’t: Less secure on rough trails and not very lightweight.
The Keen Targhee IV Waterproof offers solid build quality and value for its price. It’s a good option for those with wide feet or looking for a durable boot at a lower cost, though it might not provide the best performance on rough trails.
8. Scarpa Rush TRK GTX ($380 – $450)
Category: Midweight
Weight: 2 lb. 7.2 oz.
Waterproof?: Yes (Gore-Tex)
What We Like: Protective and supportive with a lightweight feel.
What We Don’t: Overbuilt for day hikes on well-maintained trails.
The Scarpa Rush TRK GTX provides excellent support and protection for rugged terrain while maintaining a lighter feel. It’s a great choice for more challenging hikes, but might be overkill for easier trails.
9. Oboz Bridger Mid WP ($330 – $333)
Category: Midweight
Weight: 2 lb. 6.0 oz.
Waterproof?: Yes (B-Dry)
What We Like: Sturdy and supportive with a quality insole.
What We Don’t: Feels slow and heavy on the trail.
The Oboz Bridger Mid WP stands out for its durability and support. It’s a reliable choice for backpacking and snowshoeing, though it might feel a bit cumbersome on more demanding trails.
10. Salewa Mountain Trainer Lite Mid GTX ($251 – $360)
Category: Midweight
Weight: 2 lb. 7.9 oz.
Waterproof?: Yes (Gore-Tex)
What We Like: Comfortable and lightweight with good arch support.
What We Don’t: Sacrifices some protection and coverage.
The Salewa Mountain Trainer Lite Mid GTX is a great middle ground between lightweight and alpine-ready boots. It offers comfort and support but has some trade-offs in protection and coverage.
11. Arc’teryx Aerios Mid GTX ($280 – $350)
Category: Lightweight
Weight: 1 lb. 10.5 oz.
Waterproof?: Yes (Gore-Tex)
What We Like: Lightweight and nimble with good durability.
What We Don’t: Less protective and secure compared to other boots.
The Arc’teryx Aerios Mid GTX is a lightweight option that’s perfect for quick movements on technical terrain. However, its shorter height and simplified lacing system might not provide the best fit or protection for everyone.
12. Danner Mountain 600 Leaf GTX ($366 – $383)
Category: Light/midweight
Weight: 2 lb. 4.0 oz.
Waterproof?: Yes (Gore-Tex)
What We Like: Classic design with lightweight comfort and resole option.
What We Don’t: Pricey for its performance.
The Danner Mountain 600 Leaf GTX combines classic style with modern comfort and functionality. While it’s a bit pricey for its performance, the ability to resole the boots and its aesthetic appeal may justify the cost for some.
13. Zamberlan Vioz GTX ($382 – $489)
Category: Heavyweight
Weight: 3 lb. 2.4 oz.
Waterproof?: Yes (Gore-Tex)
What We Like: Highly durable and supportive for rough terrain.
What We Don’t: Heavy and outdated design.
The Zamberlan Vioz GTX is a traditional heavyweight boot built to last. It excels on rough terrain with its high level of support and durability, though its weight and dated design might not appeal to everyone.