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From lightweight day hikers to heavy-duty footwear for serious backpacking, below are the year’s top hiking boots
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Merrell’s Moab 2 is a popular lightweight option
Backpacking with the midweight Scarpa Zodiac Plus in Peru
Testing the Altra Lone Peak 4 Mid in Washington State's Enchantments
Navigating a challenging section in the lightweight Salomon X Ultra 3 Mids
Backpacking in the Quest 4D 3 GTX in Patagonia
Hiking over scree in the Arc'teryx Acrux TR boots
Vasque's Breeze AT Mid features Gore-Tex waterproofing
We've seen consistent performance out of boots with Gore-Tex liners
Oboz's Bridger runs warm due to its in-house waterproof liner
The lacing system plays a big role in comfort
Suede leather is durable and reasonably light
Hoka's Toa boot has a running-shoe-inspired midsole
The Scarpa Zodiac Plus has a hybrid EVA and PU midsole design
We've been impressed with the Vibram tread on the Lowa Renegade boots
The Salomon X Ultra 3 Mid offers excellent toe protection
Keen's Targhee III is made in both mid-height boot and low-top shoe variations
Of all the outdoor activities we cover here at Switchback Travel, hiking is dearest to our hearts. It is one the easiest ways to get outdoors for people of all experience levels, and simply put, any time spent on the trail has a way of soothing the...
In the world of hiking boots, Salomon’s X Ultra 3 Mid GTX is a true standout. Despite its lightweight build, the boot nicely balances comfort, durability, and rock-solid traction. We put the X Ultra 3 through its...
Recently updated with a new collar design and increased ventilation, Oboz’s Sawtooth II Mid is a stable and tough boot meant to handle the rigors of backpacking. We put the women’s...
The momentum in hiking footwear is moving away from bulky boots toward lightweight shoes and even trail runners that are faster and more comfortable. You do lose some ankle support when carrying...
Whether you are a first-time backpacker or a seasoned veteran, everyone likes a good list. Our detailed backpacking checklist below covers everything from critical equipment (tent, pack, sleeping bag, etc.)...
A great pair of hiking pants provides comfort, freedom of movement, the versatility to perform well in a range of environments, and durability over the long haul. Many of today’s top hiking pants are made from lightweight nylon...
Hoka One One has dabbled in hiking footwear in the past, but they truly jumped into the fray with their Sky lineup. Eager to test the boots against long-time favorites, we took the speed-focused Sky Toa into the Palisades Backcountry of eastern Idaho...
We get this question a lot: do your hiking shoes or boots need to be waterproof, or can you do without? Hikers and backpackers fall on both ends of the spectrum—some prefer the unparalleled...
You just can’t overvalue a great pair of hiking socks: they keep your feet comfortable and dry while helping to prevent blisters and hotspots. We tested the full array of hiking socks from the heat of Utah’s...
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Hiking boots are critical to your comfort and performance on the trail, but this no longer means a stiff and burly model that will weigh you down. The trend is toward lighter materials that still offer decent support, and waterproof boots are the most popular by far (many are offered in a non-waterproof version for hiking in hot or dry climates). Our picks for the best hiking boots of 2021 below are broken down into three categories: lightweight boots for day hiking and fastpacking, midweight options that work well for most backpacking trips, and heavyweights for rough terrain or hauling a large load. For more information on choosing the right boot, see our comparison table and buying advice below the picks. If you prefer to go even lighter and faster, see our article on the best hiking shoes .
Built like a trail-running shoe but with added ankle support and protection, the Salomon X Ultra 3 Mid is our favorite all-around hiking boot for 2021. These boots offer an impressive combination of comfort and low weight, all while retaining solid toe protection, a stable chassis, and an improved lug design that grips exceptionally well. You also get Salomon build quality, which tends to stand up to more abuse on the trail than other boots in this weight and price range. For fast-moving day hikers, lightweight backpackers, and even thru-hikers, we heartily recommend the X Ultra 3 Mid.
Naturally, there are a few compromises that come with the X Ultra’s lightweight construction. The most significant is the lack of underfoot protection, which is thinner than the burly Salomon Quest 4D below. In addition, the X Ultra is fairly flexible and doesn’t sit as high on the ankle as the Quest, so it isn’t as supportive over technical terrain or when carrying a heavy pack. However, it beats out other ultralight options like the Altra below in long-distance comfort, durability, and traction. Further, it’s one of the few lightweight designs that is made in wide sizes. For those who want to cut even more weight, the X Ultra 3 also is offered in a low-top hiking shoe... Read in-depth review See the Men's Salomon X Ultra 3 See the Women's Salomon X Ultra 3
For day hikers and lightweight backpackers who stick mostly to maintained trails, our top value pick is the Merrell Moab 2. What makes this boot so popular is its lightweight and comfortable feel at such a reasonable price. For $135, you get good cushioning underfoot, trusty Vibram outsoles, and a waterproof membrane (an upgraded Gore-Tex model is available for $155). The Moab was updated to the "2" a few years ago, but they didn't fuss much with the proven design. Notable changes included a new insole with a higher arch, improved cushioning under the heel, and a more waterproof and durable suede upper.
What are the downsides of the Moab 2 Mid WP? The boot is lacking in support compared to some of the pricier models on this list for carrying a heavy load or scrambling on rocky or rough trails. Second, it isn't quite as durable or long-lasting as some of the pricier models on this list. The Moab is a well-built hiking boot overall, but the lack of premium materials means that it may eventually need to be replaced a little sooner than we would prefer. But at a significant discount from other top boots on this list, the Moab offers the right mix of comfort and performance for many day hikers and weekend adventures. And those who hike in warm climates or prefer a non-waterproof boot should check out the Moab 2 Mid Ventilator... Read in-depth review See the Men's Merrell Moab 2 See the Women's Merrell Moab 2
If you’re in the market for a tough boot for serious day hiking and backpacking, Salomon’s Quest 4D 3 GTX is the whole package. The third generation of the line features an aggressive outsole that grips well in just about all conditions, along with a moderately flexible platform for improved comfort. What stays consistent with the latest model is the top-notch performance fit, aggressive stance, and durable construction that has made the Quest one of our favorite all-around hiking boots for years.
The Salomon Quest 4D 3 GTX is not, however, any lighter than the previous model and sits solidly in our midweight category. It was ideal for our trek on the demanding Huemul Circuit in Patagonia, which involved steep climbs and descents and off-trail hiking while carrying a full pack. But the boot is a bit stiff and overkill for people that don’t need the extra protection or want to move fast and light on well-maintained trails. Those folks will be better off with a lighter and nimbler boot option like the Salomon X Ultra 3 Mid GTX above... Read in-depth review See the Men's Salomon Quest 4D 3 See the Women's Salomon Quest 4D 3
When we think of Asolo, the classic Fugitive GTX below comes to mind, which weighs over 3 pounds and has looked the exact same for nearly a decade. The sleeker and more modern Falcon GV, however, represents where we think hiking footwear is headed: a little less weight and support than a traditional hiking boot, but with serious technical chops. We took the Falcon on and off trail over the course of a rugged trek in Patagonia and came away impressed. It's well built, extremely comfortable right out of the box, and can handle just about anything you can throw at it.
The biggest downside in choosing the Asolo Falcon GV is stability, which we would rate as moderate. If you're used to a high-cut boot with tons of support, the Falcon isn't it. But when laced up tight, we wore it backpacking with a relatively heavy load over all types of terrain from scree fields and glaciers to steep rocky passes with few issues. For those who don't need the ultimate levels of stability and want a lightweight and comfortable do-all boot for everything from day hiking to serious backpacking, we love the Falcon... Read in-depth review See the Men's Asolo Falcon GV See the Women's Asolo Falcon GV
The Lowa Renegade has the look and feel of a traditional hiking boot at an impressively low weight. Unlike the nimble and more modern Quest above, the leather Renegade offers better isolation from the ground and feels more planted and sturdy. It does give up a little of the fun factor and performance fit of the Quest, but the trade-off is worth it for those carrying a heavy pack or wanting more underfoot protection from rocky trails.
Lowa kept the weight down in part by moving some of the stabilizing duties to a very effective external polyurethane frame. This makes the Renegade perform like a true backpacking boot while weighing less than 2.5 pounds. Further, its leather upper is relatively thin, which saves ounces and reduces break-in time. The sacrifice of all this lightening is a lack of long-term durability—high-mileage users have reported needing a new pair nearly every year. But they keep coming back for the comfortable feel and the right balance of weight and support. And it’s easy to find a good fit as the Renegade is made in narrow, regular, and wide widths... Read in-depth review See the Men's Lowa Renegade See the Women's Lowa Renegade
La Sportiva has been a leader in the modern hiking boot movement over the past few years, and the Pyramid GTX is a shining example of that. This hiker is lightweight in feel yet surprisingly capable, including the use of Gore-Tex Surround that is breathable and waterproof (rather than just venting through the upper of the shoe, the Pyramid is designed to also release air through the footbed and midsole). Add in signature La Sportiva traction and toughness, and you get an impressive boot for summer hiking and scrambling that weighs just 2 pounds 1.6 ounces.
Like most La Sportiva footwear, our biggest complaint with the Pyramid GTX is that it runs narrow and is not made in wide sizes. This means that people with normal and wide feet are simply left looking elsewhere. In addition, the Surround technology offers a small step up in breathability from standard Gore-Tex, but like all waterproof footwear, the Pyramid runs warmer than a non-waterproof model and is not made in a non-GTX version. But for those with narrow feet, the Pyramid punches well above its weight and is one of our favorite boots of 2021. See the Men's La Sportiva Pyramid GTX See the Women's La Sportiva Pyramid GTX
For a trek over the harsh terrain of Peru’s Cordillera Huayhuash, we turned to Scarpa’s Zodiac Plus. This boot mixes approach shoe-like traction on rock and boulders with the toughness and stability of a lightweight mountaineering boot, which is quite a combination. Over a brutal 10 days of on and off-trail hiking while shouldering a heavy pack, the Zodiac impressed: the semi-stiff build, high-quality construction, and solid protection provided a lot of confidence on steep climbs and sketchy descents.
Among tough and serious hiking boots, the Zodiac Plus and Salewa Mountain Trainer below are two of the best. The Zodiac is more comfortable out of the box, weighs 9 ounces less for the pair, and is a bit more flexible for covering ground quickly, but the Mountain Trainer’s stiffer build and 360-degree rubber rand offers even better protection in the alpine. Depending on your needs, both are mountain-ready waterproof designs that should get the job done... Read in-depth review See the Men's Scarpa Zodiac Plus See the Women's Scarpa Zodiac Plus
With an affordable price tag and great out-of-the-box comfort, the Keen Targhee line is an extremely popular boot for day hiking and easy to moderate backpacking trips. The Targhee III, released in fall of 2017, is $15 more than the older model but hones in comfort nicely (this boot is known for having a very wide fit, and the current version feels a little less wide in the toebox, which we like). Despite the reasonable price, the boot is surprisingly tough with a good-sized toe cap and leather upper, and it sits just high enough on the ankle to offer decent rollover protection. Keep in mind that the Targhee III still is a clear step down in stability and ankle support from a boot like the Lowa Renegade above, but it offers sufficient stability and grip for most subalpine adventures.
The Targhee’s main competitor is the Merrell Moab 2 above, and both models have been top sellers for years. The Targhee is more durable overall with its leather construction, but the Moab matches it in trail comfort, keeps you cooler with its mesh design, and costs $15 less. That price difference gives the edge to the Moab on our list, but the Targhee remains a solid choice, and particularly for those with wide feet... Read in-depth review See the Men's Keen Targhee III See the Women's Keen Targhee III
Based in Bozeman, Montana, Oboz has a reputation for making tough, comfort-first footwear. Our favorite over-the-ankle design from their 2021 lineup is the Bridger Mid, which in many ways is a beefed-up version of the Keen Targhee III above. It’s nicely cushioned and protective underfoot, including TPU reinforcements and a nylon shank, but lacks the lightness and flexibility of many modern options. The upside is that the boot is stable and supportive—the leather upper can withstand a lot of abuse, and the midsole reinforcements give the boot a planted feel. For anything from weekend backpacking trips to snowshoeing in the winter, the Bridger Mid BDry is a comfortable choice.
What’s not to like with the Oboz Bridger? On the trail, the boot feels slower and heavier than competitors like the Merrell Moab 2 Mid or Keen Targhee III Mid. Further, the in-house B-Dry waterproof membrane makes the boot run warm even in moderate temperatures. For a cheaper option from Oboz, the Sawtooth is another mid-height boot that has more mesh in the build, but it’s less tough and supportive at a similar weight (although you do save $30 in the process). For those hiking in hot and dry conditions, both the Bridger and Sawtooth are made in non-waterproof versions... Read in-depth review See the Men's Oboz Bridger Mid BDry See the Women's Oboz Bridger Mid BDry
If you’re in the market for a stable, supportive, and protective hiking boot, the Vasque Breeze AT Mid is a solid option. We’ll start by noting that this boot has a fairly traditional feel—compared to many of the lighter boots and shoes we’ve tested of late, the Breeze AT Mid feels heavier and noticeably less nimble. That said, it’s hard to knock the value: for $190, you get premium features like a Gore-Tex liner, Vibram outsole, and nubuck leather upper. We like the fit as well: the boot is sufficiently snug in the heel but wide enough in the toe box for comfort over long days on the trail.
In terms of competitors, the Lowa Renegade above manages to accomplish many of the same performance benefits as the Breeze AT Mid at a lower weight and ankle height, and the Salomon Quest 4D 3 GTX is even tougher, has a more modern feel, and includes higher-quality materials (in particular, we greatly prefer its lacing system over the Breeze). But the Vasque is the cheapest of the bunch by a healthy margin and a significant step up in trail capabilities from the lighter Moab and Targhee above. And for those looking for an even burlier boot from Vasque, the St. Elias GTX long has been the brand’s flagship all-leather model and is another standout in terms of support... Read in-depth review See the Men's Vasque Breeze AT Mid See the Women's Vasque Breeze AT Mid
Well oh well, hiking boots sure are getting more fun of late. Popular running shoe brand Hoka One One, which is known for its lightweight and cushioned designs, has made a serious push in the hiking footwear market. Our favorite from their lineup is the nimble Sky Toa, which was updated last year and features Hoka’s well-known springy midsole, a Gore-Tex waterproof upper that extends over the ankles, and a flexible construction for fast days on the trail. Backpackers hauling heavy loads over rough terrain likely will be disappointed by the lack of support and protection, but there’s a lot to like with this speed-focused hiker on well-maintained paths.
In terms of other options in Hoka’s hiking line, the Sky Kaha is the most traditional and heaviest of the collection and made for those carrying a loaded pack. The wild Sky Arkali aims to do it all—with only moderate success—by combining the lacing and protection of an approach shoe with the midsole of a trail runner and the collar height of a boot. And the Speedgoat Mid 2 takes their best-selling trail runner and adds over-the-ankle support (it’s billed as a “trail shoe” as many people will run in it too). In the end, we think the Sky Toa does the best job highlighting the brand’s max-cushioned, comfort-first ethos, but all are viable, trail-worthy options... Read in-depth review See the Men's Hoka Sky Toa See the Women's Hoka Sky Toa
Danner is best known for their throwback, full-leather boots, but their Mountain 600 has struck a chord with the day hiking crowd. The over-the-ankle design is lightweight at 2 pounds 5 ounces for the pair, surprisingly flexible underfoot, and has sharp looks with a full suede upper and quality lacing hardware. An in-house waterproof liner combined with the water-resistant suede helps keep your feet protected from mud and wet grass, while also providing a light boost in warmth for wearing around town in the cold (to the detriment of breathability).
As expected considering its casual slant, the Mountain 600 is not intended for high-mileage users. The materials aren’t known for holding up over the long haul, particularly if you subject them to rugged trails. Further, the boot is pretty expensive at $180 when stacked up to more capable, lighter-weight designs like the $165 Salomon X Ultra 3 Mid above. But if you prioritize out-of-the-box comfort, styling, and everyday versatility, the Mountain 600 is worth a look. See the Men's Danner Mountain 600 See the Women's Danner Mountain 600
In sharp contrast to the light and flexy Danner and Hoka above, the Asolo Fugitive GTX follows a much more traditional boot design. And for some of our most demanding trips—including trekking through Nepal and Patagonia—the Fugitives were absolutely bomber. Their stiff construction and thick mid and outsoles isolate you from rocks, and the boots work well in 4-season conditions for snowshoeing or even light mountaineering. As tough boots go, the Fugitive is highly recommended.
With the burly construction comes more weight, and at over 3 pounds for the pair, they’re considered a heavyweight boot by today’s standards. Unless you need the ultra-tough build, the weight can be a downside over long distances (we prefer the Salomon and Lowa options above for most of our backpacking needs). However, if you need a boot made for the alpine and like the stiffness and protection, the Fugitive remains a classic. See the Men's Asolo Fugitive
Resembling a mix between an approach shoe and an alpine boot, the Salewa Mountain Trainer Mid GTX is designed for rough trails and harsh conditions (Salewa is a mountaineering and climbing company first). The boot features a protective rand that wraps around the entire lower section of the boot for total isolation from rocks, snow, and other trail debris. A further nod to the company’s climbing background is the lacing system, which extends all the way to the toes (most hiking boot laces end at the middle of the foot). This makes it easy to customize the fit, which is great for those with a wide forefoot and narrow heel or vice versa.
The Mountain Trainer is most at home in rough environments, such as hikes above treeline or scrambling over rocks off trail. On a regular path the boot can feel heavy and overly stiff (this can be a benefit for those in need of strong lateral stability). For most hikes and backpacking trips, we still prefer the Salomon Quest, and the Scarpa Zodiac gets you similar levels of toughness but with a nimbler feel. But for all-out protection and 4-season usability, it’s hard to beat these Salewas. See the Men's Salewa Mountain Trainer See the Women's Salewa Mountain Trainer
La Sportiva’s TX line has been a favorite of ours for years, offering a really nice combination of protection and comfort for those who like to get after it in the mountains. That said, the TX4 Mid is a bit disappointing for a hiking boot—the traction is better on rocks than trails and ankle support is limited—and the leather TX5 has been discontinued. Enter the TXS, which was released last year and is very similar to the TX5 but with a synthetic upper that is lighter and a bit more hiking centric. And with deeper lugs and a different lug pattern than approach shoes like the TX4, this boot really can hold its own on mud and snow.
In terms of competitors, the TXS goes against other tough yet comfortable boots like the Asolo Falcon GV above. The La Sportiva is a full $60 cheaper, which is significant, and offers a bit more protection around the foot with its thick rubber rand. On the flipside, the Asolo is lighter and even more comfortable for long days on the trail. And one final note: unlike most La Sportiva footwear including the Pyramid GTX above, the TXS isn’t as narrow and has more of a normal fit that should accommodate a wider range of hikers, which we appreciate. See the Men's La Sportiva TXS See the Women's La Sportiva TXS
The hiking boot market has been trending away from traditional heavyweight leather designs for years, but there’s still a time and place for these classics. In this category, the Zamberlan Vioz GTX is among the all-time greats: the Italian-made leather construction is gorgeous and built to last, the interior is soft and isolates you amazingly well from a rough trail, and the stiff structure provides reliable support. For long slogs with a serious load or even light mountaineering, the Vioz GTX is a proven choice.
Unfortunately for the Vioz, there is good reason why you see fewer of them on the trail these days. A heavy boot makes it that much harder to cover ground, and at 3 pounds 2.4 ounces, the Vioz weighs more than anything else on this list (and certainly feels like it as the miles add up). In the end, we think even serious backpackers will be better off with a boot like the Salomon Quest 4D 3 above in most cases. But the Vioz remains a favorite among traditionalists who want a truly bomber boot that will be your hiking partner for years (you can even resole its Vibram rubber). See the Men's Zamberlan Vioz See the Women's Zamberlan Vioz
A couple years ago, Arc’teryx released the Acrux TR GTX technical hiking boot, which took the place of the discontinued Bora in their footwear lineup. In contrast to the Bora, the Acrux follows a more traditional route: it has a standard one-piece upper, EVA midsole, and Vibram traction. But this being Arc’teryx, there are some fun surprises. In particular, we’ve found the SuperFabric upper material to be especially durable and tough considering its thin build. And that in many ways sums up our overall impression of the Acrux: despite weighing less than 2.5 pounds for the pair, the boot has provided excellent support and protection while hauling 50+ pounds (due to heavy camera equipment) over challenging terrain.
One disappointment with the Acrux is its general lack of cushioning. The thin upper is partly to blame, but underfoot, the stock OrthoLite insole is simply too thin and flat to be comfortable over full days of hiking. Replacing the insole is a good start (it is removable), but the cushioning strikes us as a weak point in the design. In addition, the collar dips fairly low around the back, which let in more debris than we’re used to with a mid-height boot. These complaints push the Acrux down our rankings, but there’s still plenty to appreciate with this burly yet light backpacking boot... Read in-depth review See the Men's Arc'teryx Acrux TR See the Women's Arc'teryx Acrux TR
Altra’s Lone Peak trail-running shoes have developed a serious following among thru-hikers, making the mid-height hiking boot version an intriguing concept. Most notable is the impressively low weight of 1 pound 9 ounces per pair, which is the lightest on this list. You also get a very roomy toe box, a zero-drop profile, and a decently cushioned ride. We’ve included the non-waterproof mesh version here, but Altra also makes an RSM model with eVent that costs $160 and weighs a touch more at 1 pound 10 ounces total.
In practice, we weren’t super impressed with the performance of the Altra Lone Peak 4 Mid, and particularly over rocky terrain. Our testers described the boot as a “slipper with a higher ankle,” and the toe box was so roomy that it was too much for our normal-sized feet. In addition, underfoot protection was subpar off-trail and durability was concerning—the toe rubber peeled away from the shoe after just one long day hike. However, it’s worth noting that we did take the Altras on a challenging trip through Washington’s granite-filled Enchantments, and they may be enough boot for putting in mileage on well-trodden trails like the PCT and AT. But in those types of scenarios when ankle support isn’t a huge concern, the shoe version makes more sense than the boot, which is why we have the Lone Peak 4 Mid ranked here... Read in-depth review See the Men's Altra Lone Peak 4 See the Women's Altra Lone Peak 4
Oboz has a handful of long-time hiking boot favorites like the Bridger above, but the brand has taken a turn toward being hipper and more modern with the Sypes. With this boot, you get a comfortable leather upper, Oboz’s proprietary BDry waterproof membrane, decent support and stability, and a fairly aggressive lug pattern for traction. With a mid-height build, the Sypes is not the most performance-oriented boot on this list but is a nice option for on-trail hikes and light backpacking trips. Last but not least, it’s a good-looking boot and we appreciate the everyday appeal.
Keep in mind that if you’re in the market for serious cushioning for long trail days or protection for off-trail scrambling, the Oboz Sypes Mid is not your best bet. The shoe is comfortable but feels flatter and less burly than some of the more technical models on the market, so if you plan on covering serious mileage over challenging terrain, the ruggedness is limited. That said, the boot is reasonably light at just over 2 pounds, supportive enough for those who want to step up from a hiking shoe, and Oboz has taken some nice steps in using environmentally friendly materials in the build. See the Men's Oboz Sypes See the Women's Oboz Sypes
As bargain-priced hiking boots go, you would hard-press to find a better option than the Columbia Newton Ridge Plus II. It’s consistently on sale for well under its $80 retail price, yet has a leather upper and a completely waterproof, seam-sealed design. Further, the padded collar and tongue offer good comfort right out of the box. Against the competition, however, trail performance falls short of even the budget-oriented Targhee and Moab, with only a light amount of ankle support and limited breathability through the leather upper.
What are the recommended uses for the Newton Ridge? It's not a boot we’d take on a 10-day backcountry trip, but performance should be completely adequate if you stick to moderate trails or are visiting the occasional national park. And the more casual styling makes it one of the better boots here to pull double-duty for daily wear (along with the Danner above). See the Men's Columbia Newton Ridge See the Women's Columbia Newton Ridge
Heavyweight
Stiff, tough, and incredibly reliable, boot legends of the past were made in the heavyweight category. Classic models like the Asolo TPS 520 and Zamberlan Vioz GTX remain popular for those wanting a full-leather design, but the shift towards lighter weights in boot construction has expanded the category to include models like the Asolo Fugitive GTX.
In general, heavyweight boots are built for tough, rocky trail and long slogs with heavy backpacking packs. While the thick upper materials and Gore-Tex make for excellent performance in the wet and snow, they will run warm in hot conditions (some prefer a non-waterproof leather boot instead). Their solid structure also takes some of the strain out of long ascents by keeping the heel from dropping at each step, and makes them often friendly with strap-on crampons for light mountaineering. A final tip: don’t pick up one of these boots and head directly to the trailhead for a long trip. Spend the time to break them in and you’ll have a backpacking footwear partner for years to come.
Most hiking boots are waterproof, but does that necessarily mean they should be? It’s nice to have waterproofing so your feet don’t get wet walking through mud or crossing a stream, but all the waterproofing does on a spring or summer backpacking trip in Canyonlands is make your feet hot and sweaty (we cover breathability in greater detail below). And an argument can be made that your feet will eventually get soaked no matter the waterproof design in truly wet and miserable conditions. As an alternative, some backpackers turn to non-waterproof shoes with gaiters over the top for weather protection. While this won’t keep water from entering at the sides, the boots will dry much quicker. And the gaiters keep water, snow, or trail debris from entering over the top of the boot.
No matter what marketers say, making a boot waterproof inherently impacts breathability. By keeping water from entering from the outside, less moisture (your sweat) can quickly and easily escape from the inside, which means all forms of waterproof footwear can run warm in the summer months. There are, however, big differences between boot models in their ability to ventilate.
Laces are an overlooked feature on hiking boots but play an important role in fit and comfort. If a shoe has a poor lacing system prone to loosening, you’ll find yourself having to readjust constantly on the trail or dealing with hot spots and blisters. If the culprit is just the laces themselves, it’s an easy fix: there are many quality replacement laces available (and can usually be found at a local outdoors shop). But if the system doesn’t hold your foot or fit very well, we recommend looking elsewhere. For this reason, we are hesitant to recommend the single-pull speed lace designs from Salomon and Adidas. Although convenient, it can be more difficult to customize fit, which can lead to discomfort over long miles and when wearing a heavy pack.
The type of material used in a shoe’s upper, which is the fabric that connects to the rubber outsole, correlates directly with its durability, water resistance and ability to breathe. Most often, a boot or shoe will be made with a mix of synthetic (typically nylon), mesh, and leather. There are exceptions, particularly at the high-end with one-piece leather constructions. Below we spell out the pros and cons for the most common materials used for hiking footwear. Synthetic Nylon and Mesh
Woven nylon as well as open mesh nylon panels are common on entry and mid-level boots to aid in breathability. They’re not as well known for their durability but do a great job of cutting weight. Moreover, the fabric can absorb moisture faster than a leather boot. Exceptions include the Salomon Quest 4D , which is made of tightly woven nylon panels that have comparable levels of durability to some Nubuck leathers despite a lot of exterior stitching.
Full-Grain Leather
This type of upper is most often found on tough, heavyweight boots. You’ll find one-piece leather uppers on high-end boots like the Zamberlan Vioz GTX , Asolo TPS 520, or in Danner’s boot collection. These designs are not light or as breathable, but are incredibly tough and water resistant. They do require some maintenance to keep the leather in good shape, but they’ll reward those cleaning efforts with a construction that is built to outlast everything else on the market. As an added bonus, some boots like the Danner Mountain Light can be re-soled, so you don’t need to replace the whole boot once you wear down the lugs.
Salomon is one brand that doesn’t outsource their traction needs. Instead, they use their in-house Contagrip brand for all of their boots and shoes models. And with years of experience in everything from trail running to hiking, they aren’t short on expertise. The level of quality and performance is in-line with the Vibram offerings across the board, from anything from their fast-and-light X Ultra Mid hiking boots to the burly Salomon Quest 4D 3 backpacking boots.
Getting a proper fit can be a real pain, and in many cases the blame is a generic, flat insole. Thankfully, removing your stock insoles is super easy, and replacing them with an aftermarket model that’s specific to your foot size and shape can remedy most shoe maladies. New insoles can provide more or less volume to fill out the shoe, improve the fit under the arch, and increase or decrease the cushion and impact shock. We recommend checking out Superfeet insoles for their wide selection of options and trusted reputation in running shoes , ski boots, and hiking footwear.
In the end, the differentiators between boots and shoes are protection, stability, and weight. For rocky terrain, water crossings, snow, and carrying a heavy backpacking pack, a boot is our preferred option. But the low-top style trims away material and weight, making it the clear choice for those focused on moving fast and light without a large pack (especially in milder weather conditions and when traveling over less technical terrain). There isn’t a definite right answer in this debate, but the weight of your gear and the conditions you’ll be hiking in can make the decision a lot simpler. For many dedicated outdoorspeople, it’s worth having at least a pair of each in their quiver. Back to Our Top Hiking Boot Picks Back to Our Hiking Boot Comparison Table
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