Best Hiking Boot for Men and Women Review and guide

Admit it or not, hiking footwear determines your diligence and stamina on a hike trail. Who wants the boots to betray in the middle of the boulevard? We know, you don’t. Rather, you want the most comfortable footwear that matches your hiking goals. Cry no more as we’ll walk you through the best hiking boots for men & women in 2018.

Despite the market being filled with different types of hiking footwear, we went by the title.  So, you’ll have an all-in-all guide to concentrate solely on hiking boots. Lean back and read on, until you get a doctorate on hiking boots. LOL.

best hiking boots

​Hiking boots are a special breed of shoe

There are different types of hiking footwear in the market; Trail running shoes, hiking shoes, mountaineering boots and more. However, hiking boots serves a unique purpose. Unlike typical sport shoes, these are specially designed to assist your foot hiking for miles after miles.

FYI, many of the hikers consider a 20-mile hike as a constitutional number for fun. That's why you have no getting around than selecting an excellent pair of hiking boots for hiking. 

Top 16 Best Hiking Boots for men & women

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Let’s take a look at the best hiking boots we’ve discovered for you.

Merrell  Moab Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot

Best Hiking Boots


You should consider this boot, when you need a boot for the great outdoors, whether here in the US or across the globe in places like in the city of Lahore Pakistan looking at ancient ruins. Your boots are what makes this all possible today. Merrel offers you the best in walking style and rugged endurance along with a comfortable fit.

Textile and leather body made for toughness and lightness

When you have to walk around the block, you can do that easily in any pair of sports shoes. However, when it comes to getting around the city of Bangkok’s Temple areas that is another kettle of fish, some of the ancient complexes are measured in square miles. If you wear a sports shoe, your feet will be a mass of blisters and you'll be laid up for days while everyone else is having fun sampling the food, nightlife, and other entertainments the city is famous for. The Merrel MOAB will take you through such an area with style and panache leaving your feet happy and free of pain.

Synthetic sole lets you walk where others slide and slip

Tread design and materials make the sole of this boot one that you will love for its ability to deal with the rugged terrain as well as rocks that when wet are treacherous and can roll an ankle quickly and without warning. Not so, when you wear a pair of Merrel's, their space-age construction makes walking anywhere safe and secure with little danger of you losing your footing.

Speed lacing and breath-ability

These features help you get your boots on and off. This is true as with other boots getting them off is harder than getting them on after the feet have swollen due to discomfort and the heat. With the Moab, you can dispense with this problem as your feet breath and the boots seem to put themselves on with a mind of their own. You find you feed are happy and with happy feet, you can walk much farther and enjoy it more

Pros

  • Boots made for far off places and as close as the nearest forest trail
  • Worn them for 3 years all over places most people cannot find on the map. After thousands of miles, it's time to retire them and don a new pair to do it all again
  • Happiness is being able to trek across burning sand and still have feet that are comfortable at the end of the journey. That's what Moab means to me

Cons

  • The only thing I dislike about my Maobs is the thread they use to stitch them up with. I hate the color. Nevertheless, I love the boots
  • Check the boots for waterproofing before hiking. Some that have come from Amazon don't have the waterproofing. Check now a beware before finding out the hard way

Reviewer's thoughts

One of my favorite boots in the whole world, this boot does it all and does it with style. Unfortunately, they are a bit on the expensive side. For a newbie hiker, it might be a stretch to justify the cost. This reviewer is happy with their pair and yes, Virginian these were tested in 6 inches of water and No leaks.

Merrell Women's Moab Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot

Best Hiking Boots


Merrell Women's Moab will keep your feet dry as you walk over light rain, rivers, stream, and snow. This item is available in a variety of colors and it is also pocket friendly. If you have been looking for a boot that is durable, lightweight, waterproof, and affordable, then you should definitely give Merrell Women's Moab a shot.

Water resistant

Merrell Women's Moab does not use the normal Gore-Tex material for waterproof. However, this item ensures that your feet are dry at all times. In the past, waterproof materials reduced breath ability in a shoe; that is not the case anymore. With Merrell Women's Moab, your feet will be cool and dry at all times. One major downfall 9as it is for all other waterproof shoes) is that it takes a long time to dry. Drying time of shoe should they become drenched in water is lengthened; but that is just a small price to pay.

Performance

Merrell Women's Moab is very lightweight and will provide you with much more support and stability as you tackle those rough terrains. They are constructed with durable materials that can endure a lot of hiking trails before needing replacement.

Affordability

You always want to look out for a model that will provide you will ample features yet one that is within your price range. This item is just that. You will be able to hike over terrain with ease, yet you do not need to break the bank to afford them. They are also incredibly durable and when well cared for, will last you for a very long time before needing replacement.

Final Verdict

Merrell Women's Moab is a wonderful hiking boot for women. It is lightweight, easy to clean, durable, provides a user with great stability, and grip. We have selected it as our top five pick due to its hard sole and material, comfort, affordability, and it is long lasting.

Columbia  Newton Ridge Plus II Hiking Boot

Best Hiking Boots

Here is a hiking boot from Columbia that fits the needs of the modern hiker. You have extra protection at the toes and a quick lace up with two studs to speed the process. This boot also includes a Tom made from a synthetic material that reads and with a mesh lining allows perspiration helping keep your feet dry.

Leather and Synthetic upper

The boot is made from fine-grained leather that provides rugged support for both foot and ankle while you move across rough terrain. The boot also looks fashionable and when you're not hiking can be worn as a work shoe or as a casual addition to your daily wardrobe. While not made for dancing it doesn't weigh your feet down and makes you feel clumsy while walking in them. Combine this with a fast lace up VRAM you have a great hiking boot for a very reasonable price.

Waterproof

One thing you want in a weatherproof boot is the ability to shed water and keep your feet dry. Columbia has come up with the process that makes the leather almost impervious to water and walking through muddy fields during your hike will not offend these boots in the slightest. Along with its ability to keep the water out it also has mesh inside that allows your feet to breathe and stay dry the matter what the weather conditions are around you.

Rubber Sole

Along with this waterproofing, it has a rubber sole that extends up to protect the toes. It has a gripping action that prevents you from sliding for losing traction on steep inclines or on slick wet surfaces. When the going gets tough the tread on the sole of these boots won't let you down. Along with all this, it cushions your feet and protects them while you're walking where the ground is uneven and protruding sharp stones jut up in your path.

Pros

  •  Lightweight and comfortable
  • Even after hiking the Grand Canyon your feet still feel like a million bucks
  •  It has enough give to allow you one to two pairs of socks to keep your feet warm and cushion during walking on cold mountain paths
  • Great boot, great price
  • Give secure footing anywhere you hike

Cons

  • Failure of the lace hooks has cause people some difficulty and require the boots to be replaced
  • The new materials make the boots stiffer and are not as flexible as the earlier version
  • The stitching could be done with thicker thread for additional longevity

Reviewer's thoughts

This reviewer is quite fond of Columbia's products and has warned them in the past with no problems. What people are drawn to with the Colombian boot are its comfort and versatility. This version of the boot, however, is stiffer and has less give than its previous incarnation. There also seems to be some quality issues with the lacing and the hooks that speed up getting the boots on and off. This is a disappointment as Columbia is famous for the quality of their products.

Columbia Women's Newton Ridge Plus Hiking Boot

Best Hiking Boots

Columbia Women's Newton Ridge Plus is a waterproof model that is able to tackle rough and uneven terrains with ease. This item is incredibly light and durable. It comprises of many great features that are mentioned below. Let us take a look.

Traction

Columbia Women's Newton Ridge Plus comes with great traction that adds to stability and support of these boots. You will be able to hold traction on loose gravel and those uneven trails. Columbia Women's Newton Ridge Plus has a tread pattern that will keep you upright no matter the surface. This model comes inclusive of a sturdy rubber toe cap that adds to overall stability of boot.

Water Resistant

Columbia Women's Newton Ridge Plus are very water resistant. Even if you mistakenly walk into a few inches of water, your feet will remain dry. Remember to avoid very deep water though.

Durability

This model is very breathable and durable. They are made from rubber and leather materials that are long lasting and not prone to wear and tear when well maintained. Your Columbia Women's Newton Ridge Plus will take you on many great adventures for many years to come

Final Verdict

Columbia Women's Newton Ridge Plus is a fantastic item that is highly durable and well worth every penny spent. You will not be disappointed when you purchase your own pair of Columbia Women's Newton Ridge Plus women’s hiking boots. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to comment below.

Timberland  White Ledge Waterproof Boot

Best Hiking Boots

From Timberland, you have a hiker that lets you enter the wild, the country, and the city streets anywhere in the world. Made for walking and comfort along with a legendary fit and a name that says it all. This is the boot you want when tackling a long mountain trek or sightseeing in the Philippines.

Leather & textile construction

That's the secret of getting the weight down and taking reliability to the next level. Leather alone today wouldn't cut it. Though leather is tough and durable, it is heavy and sometimes uncomfortable to wear. That's why when you want a boot that you'll be wearing for days in strange out of the way places you want not only rugged wear but comfort as well. That's why Timberland uses soft breathable textile materials to ensure comfort as well as dry feet.

 Removable EVA Footbed

Comfort and support are the things most dear to a hiker. That's why this boot has an EVA footbed that comes out for cleaning or replacement. IF you have special needs you can replace it with one of your own choosing to give extra support depending on your foot type. The one that comes with White Ledge is specially made for both comfort and support. It gives when needed and stands firm when you need that extra oomph to get over tough obstacles on the trail.

A sole that gets you where you are going

They say the sole is the heart of a hiking boot. Well, in that case, The White Ledge has a sole that glows with energy. Rugged tread design ensures a firm step over irregular ground. But, it is also at home on backwater piers in foreign lands to provide you a nonskid step as you barter with a fisherman about his latest catch for dinner. You need this kind of traction as well when the trail is washed out and you have to inch you way past a fast running body of water without losing your footing.

Pros

  • Water resistant, I've walked the Appalachian Trail and in the Rockies. These boots can take it and in comfort
  •  No blisters or chafing after a 40-mile hike through some of the worst swampland Georgia has
  • Water is no problem, comfort is a given, and quality is superb
  • Not a rolled ankle or blister in walking up the side of some of toughest places in Death Valley

Cons

  • I wear them as work boots. Found out they are not certified for construction work
  • One of the bestsellers on Amazon but the pair I got gave up after 3 months of trekking across stony ground

Reviewer's thoughts

Timberland is one of the names people turn to for a good pair of hiking boots. This particular boot from Timberland, for the most part, fills the bill. They are imported and the QA in some pairs is spotty. Overall, they come in as good but not great because of this. Timberland needs to look into their QA and single source their supplier that delivers quality as well as quantity.

Timberland Women's White Ledge Hiking Boot

Best Hiking Boots

We are all well aware of how Timberland products are sleek and durable. Now, let us take a look at Timberland Women's White Ledge. This product is manufactured specifically for women who enjoy hiking. These shoes are available in two brownish colors only. If you would prefer more colorful footwear, then this might not the product for you.

Material

Made from durable leather material, this shoe is waterproof and will keep your feet dry and warm at all times. Your feet will be cocooned with breathable and soft leather and polyester fabric that allows great airflow for ultimate dryness

EVA Footbed

Timberland Women's White Ledge has perforated EVA mid-soles that provide additional airflow. There is a moisture wicking lining that ensures your feet are dry and comfortable on the inside. Timberland Women's White Ledge has a beautiful design that suits women. Its external is sporty but interior is very soft and comfortable.

Easy Lacing

Tying shoes can be very annoying at times. If you do not like complicated lacing system, then you are in luck. Timberland Women's White Ledge provides speedy lacing – you will be able to tie tour shoes within seconds and proceed on to your outdoor activities.

Final Verdict

All in all, it is another fantastic product from Timberland. Your feet will be dry, cool, and comfortable regardless of how long you hike.

Salomon Men's Quest 4D 2 GTX Hiking Boot

Salomon Men's Quest 4D 2 GTX Hiking Boot

Best Hiking Boots


Salomon Women's Quest 4D 2 GTX Hiking Boot

Best Hiking Boots


The boot that every other boot wishes they were. Now you can have it and the other high-tech features it has with a boot that goes anywhere you do at a drop of a hat.

GORE-TEX Waterproofing

Gore-Tex provides total protection for this boot that keeps the water from gushing in should you end up stepping in a depression filled with water. This also is convenient, as Mother Nature is not noted forewarning you before the sky opens up and inundates you with a flash thunderstorm. However, with all this waterproofing inherent in the boot. It still allows your feet to breathe naturally and perspiration exits the boot keeping your feet dry.

Salomon 4D Chassis

When you want to be able to walk over rough terrain these boots let you do it in perfect safety and style. The 4D Chassis design does that for you. It balances your steps and guides your foot into a pattern that keeps you entire body moving and in balance. You suddenly are walking with the tread of a mountain cat that always is sure of their footing, no matter how irregular the ground under you.

High Topped Ankle Support

These boots are made to support you wherever you are hiking. To do this they lock above the ankle and the boot itself takes your weight and relieves the pressure on your ankles. This prevents torsion on the delicate bone structure in and around the ankle and feet, even when the ground has a lot of give and is uncertain. The boot adjusts to ensure you suffer no discomfort or strains to your feet and ankle.

Pros

  • Great for that long haul up a mountain trail with no discomfort at all
  • True sizing, no more guesswork to get a boot that fits right
  • They handle wet, dry, and snow equally well
  • Now get a boot that those in the military love
  • When an eyelet popped. Salomon replaced the whole pair free
  • With a full backpack and a 30-mile hike, not a blister, abrasion, or any discomfort, that's saying a lot for a new pair of boots

Cons

  • Received a defective pair of boots. Amazon did their thing and I received a new pair that fit right
  • I had trouble breaking them in and the sole delaminated after 6 months of hiking

Reviewer's thoughts

Nice pair of lightweight hiking boots, this reviewer feels they are a good. Boot, but prefers something more solid for extreme hiking with a heavy load. The waterproofing is the other great thing about them with their fit. There seems to be some quality issues with the eyelets and soles, however, the Salomon people back their product and will act to replace if they warrant it.

KEEN Men's Targhee II Mid WP Hiking Boot

Best Hiking Boots


When it's time to hit the trail, do it in style and comfort. Keen is known for its ability to deliver quality and comfort at a reasonable price. These hiking boots are made for the outdoors and just one look shows you how trendy, versatile, and rugged they truly are.

Leather and textile

To give this boot its lightweight Keen has blended tough leather where needed and soft breathable materials where needed to help cut down on the weight, let your feet breathe, and provide comfort for long excursions into the wild. This combines to provide you with a durable boot that lets you hike all day and your feet wouldn't be dragging at sunset. In addition, you would blister or chafe as these boots ensure that there are no pinch points to discomfort you.

Rubber sole

When you need to grip the ground while heading up an incline on the trail, the rubber sole with its distinctive tread design gets you to the summit in style. If things get soggy you have a nonskid surface that lets, you walk across slick rocks without slipping and sliding. In the wilderness is no place to become lame with a sprained ankle or injury during a fall. Walk where you like and your boots will get you in and back out again.

Dual density Compression molded EVA mid sole

If you want comfort as well as reliability, you want a mid-sole that goes with the flow. Keen provides this in spades with a mid-sole that can take the pressure of your feet day after day hiking across mountain trail, across woodland fields, and exploring heavy overgrown areas. Your feet are cushioned and you feel none of the discomfort that other hikers may have to go through with boots who don't have the same features as yours do.

Pros

  • It laces up fast and the unidirectional lugs makes it a snap to cinch up before going out the door
  • Ample ankle support with a boot made for long distant hiking
  • Comfort and fit are what I was looking for and I found with these boots
  • Maybe you have a lot of money to spend. I don't. These boots give me what I want and at a price, I can afford.

Cons

  • Suffered a mishap with the sole outside the warranty period. Amazon was Johnny on the Spot and with no quibbling replaced my damaged boots
  • Great toe protection with a reinforced toe, But this are not made to replace steel toed work shoes

Reviewer's thoughts

Keen has always come through in a pinch, that’s why this reviewer enjoys trying them out in the field and on the trail. If a hiking boot handles the wild that's one thing. However, it also takes to hiking through warrens of Calcutta, the backstreets of Hong Kong, and the bazaars of Thailand with a hiking boot that is adaptable to varied urban environments as well.

KEEN Women's Targhee II Mid WP Hiking Boot

Best Hiking Boots


KEEN Women's Targhee II Mid WP boots are incredibly comfortable and supportive. They are fairly inexpensive and highly durable. You can wear them all day on a trail without your feet getting sore. Let’s take a closer look.

Support

KEEN Women's Targhee II Mid WP has a very still sole and thick layer of rubber that protects your toes. This will provide you with great support in your ankles as well as throughout the boot.

Weight

These boots are incredibly light. They weight just 14.2 oz yet they provide much needed support. Once you have KEEN Women's Targhee II Mid WP on, you will not think of taking them off and will never feel heavy on your feet, even after a full day hiking.

Comfort

From the moment you put on KEEN Women's Targhee II Mid WP, you will be amazed at how comfortable your feet will feel. This item comes with countered heel lock that will ensure your feet do not move around inside the shoe. You will also have great cushioning on areas that matter the most such as your heels. KEEN Women's Targhee II Mid WP also has a wide toe box, which ensures that your toes are never squashed.

Final Verdict

KEEN Women's Targhee II Mid WP come inclusive of great toe protection, they are lightweight, very comfortable, versatile, and come with sturdy soles. Overall, KEEN Women's Targhee II Mid WP have provided us with a good option when looking for best hike footwear.

Vasque Breeze 2.0 Gore-Tex Waterproof Hiking Boot

Vasque Men's Breeze 2.0 Gore-Tex Waterproof Hiking Boot

Best Hiking Boots

Vasque Women's Breeze 2.0 Gore-Tex Hiking Boot

Best Hiking Boots


You need a boot that is tough and able to resist water from both sea and sky, as well as what you'll find on land. The Galapagos Islands is a strange land of contrasts where water, earth, and desolation come together. This is a perfect place to go hiking in a world where time forgot.

Leather

makes it rugged and the other material combine to give you a light and tough boot On a tour of the Galapagos Islands, you can face a giant tortoise as he makes his way across sands that are hot as well as treacherous. Here frolicking in the sea you can see the 10 foot long Giant Iguana and if you are lucky and find a clutch of eggs buried in the sand as, they are hatching to your delight, but only if your boots are up to it. That's what the B-II offers.

Synthetic sole is lighter and more durable than rubber

Keeping secure footing is job one of a boot like the Breeze II. When you are hiking, there is no telling what conditions you'll run into. In South Africa, near one of its famous Lion parks run by the "Lion Whisperer", you are able to hike and walk with lions in a natural setting. The Savannah is no place for a wimpy boot. The Breeze II takes you out to where the lions roam free and get you back safely to Johannesburg where there are cool drinks and AC.

Superior support over all terrain

With the Breeze II, your ankles have all the support they need for the rugged outback. If you've ever been to Ayers Rock, you'll understand just how important this is. Here temps can soar to phenomenal heights and at night the temperatures can drop low and even the aboriginals have trouble surviving here these days. For this kind of environment, you need not only support and comfort, but also a hiking boot that lets air circulate to keep your feet dry.

Pros

  • Lightest and toughest boot I've ever worn
  • Hike for hours and your feet are dry as when you first put them on
  • I've hiked across the plains on safari and taken pictures of wild elephants up close and my hiking boots took me there and back again with ease and comfort

Cons

  • I've walked over 3,000 miles in the Breeze-II. But, the new pair I bought (I've worn out 2 pairs already) seem to be defective. Be careful and be sure they are genuine Vasque. Seems Amazon has been receiving knockoffs from their suppliers

Reviewer's thoughts

The Breeze II or B-II is a "go to" pair of boots when you are up for serious hiking. They are waterproof, comfortable, and they last. Amazon has supplied me with my pair as well as other boots I wear and review. I ordered two separate pairs, one was what I expected, and 6 months later, I ordered a second that did not match in quality or durability. This leads me to wonder about the supply chain at Amazon. I checked with other vendors and the Breeze II on their shelves are up to spec. So, a word of caution, check your boots carefully when they arrive, as they may be a ringer.

Salomon  Quest 4D 2 GTX Hiking Boot-Forces

Salomon-Quest 4D Forces

Best Hiking Boots


Salomon-Quest 4D GTX® Forces

Best Hiking Boots


The same famous boot that hikes around the world has an upgraded militarized version. This means those in the services, as well as hikers who are serious about their hiking, have an upscaled boot that not only has the long range you need but additional features that make those hikes comfortable as well.

Not only can you hike but climb and Rappel as well

For those who are into extreme hiking, you now have a boot that takes hiking to the next level. You don't have to walk up narrow mountain trails you can now climb them up a vertical wall if need be and this boot is made to help you in any way you need.

Tough construction and a Sure-Grip 

sole that gets you where you need to go, if its mountainous, jungle or swamp you can now hike it with impunity

Comfort and superb ankle support

When you are hiking in the Andes and other places where the mountains are, often-impassable to ordinary hikers you can overcome these obstacles as these boots are made for comfort, but they rise higher than other boots to reinforce you lower leg and especially around the ankle. This is necessary for those planning to scale to the top of where they are heading and have to use ropes to get down on the other side as well.

The Best in lightweight Tactical Hikers

Now get a boot that the Elite use to help you hike distances you never thought possible. Add your favorite insole support if you like. Such as the "Super-feet" insole and then you can take long distant hikes that others would consider epic and you think are ordinary. Reach new health and fitness goals while enjoying hiking in an entirely new light. You have all the features of the GTX 4D chassis that give you sure footing over the most treacherous terrain and still keep your feet comfortable and dry.

Pros

  • The best TAC Hikers out there
  • Not only comfortable but probably the best boot I ever owned
  • Great for level ground, but they really excel when you hit rough ground and other hikers are stuck. You can keep going
  • Have a boot that is perfect for the outdoors, hiker, prepper, and for those who like extreme sports as well

Cons

  • Great boot but pricey the hiking version does the same with a more economical price
  • Love the boot but hate having to lace it up. This boot is made for someone that spends hours getting ready and is not made to get up and go

Reviewer's thoughts

A spectacular boot that makes many other boots quake in fear. They are rugged and Salomon considers them to be cutting-edge. However, this reviewer feels they are not so much a hiker boot but a boot made to attract service people and those who have to have the latest "supeboots". For the reviewer, a good pair of comfortable hiking boots and then can tramp all over this green Earth of ours with equal grace and comfort and save a few bucks on the side.

Hi-Tec  Bandera Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot

Hi-Tec Men's Bandera Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot

Best Hiking Boots


Hi-Tec Women's Bandera Mid-Rise Waterproof Hiking Boot

Best Hiking Boots


A boot that is tough as the outdoors and still shows that it has style and looks good when you wear them when shopping at the mall. Designed for comfort and fit, you have a hiking boot that lets your feet breathe and walk in comfort and you don't have to worry about getting them wet.

Mesh Suede design

Lightweight, as this boot is made from synthetics. This gives it the ability to breathe and be waterproof at the same time. This is the boot you want for sightseeing in Cambodia at Angkor Wat and at the Jade temple in Bangkok with an all around hiking boot that delivers its promise on comfort and endurance. People who have bought them enjoy comfort while traveling across Europe and even hiking in the mountain trails of Sweden. Fashionable and stylish with a good fit as well.

Traction that goes the distance

With unidirectional footing, you can stride to the ends of the earth as if you didn't have a care in the world. This boot gives you firm support when you need it and its rubber sole ensures you wouldn't slide down a stone embankment along the Ganges during Diwali during Indian's Festival of Lights. Diwali is the perfect time to be hiking in India taking in the local color and food. You can shop at a bazaar and not be afraid of losing you footing in markets where fruits, vegetables, and straw mix to make footing uncertain.

EVA sock liner designed for comfort and protestation

When you've hiked a bit in India and perhaps have traveled to Kathmandu you'll appreciate the inner EVA liner that comes with this boot. It can be removed for cleaning and it supports and cushions your foot has you are attempting to photograph an Indian tiger in the wild, near the wilderness preserve the Satpura Tiger Reserve, close to Madhya Pradesh in the north. Here you need this comfort while walking the area that rises 1,352 meters above the plains.

Pros

  • They got me across the steppes of Mongolia North of China where the Khan rode to greatness
  • Comfortable and lighter than other hiking boots I have worn
  • I've walked the Foodie tour in Bangkok and my feet never felt better afterward
  • Live begins at 50 when you can appreciate the world and hike in distant lands that gets you up close with the people and the scenery. I thank my boots that took me to the 7 countries I've been to and still they will hold up for the next 7before I'm through

Cons

  • Great for spring, summer, and fall, not so hot for winter though
  • They could use more ankle support

Reviewer's thoughts

It doesn't matter if you are a world traveler or just someone who wants to take a walk in the woods behind the house. These boots give your feet 4WD to go to any venue you desire and they hold up despite harsh terrain, marsh, and urban city streets where paving is optional in some places this reviewer has been.

How to choose the best hiking boots

Imagine, you have set a hike date with your friends, but you have no idea how to go about buying your first pair of hiking-boots. Feels so confusing, right?

Hiking and backpacking boots are one of the most crucial gear choices to make for backpackers. These literally determine the quality and comfort of your time when out on the trail. So, let’s dig into some facts to select the perfect pair of boots for your outdoor adventures.

Support

Most supports comes from the underfoot mid-soles of your boot, and the cuff that wraps around the ankle. Boots with different mid-soles give more support and protection to the soles of your feet from rocks and roots poking up from the trail. And as the cut of the boot gets higher, it naturally gives your ankle more support from twisting and bending.

Material

When it comes to the materials, a lined boot with water-resistance is great for rainy conditions or for crossing streams. However, a breathable boot will be better for keeping your feet cool in a warmer weather. As far as weight, softer and lighter weight boots are often the most comfortable right out of the box. These won’t tire you out on longer hikes.

Yet, for heavier loads, burlier and stiffer materials give you more support to last longer. Just be sure to break them in before your first big trip.

Leather

If you are going to be walking in a lot of wet grass, lots of puddles, wading etc then maybe a leather boot is the better option. Traditionally, leather boots were always heavy and uncomfortable. But today, we have got a fantastic range of modern, lightweight leather boots.

Leather has become popular again for the unbeatable waterproof properties. However, you will have to take care of the boots with either wax roofers or cream conditioner. It helps improve the subtly of the boot. So, they won’t take as much breaking in as they used to.

Fabric

Whereas if you live somewhere that doesn’t have those or you are gonna do a lot of trail, road and track work, then a fabric boot is obviously fine.  With the fabric boots, you have got a new different materials; suede, cordura and canvas fabric as well.

One of the benefits that you can go for fabric boots is that they are a lot lighter weight. The entire composition of them makes them a lot easier to wear. Plus, they are gonna be more breathable in your hikes. If you are travelling, it’s less to carry with you. That being said, a good tip is to wear them on the plane. Because they are probably the bulkiest thing that you are going to take them on a work or holiday.

Ask yourself, if you are gonna be walking somewhere very wet or muddy. These are a little bit harder to clean than leather boots. So, in such cases, we recommend a leather boot instead you can carry both. You will have an option to consider this way. Overall, Fabric boots are best for summer or light walks.

How the Boot Fits

The fit of the boot is actually the most important aspect. No boot is ideal if it doesn’t fit you well. They need to hold your foot securely in place and not let your heel raise up as you step. A great fit will help avoid blisters and keep your feet happy. Specially, if the amount of gears you carry gets larger and go on longer hikes.

Wiggle Room

At the same time, your toes must have wiggle room. So, they do not hit the front as you go downhills. Going downhill with a pack on will push your toes forward, and nobody wants them to hit in the front of the boot. Therefore, wiggle room for your toes is a must.

FAQ(frequently asked question)

How do I confirm the size?

Our suggestion is to pick a pair of hiking boots that is larger than your average shoe size. Give the boot you are eyeing a trial. Wear thick enough socks and check if your toes have room in the front. If your fingers doesn’t hit the front of the boot already, the size is okay.

How to lace a hiking boot?

Well, there are a few lacing techniques suitable for different conditions. Apart from the Surgeon’s Knot and Window Lacing, hikers are introducing newer techniques for comfort and convenience. Therefore, the best advice we give is to search on the internet and master your preferred one.

What to do if toes hurt in boots?

There is no magic to fix this up. But changing your style of tying the boot might bring back the comfort of your feet. This really helps reducing blisters and ensures optimum relaxation. If the boots keep hurting your toes, perhaps you need to replace them with a new pair.

Where to store the boots?

Well, let me tell you where not to store them instead. Don’t throw your boots in the back of your car or any dark and cold area. Keep them in a well ventilated area where room temperature avails. This will keep your shoes safe for long. And, wear them for a walk sometimes if you haven’t in the past few weeks. Otherwise, the sole might delaminate.

How to take care of the backpacking boots?

Firstly, you have to clean your boot soon as you return from your trip. Use water to clean the mud off. Avoid soapy formulas, as these assimilate even more dirt and dust. You can buy water based cleaners too, if you want. For leather boots, condition them at least once in every six months.

Our Recommendation

Aha! We hate to declare a winner every time we come with a review. But we can’t keep the beast a secret, can we? Nope, never! Women and men have differences strength. So to our concern, the Salomon Men's Quest 4D 2 GTX Hiking Boot stands matchless for the men.

And for the unstoppable women, obviously the Salomon Women's Quest 4D 2 GTX Hiking Boot triumphs as a better choice.

Final Verdict

Picking up your first pair of boots might seem a bit tedious. But, screw it, it isn’t something to brood over a lifetime. In fact, if you pick any of the above listed boots after reading our short guide, you won’t regret.

Wondering why? Because these are the best pairs in the market. Anyways, we have covered a out-and-out article on the best hiking boots for women. Give that a read too, if you like.

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