Best Hiking Boots
What is the best shoe for hiking?
Simply put, the best hiking boots need to have a combination of features, for example: NuBuck Leather Upper, a Strong Rubber Outsole, Deep Lugs for Grip in Icy Conditions, and even a Gore-Tex lining so they are waterproof.
Are good hiking boots expensive?
Expensive Hiking Boots are often worth the cost, as they are manufactured with the highest quality materials, such as Gore-Tex, Nubuck Leather (and other types of leathers and synthetic materials).
However, do check out our articles on the best budget walking boots and the The Best Hiking Boots Under £100 for more information on high quality hiking boots that are also cheap and wont break the bank.
Best Hiking Boots for Men
In our testing of some of the top hiking boots for men, we have leant towards the following hiking shoes:
- Salomon Men’s Quest 4d 3 GTX High Rise Hiking Boots – These are some of our favourite walking boots for men, made from Synthetic materials, they have Salomon’s infamous Speedcross lug pattern as well as having a waterproof membrane.
- Lowa Boots Men’s Renegade GTX Hiking Boots – These boots from Lowa come highly rated, again with a waterproof membrane, they have a leather outer & gum rubber sole, fantastic overall quality.
Check out our recent article on the best hiking boots uk, where we go over some of the best hiking boot brands to choose from.
Best Hiking Boots for Women
In our testing of some of the top hiking boots for women, we have leant towards the following walking boots:
- Salomon Women’s Quest Prime GTX High Rise Hiking Boots– Similar to the mens boots, the Women’s Quest Prime GTX Boots are some of our favourite walking boots for women as they are super lightweight boots, and some with a Gore-Tex Membrane.
- Merrell Women’s Moab 2 Mid GTX High Rise Hiking Shoes – These boots from Merrell have a leather outer and a vibram sole, making them super robust and comfortable while you’re out on the trail.
Check out our recent article on The Warmest Womens Winter Boots including some of the hiking shoe brands we’ve mentioned above.
Recommended Hiking Boots:
Hiking Boots Reviews & Guides:
FAQ
What are the best Merrell hiking boots?
In our opinion the best Merrell hiking boots are their Men’s Moab 2 Leather Mid GTX High Rise Hiking Shoes, as they are super lightweight boots and have a vibram rubber sole, which adds extra comfort to the boot.
For women, this is a very similar answer, with their women’s boots being very comfortable and lightweight.
Which is better Merrell or Salomon?
Both Merrell and Salomon are very good hiking boot brands, and especially if you’re just starting out, either boot brand will be fine to use when you’re out hiking the trail.
Can you wear hiking boots everyday?
For day to day use, depending on the hiking boots you purchase, you may find it impractical to use hiking boots everyday. This is because, especially for the higher quality boot brands, they are made using high quality leathers and have heavy soles, which would make wearing them on a daily basis a very bad idea.
For multi-day hikes, of course you can wear them every day, you’ll need them to protect your feet and ankles on the trail.
Should you wear two pairs of socks when hiking?
There is generally no need to wear two pairs of socks when hiking. Most hiking boot brands will have enough insulation to keep your feet warm, so if you have super thick socks this may not be a good idea.
One choice however, is to couple a pair of non-waterproof hiking boots with ArcticDry Waterproof Socks, which will protect you from the elements and keep your feet warm simultaneously.
When should you replace hiking shoes?
You should only really replace your hiking shoes when you notice that the sole is coming unstuck or there is an issue with them. For example, it is common with some cheaper boot brands that the waterproof membrane deteriorates over time and becomes weak.
Is it bad to run in hiking boots?
You can absolutely run in hiking boots, but it is not recommended in general, as many boot brands can be super bulky and restrict your movement.
If you’re going to run in boots, then make sure they are tied extremely well, as loose boots could cause an injury while running.
Should I get a half size bigger for hiking boots?
If you’re getting your hiking boots fitted in-store then you will be able to find this out by trying on different size boots and testing them. However, in current times with the current pandemic, it is generally recommended to order perhaps half a size bigger to allow extra room for your feet.
What brand of hiking boots is best?
Through our research, there is no one “elite” hiking boot brand. Instead, there are multiple different brands to choose from, with a selection of 5-6 top hiking boot brands that are very established and have a good reputation. These include:
- Salomon
- Merrell
- Lowa
- Scarpa
- Columbia
- La Sportiva