As with any trip, you need to consider many things when you’re going on a hiking trip – what route are you taking? How long will it take? What should you pack? These are some of the questions that may be running through your mind as you figure out the details for your trip. However, the most important question you might overlook is what the best hiking boots are.
Most of the time, when novices are planning their hike, they just decide to wear whatever shoes they can find. Unfortunately, that’s not the best idea ever. You never know what terrain you might encounter on your hike, especially if you’re a beginner. Regular boots might slip or slide, and that’s the last thing you’d want on a hiking trip, particularly high up in the mountains. Above all things, you need the right shoes for your trip for comfort, safety, and convenience.
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Important Factors To Consider
When choosing your hiking boots, it’s essential that you consider some specifics about each pair before making your final decision. Different people will have additional requirements when it comes to comfortable shoes, so here’s a list of things you can look out for to get you started:
Specifications
When it comes to hiking boots, the most important things are the specs. Ignore how it looks or whether it’s a flashy brand. What suits other people might not suit you. Instead, focus on whether it’s a good fit, the comfort you get, whether they’re durable, the stability on rocky surfaces, and whether they’re waterproof.
Style
Contrary to popular belief, not all hiking shoes are built the same. Different types of trials require specific shoes. You don’t want regular trail shoes for off-trail hiking nor the other way around. Here are some basic guidelines to help you out:
- Trail: trails are generally well kept, so low-cut or mid-cut boots work perfectly fine. Trail shoes are essentially the slightly upgraded version of regular shoes: stable, waterproof, and stiffer soles.
- Rough trail: ankle-high boots are the way to go for slightly more aggressive hiking – these are waterproof and ventilated for hotter weather. The shanks act as armor for your feet and legs against rougher terrain.
- Off-trail: for off-trail hiking, you’ll need above-ankle support and the stiffest soles you can find. Beware: the sole will take a long time to break into, but these boots will be lightweight despite their toughness.
- Mountaineering: boots for mountaineering have leather uppers, good traction, and slight insulation. Unlike the half-length shanks of off-trail boots, these boots will have full shanks for maximum support.
The Right Fit
The proper fit is more than just getting something your size. The right size will minimize blisters, prevent sprained ankles, blackened toenails, and any other feet related issue. Try to buy the boots and socks simultaneously, so there’s no problem with the fitting later. Don’t focus on the size number, but rather, how the boots feel on your feet.
The Best Hiking Boots in 2021
With those factors in mind, here are 11 recommendations for the best hiking boots you can find!
Best Overall Hiking Boot
Salomon X Ultra 3 Mid GTX ($165)
- Category: on trail hiking and lightweight backpacking
- Waterproof: yes
- Pros: light and flexible
- Cons: less stable
- Wearing Comfort: ★★★★☆
The Salomon X Ultra 3 Mid GTX boots are basically upgraded running shoes but with more support than an average shoe. Throughout the years, this boot has become a favorite among many and is considered to be the best hiking boot overall. It’s lightweight enough that your feet won’t tire from wearing it all day but strong enough that it grips the ground solidly. Most boots fail in durability, but you won’t find that problem with the Salomon X Ultra 3 Mid GTX. Besides being extremely comfortable, these boots have stood the test of time throughout the years and are more resistant to wear and tear than most, making them the best boots for hikers – both amateurs and veterans.
The only problem you might encounter is that due to its lightweight build, the protection underneath your foot might be thinner than other boots in the category – this makes them unsuitable for rough trails or if you’re hiking off the tracks. For that reason, these boots are most highly recommended for light backpacking and short day hiking, rather than for tougher terrains.
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Salomon Quest 4 GTX ($230)
- Category: rough trails and mountaineering
- Waterproof: yes
- Pros: tough protection yet comfortable
- Cons: fairly heavy and pricey
- Wearing Comfort: ★★★★☆
This one’s for the hikers that prefer the rougher trails – the Salomon Quest 4 GTX is a fairly heavy pair of boots that are perfect for a day out on uneven land. They’re not recommended for day hiking, but if you want to try your hand at the rugged trails or even want to go off the trail for a change, then these boots are perfect. Despite being heavier than most boots, the new generation model is revamped with long-lasting uppers and tough protection under your foot. This makes them very resistant to abuse from rough ground, something that is essential if you want to make every penny count. Rest assured, these boots are definitely worth every coin – these boots will provide you comfortable and strong enough footing for a great day hiking the tougher paths.
Besides that, you can even use these for mountaineering – the eyelets at the base are a great support for steep climbs and slopey areas. However, be warned that because they’re on the heavier side, your feet might suffer if you’re a new hiker. They’ll take some time to break into, but they’re worth the wait and the price.
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Merrell Moab 2 Mid WP ($135)
- Category: on-trail hiking
- Waterproof: yes
- Pros: reasonably priced, very comfortable
- Cons: less support
- Wearing Comfort: ★★★★☆
Contrary to what many might think, hiking boots don’t need to break your bank to be a great pair. The Merrell Moab 2 Mid WP is proof enough of that. If you’re an amateur hiker and you’re looking for a stable pair that’ll be lightweight enough to get you through a day of hiking but strong enough to give you the support you need on your descent, then this is the pair for you.
You shouldn’t measure this budget pair for how much it costs – even at this reasonable rate, you get strong cushioning and more durable waterproofing on top. What more could a beginner hiker need? The Merrell Moab 2 Mid WP is a great pair, but naturally, it has its problems. Although it’s great for beginners, the boot isn’t built out of the premium materials a regular hiker might want. If you’re carrying a heavier load, you might not want to get this pair because you won’t get the support you require.
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Additional Recommended Hiking Boots
Oboz Bridger Mid WP ($180)
- Category: light backpacking and rough trails
- Waterproof: yes
- Pros: Reasonable price for good quality
- Cons: heavier for light hiking
- Wearing Comfort: ★★★★☆
Oboz is another favorite in the hiking community – the brand is known for making comfortable yet tough boots for all purposes. The Bridger Mid WP has therefore earned its place on this list. The above-ankle design provides extra support in case you decide to hike on the rougher trails midway through your trip. The Oboz Bridger Mid WP is a classic option for new hikers who want to try out different tracks – not just the simple ones. Its nylon shank provides extra cushioning for a steady climb and descent, and the extra reinforcement under your foot makes it more durable and protective than most boots.
The toughness and support are perfect for backpacking – although it is mostly recommended for light backpacking, a little extra weight won’t do you much harm with these boots. However, despite its comfort and stability, the shoe feels much heavier, even on light trails – chances are, you might get more exhausted from the shoe itself than the trail, so choose wisely.
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Asolo Falcon GV ($240)
- Category: on trails hiking and lightweight backpacking
- Waterproof: yes
- Pros: extremely comfortable and supportive
- Cons: pricey and heavy
- Wearing Comfort: ★★★★★
If you’re not worried about breaking your bank over a pair of hiking boots, then look no further – the Asolo Falcon GV might be the best pair you can find. This boot is perfect for people who are regular hikers and would like durable boots to last longer than most boots. Although this boot is built for light hiking and trail routes, it’s heavier, making it tougher than other lightweight boots.
The Asolo Falcon GV has been known to withstand both on-trail and off-trail hiking, a feature you can’t find in most hiking boots, as they are either in one category or the other. If you suddenly plan to go off-trail with these boots on, then you won’t need to worry about the footing – this boot is well-built, comfortable, and strong enough to handle just about any terrain. Although it’s not recommended for the highest stability, it is well-loved overall.
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Salewa Mountain Trainer Mid GTX ($250)
- Category: off-trail hiking and heavy backpacking
- Waterproof: yes
- Pros: tough and insulated
- Cons: stiffer than others
- Wearing Comfort: ★★★★☆
As a seasoned hiker, you might want a boot that is more suited to rough trails and off-trail hiking. In that case, check out the Salewa Mountain Trainer Mid GTX, a show designed for the roughest terrains and the harshest weather. The protective layer provides you extra respite from sharp rocks or snow you might encounter on your hike. In addition to that, it provides additional insulation as well – you can be sure you won’t be in danger of your toes freezing off even in the harshest of conditions.
Just like the name suggests, this boot works pretty well for mountainous areas as well – you’ll be hard-pressed to find a boot that is so stable for rock climbing or the slippery descent down the mountain. The 4-season usability is also something most boots can’t boast, but the Salewa Mountain Trainer Mid GTX is perfect against any weather you can throw at it.
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Keen Targhee III Mid ($150)
- Category: on-trail hiking
- Waterproof: yes
- Pros: reasonable option
- Cons: insecure on rough trails
- Wearing Comfort: ★★★★☆
Here’s another budget option for the beginners out there! For an affordable price, you get more than you paid for: the Keen Targhee III Mid is a beloved boot for light backpacking and day hiking. The boot is famous for having a wide fit. However, many boots are more suited to narrower feet, so if you’re struggling to find a good fit for wider feet, then worry not! The Keen Targhee III Mid is built for that.
Don’t be deterred by the low price – despite the amount, the boot is reinforced with a tough leather upper sitting on the angle for extra protection. It offers just enough protection and stability so you can comfortably go about your light hiking. It’s fairly durable as well, so you’ll definitely get your money’s worth. The only problem is that if you have to step off-trail for whatever reason, these boots won’t be the best for a longer time.
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Altra Lone Peak ALL-WTHR Mid ($179)
- Category: on-trail hiking
- Waterproof: yes
- Pros: comfortable and lightweight
- Cons: less durable
- Wearing Comfort: ★★★★☆
As you might have guessed by the name, the Altra Lone Peak ALL-WTHR Mid is perfect all year round. If you’re planning on hiking somewhere where the weather forecasts are not to be trusted, you’ll be in good hands with these boots. The boots were developed with the idea of trail running in mind, and their lightweight and slight feel is a testament to that – they’re basically the lightest boots you’ll be able to find. For those who prefer to stick to trails, this boot is perfect because it’s light enough to not weigh you down and strong enough to provide you necessary support on your running.
However, it’s not recommended for climbing. It might be due to the lightness of the boots that they don’t hold well on slippery surfaces and are prone to more wear and tear than your usual pair. The upper material is too thin, which may contribute to its short life and poor durability.
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Vasque Breeze AT Mid GTX ($120)
- Category: midweight backpacking and rough trails
- Waterproof: yes
- Pros: comfortable and stable
- Cons: too heavy for some trails
- Wearing Comfort: ★★★★☆
When it comes to boots for rougher trails, the Vasque Breeze AT Mid GTX is more reasonable. If you’re used to hiking, but want to branch out into rougher trails, then this pair will be the best for you. Like most traditionally designed hiking boots, these are more heavy than usual. But that’s a small concern for the rough trails. As a budget option, it gives you more than your money’s worth – you get premium materials such as Gore-Tex liners and leather uppers that will be much more expensive on other shoes.
This boot basically has the same benefits as any midweight boot, but it’s probably the most famous due to its price. True, there are more stable and lighter boots out there. However, if you’re looking for more lightweight boots, this isn’t the pair for you. Other than that, these are pretty great for the price of $120-130.
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Asolo Fugitive GTX ($250)
- Category: heavyweight and mountainous areas
- Waterproof: yes
- Pros: excellent protection, more durable than most
- Cons: extremely heavy
- Wearing Comfort: ★★★☆☆
The Asolo Fugitive GTX is another boot that follows the more traditional design. Heavy and tough, this boot is great for mountaineering. Unlike other boots on this list, this pair is undoubtedly much heavier than usual, and with good reason. You’re going to need all the extra protection and weight when you’re mountaineering.
This pair is great all year round – snow, hail, or storm; these boots can withstand any weather you encounter, making them well worth the price you pay. However, if you’re planning on backpacking over a long distance, then the heavyweight might be your downfall – they’re great for mountains, but only if you don’t hike for too long each day.
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REI Co-op Flash ($130)
- Category: lightweight backpacking and on-trail hiking
- Waterproof: yes
- Pros: stylish and stable
- Cons: less comfort
- Wearing Comfort: ★★★☆☆
Last but not least, a stylish option for the ones concerned about their looks! REI is much newer to the hiking footwear industry than other boots, but they’ve earned their place on the list. These over-the-ankle boots are a great budget option for new or casual hikers. Their most distinguishing feature is their design, so if you want a stylish pair of hiking boots, then REI Co-op Flash is perfect for you.
However, where REI wins in design, it loses when it comes to comfort and traction. As a result, you won’t want this pair for the rougher trails or if you’re planning on a longer trip. So you can only use this pair for the most casual of hiking trips – stick to the tracks, and you should be fine for the most part.
Thank you very much for your time I hope the article was useful. Please check out my article about the ultimate hiking checklist for 2021 as well!
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