Thickset and sturdy outdoor boots ensure the utmost safety and ideal feet functionality for hikers. It happens only if you have the correct size. Finding the best 8-inch hiking boots is not accessible due to the endless choices in the market.
Therefore, I tested and reviewed dozens of boots and sifted through the top 5 choices that are durable, comfortable, and excellent for safety against impact and abrasion. So, let’s scroll a little more and see which boot suits you the best. The added buying guide will further help you in deciding!
List of Best 8-inch Top Hiking Boots Compared
Best 8″ Height Hiking Boots Explained
1
Thorogood Crosstrek 8-Inch Insulated Waterproof Hiking Boots
Thorogood Crosstrek is my first pick for 8-inch hiking boots. Its comfortable interior and the best ventilation was the first thing I noticed during outdoor activity with zero annoyance.
Moreover, it’s lace-up closures and easy knots gave me the best grip that never got loose during ascending and hiking on dangerous cliffs.
I would like to appreciate its breathable leather uppers and the high-quality mesh that fitted well and provided thorough ventilation to my feet.
Moreover, this boot features the best-protected design that helps in outdoor activities such as hiking.
Its 8 inches rugged outsole works best for abrasive and uneven terrain, plus the heel of the boot has been designed to prevent impact and shock.
The toe and heel of this boot are abrasion-resistant. Therefore, my feet never face any injury or impact during hiking, plus the durable uppers reduce the possible wear-and-tear, which is worth mentioning.
It is also the best boot to carry luggage and hike with ease.
Its 2.2 pounds of weight felt a little heavy for continuous miles of hiking, but the thick outsole is what I was looking for, so it was compromisable.
Its warm interior due to insulation further was the best thing for snow hiking, and the softer padding and slip-resistant outsole keep traction around for all terrain.
Overall, the Thorogood Crostrex hiking boot is comfortable, warmer and offers ideal waterproofing to keep feet dry.
Pros
- Keeps feet warm and cozy
- Waterproof and well-ventilated design
- The thick outsole protects from injury and shock
- The Interior is soft with plenty of cushioning and padding
- The durable and rugged thickset outsole is slip-resistant
Cons
- None
An honest review of this boot number 1 on my list is given below:
Kenetrek Womens Mountain Extreme Insulated Hiking Boot
This is a great high-ankle hiking boot for those who want added protection with 8 inches thick outsole.
If you have been searching for an insulated hiking boot to keep feet warm enough, Keneterk would never let you down, especially with its 1000 grams of Thinsulate which is terrific for professional hikers.
Since it’s a women’s boot, its design features a comfortable interior that keeps the sensitive feel in utmost comfort and never causes chafing or blisters during miles of hiking.
The rubber outsole works best with leather uppers for protection and durability, plus the walking and hiking experience never feels any arduous at any point.
Kenetrek Women’s Mountain offers balanced stability and dead feet functionality with its midsole and arch support which is an excellent point for hiking footwear.
Kenetrek boots will serve you the best if you want to hike in colder climates or alpines for their waterproof factor, and you can wear this boot where mountain and sharp cuts are average.
Its metal lace closures are durable and ensure it fits from the toes to the ankle during ascending. The laces remain tight throughout the wearing time, and it’s another way to ensure the snug fitting of this boot.
Also, its supportive design with waterproofing and breathability won’t make your feet wet; that is another way to add foot traction.
Overall, this boot is stylish and trendy and has a thick outsole with durability in its build. The solid and rigid toe box is an added design that is durable and helps to save toes from unexpected injury.
Pros
- Premium build and durable material choice
- High ankle design adds to the safety
- Solid toe box and study design
- The tall design and leather uppers fit well
Cons
- None
3
Rocky Men’s Prohunter Hiking Boot
If you are looking for a stylish hiking boot that never compromises on comfort under your feet, Rocky Men’s Prohunter can be your ultimate search.
It offers quality feet functionality and the best inches shaft length that protects feet throughout the hiking time.
The impressive leather uppers make airflow and waterproofing ensured, while the grip and traction from the bouncy rubber outsole help in swift walking.
Being an 8-inch high boot, Rocky Prohunter is rather heavy with 4.14 pounds of total weight, but the ultra-protection from injury and cozy interior is something that compensates for your feet’ solace.
Its removable insoles are another quality parameter that adds to feet hygiene plus keeps quality around.
You will never find these boots with poor performance for hiking in snow and colder climates, thanks to their insulated material.
The warmer and plush cushion, midsole, and design keep coziness around.
Professional hikers have appreciated its hiking-dedicated features, such as waterproofing design, best outsole traction, and durable design.
Moreover, they run true to size, which makes them ideal for everybody. This boot is impressive and has everything that a hiking boot would ever ask for.
Pros
- Lightweight design and neat seams
- Rubber outsoles are flexible for feet mobility
- Stylish and keeps feet cozy and warm
- Snug fitting and gripping laces
- Comfortable out of the box and true to size
- Insoles are removable
Cons
- Feels bulky and puffy
- May be somewhat difficult to wear
4
Merrell Men’s Moab 2 8-Inch Tactical Waterproof Hiking Boot
I have always found Merrell hiking boots best for their performance on multi-terrain.
This Men’s boot from Merrell also has a great 8 inches tall design with a durable upper choice that helped me for ultra-safety against impact and injury.
I especially found it comfortable wearing the most satisfying thing about its build. Its side zipper was the best thing Merre has improved from previous models.
Moreover, this boot is compact, and its waterproof design with the best ventilation and the size zipper is all about improved design.
You can quickly wear and take off this boot, essential for professional hiking.
I liked many features, such as PU-coated leather, a KINETIC FIT footbed for stability and arch support, and the abrasion-resistant toe cap that never limits my feet’s functionality and mobility on sharp terrain.
Its more comprehensive toe cap design, comfortable interior, and improved ankle support are something that remains your companion throughout the hiking adventure.
Moreover, the 2.95 pounds of total weight, 5mm lug depth, and M-select dry waterproofing design add to its quality design.
Overall, this boot will be ideal if you want a compact and comfortable boot with a trendy build.
Pros
- Shock-absorbing midsoles for hiking on uneven grounds
- Protective, abrasion-resistant rubber toe cap adds o safety
- M-select waterproofing membrane for dry feet
- Arch support adds to the stability
- Quick wearing and take off with side zipper design
- The gripping outsole keeps traction around
Cons
- Its soles may fall apart
- Need to improve durability
5
Rocky Men’s 8 Inch Upland Hiking Boot
And now the last boot on this list is here. Rocky Men’s Boot is among the most-lauded 8-inch hiking boots due to its sophisticated and neat design.
Its quality seams make sure to add durability when you put a strain on the toe during ascending and hiking.
Also, the powerful rubber outsole and EVA material are what keep things lightweight and bouncy for sure.
The lace-up design and the metal closure maintain a balance fitting and snug design for more traction on the ground.
The mix of metal and hook colors always maintain the gripping fitting, whether you run, walk, or jump.
Rocky Upland is a specific calf high boot for professional hiking, and its full-grain leather upper with waterproofing and breathability further tells you its efficiency.
It’s comfortable to wear, and the padded collar, tongue, and midsole provide an excellent design to keep off the strain from day-long hiking.
Therefore, hiking 15+ miles is not a big deal with this boot.
It’s 2.8 pounds, and the stylish design looks good and performs well, especially for sensitive feet.
Therefore, Rocky Upland hiking boots have become the preferred footwear.
Pros
- Full-grain leather is durable for wear and tear
- Lightweight and comfortable for miles of hiking
- Rubber outsole is abrasion-resistant
- Full-grain leather constriction and impressive design
- Powerful and neat seams
Cons
- The eyelets are not durable
- It may need a break-in
Things to Consider Before Buying the Best 8 inches Hiking Boots
Many factors decide how to buy the best 8-inch hiking boot. I hike on multiple grounds, from snowy terrain to abrasive grounds too. Below I’m sharing those parameters that you should never look at online hiking boot buying!
1.Price and Brand
The price of the hiking boot readily decides whether you can opt for it. But as a general approach, a boot under $200 would suffice for its quality and performance, provided you have chosen a well-known brand.
2.Easy to Wear
The 8-inch tall boot should have an easy-to-wear design and suit your styles. It includes a smooth side zipper and laces tight enough to maintain stability in grip. Always prefer a tall hiking boot that is quick to wear and take off so that the comfort remains.
3.Shock-Absorbing and Protected Design
It is essential to look for a tall boot with a shock-absorbing midsole. Since a tall boot works best for miles of hiking, its midsole, and outsole should be ideal for shock-absorbing. Moreover, the toe box and heel should offer a solid design to save your feet from unexpected injury.
4.Softer Fabric Choice
The well-padded interior is recommended to save your feet from chafing and blisters. Also, make sure to break in the boot so that it fits well correctly. It will help you walk and hike without any strain on your feet. Hiking boots must fit well, and the interior offers softness under the feet.
5.Comfort and Build
The design of the tall 8-inch hiking boot should be durable and comfortable. While making an online purchase, look for the boot’s reviews properly, it will help you get the correct info about it. And if you are purchasing the boot from the store, check its midsole (EVA preferable) and lightweight construction. The comfortable boot, according to your foot shape, will aid you in walking and hiking for hours with zero strain.
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