7 Best Hiking Boots in 2024 (2024)

For a hiking boot that does the job come rain or shine, look no further than the Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX. It can handle torrential rain and mud, and it’s still an extremely lightweight boot suitable for longer, drier days on the hill. In short, the Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX is hands down our best overall hiking boot.

On our wet and rainy hikes, we tested the boots in a deep puddle to test the waterproofing. Incredibly, despite standing in water for over a minute, there wasn’t even the slightest seepage. On closer inspection in the lab, we saw that the tightly woven upper and Gore-Tex membrane are complemented by a fully gusseted tongue and high collar. That explains why no water could get in!

Even with all that protection from the elements, these boots are far from clunky. We weighed them at 14.5 oz (412g), which is astounding, given that the average for waterproof boots is 19.5 oz (553g)! We found this ideal for our longer day hikes and multi-day adventures because our feet tired much slower than expected.

We found the X Ultra 4 Mid GTX to exhibit superb traction whether we were hiking on dry and dusty trails or on wet rock. We inspected the Contragrip outsole in the lab and counted 41 lugs which measure 5.1 mm deep. 0.7 mm above average isn’t much, but it worked wonders for us on any terrain. We especially like the chunky heel lug which gave us extra braking power or steep, loose descents.

The mid-height ankle support of this boot may not be enough for hikers with weak ankles. We can recommend https://runrepeat.com/salomon-quest-4-gtx the Salomon Quest 4 GTX for a more protective alternative.

After being subjected to meticulous testing in our lab and long day hikes, we have to say that the hiking boot with the best cushioning is doubtless the Hoka Anacapa Mid GTX. With its iconic Hubble heel making our landings cushy, its feather weight and impeccable support really make it stand out from the crowd.

Hoka’s protruding heel acts as a shock absorber and makes for super-smooth transitions. Our measurements of the stack height at the heel and toe showed it has plenty of material underfoot - 36.7 mm at the heel and 26.1 mm at the forefoot. While the heel stack is a minimal 0.5 mm higher than average, the forefoot is 2.3 mm higher than average. We appreciated the resulting 10.6 mm drop on sustained descents, as it took the pressure off the forefoot.

Our feet felt snug and comfortable from the get-go. We put the luxurious cushioning under our feet to the test in the lab. Perhaps unsurprisingly, we found it to be much softer than average. Our durometer test of the EVA midsole showed 22.5 HA, far softer than the average of 29 HA. On the trails, we felt protected from the ground beneath and we experienced all-day comfort for our feet.

Despite sporting such a soft midsole, the Hoka Anacapa Mid GTX rates 5/5 for torsional flexibility in our lab tests. 5 being the stiffest rating, it’s pretty hard to twist an ankle while wearing these boots! We felt really stable when hiking on rocky, uneven trails, and light scrambling was a breeze.

When we pumped smoke into the boot to test for breathability, we had to award this boot 1/5, the least breathable rating. The Gore-Tex lining doesn’t allow air to flow into the boot, making it very hot. We don’t recommend the Hoka Anacapa Mid GTX to hikers looking for a fresh-feeling, breathable summer boot.

On our hunt for the best hiking boot for backpacking, our research led us to the Salomon Quest 4 GTX. Exceptionally supportive, incredibly durable, and protectively cushioned, it’s the perfect companion for multi-day hikes over rough and rocky terrain.

As soon as we laced up the boot we could feel the support afforded by Salomon’s integrated ADV-C 4D chassis stabilizer. In the lab, we twisted and bent the boot, finally awarding it 5/5 for rigidity - the most rigid possible. Even when rock hopping on alpine trails with a heavy pack, we couldn’t twist an ankle if we tried!

If we could, we would give the Salomon Quest 4 GTX a 10/5 for durability! We applied our Dremel liberally to the toe box, the heel, and the outsole – all three far exceeded our expectations! After 12 seconds at 5K RPM at a force of 3.2N, the solid rubber toe cap barely showed a scratch. While hiking on rocky trails or light scrambling, we could relax, knowing our toes are fully protected from bumps and scrapes.

The midsole is of average firmness - 27 HA according to our durometer measurements. The stack height at the heel is 2 mm above average, meaning there is plenty of firm material underfoot to protect our heels from sharp rocks. Heel strikers in particular may enjoy the extra material below the heel.

While 23.4 oz (663g) is not unusual for a highly supportive backpacking boot, for most day hikers, this may be overkill. For this reason, we don’t recommend the Salomon Quest 4 GTX to light hikers or day hikers.

After doing our lab tests and going on a few hikes, we found the Adidas Terrex Free Hiker to be the best lightweight hiking boot. This featherlight boot is amazingly comfy from the off and has a superb grip and ground feel. To top it all off, with its unique design and patterning, the Adidas Terrex Free Hiker is sure to turn heads!

It’s hard to imagine a lighter hiking boot than the Terrex Free Hiker. At just 13.8 oz (393g) it’s nearly the same as a hiking shoe and 25% lighter than the average for hiking boots. Our feet tired much more slowly, meaning we could walk further for longer.

The Ultraboost foam midsole gives maximum comfort from the start and we noticed a spring in our step while hiking. We use a durometer to measure the softness of the midsole. In this case, we were amazed to find the midsole measures 21 HA, softer than the average of 29 HA.

Our feet felt agile on flat paths and gripped well on the ascents. In the lab, we tested the boot for flexibility by bending it to 90° with a force gauge. It measures the same as the average: 42.1N. This stiffness balances out the plush midsole and provides some well-deserved support for our foot on technical terrain.

It isn’t a surprise to find that the stylish, knitted upper doesn’t keep out the water. For this reason, we don’t recommend the Adidas Terrex Free Hiker to people looking for an impermeable boot.

This stylish boot from Timberland is adaptable, blending into its city or wilderness surroundings alike. It boasts a durable outsole, delightfully supportive midsole, and comfortable padding which makes it a great winter option too!

The outsole showed little wear after our test hikes and we brought it into the lab for testing. Our caliper measurements showed the outsole was an impressive 30% thicker than average for hiking boots, meaning plenty more miles of hiking before the outsole wears out!

We trust this shoe without a shadow of a doubt when we are hiking over rocks and roots. Our lab investigations uncovered a steel shank in the midsole which supports our arches and prevents the shoe from twisting on uneven surfaces. We twisted the shoe torsionally and it had very little give, so we awarded it a 5/5 for stiffness (5 being stiffest). Say goodbye to twisted ankles!

Instant comfort is the name of the game in the Timberland Euro Hiker. The plush padding is the stuff of dreams! We measured the thickness of the tongue in the lab, finding it to be an astonishing 22.3 mm thick. It makes the average tongue padding of 12.6 mm trivial! The padded collar embraces our ankles on hikes, and all that insulation is a welcome treat on chilly days.

We don’t recommend this boot to hikers with wide feet. In the lab, we found the midsole to measure 17.5 mm narrower than average at the forefoot, and 19.8 mm narrower than average at the heel. In our experience, its sleek outline isn’t accommodating to wide feet or splayed toes.

The Danner Mountain 600 is the leather hiking boot that wrapped up our search for the best. Its upper is to be reckoned with because it exceptionally shields the feet from rain, snow, and frostbite. Even though it was confronted by various external factors, we established that Danner Mountain 600 is as strong as steel.

The leather material on this hiking boot acted as our feet’s waterproof jacket. It insulated our feet well during wintry and nippy hikes, and when passing by water streams was on the itinerary, our feet remained safely dry.

Danner Mountain 600’s durability is rock solid. In the face of being used consistently for a lot of miles, it didn’t give us anything to worry about in its quality. Even the outsole didn’t look worn down. The shocking news is it feels lightweight on the foot.

However, we found ourselves holding to trees and walking poles for support when stepping on wet roots and branches, as the shoe’s outsole loses traction on them. Technical hikers, this is a heads-up.

Altra’s Lone Peak Hiker 2 is a revelation in our lab, standing out as the best hiking boot for outdoor wanderers with wide feet! Free from cramped toes and hotspots, this lightweight had us with its unparalleled on-foot feel that makes time fly on long hikes.

We loved how it's inclusive of broad feet, giving our toes room to splay and breathe. It barely tapers to the front with its square-toe build, measuring 91.1 mm vs. the 79.2 mm average.

Its malleable and airy build keeps it all natural and light on foot. The ride feels more like a trail shoe, which makes it versatile enough for city walks and light jogs. Our scales show a feathery 12.0 oz (339g), 32.7% lighter than the average hiking boot. Even in our bend test, it proves its adaptive nature as it emerges 24.9% more flexible than its counterparts.

The main reason LPH2 feels so light is its low-to-the-ground profile. It gives high ground sensitivity with its low 2.6 mm drop. Despite this, our feet had enough impact protection and comfort thanks to the buttery platform. Our durometer confirms it’s 12.7% softer than average.

Due to its high flexibility, it inherently feels less stable on rocky terrains. We recommend a more supportive boot for technical trails and backpacking.