The Best Hiking Boots
The great outdoors can be tough to traverse when rough terrain, poor weather, or massive puddles cross your path. Poor gear, such as worn-out shoes, can exacerbate these challenges and possibly put your safety at risk. A good pair of hiking boots, however, can protect your feet and help you feel more secure as you walk, providing you with a stable base and solid traction as you travel. Check out our list of the best hiking boots below, and explore with confidence on your next trip.
Timberland White Ledge Waterproof Ankle Boot
Outdoors approved
If you’re looking for a sturdy pair of men’s hiking boots that will protect your feet as you explore, Timberland’s White Ledge boots are what you need. Made with premium full-grain leather, these shoes are completely waterproof and tough enough to withstand constant use in the roughest conditions. They have durable rubber soles with large tread for better traction on slick and muddy surfaces, as well as a lightweight EVA midsole for better comfort and more even pressure distribution.
Pros:
- The waterproofing on these boots is fantastic. If one of your priorities is keeping your feet dry, this is a fine choice.
- While these boots are very durable, they’re also surprisingly lightweight, saving your legs from feeling like there are bricks on your feet.
Cons:
- Because these shoes are made out of full-grain leather, they may need a little breaking-in time before being put to full use.
Columbia Newton Ridge Plus Boot
Ridges and valleys
While a bad pair of hiking boots can limit where you can explore, Columbia’s Newton Ridge Plus boots are designed to set you free. With a leather, suede, and mesh upper, these boots will protect your feet from rocks, bushes, and water, all while comfortably allowing your feet to move and breathe. They have non-slip rubber soles that provide superior traction on dry dirt and wet mud, and their responsive midsoles provide cushioning and bounce with each step. The PU-coated leather uppers completely repel water, too, keeping your feet dry on wet and rainy days.
Pros:
- The rubber soles provide fantastic grip in both dry and wet situations, giving you confidence and stability with each step.
- With their leather, suede, and mesh design, these hiking boots don’t need much of a break-in time, allowing you to start exploring comfortably right away.
Cons:
- Due to the design of the toe box, the crease of the shoe may put pressure on your big toe. For most folks, though, this tends not to be an issue.
Mishansha Water-Resistant Hiking Boots
Colorful collection
While Mishansha’s hiking boots for kids are fun and colorful, more importantly, they’re also comfortable and capable of protecting your kid’s feet as they play in the great outdoors. With a solid rubber toe cap on each shoe, these boots prevent little ones from banging their toes into rocks, stumps, and tree roots as they explore. Their artificial leather and mesh uppers repel water, are easy to wipe clean, and can keep your kid’s feet cool and dry, even on warmer days. Plus, these boots have durable rubber outsoles that provide reliable grip and have great flexibility so that your kid can move freely as they play.
Pros:
- We love that these shoes are true to size, helping you feel confident you’re choosing the perfect size for your child.
- The traction on these boots is fantastic, and the rubber tends to last a long time.
Cons:
- The arch support on these boots may not be the best, so if your kid has flat feet, these boots may not be ideal.
Salomon OUTline GTX Hiking Shoes
Free your feet
Salomon’s OUTline GTX boots are lightweight hiking boots designed to help you walk further and for longer periods with less fatigue. Made with a mesh and synthetic fabric upper, these shoes provide a sneaker-like feel with the ruggedness of a hiking boot. They boast a GORE-TEX inner liner that effectively repels water to keep your feet dry, as well a welded upper that’s stitch-free for a more comfortable fit. On top of that, Salomon’s Contagrip durable outsoles on the bottom of each boot are designed to handle wet and dry surfaces with equal ease.
Pros:
- These hiking boots are slim and incredibly agile, helping you move effortlessly on longer hikes or runs.
- We like the high ankle support that these boots offer, preventing twisted ankles and providing additional security as you move over rough terrain.
Cons:
- These boots tend to run a bit on the small side, so you may want to buy a size larger than you normally wear.
Jinta Snow Boots
Warm and cozy
If you’re planning a trip out to the snow, Jinta’s hiking boots will keep your feet warm. Insulated with a faux-fleece lining and a thick PU inner sole, these boots are perfect when the weather gets cold and regular boots just won’t cut it. They have an artificial leather upper that is completely waterproof, keeping your feet safe from water and snow alike. TPR outsoles prevent you from slipping on slick or dusty surfaces, and their flexible tread keeps you moving through difficult terrain.
Pros:
- The faux-fleece lining is very soft and comfortable, preventing rashes or your feet from being rubbed raw.
- We really like how lightweight these boots are despite being having waterproof linings and being insulated.
Cons:
- The colors of these boots may not perfectly match the colors in the pictures, so keep that in mind when purchasing.
Our Tips and Tricks
When purchasing a new pair of hiking boots, there are a few things to consider, such as how you plan on using the boots and what kind of terrain you’ll most frequently traverse. While it’s nice to have a pair of boots that are perfect for every terrain and every weather condition, boots that excel in some areas generally aren’t as good in others. For example, an insulated boot may not be the best choice for hikes in desert-like conditions. Or if you’re planning on doing longer-distance hikes, you’ll want a pair of lightweight boots that won’t bog you down, instead of more rugged boots that are built for rougher terrain.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why would I buy water-resistant boots instead of waterproof ones?
While waterproof boots are great at keeping water from seeping into them, they can also create a less breathable atmosphere for your feet within. In warm weather, this can cause your feet to sweat more than water-resistant shoes, which are generally more breathable. Water-resistant shoes are often a bit lighter as well, making them perfect for longer hikes in warmer weather for both of these reasons.
Can hiking boots be resoled?
While some hiking boots can be resoled, most boots these days are glued and stitched on, preventing them from being resoled by a cobbler. Resoleable boots are often much more expensive than normal hiking boots, as they are more labor-intensive to make and require even higher quality materials to ensure the durability of their construction.
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