Rack Up Your Step Count Outdoors with These Hiking Boots (2024)

When you need to breathe in some fresh air, hiking is a relaxing way to unplug and enjoy the outdoors—and you can do it just about anywhere. The only things you need are some water, snacks or meals, a good backpack, and a great pair of hiking boots or trail shoes.

Made with rugged yet breathable fabrics and insoles as comfortable as the best running shoes, hiking boots are lighter, more cushioned, and more stylish than they used to be. Low-top trail runners are great for light hikes and fitness, while beefed-up ankle boots provide the support you need on treacherous paths.

We tested out several hiking boots to find the best trail shoes on the market. Here are our top picks, along with advice to consider while you shop.

Best Hiking Boots

What to Consider

Trail Running Shoes Versus Hiking Boots

Most hiking boots have a firm, grippy sole with a lot of ankle support and a stable base. The layers of leather and rubber protect your feet from banging into rocks, roots, or whatever else you might encounter.

With all of this protection and support, though, comes weight. These ankle-height boots are great for longer hikes on rough terrain, especially if you are carrying a sizable load.

Trail runners offer a lightweight, low-cut alternative if you want something less cumbersome. Often made of mesh and synthetics, you’ll get a flexible foot bed and a spring step, but this often comes at the cost of ankle support and protection for your toes.

Traditional hiking boots are better suited to hiking in rocky uneven terrain, though some hardcore hikers use trail shoes for even the longest hikes out there. For most people, if you’re on a relaxed terrain or using your shoes for running, trail runners are the best bet.

Waterproof Versus Water Resistant

Gore-Tex and other, similar waterproof membranes are great if you live and hike in generally damp areas. Choose a waterproof boot if you’re walking through a lot of puddles, mud, or morning dew, but it won’t help you for moisture that comes over the top of the boot, like rain or a river crossing. Boots with waterproof membranes are less breathable and take longer to dry out than non-waterproof shoes.

If you mostly hike in nice weather, it’s worth forgoing waterproof boots so your feet can breathe. Many styles come in both waterproof and non-waterproof options.

How We Selected

We tested out different styles on different terrains—including city streets—to determine which boots are the most comfortable and provide the best support, traction, and stability. Between the hikers in our offices in Easton, Pennsylvania and New York City, we determined the best hiking boots and trail running shoes to keep your feet happy, no matter what path you tackle.

Hoka is known for its ultra-cushioned running shoes, but its hiking boots deserve just as much praise. The Kaha 2 is a mid-top hiking boot with a high, plush footbed that’s supportive and provides all-day cushioned comfort.

The uppers are made of waterproof nubuck leather, and the Vibram outsole with five-millimeter lugs gives you great traction on any surface. Metal speed hooks make them easy to lace up and take off, and the padded tongue and ankle collar provide both cushion and stability.

These have amazing traction even on the rainiest days, winning my personal accolade as some of the most surefooted boots I’ve ever tried. They’re also well-cushioned and I wear them a lot for walking around the city. The fit is true to size and they’re comfortable with both thick and thin socks.

This boot is designed to be a lightweight summer hiker for hot days. The uppers use leather and mesh to give you durability and breathability, while the Vibram sole gives you traction. The toe cap protects your foot from feeling large rocks underneath and is great for trails that aren’t well maintained. It has a roomy toe box that keeps feet comfortable after long periods of wear, and their lightness means no foot fatigue.

These are good for light to medium hikes in good weather, but I found these slipped a bit when it was wet outside. Still, the Moab 3 is great for a light summer hike at a price that will leave you gas money to get to the trail head.

These streamlined boots are good for serious backpackers that want durable support and great traction—like a hiking-mountaineering hybrid shoe. They have a sock-like liner that wraps your foot for a snug fit to prevent blisters or any uncomfortable rubbing, though you should break them in before going out on your first long trek.

Customers love the glove-like fit of these boots and say they can confidently tackle descending steep rocks and ascending treacherous trails. The rubber toe guards at the heel and toe absorb shock and the insole provides enough cushion when carrying heavy packs all day. You can replace the soles when they wear out to keep these boots going for years to come.

This is a shoe that works great for both trail running and hiking. Your feet are protected by the thick, well-cushioned midsole and protective toe cap, and the outsole grip can stand up in comparison to even the heaviest-duty hiking boots. The spacious toe box gives room for your feet to move and avoid swelling at the end of a long hike.

Trail runners and hikers both love the Lone Peak shoes for the grip, and customer reviews suggest that this is a great option if you have wide feet.

Though you might know Keen for its sandals, the support and protection you get from these boots might be enough to convince you of the brand’s versatility. The uppers are made from waterproof leather for durability, and the interior has a moisture-wicking liner to keep your feet dry.

Each shoe weighs juts under a pound, staving off foot fatigue after a long day of hiking. The wide toe box provides a great fit, especially if you find boots are typically too narrow. Some customer reviews mentioned concerns about long-term durability, so take that into consideration when you’re shopping. If you put in a ton of miles every year, there may be better options but for casual use, these are solid.

My personal favorite hiking boots are these K-6 boots from Eddie Bauer because of their retro look and cushioned footbed. They have waterproof, full-grain leather uppers and a chunky Vibram sole that grips rocks, wet streets, and everything in between.

I’ve used these hiking in the Catskills during a rainy couple of days and always choose them when I know I’ll be walking a lot in the city. Despite their chunky silhouette, they’re relatively lightweight and I’ve never experienced any blisters or foot fatigue at the end of a long day.

The black leather cleans up nice for versatile styling off the trails and the ankle height allows me to wear them either pants or shorts. These are an absolute go-to in my footwear rotation for just about any trek or trip.