The best walking boots in 2024 for men and women, tested by hiking experts (2024)

Over the years I’ve covered thousands of miles and worn holes in even the best walking boots, from Hoka to Scarpa, putting one foot in front of the other to write walking features for this paper. In fact, when we were filing this paper’s ‘Bush Telegraph’ column from safari camps all over Africa, my wife Sarah and I wore hiking boots almost every single day for 18 months, negotiating everything from giant thorns to ants, snakes and blister beetles.

So we were well placed to test this year’s best walking boots. You’ll find our full reviews further down this feature – first my reviews of the best men’s boots, then Sarah’s reviews of the best women’s boots – along with a guide to how to choose the best pair for you. If you’re in a hurry, here’s a quick look at our top five:

What are the best walking boots of 2024? At a glance

• Best boots overall — Hoka Kaha 2
• Best value walking boots - Keen Targhee
• Best waterproof walking boots — Meindl Peru
• Best lightweight walking boots - Salomon Cross Hike 2
• Best walking shoes - Merrell Men’s Speed Eco Waterproof

What features should you look for when buying walking boots?

We approached Alastair Bramwell of Bramwell International – a walking shoe distributor – for technical advice which we found extremely useful when testing these boots.

The top qualities people look for in a boot, Alastair told me, are that they are supportive, waterproof, breathable, lightweight and comfortable. Modern Gore-Tex membranes are key to this, making today’s boots waterproof while also allowing the foot to breathe.

The sole should provide grip and durability and the enclosing ‘upper’ should be shaped to give the best possible fit, while also being lightweight. The insole should support the arches while the heel and toe area should have reinforced caps for the best foot protection.

“Technology has fundamentally changed,” Alastair told me, recommending I upgrade my Bush Telegraph-era footwear. “These days, boots are crafted to give maximum comfort from the outset and the materials are lighter, but also more waterproof.”

How we tested the best walking boots

Sarah and I are lucky enough to live adjacent to the South Downs National Park, so we made morning and afternoon outings over the period of three months on their steep inclines and mix of grassy, muddy, stony and wooded terrain. We found the Downs in winter to be the perfect environment for testing grip, comfort, waterproofing and foot support. (We also took the opportunity to test the best waterproof jackets, if you’re interested.)

The best walking boots for men

1. Hoka Men’s Kaha 2 Gore-Tex walking boots

£190, Ellis Brigham

Best walking boots overall, 10/10

We like: the walking-on-air feel

We don’t like: the lacing is fiddly

• Sizes 8-12 available
• Medium light (518g each)
• Leather upper, Gore-tex lining
• Vibram sole

My main priorities in a new pair of boots are the stitching, overall workmanship and whether they cradle my feet (firm but not vice-like) and support my ankles. They also ideally should be light. Too often you either feel like your foot is in a concrete cast, or that the boots are so flexible they are likely to fall apart after the first 100 miles of walking.

For these reasons my top pick is the unconventional-looking Hokas. Although incredibly sturdy, they are one of the lightest pair of boots you will find at just over 500g.

The height of the Vibram outsole added a good two inches to my modest stature and the layer of rubberised foam makes your feet feel like you are walking on air. While they cradled my feet firmly enough, a friend with wide feet swears by them.

One feature that does feel strange at first is the ‘rockered’ sole - raised at the toe and heel - which means that your foot pivots around the ball of the foot like a rocking chair. But once you get into a rhythm it adds a welcome forward momentum. The boots also have an extra protective rand over the toes and also felt very solid and grippy on icy ground, with excellent traction.

While the lace area is quite wide, there was no leakage when it came to puddles thanks to the Gore-Tex tongue. If I had one minor criticism, it is that the boot’s lace-locking system is a bit fiddly. Overall, the Hoka is an excellent boot for long-distance walks on waymarked trails although I wouldn’t recommend it for scrambling off-piste, where the thick sole and toe were more of a hindrance than a help.

2. Keen Targhee III walking boots

£145, Go Outdoors

Best value walking boots, 9/10

We like: the flexibility, making these a good choice for summer wear

We don’t like: they’re not as hardwearing as others

• Sizes 6-14 available
• Light (490g each)
• Leather and performance mesh upper, quick-dry lining
• Rubber sole with multi-directional lugs

For comfort, it’s hard to beat the Keens. They have a glove-like feel half-way between the flexibility of a trainer and the rigidity of a mountain boot. Possibly not my choice for winter weather and steep, uneven terrain, they’re perfect for summer hikes in benign weather.

The Targhees slipped on very easily. Older walkers and those with wide feet would definitely appreciate this feature. Even in the January mud, they gripped well on slippery surfaces while the breathable membrane felt like it would keep my feet dry even on a hot, sweaty day in summer.

I did try a bit of steep climbing on the South Downs near where I live, heading off the footpath on the way up, and I noted the great arch support. With reassuringly grippy soles, these make an excellent option for fair-weather weekend hikers.

3. Meindl Peru Gore-Tex walking boots

£220, Ellis Brigham

Best waterproof walking boots, 9/10

We like: the steadfast grip on ice and mud

We don’t like: they won’t win any beauty prizes

• Sizes 7-12 available
• Heavy (680g each)
• Waxed leather upper, Gore-Tex lining
• Duo-Dur III rubber sole

Meindl is one of the gold standard boot brands against which all others are judged. It was one of the first brands to use Gore-Tex. The Peru is an evolution of the Toronto GTX with which I tramped all over the South Island of New Zealand some years back. They are certainly very snug without being over-rigid and were faultless at keeping my feet dry. I like testing boots on downhill sections, which is actually when most accidents occur, and I felt safe as houses in these.

I did return with a slight pain and rubbing on my ankle after the first long walk but the second time out, with some steep climbs, there was no repeat. On doing some research later, I discovered that they have an extra layer of padding around the ankle to reduce pressure.

The Meindls are a great choice for hill-walking, particularly in the winter months. Perhaps in the summer, though, I might prefer something a little less leathery and solid, with a little more visual pzazz.

4. Grenson Brady walking boots

£365, Grenson

Best leather boots, 8/10

We like: the classic looks, although the appeal may wear off

We don’t like: they take a fair amount of maintenance to keep looking good

• Sizes 6-12 available
• Medium heavy (560g each)
• Handpainted calf leather upper
• Commando rubber sole

With a price tag to match, the Brady’s are top of the style mountain, with a retro lace-up front which climbs high over the ankle and gives them a classic style.

The thing to remember is that these boots are made of handpainted leather, which doesn’t react well to water over the long haul, so it’s best to avoid the puddles as much as you can, especially when they’re new and haven’t moulded to your feet. Too much exposure to water is also likely to shorten the life of the boot, so keep them well protected with a water-resistant polish.

The rubber soles are very solid with deep treads which give excellent grip and they also have rear pull-tabs which really helps when pulling them on. The shell of the boot is much thinner than most walking boots, so on really rough terrain you do start to feel the pressure of stones through the side of the boot. So, not the most comfortable boots I’ve ever worn and definitely not recommended for wide feet.

Handsome, then, but definitely in need of careful ownership. Something to be aware of when you are shelling out top dollar.

5. Ariat Skyline Summit GTX walking boots

£175, Amazon

Best for high insteps, 8/10

We like: the breathable waterproofing across the top of the foot

We don’t like: they need re-waterproofing (but only after a year or so)

• Sizes 6-12 available
• Medium weight (550g each)
• Leather and Gore-Tex upper
• Dual-density Duratread outsole

Ariat is well-known in equestrian circles for the comfort, strength and flexibility of its boots. The first thing that struck me was how light the uppers felt and how sturdy the sole. The contours of the sole and insole feel very supportive, particularly if you have a high in-step as I do. The combination is a boot that feels comfortable, snug and very light. They also support the ankles very well.

Unlike some of the other boots reviewed here, the uppers have a Gore-Tex membrane across most of the top of the foot, instead of leather. The upside is that they are certainly very comfortable, but I wondered how they would fare in the wet. After deliberately splashing around in puddles to give them a good soaking, my feet remained dry and I can imagine on a hot day, they would also breathe well.

6. Scarpa Terra GTX

£185, Cotswold Outdoor

Most practical walking boots, 8/10

We like: the pliability and ankle support

We don’t like: less stylish than others (but very practical)

• Sizes 7-12 available
• Medium heavy (600g each)
• Leather upper, Gore-Tex lining
• Vibram Energy II sole unit with improved rigidity

The Scarpa boots are extremely comfortable and made of soft, pliable, but very tough, almost suede-like leather that is very comfortable to wear. Outside in the wet they performed perfectly thanks to the combination of the Gore-Tex layer and leather uppers.

The Vibram sole feels very strong and has the right balance of flex and rigidity to make you feel confident on both stony ground and slippery grass, but they also performed well on ice on one particularly cold morning. Some boots do give me pain around the ankles - perhaps mine are a bit nobblier than most - so I note that the Scarpas are particularly well padded in this area.

While they won’t win any awards for style, they’re given their top marks for build, comfort and waterproofing and I would also bet, longevity.

7. Salomon Cross Hike 2

£170, Salomon.com

Best lightweight walking boots, 9/10

We like: incredibly grippy and safe

We don’t like: knobbly, technical appearance

• Sizes 6.5 to 13.5 available
• Very light (413g each)
• Welded water-resistant upper with Gore-Tex membrane
• Rubber outsole with Mud Contragrip lugs

Recommended by Simon Lewis, lifestyle reviews editor

The Cross Hikes are not the prettiest shoes you’ll ever wear. Although they come in simple grey or olive, mine were black, brown and dark orange, with a slightly orthopaedic-looking raised heel. You wouldn’t wear them for a date. But maybe you have to be a little ugly to deal with ugly conditions, like the late-winter mud and slippery rotted leaves on the steep Chiltern trails where I tested them. They are very, very grippy indeed.

The fit is best described as tall and firm: not ideal if you have wide feet or sensitive joints, but superb for ankle support. They are very warm and comfortable around the heel and ankle, slightly less warm at the toe – which is slightly lengthened to accommodate even more Y-shaped lugs at the tip of the sole. These increase grip on those muddy slopes.

Salomon are known for their skiwear and there’s definitely something ski boot-like about the Cross Hike 2. With a Gore-Tex membrane and extra water repellent treatment, they’d see you safe through a snowstorm. But I’ll be reserving them for the wettest, muddiest, steepest, slippiest walks – where, to judge by my first outing, they reduce pratfalls by at least 50 percent.

8. Merrell Men’s Speed Eco Waterproof

£125, Merrell

Best walking shoes, not boots, 8/10

We like: so shoe-like you could pretty much wear them every day

We don’t like: less foot and ankle protection than the other boots

• Available in sizes 6.5 to 12.5
• Ultra light (340g each)
• Recycled Jacquard upper, waterproof membrane, breathable mesh lining
• Recycled rubber sole

Recommended by Simon Lewis

Merrell’s new Speed Eco is more of a hyper-rugged trainer than a walking boot. It doesn’t offer much support around the ankle or protection underfoot, but the big diamond- and arrow-shaped rubber lugs on the sole offer confident grip on slippery trails. You can see it being used for fell-running.

I’m more of a fell-trudger, but on a very wet day in March the Speed Eco was well up to the task of a walk in sludgy woods, with the only wetness entering over the ankle through my socks. Note to self: must buy thicker socks. (This would also help with the fit, which is a tad large.)

Merrell market these on their eco credentials: the laces, webbing, mesh lining and footbed cover are all 100 per cent recycled and the sole, footbed and upper contain percentages of recycled plastic too. Fine for eco-warriors, but what impressed me more was their adaptability. They’re so similar to my everyday shoes that I could swap them out on rainy and snowy days and wear them around town.

One thing to note: there is an EVA foam midsole, but this is not the one to choose if you need arch support or heel cushioning. Rather, I’d recommend them as an alternative to your next trainer purchase if you’re looking for extra grip.

The best walking boots for women

1. Meindl Respond Lady Mid walking boots

£148, Snow and Rock

Best for grip, 10/10

We like: how comfortable they were for wide feet

We don’t like: the laces could be thicker

• Sizes 4-7 available
• Very light (360g each)
• Gore-Tex upper
• Rubber sole

Recommended by Sarah Madden (as are all women’s boots below)

I’m always very conscious of my ankles when walking on uneven ground but the Meindls did a superb job of holding them securely without rubbing on my shins. My feet are definitely on the wide side, and while these are not specially designed for that (Meindl do have their own Comfort Fit range, which is), they fitted well without being either too loose or over-tight.

The Meindl brand dates back to 1683 and its boots have reached the peak of Mt. Everest. They have excellent grip, which was exactly what I needed when climbing a treacherous, super-slippy chalk track on the South Downs on an extremely icy day. Most boots would have slipped here (I fell there last year), so I was delighted that they passed the test. The Contragrip sole offers extra traction across uneven terrain.

I was hugely impressed by these boots, which felt super-light. I have worked a lot in the African bush and on my next trip I shall be taking these for their Air-Active climatised footbed. Meindl boots can also be re-soled, which minimises their environmental impact.

2. Columbia Facet 75 Mid Outdry Waterproof Hiking Shoe

£135, Columbia

Best value walking boot

We like: they’re super grippy even in the wet

We don’t like: they fit slightly small

• Sizes: 3-10 available
• Medium (400g each)
• Polyester upper
• Rubber outsole

Columbia say wearing these Facet 75s gives you a goat-like ability to scramble, climb and “hoof it” on the trail. This is thanks to the Adapt Trax outsole, a patented Columbia tread pattern that gives better traction.

I tried these out on a notoriously slippery local dog-walking path. It’s so bad that villagers have held heated parish meetings about instilling barriers between the path and the river (yes, all the small village stereotypes are true). Usually I have to tread carefully in my old beaten-up walking boots to avoid sliding down the bank, but I felt some rare confidence while walking in these boots.

The OutDry waterproofing works and the thick, protective sole supported my ankles. I’ve trialled them in both winter and summer, rain and dry, and found they’re breathable thanks to the mesh. They actually better resemble trainers than walking boots.

All in all, they’re the perfect walking shoe for anything other than icy conditions. If you need something with a little more grip for the trails, look no further.

3. Hoka Tennine Hike walking boots

From £110.85, Amazon

Best for cushioning, 9/10

We like: the reduced impact on the knees

We don’t like: personally, we weren’t keen on the distinctive style

• Sizes 4.5, 7.5 and 8.5 available
• Medium weight (416g each)
• Waterproof upper, Gore-Tex Leaf bootie
• Vibram Megagrip sole with extended Hubble heel

The Hokas have a very distinctive style that you’ll either love or hate. It’s all down to the outsize soles (4cm thick) with their ‘Hubble’ heels which jut out behind your foot to such a degree that you almost expect them to contain some sort of James Bond rocket launcher. Made of cushioned lightweight foam, they’re designed to facilitate the rolling of the foot from heel to toe. Even though they look as if they could be quite heavy, they actually weigh in at just 416g each.

The Hokas were very comfortable when I first put them on and remained comfortable throughout a half-day walk encountering a number of different terrains including muddy puddles, slippery grass and uneven stony ground. They also have excellent grip.

I really did feel that the impact on my legs, and particularly my knees, was reduced and that I can only put that down to the cushioning of the sole. The only proviso I would add is that the massive heel did get caught slightly between some rocks on a couple of occasions. Having said that, it was the perfect lever when it came to taking them off.

4. Grenson Nanette walking boots

£365, Grenson

Best for style, 9/10

We like: that these can be worn to the office as well as in the hills

We don’t like: the sizing isn’t always accurate

• Sizes 3-8 available
• Medium weight (405g each)
• Colorado leather upper with black suede panel
• Commando rubber sole

Made of top quality Colorado Leather and regularly seen on celebrities, the Grensons are certainly not the most affordable boot, but for a stroll around the park these are going to be far more eye-catching than any of the other boots reviewed here.

I took mine out on the Sussex Downs followed by a pub lunch and managed to look stylish. I know there is much debate about the best wellington boots to wear at a festival, but the Nanettes would be a far better choice, keeping the mud out while looking genuinely cool.

Very annoyingly, one of my feet is a half-size larger than the other which means I have to be creative with thicker socks and tighter laces on one foot. My initial pair of size 5s were too large and I discovered later on the Grenson website that customers often order a half-size down from their usual size.

They may not look it, but these boots are very light for a pair of leather boots and I was amazed at how comfortable they felt with no breaking in required, due to the softness of the leather. In the wet, they definitely need a bit more maintenance than other boots to stay looking tip-top - careful cleaning, slow drying and leather polish - but they are so comfortable and elegant that in my book it’s worth the effort.

5. On Running Cloudrock Waterproof walking boots

£190, On Running

Best ‘running boot’, 9/10

We like: the futuristic look and bouncy feel

We don’t like: they don’t keep your feet warm in winter

• Sizes 3-9 available
• Light (380g each)
• Recycled polyester upper
• Missiongrip rubber sole

If I were to become the first woman on the moon, these are the shoes I’d most like to be wearing. They look very futuristic with their rippled Missiongrip soles and once they’re on your feet, you feel as if you’re walking in more of a bouncy, lunar gravity.

As primarily a running-shoe brand, On’s claim for them as a ‘running boot’ is entirely justified.I found myself speeding along much faster than my normal walking pace as the soles are designed to create a rolling action.

They supported my feet really well and, as their name implies, kept my feet dry and warm on a wet day, as if I was wearing a wet-suit on my feet. The soles were nicely cushioned and comfortable even on stony, uneven ground. They also had superb ankle support, good for hill-running.

The FlexLock system tightens the laces with a single pull and much to my amazement their light faun ‘fabric’ uppers didn’t go dark when splashing through puddles: water just seemed to run off them. They looked good as new the next day.

These high tech Swiss shoes really don’t look or feel like boots. In fact, I would be happy to wear them out clubbing. I recommended them to a friend as, “the Apple Mac of walking boots”.

6. Ariat Skyline Summit GTX walking boots

From £161.50, Amazon

Best waterproofed, 7/10

We like: the excellent ankle protection

We don’t like: they’re heavy

• Sizes 4 to 7.5 available
• Medium heavy (475g each)
• Leather and Gore-Tex upper
• Dual-density Duratread outsole with multi-directional traction design

It came as no surprise to learn that the Skyline Summits are one of Ariat’s best-sellers. They are attractive, comfortable and very easy to get on and off, which for me is an important consideration.

I tested them out first on a ten-mile circuit along the Seven Sisters coast-line in East Sussex and found them very sturdy. It was one of those ‘all-weather’ days but they were up to the task, keeping my toes warm and dry and tackling deep, muddy bridle paths (my bête noire!) without slipping or getting stuck. However, I did feel my shins were aching a bit later so I wonder if they were slightly too heavy for me.

Ankle support is very important to me, having slipped and fallen a few times on ice and rabbit holes, so I liked the sturdy sole, firm grip and padded support around the ankle - although not everyone likes this firmer protection as it can feel quite restrictive. I’d call these a good all-round choice for the changing British weather.

7. Hoka Transport

£120, Ellis Brigham

Best city walking shoes, 9/10

We like: they’re supportive and very comfortable

We don’t like: they’re not quite as aesthetic as Vejas

• Sizes 4 - 9 available
• Light (285g each)
• Condura abrasion-resistant textile upper
• Compression molded EVA midsole and vibram ecostep outsole

Reviewed by Rebecca Astill

I’ve tried these stylish shoes for city walking out in two scenarios. Firstly, during my daily commute which involves a 20 minute walk to the train station and walking between tube platforms (usually quite briskly – British trains are not known for punctuality). Secondly, I wore them on a city break to Edinburgh where I averaged 20,000 steps per day according to my Fibit. In true Scottish spirit, it rained all weekend which left the beautiful but impractical cobbled pathways and city steps slippery.

My verdict? Thank goodness I had these Hoka Transport walking boots. Any of my other trainers and I would have spent more time on my bottom than my feet. Thanks to the Vibram EcoStep outsole I was confident in each step.

They’re also supremely comfortable, which makes them a winner in my eyes for my daily commute. The quick-toggle lace makes it easy for me to slip into my work shoes when I arrive at the office, though they also come with traditional laces if that’s what you prefer. The 360 degree reflectivity puts me at ease when I walk home from the train station in the darker evenings.

The materials feel quite packed in, so I’ll be interested to see how they fare in terms of breathability in summer. Other than that, I’m happy to say I’ve found my new commuting shoes.

Walking boots FAQ

How should walking boots fit?

When trying boots on, according to our expert Alastair Bramwell, the best test is to walk an “incline ramp”. This mimics walking up and downhill. You can then see if your feet slip and gauge if you need a different size. They may be slim, broad, shallow or high volume. (In Sarah’s case, one foot is bigger than the other).

For wide feet, you should choose a shoe modelled around a broader last (the mold around which the boot is constructed). For problem achilles or arches, Alastair recommends they are fitted by a retailer, rather than bought online.

Italian footwear is slightly slimmer and German footwear a bit broader, Alastair says, the latter suiting the typical British foot better.

What is the difference between walking boots and hiking boots?

There aren’t two separate types of boot – more a range of features, some of which you will need for the most strenuous hikes. To walk in mud, Alastair says, the sole must have a deep tread. For walking in the snow, high sides around the ankle give less chance for the snow to enter. In hot temperatures you want a lining without a waterproof membrane, for maximum breathability.

How to clean walking boots

This is best done with warm water and a stiff brush. You can either do it straight after your walk or – this might be easier – after letting the mud dry for a day so that the worst of it can be scraped off first. Some materials such as leather can be harmed by detergents, so it’s best to just use warm water.

Remove the laces and any removable insoles to avoid getting them wet. Or take this opportunity to properly wash the insole separately in warm water to prevent smells. Allow it to dry thoroughly before putting it back.

You should never leave walking boots on a radiator or by a fire to dry. This could cause the material – especially leather – to warp or split. Wipe them dry with a rag and then leave to dry naturally. Stuffing them with newspaper will help to draw moisture out and help the boots to keep their shape.

Looking for more ways to improve your fitness? Read our guide to the best fitness trackers, running shoes for men and running shoes for women.