The Best Hiking Boots and Shoes for Any Adventure
If you buy something using links in our stories, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
-Reviewer-Photo-SOURCE-Chris-Haslam.jpg)
-Reviewer-Photo-SOURCE-Chris-Haslam.jpg)
In the traditional world of hiking boots, practicality is king, with solid ankle support and a nice bit of leather keeping your feet dry and ankles intact as you head for the hills. Things are changing fast, though. Modern technology found in running shoes is slowly being adopted into walking boots and trail shoes, helping to reduce weight while increasing comfort, speed, and performance.
As a result, there are now hundreds of pairs to choose from, including tried-and-tested traditional leather clodhoppers, ultralight trail running sneakers, and a host of hybrid designs, like approach shoes for scrambling and pillowy soft designs for epic through-hikes and all-year adventures. Check out more of WIRED's outdoor guides, like the Best Running Shoes, Best Puffer Jackets, and Best Tents.
Updated March 2025: We've added the Keen Jasper Zionic, Arc'teryx Kopec Mid GTX, Merrell Moab Speed 2 Mid GTX and the Adidas Terrex Free Hiker 2.0 GTX. We also updated links and prices.
Power up with unlimited access to WIRED. Get best-in-class reporting that's too important to ignore for just $2.50 $1 per month for 1 year. Includes unlimited digital access and exclusive subscriber-only content. Subscribe Today.
How to Fit Your Hiking Boots
Buying the most feature-packed, premium priced walking boots does not guarantee you a comfortable fit. A good pair of hiking boots should be snug, but never tight, and remain comfortable no matter how far you roam. Here's how to dial in the perfect fit.
Know your size: Specialist retailers will have universal measuring tools (known as a Brannock Device) to check your foot’s length, width and arch. Some can also measure volume. Armed with this information they will be able to suggest brands that cater for your specific foot shape. If you’re buying online, most brands and retailers will have sizing charts for you to refer to but you can also download a printable Brannock sizing chart from Meindl.
Wear hiking socks: It sounds obvious, but when trying on your walking boots and shoes, wear the socks you like to walk in. Take them with you into the store, or ask for a sample pair.
Leave it late: Ideally you want to try your new boots on towards the end of the day, or after you’ve been on your feet for a good few hours. Feet swell a little over time, so it’s advisable to try on boots when they’re at their largest to help weed out any possible pressure points.
Lace up differently: Tying your laces differently can actually make a difference to the fit, and we’re not just talking about making them tighter. For instance, the Surgeon’s Knot can actually prevent heel slippage if you have narrow ankles.
Check for dodgy seams: It only takes a small knot or lumpy stitch on the inside of your boot to cause irritation and potential blisters. Manufacturing errors can happen so the brand and retailer will be happy to replace.
Walk in them: Difficult in store, but at home make sure you wear your walking boots inside the house for a good few hours before making a decision. It’s important to work out if a boot is comfortably snug or simply too tight, and discover any possible irritation.
- Photograph: Salomon
Best Overall Boot
Salomon Quest 4 GTXHead to any serious hiking spot and you’ll see at least one person wearing a pair of Quest 4s. Perennially popular for good reason, the Salomons boast superb levels of comfort and support without the bulk typically associated with traditional walking boots. The Salomons feel like ski boots, but that’s not a criticism. The extra height and support is most welcome when walking for long distances and when carrying a full pack.
Despite testing countless pairs of newer, lighter, and more stylish boots, when the miles get long and the terrain serious, I reach for the Salomon Quest 4 GTX. The suede leather and rubberized toe-cap make them impressively robust, they’re easy to clean, and the all-encompassing Gore-Tex liner offers complete waterproofing. The outsole is deep, aggressive, and impervious to unexpected slips, and top marks go to the metal lacing system, especially the middle eyelet that grips the laces securely, meaning you will rarely need to tighten them once tied. They’re not as forgiving underfoot as many of the newer running-shoe-inspired designs, but there’s plenty of shock absorption in the balls and heel.
- Photograph: Chris Haslam
A New Classic
Merrell Moab Speed 2 GTX MidIn the 15 years since they launched, I've worn several pairs of the classic Moab 3 Mid and highly recommend them. But over recent years, Merrell's Speed collection has turned my head and pleased my feet.
They're around 2.8 ounces (80 grams) per boot lighter (14.1 ounces total), and you can really feel the difference after a few miles. The upper is made from nylon ripstop TPU which looks robust and gleefully sheds water, dust, and mud and is easier to clean that traditional suede leather. I wonder if it will be as durable over the years as suede, but so far, so good. Comfort is spot on, with a generous toe box and nicely padded collar. I also like that there's not an excess of material in the waterproof tongue bellows, which can often crease and be a point of weakness over time.
The foam midsole feels reassuringly like a walking boot rather than a squishy trainer, but there's still a nice amount of flex in the forefoot and plenty of cushioning. Combine with the Vibram TC5+ outsole with deep, well-spaced lugs and you'll be impressed by how nimble they feel over all sorts of terrain. They're not mountaineering boots by any stretch, but they proved especially good navigating slippery tree roots and muddy forest trails.
The Moab Speed 2 Mid GTX is also available in a women's specific fit, and as a stylish hiking shoe. There's also a heavier, but burlier, leather boot option I'm looking forward to testing.
-Reviewer-Photo-SOURCE-Chris-Haslam.jpg)
- Photograph: Chris Haslam
Unmatched Comfort
Keen Jasper ZionicThe degree to which you find these new hybrid walking shoes “ugly” or “awesome” will depend on how entrenched you are in the Gorpcore scene. Personally I like the look, but in truth these hiking shoes are so comfortable I'd be happy to wear them if they looked even more like clown shoes.
The design is actually a combination of two classic Keen shoes. The traditional climbing orientated Jasper, with a reinforced toe cap and generous lacing span, and the more technical Zionic, which has high-traction, 4-mm rubber and a lightweight shank. Many brands talk up “out-the-box comfort” and fail, but the enveloping shape here fits me perfectly, with plenty of room in the toe box. There's a good but not extreme level of arch support and well spaced toe-to-tongue lacing. I'm not in a rush to kick them off at the end of a walk.
The upper is made from soft but durable ethically sourced suede and have proven more than capable on a multitude of terrain from forest hikes over slippery tree roots to classic gravel trails and long urban walks. The suede is naturally waterproof, but this isn't a shoe for puddle stomping. Given how comfortable I find it, I've been wearing them as an alternative to my sneakers and greatly appreciating the added grip and versatility they offer.
- Photograph: Chris Haslam
Light, Robust, and Stylish
Adidas Terrex Free Hiker 2.0 GTXFirst launched in 2019, the Terrex Free Hiker was seen as something of a disruptor in the outdoor community. The combination of glove-like fit, great grip, and cool design was a revelation. Although, anecdotally, most people (myself included) have been walking mainly to the bar or office in them, rather than traversing trails.
With the latest FreeHiker 2.0 Gore-Tex however, Adidas has produced a tougher boot that feels built for hiking while retaining its hipster-styling and comfy fit. At 1 pound, 15 ounces they’re light for a mid-height Gore-Tex boot, and the Boost foam midsoles are wonderfully cushioned, while the Continental rubber sole means they offer predictability, even on uneven ground.
Having a waterproof membrane ensures dry feet, but they do run extremely warm. The non-waterproof Free Hiker 2.0 has a trainer-style knitted sock design, but they don’t feel as robust on the trails as this pair. Neither would be ideal for long trips with heavy packs, but for days out in supreme comfort I highly recommend the Gore-Tex version.
-Reviewer-Photo-SOURCE-Chris-Haslam.jpg)
- Photograph: Zamberlan
Everyday Walking Shoes
Zamberlan 334 Circe GTX (Women’s)These boots from a handcrafted Italian heritage brand are the best hiking boots I’ve ever tested. I wear these as my normal, everyday walking shoes. The fit is spectacular. Zamberlan’s X-Active Fit on a woman-specific last (the form around which the shoe is molded) fits my narrow feet and ankles even better than heat-molded boots. Even the tongue is elasticized and padded; I can tie the laces quickly and tightly without adjusting the pressure on specific parts of my foot. There’s plenty of room in the toe box for long days. A wide heel and big sticky Vibram soles keep me stable while skipping around rocks and logs. And each shoe is still almost as light as some of my trail running sneakers. It boasts Gore-Tex Extended Comfort waterproofing, which claims to keep the boot waterproof for the boot’s lifetime. I haven’t tested that yet (I wear hiking boots for years) but it is a comfort to know that they will be resoleable in the United States when their time comes.—Adrienne So
- Photograph: Chris Haslam
The Cheapest Boot
Nortiv 8 Armadillo 2I take my walking footwear seriously, and was skeptical of such a low cost boot, but in truth, if you’ve only got $55 you’ll do well to find better. They’re comfortable from first wear, the lacing eyelets are robust, there’s plenty of ankle support and the toe box is roomy. They also don’t look cheap.
Hiking in the wet but glorious Lake District in the northwest of England, the boots didn’t cause me any serious issues. This doesn’t sound like high praise, but trust me, it is. My feet remained dry even after several hours splashing through puddles, my toes were well protected, and there wasn’t a hint of a blister. I have wide feet, and my size 11 fitted generously, so sizing down might be worthwhile for some. The lugs are also quite shallow compared to many boots, and while this isn’t an issue on well maintained trails, things can get slippery during muddy ascents.
Will I be giving up my Salomons? No. But the Nortiv8 Armadillo 2 (please avoid the weaker Armadillo 1) is a cheap, versatile boot that will serve many casual hikers well.
- Photograph: Chris Haslam
A Great Day Hiker
Arc'teryx Kopec Mid GTX BootPart of Arc'teryx's first wholly in-house-designed footwear collection, the Kopec replaces the popular Aerios. Despite the high price, it's a hugely versatile, waterproof boot. Made from 100 percent nylon Cordura, the upper is very durable and gives the boot quite a stiff, secure feel, despite weighing just 11.9 ounces (340 grams) for a size eight.
Designed for day hikes over varied terrain, they’ve impressed me with their the stability and cushioning. If you've been disappointed by the soft sneaker feel of many new-generation options from brands like Hoka, these hit the sweet spot. They have out-the-box comfort but feel far more secure when scrambling or just walking for hours on end. The security in the heel and ankle and from the 3D-molded collars and tongues is matched by a Vibram Megagrip rubber sole with 4-mm lugs. I'm a big fan of this rubber compound, and here the lugs have been arranged to give the most grip for the least weight.
After three months of regular wear—on and off the trails—they still look remarkably box-fresh, and I appreciate being able to simply hose them down to wash away the mud. Yes they're expensive for day hikers, but the materials used do offer a genuine crossover between old and new designs, without compromising on style or performance.
- Photograph: Danner
Backpacking Boots That Last Years
Danner Mountain LightIf you think of “hiking boots,” the iconic boots that you picture are probably these. They’re not the lightest boots, nor the most nimble, and the fit is perhaps not as dialed in as some of our other picks. However, they’re the boots that you want to be wearing while backpacking or if you have to flee a natural disaster on foot.
They’re still made by hand in Portland, Oregon, and my pair is 17 years old and still going strong. They have the fewest panels of any boot listed here, with a single piece of smooth full-grain leather making up each part of the upper—no worries about loose stitching or leaking here. Just clean the boots off with a damp cloth and re-dress them every few months with a single tin of Danner dressing (that will also last you several years) and they’ll be good to go. I also have a pair of the Jags ($200) that have a flat sole and which I can use while biking and skateboarding, too.—Adrienne So
- Photograph: Roclite
Fast Hiking Featherweight
Inov-8 Roclite Pro G 400 GTX V2Founded in the British Lake District, Inov-8 has been making award-winning trail running footwear for years, and the latest Roclite Pro walking boot distills this expertise into an impressively light (400 grams or 14.1 ounces), rugged option for all seasons. They offer a secure fit without the bulk of a more traditional boot and have a generous toe box that makes them especially comfortable if you have larger feet. The ripstop upper, while supple, feels hard-wearing, while all-over Gore-Tex takes care of any puddle problems.
But our favorite aspect of these boots is the deeply impressive G-Grip rubber sole enhanced with graphene, a wonder material that distributes impact force better than any known material. The result is a ridiculously grippy boot that clings effortlessly to wet rocks, tree roots, and even tree branches and is designed to last longer than traditional rubber. The deep rubber cleats also merrily tear up trails without clogging. Combined with a flexible rock plate in the sole that prevents sharp items from hurting your feet, and you’ve got a superb boot right out of the box.
- Photograph: Chris Haslam
A Great Winter Boot for Kids
Sorel Out N About IV Chillz Youth Waterproof Boot“I am not wearing those!” is an all-too-familiar phrase from my 10- year old when it comes to buying anything that isn't a slipper-like sneaker. But she's been super impressed by these Sorel boots and loves the fact they fit properly, unlike Wellington boots.
The classic Sorel vulcanized rubber toe and foot is great for wet days, the grip is consistent, and there's a generous amount of ankle support. The suede upper is waterproof, but it is also a magnet for filth, as is the super soft and seriously warm shearling cuff. Do not expect these to stay pristine for long, but they are built well and will survive long past the time your kids have grown out of them.
Despite the high suggested retail price, they also feel like excellent value, and if you're lucky enough to find their size on sale, they can be found for almost half that. Our only real issue with these boots is that the laces are quite short, and even with the toggle pulled out they can be an effort to get into. That just means a little more work for Mum and Dad.
Wired Coupons
10% Off Wayfair Promo Code with sign-up
20% off Dyson Promo Code
$50 Off In-Person Tax Prep When You Switch From Your Tax Current Provider
Up to $500 off cameras at Canon
Save extra 10% Off TurboTax
Exclusive: Up To 50% Off 6 Boxes With Factor Promo Code