The journey to uncharted trails and stunning vistas begins with a single critical step: choosing the right hiking boots. That’s because, without the right boots, you run the risk of pinched toes, sore feet, and, worse yet, difficulty finishing your trek.
So, how do you choose the right hiking boots?
In this guide, we’ll break down how to understand your personal needs and what types of boots are best suited to what seasons. Whether you are a passionate weekend hiker or a seasoned long-distance trekker, this guide will equip you with the information necessary to decide on what best suits your hiking ambitions.
Types of Hiking Boots and Their Best Uses
If you’ve ever stepped into a store that specializes in hiking gear, you’ve probably witnessed the endless array of boots available. Just take Jesse Brown’s Outdoors, for instance, where we have everything from easy trail running shoes to durable, multi-day excursion boots.
To help you get started choosing the best hiking boots, let me break down some of the most common types of boots and what they’re typically used for.
Low-Cut Shoes
These are similar to your everyday running shoes in terms of design, but they are fortified for trail use. Low-cut shoes are best used on well-defined trails without much rocky terrain or steep grades. They are perfect for light hiking expeditions, day trips with minimal gear, or even long-distance running on relatively even terrain.
An example of low-cut shoes includes the Men’s Keen Targhee III Waterproof Hiking Shoe.
Mid-Cut Boots
Offering more ankle support and balance, these boots are suitable for hikers who plan on trekking over rough terrain or carrying moderate loads. They offer excellent water and debris protection, making them versatile for a range of environments.
A solid mid-cut boot example would be the Men’s Oboz Bridger Mid Waterproof Hiking Boots.
High-Cut Boots
Are you a fan of multi-day hikes or winter hiking? Do you frequently tackle steep, uneven terrain or hike in areas where there is a lot of loose debris? If the answer is yes, then high-cut boots are your best bet. These are made to give you the maximum support, especially around the ankles. They also offer the highest level of protection against water and debris.
If it’s a high-cut boot you’re after, the Men’s Vasque Breeze AT GORE-TEX Boots is a good example.
What to Think About When Choosing the Best Hiking Boots
As someone who is passionate about spending time in the great outdoors, hiking boots may be among your most substantial investments. The correct boot can elevate a good hike to a great one.
On the other hand, an ill-fitting or poorly-suited boot can turn a beautiful hike into a painful slog. To avoid this, always consider a number of factors when choosing your hiking boots, such as:
- What type of hiking you’ll be doing
- The weather and time of year
- The fit
- The boot construction
Let’s take a closer look at each of these factors.
Type of Hiking
Are you taking a leisurely stroll along packed trails in your local park? In that case, you might opt for a low-cut model with good cushioning, such as the Men’s Salomon XA PRO 3D V9 Hiking Shoe.
But, if you’re planning a strenuous mountain trek over rocky terrain, a high-cut boot with solid ankle support, good grip, and ample waterproofing will be invaluable. A good choice here might be the Men’s Salomon Quest 4 GORE-TEX Hiking Boot.
Similarly, for a multi-day hiking trip where you’ll be carrying a heavy backpack, you’d want boots with excellent durability and solid support.
Boot Fit
The boot fit is another key thing to think about as you choose your shoes. Different brands and models may fit differently, so I always suggest trying on several pairs. Remember to wear the socks you plan to hike in while trying on boots. Also, consider leaving some space for your feet to swell, a common occurrence during long hikes.
Weather Conditions
For hot, dry conditions, you may opt for boots with excellent breathability to lessen the chance of blisters. The Women’s Merrell Moab 2 Mid Ventilator Hiking Boot could be a good choice for these types of conditions.
For hiking in wetter climates or in the snow, however, waterproof boots are a must. Think about what kind of hiking you’ll be doing so that you can choose a pair that makes sense for your needs. A good example is the Women’s Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GORE-TEX Hiking Boot.
Boot Construction
The material used — whether full-grain leather, split-grain leather, or synthetics — can impact the boot’s durability, breathability, and resistance to water. The design of the outsole also affects traction and can make a difference on slippery or uneven terrain.
Best Material for Hiking Boots
Another major factor to think about when selecting the perfect hiking boot is the material. Here’s a basic understanding of the two common types of hiking boot materials and their merits.
| Synthetic Materials | Leather Materials |
| Made from polyester, nylon, and synthetic leather | Made of genuine animal leather |
| Lightweight | Medium to heavyweight |
| More breathable | Less breathable |
| Not always water-resistant | Water-resistant |
| Wear out faster | Tend to be long-lasting and durable |
| Best suited for hot weather hikes | Best suited for rainy hikes or stream crossings |
| No break-in period | Take time to break in |
Every material has its strengths, so your decision should hinge upon the conditions you’ll likely encounter and your personal preferences.
Best Hiking Boot Brands and Why
Big-name brands often get a lot of attention, and when it comes to hiking boots, there are several power players who consistently deliver high-quality, reliable products. Let me go over a few brands that I trust and why.
Salomon
This brand is renowned for its ability to produce hiking boots that provide excellent handling and stability, enriching your experience on the trail. A personal favorite, the Men’s Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GORE-TEX Hiking Boot is a prudent option for its comfort-enhancing features and quick lace system.
Merrell
For over three decades now, another brand, Merrell, has focused on creating footwear with both comfort and durability at their core. For example, the Women’s Merrell Moab 2 Mid Ventilator Hiking Boot is praised for maintaining great airflow, which helps keep your feet comfortable during warm hikes.
Vasque
If an exceptional fit and sturdy craftsmanship are what you seek, consider hiking boots from Vasque. I have been impressed by designs like the Women’s Vasque Talus AT ULTRADRY™ Hiking Boot, which offers a glove-like fit and resists wear and tear.
Features to Look for in the Best Hiking Boots
There are several key features that can make or break a hiking boot. These features, when combined to suit your personal needs, environment, and style of hiking, can drastically enhance your outdoor experience.
A couple of things to keep an eye out for when hunting down hiking boots include:
- Comfort: Without a doubt, comfort is crucial. No matter how robust or waterproof a boot is, if it’s not comfortable, it’s going to lead to blisters and a miserable hike.
- Durability: The last thing you want is your boot falling apart mid-hike. Materials and construction quality play a significant role here.
- Waterproofing: Moisture can lead not only to discomfort but also to conditions ranging from blisters to fungus. A boot that can keep your feet dry is a godsend in wet conditions.
- Traction: Slips and falls can potentially end your hike or, worse, land you in the hospital. Boots with excellent traction give you confidence on both wet and dry surfaces, whether it’s the slippery roots of a trail or the loose gravel on a hill.
- Weight: In hiking, every ounce matters. A lighter boot can prevent fatigue on long hikes or multi-day trips.
- Material & Construction: Upper materials affect a boot’s weight, breathability, durability, and water resistance. Look for seams that are double-stitched and have a band of rubber around the boot to serve as a barrier.
Choosing the perfect hiking boot is a unique blend of these features tailored to your needs. That’s why it’s important to consider each of these when making your decision. There are numerous brands and styles available, ensuring there’s the perfect boot for every hiker.
Best Hiking Boots for Different Lengths of Hikes
Now that we’ve gone over some features to look for, let’s take a second to talk about what the best hiking boots are for different lengths of hikes. Here, I’ve broken down a few examples of boots to look into and why they work.
Regular Hikes
For regular hikes, the Men’s Salomon Quest 4 GORE-TEX Hiking Boot is one of the all-time favorites of many. They’re like the SUVs of hiking boots — sturdy, comfortable, and equipped for diverse terrain.
They cradle your foot for snug stability, augmented by the high ankle support that reduces the likelihood of a sprain. Their Gore-Tex lining offers effective waterproofing while enabling your feet to breathe, which is essential if your path frequently includes streams or wet conditions.
Another good pick is the Women’s Merrell Moab 2 Mid Ventilator Hiking Boot, which captures attention for its breathability, which is especially crucial on hot days or temperate climates. The suede leather and mesh upper allow for good airflow, keeping your feet cool and less sweaty.
That boot is also durable and robust, with excellent Vibram traction to secure your steps on different trail surfaces. The cushioned heel does a good job absorbing shock, making it a comfortable choice for regular hikes on undulating trails.
Long Hikes
Embarking on extended hikes not only tests your resilience, but it also puts your gear, especially boots, to the test. Long hikes demand boots that deliver ample support, superior comfort, excellent durability, and superior traction. Choosing the wrong pair could result in discomfort or even injury, dampening the entire experience.
For long hikes, you might consider the Women’s Vasque Breeze AT GORE-TEX Hiking Boots for the trek. Built for tough trails and heavier loads, these boots don’t compromise on comfort or durability.
Featuring a 2.0mm waterproof nubuck leather upper, Vasque’s exclusive Vibram® Mega Nuasi outsole, and their proprietary All-Terrain Compound midsole with EVA cushioning pods, this boot withstands rigorous terrains and provides excellent traction. Moreover, the GORE-TEX with Extended Comfort Technology offers protection from water intrusion while allowing ample breathability.
Best Hiking Boots for Seasonal Hikes
When it comes to the changing seasons, not every pair of boots can handle the extremes. Your footwear needs to adjust to the temperatures and varying weather conditions, which is why there are specifically designed hiking boots for summer and winter walks.
Let me break down the best hiking boots for different seasons.
Summer Hikes
The last thing you want during a summer outdoor adventure is steamy, uncomfortable feet. For this reason, breathability becomes a primary factor.
One boot that consistently impresses is the Women’s Keen Targhee Vent Mid Hiking Boot. This boot maintains a remarkable balance between durability and lightness. Its large mesh panels provide fantastic ventilation, allowing your feet to breathe while navigating those dusty trails. The robust rubber outsoles also ensure excellent traction, even on slippery rock surfaces.
Another good match for summer hikes would be the Women’s Merrell Moab 2 Mid Ventilator Hiking Boot. They are appreciated for their high comfort levels, but when it comes to breathability, they truly excel. They also deliver a great out-of-the-box fit, which is just what you need when you can’t wait to hit the trail.
Winter Hikes
In colder conditions, just, as you may wrap yourself in warmer layers for winter hikes, your boots should similarly provide the same snug wrap for your feet. You cannot afford to overlook insulation and waterproofing during these chilly months.
Here, my recommendation goes to the Women’s Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GORE-TEX Hiking Boot. That boots’ waterproof yet breathable Gore-Tex membranes do an exceptional job of keeping your feet dry and warm, even in deep snow. Their Descent Control Technology offers excellent hold for a consistent, secure grip – a much-needed feature during icy descents.
Wear the Best Hiking Boots for Your Needs
Each trail you face, whether it’s a casual stroll through a local nature reserve, a challenging multi-day trek, or taking on the snow-covered trails in the dead of winter, is a unique adventure. That’s why having the right hiking boots is like having a trusted companion by your side, ready to support you every step of the way.
Choosing to invest in a pair of high-quality hiking boots can mean the difference between ending a day of hiking with tired, sore feet or finishing your hikes feeling like you could go another round. Plus, the right hiking boots provide you with that essential grip when navigating tricky terrain.
If you’re ready to get started with a pair of hiking boots, check out Jesse Brown’s Outdoors and browse our offerings. We’ll get you hooked up with the ideal shoes for any trail or season. Or, if you’re not quite ready to buy, make sure to subscribe to our newsletter for sales and tips and tricks on choosing a pair.