Best trekking & hiking boots online shop: Hiking boots are critical to your comfort and performance on the trail, but this no longer means a stiff and burly model that will weigh you down. The trend is toward lighter materials that still offer decent support, and waterproof boots are the most popular by far (some are offered in a non-waterproof version for hiking in hot or dry climates). Our picks for the best hiking boots of 2023 below are broken down into three categories: lightweight boots for day hiking and fastpacking, midweight options that work well for most backpacking trips, and heavyweights for rough terrain or hauling a large load. For more information, see the comparison table and buying advice below the picks. If you prefer to go even lighter and faster, check out our article on the best hiking shoes. Find more info on approach shoes.
The Salomon Quest 4 Gore-Tex remains our top choice for many reasons. This boot is ideal for long adventures on the most technical and demanding trails. It is top-notch, offering an excellent blend of stability and comfort, fit for tromping through all kinds of conditions. The beefy lugs bite down on all surfaces, offering traction on slippery steep trails and rocky river crossings. If you’re in the market for a well-rounded boot that’ll offer comfort and stability while shouldering a heavy pack, this top contender is the way to go. While the Quest 4 is stable and protective, it is heavy for a hiker. It also does not breathe or release heat as readily as we’d wish. While it can function as a casual daily hiker, it’s truly built for taking on technical surfaces and tricky conditions. If you’re seeking the best when it comes to a traditional hiking boot, this is our favorite option.
The X Ultra 4 Mid GTX is designed like a much burlier boot—high ankle collar, waterproof membrane, mostly leather upper, bomber toe bumper—but it still slides in under the 2-pound mark. “I wore these boots from the Pacific Crest Trail to the top of a Sierra peak and back again, and I almost felt like I was wearing runners,” declared one tester after six days in the Eastern Sierra of California. The X Ultra 4 Mid GTX has a cushy EVA midsole that gives it that running-shoe feel and makes it comfy out of the box. (Added cushioning around the ankle helps too.) It’s augmented with a TPU plate, but though our test samples show no signs of breaking down, we’d be wary of the midsole’s long-term durability after 500 or so miles. As for the X Ultra 4 Mid’s other features, it has a GORE-TEX® membrane for awesome weatherproofing and a flexible proprietary rubber outsole with aggressive, chevron-shaped lugs. Our testers reported that it held fast on granite and mud but faltered a bit in loose gravel. Fit note: Salomon footwear tends to run narrow, but the X Ultra 4 Mid GTX bucks the trend, even pleasing one tester with self-described “Frodo feet.”
Altra’s Lone Peak trail running shoes have developed a serious following among thru-hikers, making the streamlined boot version an intriguing concept. Combining an ankle-height design with the Lone Peak’s trademark wide toe box, generous cushioning, and zero-drop last, the Hiker 2 offers instant comfort (we experienced no break-in period) alongside a bit of extra support and coverage. Further, at 1 pound 9.6 ounces, it’s far and away the lightest boot here, which is a game changer for high-mileage days. We’ll admit that we were initially skeptical about the hiking-boot-meets-trail-runner design, but we found the Lone Peak Hiker 2 to be a surprisingly capable piece and consider it a great lightweight option for those who stick to the trail.
Working for the weekend? Consider this your one-stop boot. Everything about the venerable Lowa Renegade GTX Mid was designed with backpacking in mind. It all starts with the out-of-the-box comfort, so you’ll feel good wearing these puppies for the long haul. Lowa has hidden a surprisingly cushy polyurethane (PU) midsole inside the Renegade. It feels light and springy like a running shoe, but it’s far more durable. Called DuraPU®, the proprietary midsole returns to its original shape when you put pressure on it, offering welcome cushion and “a little bounce to your step,” one editor says.
From a quick look at our comparison table above, it’s clear that hiking boot weights vary a lot. You can choose an over-the-ankle design anywhere from over 3 pounds to under 2 in the case of the trail runner-inspired Altra Lone Peak Hiker 2 (1 lb. 9.6 oz.) and Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX (1 lb. 14 oz.). What’s equally obvious is how the various weights have an impact on a boot’s performance. To start, while the correlation isn’t perfect, a lighter boot generally will offer less protection, support and stability, and durability over the long term. This can present a problem if you’re carrying a heavy pack and traveling over rough terrain, but for thru-hikers or minimalists, going lightweight can be a great idea. Discover extra information on https://www.trekkit.in/.
Our panel of hiking experts agrees that the Altra Lone Peak ALL-WTHR Mid – Women’s is a fantastic option for wide feet. It features a durable lacing system, thicker cushioning underfoot, with traction that performs in wet and dry weather. It’s a favorite for wide feet because it has a unique toe box that allows your toes to splay and wiggle freely while hiking. It offers the fit and flexibility of a running shoe, but with a little more support to shoulder a heavy pack. While the Altra ALL-WTHR is lightweight, it is not nearly as durable as other leather hiking boots. The mesh materials and cushioning underfoot have a history of wearing and breaking down after fewer miles than a traditional hiking boot. Additionally, the zero-drop design requires an adjustment period. If your top priority, though, is a wide fit, comfortable design, and excellent cushioning underfoot, you should consider this boot. It’s a favorite amongst thru-hikers and fast packers where weight and comfort are imperative considerations.