The Salomon Quest 4 GTX (and its newer Quest 5 GTX successor) is the best hiking boot for most people who carry a real pack, the Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof is the best value for day hikes, and the Lowa Renegade GTX Mid is the best leather boot if you want something that can be resoled. Boots are a fit-first purchase, so the right choice depends on pack weight, terrain and the shape of your foot more than on any brand ranking.
Our top picks
Merrell Men's Moab 3 Mid Waterproof Hiking- Waterproof membrane seals out water and lets moisture…
- Merrell is focused on merging performance, styling, and…
- Merrell Air Cushion in the heel absorbs shock…
| Product | Key specs | |
|---|---|---|
| Merrell Men's Moab 3 Mid Waterproof Hiking | Waterproof membrane seals out water and lets moisture… Merrell is focused on merging performance, styling, and… Merrell Air Cushion in the heel absorbs shock… | Check price |
 Merrell Men's Moab 3 Mid Waterproof Hiking | Check price | |
 Merrell Men's Moab 3 Mid Hiking Boot | Check price | |
 Merrell Men's Speed Strike 2 Mid Waterproof | Waterproof membrane seals out water and lets moisture… Waterproof synthetic leather and mesh upper Protective and abrasion resistant synthetic heel and toe… | Check price |
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Quick comparison of the best hiking boots
| Pick | Best for | Upper | Weight class | Waterproofing | Price tier |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Salomon Quest 4 GTX / Quest 5 GTX | Heavy packs, rough trail | Leather and textile | Heavy | Gore-Tex | Upper-mid to premium |
| Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof | Day hikes, budget | Suede and mesh | Light to mid | Waterproof membrane | Budget to mid |
| Hoka Anacapa 2 Mid GTX | Cushioning, joint comfort | Leather and textile | Light | Gore-Tex | Mid to upper-mid |
| Lowa Renegade GTX Mid | Durability, leather lovers | Full-grain leather | Heavy | Gore-Tex | Premium |
| Keen Targhee III Mid Waterproof | Wide feet, roomy toe box | Leather and mesh | Mid | Waterproof membrane | Mid-range |
Weight classes are relative: light is under roughly 2.5 lb per pair, mid is about 2.5 to 3 lb and heavy is above that. Exact weights vary by size, width and version, so check the maker’s spec page for your pair.
Best overall for loaded hikes: Salomon Quest 4 GTX and Quest 5 GTX
The Quest line is the benchmark for supportive backpacking boots. A stiff midsole, a high-grip outsole, an ankle cuff that locks heel movement and a Gore-Tex membrane make it stable under 30 to 40 pounds. Reviewers regularly place the Quest 4 and its successor at the top of general hiking roundups because they feel more like a mountaineering-lite boot than a trail shoe with a high collar.
The trade-off is weight and break-in time. These are noticeably heavier than the Merrell or Hoka, and the stiff sole can feel clunky on easy trails. Your first weeks in them are best spent on short walks rather than a 12-mile day. If you buy the older Quest 4 while it is available, you often save money with very similar performance.
Best value: Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof
The Moab 3 is the boot that gets first-time hikers outdoors without a big bill. It is comfortable out of the box, relatively light, and has an adequate Vibram outsole for typical trail conditions. For day hikes, camping trips on maintained paths and travel, it is a very hard pair to beat for the money.
Its limits are support and durability. The softer midsole flexes under heavy loads, and the suede and mesh upper wears faster than a leather boot with hard use. Many hikers get a couple of seasons from it before the outsole or upper shows wear, which is acceptable at this price.
Best cushioning: Hoka Anacapa 2 Mid GTX
The Anacapa 2 pairs Hoka’s thick midsole with a Gore-Tex waterproof liner in a light mid-height boot. If you finish long days with sore knees or arches, the extra cushioning feels very different from a traditional hiker. It has a rolling feel that makes descents less jarring and is a popular pick for day hikes and light overnighters.
The drawbacks are stability and lateral support, which are lower than in stiffer boots, especially under heavy loads or on uneven ground. The tall cushioned platform can also feel less precise on technical rock. It is a boot for packs under about 25 pounds.
Best leather boot: Lowa Renegade GTX Mid
The Lowa Renegade is a classic full-grain leather boot with a Gore-Tex liner and a supportive, durable platform. It is available in several widths in many markets, and Lowa and independent cobblers can resole it, which stretches its lifespan across years. For hikers who value longevity and consistent fit, it is a standard choice.
It is among the most expensive boots here and heavier than synthetic hikers. Leather also needs care: clean it after muddy trips and condition it periodically. It tends to need a longer break-in than the Merrell or Hoka.
Best for wide feet: Keen Targhee III Mid Waterproof
Keen builds its lasts with a roomy toe box, which suits wide forefeet and people who get hot spots in narrower boots. The Targhee III Mid has a leather-and-mesh upper, a waterproof membrane and a grippy outsole, making it a comfortable all-purpose trail boot.
It is less precise on technical terrain and feels bulkier than the Salomon or Hoka. If your foot is narrow or average, the extra room may let your heel slip on steep descents, so confirm heel lock before committing.
How to choose hiking boots
Match the boot to your pack weight
Use a simple rule of thumb. Under 20 pounds, flexible mid boots or even trail shoes work. From 20 to 35 pounds, choose a boot with a moderately stiff midsole and good ankle support. Above 35 pounds, a stiffer leather or leather-hybrid boot with a firm shank reduces foot fatigue.
Waterproof or breathable?
Waterproof liners such as Gore-Tex keep out puddles and rain but breathe less, so feet run warmer in hot weather. In a dry, hot climate, a non-waterproof boot dries faster after stream crossings. In cold, wet or snowy conditions, waterproof is a clear win.
Fit: a worked sizing example
Measure your feet in the afternoon, when they are slightly swollen, with the socks you hike in. Stand on a piece of paper, mark the longest toe and heel, and measure the length. Then, when trying boots on, check these points:
- A thumb’s width (about 0.5 inch) of space ahead of your longest toe when standing.
- Heel lifts less than a quarter inch when walking up a slope.
- No pinching across the widest part of the foot. Look for wide sizes if needed.
- Try boots on a ramp: toes should not hit the front on the downhill.
Weight and its true cost
A common backpacking rule of thumb is that weight on the feet feels several times heavier than the same weight on your back. So a 1 lb heavier pair of boots over a 10-mile day with roughly 20,000 steps is a meaningful difference in fatigue. That is why lightweight, well-cushioned boots such as the Hoka suit day hikers, while heavier, supportive boots earn their place only when the load or terrain demands it.
Outsole and traction
Look for lugs about 4 to 5 mm deep for mixed terrain and a distinct heel brake for descents. Vibram and Contagrip outsoles are common and usually grip well on wet rock. Soft compounds grip better but wear faster.
Durability and ownership realities
The outsole and midsole usually wear before the upper. Expect lighter fabric boots to last roughly 300 to 500 miles, and well-made leather boots to go considerably further, particularly when resoled. Watch for these signs of an end-of-life boot:
- Visible creasing or compression in the midsole foam.
- Lugs worn flat at the heel and ball of the foot.
- A leaking waterproof liner, often from abrasion or dirt inside the lining.
- Persistent new hot spots in a boot that used to fit well.
Cleaning boots after muddy hikes, drying them away from direct heat and storing them loosely laced will extend their life. Avoid drying by a campfire or heater, which can crack leather and damage adhesives.
Which boot should you buy?
| Your situation | Choose |
|---|---|
| Backpacking with a heavy pack | Salomon Quest 4 GTX or Quest 5 GTX |
| Day hikes and a tight budget | Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof |
| Knee or joint soreness, light pack | Hoka Anacapa 2 Mid GTX |
| Long-term leather boot you can resole | Lowa Renegade GTX Mid |
| Wide forefoot | Keen Targhee III Mid Waterproof |
Frequently Asked Questions
Are hiking boots better than trail runners?
Not always. Boots provide ankle support, protection from rocks and a sturdier platform for heavy loads and rough terrain. Trail runners are lighter, dry faster and are favored by many ultralight hikers. Choose based on pack weight and terrain.
How long should I break in new hiking boots?
Plan for several short walks totaling 20 to 30 miles before a big trip. Leather boots take longer than synthetic ones. Wear them with your normal hiking socks, and address any hot spots early.
Should hiking boots be a size bigger?
Often a half size larger than your street shoes is helpful, since your feet swell and toes slide forward on descents. Use the thumb-width rule at the toe and a firm heel hold instead of relying only on a number.
Do waterproof boots make feet sweat?
They breathe less than non-waterproof boots, so feet can feel warmer. Moisture-wicking wool socks help. In hot, dry weather a non-waterproof boot may be more comfortable.
How often should I replace hiking boots?
Many hiking boots wear out between 300 and 500 miles, depending on materials and terrain. Replace them when the midsole feels flat, the tread is smooth, or the liner leaks.
Can I resole hiking boots?
Some leather boots, including models from Lowa, can be resoled by the maker or a specialist cobbler. Lightweight foam-midsole boots usually cannot, so they are replaced at the end of their life.
