Tested: The Best Men's Hiking Boots To Hit The Trails (2024)

Whether trekking through the snowy Alps or traversing the Serengeti, footwear will almost always constitute the single most important piece of kit in a hiker’s loadout, affording its wearer with the necessary support, protection, and traction needed to successfully negotiate the trails and other off-grid terrains. Each year, manufacturers manage to bolster these aforementioned characteristics in the form of increasingly capable new hiking boots, and while there is genuinely no shortage of fantastic pairs on the market, there is a short list of models that objectively stand above the rest, distinguishing themselves through the use of innovative materials and designs. We’ve tested out some of our favorites to bring you the best hiking boots money can buy.

How We Tested

Despite an already robust product space, the number of quality products in recent years continues to increase, making it difficult to find the right option for you. So, to help narrow down your search, we’ve thoroughly poured over the market to shine a light on the best hiking boots currently available, highlighting a selection of the finest hikers that money can buy, while also delving into what factors to consider when shopping for a new pair of hiking boots. To build our guide, we first looked around the space, heading to brands we knew performed really well, based on personal experience or sheer reputation.

After acquiring our models for testing, we took these boots out on the trail here in Southern California, testing them against uneven terrain, slopes, and low waterways, if available. We looked at how they felt on our feet and to our body, if they were stable, grippy, spacious, durable, and just all-around comfortable. Our results are delineated below.

Tester: I, Ethan Brehm, was the person testing these hiking boots. I’m a U.S. size 12.5 and have medium-width feet, so keep that in mind when reading my feedback on these units.

What to Consider when Buying Hiking Boots

Application: Like most pieces of gear, hiking boots can be divided into multiple categories depending on their intended application. A boot’s intended use will ultimately determine what elements and amenities it’s equipped with, such as insulation or robust waterproofing for nasty weather or cushioning and support for increased stamina on long hikes.

Comfort: You don’t need to possess a wealth of hiking experience to know just how unpleasant ill-fitting boots can be out on the trail. Fortunately, the evolution of modern hiking boots has given way to a wide array of technologies and designs that make for incredibly comfortable models. Be sure to take factors such as linings, tongues and collars, insoles, and footbeds into account.

Materials & Construction: Whether shopping for a sleeping bag, camping tent, or pair of hiking boots, the materials and construction techniques used in the creation of a product play an enormous role in overall quality. You’ll want to keep an eye out for GORE-TEX membranes, rugged construction, and hardwearing, abrasion-resistant uppers, as well as reinforcement elements and fortifying finishes or treatments. Composite shanks are also popular fare on modern models.

Style: With so many different models and genres being produced by so many different brands, today’s market boasts a massive array of styles, from modern, technical pairs to minimalist streetwear-inspired items to retro-themed boots, and so on. While you don’t want this area to trump application or construction/materials in terms of importance, it’s still okay to let your aesthetic tastes partially guide your purchase.

Traction & Grip: Hiking can be extremely unpredictable and steep inclines and loose or slick terrain can become extremely problematic without proper traction. Fortunately, this is another aspect of hiking boots that has massively evolved over the years, resulting in a host of widely available and highly grippy outsoles and tread patterns that afford hiking boots uncompromising levels of grip. When considering this area, it’s always a safe bet to go with trusted, name-brand offerings such as the ever-so-popular Vibram Megagrip outsole.

Water/Weatherproofing: Keeping your feet dry while out in nature is a must, and luckily it isn’t that tall of an order with so many of today’s hiking boots offering waterproof membranes and upper treatments that make them highly impervious to water and the elements. Even if it’s not raining, you’ll certainly come across creeks, streams, and puddles on your outings. Unless you exclusively plan on hiking in the desert, this is one area that you should almost certainly factor into your decision.

Weight: While pretty much every entry on this list is considered lightweight by traditional hiking boot standards, a model’s weight can still play a pivotal factor when shopping, as certain genres such as trail running shoes massively benefit from a lightweight form, as do boots designed for all-day use during backpacking trips.

Lowa Renegade GTX Mid

Best for Advanced Hikers: LOWA has been a staple in the outdoor community for nearly 100 years. Even Jim Whittaker, the first American to peak Mt. Everest in the ‘60s, did so in a pair of LOWA boots. Although the brand’s Renegade GTX Mid is a bit pricier than its contemporaries, you’re paying for the best hiking boot around. And if you’re serious about the trails, you should be willing to shell out the extra dough for the best of the best. Waterproof, supremely comfortable, and surprisingly lightweight at just 1.22lbs per shoe, these GORE-TEX-lined hikers will get the job done no matter how far you’re traveling. LOWA frames the shoes with its proprietary DuraPU MONOWRAP construction and double-injects the material into the midsoles for shock absorption.

Not everyone will want heavy-duty hiking boots out on the trail, but for the best “traditional” hiking boot, the LOWA Renegade Mid is a solid choice. On top of the impressive outsole grip, there’s a nice balance with the heel drop, which will find appeal to most users. Not only will you get fantastic traction on more advanced trails but they won’t do you wrong on smoother surfaces either, if that’s of concern to you, especially since you wouldn’t be to blame if you wanted to transpose this silhouette to the shop as work boots as well. Despite the heavy weight, the boots are great for all-day wear. While other options may overheat your feet after longer hikes or a lot of time standing up, the Renegade seems to cool your feet.

I got to spend some time with a size 13, which were slightly too big for me to wear on a regular basis. If I’d venture to guess, these run a tad bit large. There are “wide” options, but I opted for a “medium,” which still felt very wide. I love how the tongue integrates into the collar. However, the collar felt way too loose around my ankle, which didn’t get rectified with the lace locks. Likewise, for whatever reason, the laces were harder to cinch than any other shoe I tested on this list. This mattered mostly because the Renegades are notably stiff –– even the brand calls them “moderately stiff.” Also, the stock insoles weren’t the most comfortable I’ve worn, especially pitted next to the HOKA or adidas Terrex hikers below. Fortunately, they’re replaceable. On the other hand, the ruggedness of the silhouette served me well when walking over more uneven terrain; my feet certainly felt protected.

Verdict: One of the most popular hiking boots on the market, Lowa’s Renegate Mid GTX holds up to its reputation. Some may take issue with how stiff it is, but serious hikers who frequent more difficult trails will appreciate how it protects your feet and provides a favorable balance and responsiveness. And if you wanted to use these as your go-to work boots, they’ll more than deliver.

Weight: 19.52oz
Waterproof: Yes
Uppers: Heinen Terracare Nubuck with GORE-TEX
Outsole: Vibram Evo
Lug Height: 5mm
Heel Drop: N/A

HOKA Anacapa 2 Mid GTX

Best for the Monthly Hiker: A once-a-month day hiker is definitely someone who takes his outdoor excursions seriously. However, you might not want or need all the capabilities of someone who goes on lengthy trips every other weekend. Increasingly becoming one of the most popular hiking boots on the scene, HOKA’s Anacapa boots are phenomenal in every way. Released in 2023, the most recent iteration of the Anacapa Mid GTX retains the innovative qualities and unparalleled performance that the French footwear firm is known for while coming in a markedly more sustainable package. This has been accomplished through the use of uppers made from Leather Working Group-certified waterproof Nubuck leather and upcycled poly mesh lining and collar laces. Even the full GORE-TEX liner present on these boots is crafted from repurposed textiles, though it doesn’t stop there, as this boot also features a sock-liner made from 50% soybean oil.

HOKA comes through with its reputation for comfort with these Anacapa 2 Mids. Cushioned like an athletic shoe, the boots still don’t anything in the way of support and sturdiness. I loved how these felt when wearing them all day and the Vibram Megagrip outsole was outstanding on dirt –– both flat and uneven. Smoother surfaces didn’t stifle its stability either, so you can definitely keep these on inside if you desire. I was able to test out the proper size 12.5, which perhaps felt slightly too big (I could’ve gone a half-size down). Regardless, they kept my feet secure, albeit there was a lot of room in front of my toes, which will keep them protected when going downhill. In terms of hiking boots, these Anacapa Mids feel less restricting than higher-collared boots, yet still kept the ankle in place. Paired with its lighter weight, these will be solid for quicker hiking outings –– perhaps if you’re looking to cover a lot of distance in one day.

In terms of slope performance, the boots did the best of any when it came to downhill stepping. However, the angles of the 5-mm lugs kept catching when I walked down the un-carpeted stairs of my apartment, so beware of that. Speaking of hazards, my laces kept catching on the lace locks of the opposing shoe when I was walking. This has happened to me in the past with hiking shoes, but was the worst I’ve experienced with these HOKAs. Fortunately, the solution is simple: Just tuck your laces into themselves, which is what many people do with their laces anyway.

Verdict: One of the most comfortable hiking boots you’ll find, the HOKA Anacapa 2 Mid GTX operates like a cross-trainer with lighter weight and supreme versatility. Yet, it will still give you fantastic performance on the trail, especially if you’re just looking to cover a lot of ground with intermediate difficulty. And if there does happen to be a handful of bigger climbs, the grip on these will serve you well –– just don’t wear them on un-carpeted stairs.

Weight: 18oz
Waterproof: Yes
Uppers: Leather Working Group Gold-Rated waterproof nubuck leather with a GORE-TEX bootie
Outsole: Vibram Megagrip
Lug Height: 5mm
Heel Drop: 7mm

Merrell Moab 3 Mid

Best Budget Hikers: Nobody does budget footwear for the outdoors like Merrell. Largely because its waterproof hiking shoes never feel like they’d be affordable in the first place. Merrell’s ubiquity on the trails has more to do with performance than anything else, but a lower price tag still helps. Improving the cushion and support of the midsoles, the newest iteration of the flagship Moab boots is exactly what you’d expect from the Michigan-based firm. Merrell also ups its sustainability by using recycled materials, including in 100% of the mesh lining, laces, and lining.

I’ve been using Merrell hiking boots for years and have always loved them. The Moab Mids strike the perfect balance between high-top boots and low-top shoes, sporting enough ankle support without eliminating your mobility. My favorite part about the brand’s construction is the support it gives you for your arches compared to other boots. Likewise, the inside of the shoes are incredibly comfortable –– there’s no wonder why many people transpose these for use as their everyday walking shoes. Inherently waterproof from their proprietary membrane, the Moab 3s won’t necessarily give you as much leeway as, say, a GORE-TEX-lined high-top, but you’ll still get a decent amount of protection as long as you don’t stay submerged for too long, and without losing any breathability in the process. My feet felt sufficiently ventilated throughout the day.

Perhaps not as grippy as some others on this list, the Moabs still perform very well on the trail, although they won’t give you quite as much claw on more difficult terrain. Like most other boots, this model features lace hooks up top, which provided a marginal difference than when I didn’t use them. However, the cord laces do come untied easily if not double-knotted, so keep that in mind. One thing many detractors will say is that Merrells in general struggle with their aesthetic compared to other options from the likes of, say, HOKA or Salomon. However, there’s no doubt that Merrell helped define a category of “dad hikers” that many other companies have adopted.

Verdict: Insanely comfortable and highly supportive, Merrell’s Moab 3 Mid is ubiquitous for a reason. They’re the perfect hiking boots for both beginners out on the trail who don’t want to shell out for a new hobby and the monthly hiker who wants a reliable pair of shoes that can get the job done without being overkill. They may not be the most stylish boots on the block but they’ll certainly get the job done and then some.

Weight: 18oz
Waterproof: Yes
Uppers: Pigskin leather and mesh with waterproof membrane
Outsole: Vibram TC5+
Lug Height: 5mm
Heel Drop: 11.5mm

Xero Scrambler Mid II Waterproof

Best Zero Drop: Some people like more of a barefoot feel out on the trails. If so, opt for a zero-drop hiking boot over a standard boot. Known for its dedication to zero-drop footwear for the outdoors, Xero has made its new Scrambler Mid in partnership with Michelin — yes, the tire company. Recently updated for the first time, these hikers utilize the latter’s Fiber Lite outsoles, with 3mm lugs inspired by its mountain bike tires for traversing through muddy terrain. They’re also waterproof thanks to eVent BIO, a sustainable technology that offers breathability as well. Like other Xero shoes, these lightweight Scramblers feature wide toe boxes for spreading your digits, TrailFoam midsoles for superior comfort, and abrasion-resistant, breathable uppers.

If you’ve never tried zero-drop shoes before, just know that there will be a short period of adjustment. After all, lifted, contoured shoes are so familiar to us that anything different will take some time. Walking and standing will feel different at first. Even something like driving a car will feel slightly strange. However, once you get used to it, the Xero might become your favorite shoe to wear when hiking. The 3mm lugs are perfect for easy- or medium-difficulty trails, with the grip underneath felt right away. In terms of comfort, the Scramblers seem to hug your feet well while also providing ample room for your toes (both in front and on the sides). This is great for executing declines and preventing blisters. I got to wear a proper size 12.5 for testing, which was true to size.

Where previous iterations of the Scrambler Mid may have favored function over form, these 2nd-gen versions definitely up their game in the looks department as well. From the top view, the wider toe box may look somewhat odd to you, but the side profile of these boots are attractive nonetheless, with some added designs on the uppers. While these are slightly heavier than their predecessors, they’re still only 12.2oz per shoe, which is incredibly beneficial for getting more mileage out of your feet. Plus, the addition of waterproofing gives you more range in what you can do outdoors and when you can do it. While the boots offer some solid ankle support, I had to readjust the laces once because there was unwanted pressure on the inside of my left ankle. However, I didn’t notice it after a while.

Verdict: Surprisingly comfortable despite the thinner sole, the Xero Scrambler Mid II is a grippy, lightweight hiking boot that recently got improvements in terms of style and performance. The flat-footed design may take some time to get used to but the natural build will do wonders on your gait and posture in the long run.

Weight: 12.2oz
Waterproof: Yes
Uppers: Polyester textile mesh upper with TPU overlays
Outsole: Michelin Fiber Lite
Lug Height: 3mm
Heel Drop: 0mm

Adidas Terrex Free Hiker GORE-TEX 2.0

Best for a Shoe-Like Fit: Sometimes we want the support of a boot without all the bulkiness. While locking in your ankle will be favorable for most outdoorsmen, footwear with less intrusive ankle support may be optimal for those with knee issues. Adidas has continued to outdo itself with its outdoor sublabel, Terrex. With its flagship Free Hiker, the brand goes more for a shoe-like fit than a traditional boot. Don’t worry, it still gives you proper sturdiness for your lower joints. Hugging your foot rather than locking it into place, the PRIMEKNIT collar provides both flexibility and support, while the GORE-TEX membrane ensures that your foot stays cool and dry.

I was only able to get my hands on a size 13 for these boots. And while I could’ve afforded to go down to a 12.5 since adidas is fairly true to size, I was impressed how well the shoes seemed to adapt to my foot. Great ankle support was able to offset any inadequate sizing. And while the tongue bunches up down below, leading me to believe it would cause some comfort issues (it didn’t), the top of the tongue enveloped well inside the collar and helped with the ankle support. A lot of bulkier shoes may be so thick that it’s difficult to get a proper fit around the ankle. Although the boots were still roomy inside, they kept my foot from moving around and felt great on slopes, both uphill and downhill. Flatter than the others, the laces were also my favorite of the shoes I tested. Without the need for lace locks, they were somehow able to remain tightened as I was lacing them all the way up.

If I had to complain about any aspect of the Terrex Free Hikers it would be its performance on smoother surfaces. While they had fantastic grip on coarser terrain, the outsole was a bit too slick on wetter surfaces like cement or hardwood. It was raining during my test and felt slightly (although not totally) unstable when transitioning to inside my house, so keep this in mind if you’re in wet conditions. In terms of aesthetic, these boots were standouts, if only for how much they don’t look like traditional hikers (more like athletic shoes if we’re being honest). However, I wonder how dirty the white soles would get over time. Though one could argue that hiking boots are meant to get dirty anyway. It’s also important to note that some people with wider feet aren’t a fan these shoes, so if that’s you, be aware of this before making the purchase.

Verdict: Even though the unit we tested was a size too big for our reviewer, the boots’ performance was still remarkable, hugging his feet and ankles without feel like he didn’t have room to breathe. If you’re a newcomer to hiking shoes and are used to more athletic footwear, these Free Hikers from adidas Terrex will make the perfect transition for you. They’re lightweight, stylish, and really comfortable.

Weight: 16oz
Waterproof: Yes
Uppers: PRIMEKNIT with GORE-TEX membrane
Outsole: Continental rubber
Lug Height: 4mm
Heel Drop: N/A

Salomon Quest 4 GORE-TEX

Best for Long Journeys: If you’re going to take a pair of shoes the distance, you’ll want a pair that’s lightweight, durable, and versatile for anything you’re going to face along the way. At 1.45lbs, Salomon’s Quest 4 looks like it would weigh twice as much. However, it clocks in around half a pound less per shoe than the brand’s X Ultra Mid. These GORE-TEX-lined boots have since transcended the outdoor space but they’re still the best option for long treks that can throw anything your way, sporting the brand’s patented Descent Control technology — a lightweight chassis shoehorned between the boot’s outsole and midsole that helps optimize motion control, protection, and energy management — allowing for markedly better support and control, regardless of the typography or terrain.

While the Quest 4 performs as expected on the trail, their real appeal comes with their construction. The leather and mesh uppers reminded me of Merrells, but with much more style. There are also some nice features that set this apart from others at this price, including a cleverly built tongue that collapses sideways when you tighten the laces down below, albeit it frustratingly doesn’t flush with your ankle up top. I also really liked the lace locks on these. They sport a more curved design which doesn’t snag on other things, like the laces on your other shoe, as easily and were the most effective when preventing the laces from loosening. Oftentimes you’ll tighten the switchbacks of the lower laces but they’ll come undone as you tie the upper laces into a bow. I’m not usually a fan of cord laces because they tend to loosen as you’re tying them, but these benefit from this system. Here, you’re able to cinch these as tight as possible and the hooks won’t make it difficult to undo your laces. They loosen really easily, which can be nice after a long day of hiking when your feet are seriously tired of wearing shoes of any kind.

For a hiking boot that costs well over $200, I expected a bit more on-trail grip from these Salomons. However, their Contragrip outsole performed very similar to more budget-friendly boots, even though they did well on medium inclines and declines. For testing, I got a hold of a proper size 12.5, which were slightly too big. So when purchasing, beware that these run a bit large. The brand didn’t specify the heel drop either but they definitely lift a bit in the back like a work boot might (their fit and lift reminded me of Timberlands). Aside from the nice lacing system, it’s important to note that the laces are very long if you don’t lace these all the way up. There are three lacing hooks, so it’s understandable if someone wouldn’t want to use all of them. Also, the fit on the ankle in general wasn’t nearly as cozy as I expected it to be despite the taller stature. Many users have expressed that the Quest 4s are a step down from the previous generation, although we haven’t tested those.

Verdict: Perhaps a bit pricey for what you’re getting in the way of performance, the Salomon Quest 4 is an attractive hiking boot with interesting features, even if the fit wasn’t great either. However, for $230, you may want to look elsewhere unless you’re a fan of the Salomon name (they do have some really great models).

Weight: 1.45lbs
Waterproof: Yes
Uppers: Leather and textile with GORE-TEX membrane
Outsole: Contagrip TD
Lug Height: 4mm
Heel Drop: N/A

Danner Arctic 600 Side-Zip

Best for Cold Weather: It may seem like hiking through the wilderness in the cold weather is a non-starter, but if you’re well-equipped there’s no reason why you should have to stay indoors all season. We’ve already seen how the Pacific Northwest-based heritage brand can create strong, durable work and hiking boots. However, in Danner’s nine decades of excellence, few of its models have been as equipped for cold weather conditions as the Arctic 600 hikers. A perennial favorite, the brand’s flagship winter boots feature Vibram in heavy doses, including SPE midsoles for comfort and Nisqually Arctic Grip on the outsoles. However, the cold-weather comfort begins with the stylish suede uppers which are reinforced by Danner Dry waterproof protection and insulated with 200g of PrimaLoft.

If you’re someone who gets cold feet (literally), these Danner boots are a nice addition to your hiking loadout, whether or not the weather is cold. The PrimaLoft is instantly noticeable and helps create an overall softness to the inside of the shoe. In terms of interior comfort, these are towards to top of the list of boots we tested. Something else I loved about the Arctic 600 is how lightweight they felt. Side by side with many of the other models, I thought these would be just as heavy but they were actually among the easiest to walk in thanks to how well the weight is distributed. In terms of actually hiking in these, the grip underneath performed really well in dirt, as to be expected. Fortunately, it also rained a bit during my testing, allowing me to check out the outsole’s ability to get traction in muddy conditions. I didn’t notice much of a difference from other boots I’ve tested in mud, however, the Nisqually Arctic Grip is also supposed to shine in “icy conditions,” which I didn’t experience.

For better or worse, the lacing system on these boots is dense. Before you even get to the first of two lace hooks, you go through six switchbacks. This can be great if you’re into precision fitting and full control with how tight your boots are, but it can also slow down the lacing process overall. Lacing them up the first time takes even more time since each switchback has a center loop through which you put both laces. There’s also a side zipper, presumably to help you take these on and off, but I found no need for it. The pair I tested was a size 13, and yet they weren’t terribly big on me, which means these boots probably run true to size. I wasn’t a huge fan of the tongue, which lacks shape and kept bunching weirdly around my ankle. Despite the lower lug height, the thick sole took a while to get used to as I kept dragging my feet at first before my gait began to adjust to picking my feet up higher when I walked.

Verdict: Although there was a learning curve when walking in these high-sole Arctic 600 boots from Danner, they’re still surprisingly lightweight. Notably warmer than any other model we tested, the hikers also benefit from being waterproof, which is great in rainy conditions. The lacing system is nice for fine-tuning your fit but may take a while for those who just want to put these on and hike.

Weight: 1.41lbs
Waterproof: Yes
Uppers: Suede with two-layer Danner Dry waterproof/breathable laminate and 200g PrimaLoft insulation
Outsole: Vibram Nisqually Arctic Grip
Lug Height: 5mm
Heel Drop: N/A

La Sportiva Nepal EVO GTX Mountaineering Boots

Best for Mountaineering: While almost certainly a bit overkill for your average trek through the woods, La Sportiva’s Nepal EVO GTX boots are undoubtedly one of the best alpine-grade boots currently in production. Made specifically for mountaineering, the Italian brand’s ultra-high-end hikers will get the job done and then some. While $600 is nothing to sniff at, you also want to be well-equipped when traversing the treacherous terrain of an icy landscape. Aside from the GORE-TEX membrane and Vibram outsoles, the proprietary Impact Brake System allows you to handle inclines and declines. For extreme temperature control, the abrasion-resistant uppers are made from Idro-Perwanger rough-out leather insulated with 3.2mm of silicone.

If you’re going to embark on this beast of a boot, make sure you know what you’re in for. Lacing up the Nepals will take a few minutes, and that’s after you’ve conquered the obstacle of actually wriggling your foot inside. There are certainly layers to the lacing system, which includes several switchbacks, including one at the halfway point that locks your laces underneath a sort of clasp. And then there are three very necessary lace locks, which luckily don’t stick out too far like they do on other boots. If you have any sort of ankle issues, these boots will keep you supported, and even without lacing them all the way up. However, if you did happen to endure some sort of ankle buckling, it could do a number on your knee instead. Luckily, the grip underfoot is arguably the best of any boots here, and the Impact Brake System helps prevent falls.

Even before you gaze upon the impressive specs, you’ll notice the stylish design language of these mountaineering boots. Unfortunately, unless you’re trekking through intense conditions, these shoes will be overkill. And La Sportiva doesn’t have a less-aggressive silhouette with a similar look (the closest thing might be the Trango Tech GTX), so if you’re eyeing these for their style, you’ll be out of luck. It’s incredibly difficult to walk in these boots, and you could seriously hurt yourself if you’re looking to go quickly through the hills rather than meticulously travail through icy conditions. That said, the thick uppers will cocoon your feet from the elements and keep them warm with insulation.

Verdict: Definitely overkill unless you’re actually mountaineering, the La Sportiva Nepal EVO boots aren’t just insanely impressive when it comes to protecting your feet both inside and out, but look amazing as well. The learning curve is steep and it’s difficult to walk in these monsters, as they provide about 3″ to your overall height, but when it comes to aggressive mountaineering boots, these are the best.

Weight: 2.23lbs
Waterproof: Yes
Uppers: 3.2mm silicone impregnated Idro-Perwanger Rough-out Leather with GORE-TEX
Outsole: Vibram with Impact Brake System
Lug Height: 7mm
Heel Drop: 13mm

Hiking Boots Comparison Chart

Hiking Boots Vs. Hiking Shoes

If you’re unsure whether to ditch your hiking shoes for boots, make sure you know if it’s the correct choice for your specific needs. Much of the time, hiking boots are merely high-top versions of their low-top brethren. But still, each one has its pros and cons. While they have worse ankle support, hiking shoes are preferred for those with bad knees. In boots, a rolled ankle can aggravate or cause an injury to your knee since it’s your closest joint not being supported. However, if you have bad ankles, boots might be the way to go.

If you’re looking for speed, a low-top hiking shoe might be a good choice, but still you’ll feel much more secure and stable in a hiking boot. High-tops can be quite heavy-duty and if you’re looking to do some serious hill climbing or venture off-trail for some unpredictable exploring, you’ll want something a bit more rigid. Although, boots can be tough to pack if you’re traveling, even though they’re a bit more versatile.

Honorable Mentions

There’s no denying the visual appeal of On’s Cloudrock 2 Mid, as well as the brand’s knack for tech (in the running space at least), but sub-par reviews combined with a high price tag kept us at bay.

Keen’s Ridge Flex Mid Waterproof hiking boots are attractive and serve as great winter shoes with insulation and waterproof properties. However, compared to the Danner Arctics above, these couldn’t compare.

If you’re looking for something that’s a bit friendlier for the environment than even our above picks (some of which are made very sustainably), then check out Vasque’s Breeze hiking boots.

$600 is a LOT to pay for hiking boots (the brand also has a $700 option) but these ROA Andreas Strap boots are intended to have the comfort of an athletic shoe but with the exterior performance and support of a hiking boot. These are arguably the best looking shoes we saw but realistically, they’re more of a stylish piece of footwear than a piece of gear for the trail.

These vintage-inspired Aether Dolomite boots look fantastic but when it comes to actual performance, we’re not so sure what their practical applications would be on the trail, especially at $450.

HOKA has some solid options for outdoorsmen and their Kaha 2 GTX boots may be better for more extreme hikers. However, the Anacapa’s more accessible price point, lighter weight, and nifty lace locking system make them a better pick.

Despite being a popular choice among fervent hikers, the Oboz Sawtooth X Mid aren’t the most stylish of the bunch, like the Merrells we reviewed (albeit more expensive), but they do perform exceptionally well and feature a Cordura mesh upper.