Best Hiking Boots That Are Perfect For Any Trail In 2023
Hiking can be a really fun experience, regardless of where you are in the world. However, you truly need the right equipment to do it properly. What do we mean by that, you may wonder? We always recommend taking a backpack with some light materials, such as some food, water, and a flashlight…we’d also recommend that you wear the right shoes or boots. The trouble for many is finding the best hiking boots for them, but we feel we can help you with this issue.
The best models will be either waterproof or water-resistant. They will also need to be made properly so they won’t tear up as you move about. Moreover, you do not need to be wearing boots that weigh like 5lbs. This means the boot model needs to be tough without weighing you down. While the boots will need to be tight to avoid water getting in, they shouldn’t be too tight. Thus, your feet need to be able to breathe in there with some form of moisture-wicking properties.
All of this is necessary, and we found some of the best hiking boots that will fit all of the previously mentioned criteria and much more. Check them out!
KEEN Targhee II Mid-Height Boots
[Image via KEEN]
Honestly, you cannot go wrong with any shoes or boots you buy from the KEEN brand. While they are not as well known as some other outdoor brands, their footwear has always been above average. This is especially true for hiking boots. There are quite a few Targhee models, but we feel this is the best version. KEEN also seems to perfectly make what would normally be considered your average shoe into a quality boot product. KEEN also uses its tech within each footwear product they make.
This model uses both KEEN. Dry & their Metatomical Footbed Design. The dry tech ensures waterproofness and breathability. The latter is used to add comfort and ensure you can walk around for a while without hurting your feet, utilizing terrific arch support. Plus, these boots also use anti-odor technology to prevent things like sweat odor from building up. KEEN also uses leather for these boots but it is environmentally preferred by an LWG-certified tannery, along with a PFC-free and durable water-repellant.
KEEN Targhee 2 Mid-Height Boots
Merrell Moab 2 Prime Boots
[Image via Merrell]
- Price: $103.97 – $216.72
Merrell makes a lot of great products but their footwear is top-notch. Perhaps the company’s most prominent brand within its footwear territory is the MOAB. Like with KEEN models, Merrell made the Moab line to have both shoe and boot designs. In this version, we’re discussing the “Moab 2 Prime Mid,” which differs from the regular shoe version. It’s not hard to see why these are some of the best hiking boots on the market. They feature a waterproof membrane that seals out water while also letting moisture escape to give proper wicking.
The tongue used keeps out debris while a protective and abrasion-resistant toe cap is perfect for trails where you might run into some problems. The Kinetic Fit™ BASE footbed is great for flexible support, making them comfortable to walk in. This is added by the Air Cushion in the heel that absorbs shock while adding stability. The outsole uses Vibram® TC5+ tech to offer proper grip, traction, and durability. Best of all, they are extremely light!
Merrell Moab 2 Prime Hiking Boots
Danner Mountain 600 Boots
[Image via Danner]
While Danner is famous for great footwear, one usually sees them dominate the work boot category. However, people forget that they have one of the best hiking boots on the planet under their banner. Danner partnered with Vibram® to use their SPE midsole in the Mountain 600 boots, while also using the company’s Fuga outsole. Like many Danner boot products, these boots use full-grain leather. On top of that, the boots also have the Danner Dry waterproof protection tech.
The best thing is that while Danner work boots are usually a little heavier, they intentionally made these hiking boots relatively lightweight. Working with Vibram® paid off perfectly with the SPE & Fuga technology. As this helps to keep the boots comfortable to walk in, as well as keep your feet dry along the way. Allowing you to hike anywhere with confidence. Plus, they are so stylish that you could wear them pretty much anywhere.
Arc’teryx Acrux TR GTX Boots
[Image via Arc’teryx]
Arc’teryx is known a lot more for its apparel than anything else. While they do make great clothing for the outdoors, they also make other great products too. That includes one of the best hiking boots you can buy today, the Acrux TR GTX. The last few letters of the boot name represent their partnership with GORE-TEX®, which helped them ensure these boots are waterproof and breathable. Also utilized is a SuperFabric® micro-plate, which gives great abrasion resistance without adding too much weight.
Yet a molded rubber toe cap adds even more protection for toes. Another great part of these boots is that they have an injected EVA midsole. This allows the boots to feel very comfortable for a long period, as you’re given a proper cushion to make long walks much easier on your feet. Along with that is a TPU chassis at the midfoot and forefoot territory. This was put in place to aid stability and torsional rigidity, and it has proven to be incredibly useful.
Salomon X Ultra 3 Mid GORE-TEX Boots
[Image via Salomon]
Salomon, like the rest of these brands, makes great footwear. Yet they hardly get the type of love they deserve for this. That is why we cannot have a list that does not recommend its X Ultra 3 model. Salomon included the GORE-TEX® waterproof bootie liners, giving your feet protection from the elements. Included in this is an advanced chassis, surrounded by foam to cushion feet. This manages to connect directly to the soles to stabilize the heel territory. Another added benefit is the soft textile linings, which ensure proper moisture-wicking.
Of course, this is a mid-cut model that offers proper ankle support on most trails. Like with the Arc’teryx model, there is an injection-molded EVA midsole that cushions the underfoot territory. If that was not enough, Salomon included Ortholite sock liners, which combine Ortholite foam and contoured EVA heel cups to improve heel support. Another added benefit for the feet here is strategically placed lines on the outsoles, which gives proper flexibility while decreasing foot fatigue. At the bottom of the boots, Salomon also added two different types of leather to give improved grip on multiple terrains.
