If you’ve ever had a blister, you know just how debilitating those unimpressive little wounds can be. A great day’s hike can be all for naught—or even worse, your trip turns into an unending succession of replacing bandages and wraps. That’s why it’s important to minimize your risk of any injury great or small by choosing the right pair of hiking boots

Our top pick for 2023’s all-around best boot goes to the Lowa Renegade GTX Mid Boots. The Renegade GTX offers hikers a mix of waterproofing, breathability, stability, and comfort. Read on to learn all about this year’s best hiking boots for men and best hiking boots for women.

  1. Our top pick

  2. Best runner-up hiking boots

  3. Best affordable hiking boots

  4. Best heavy-duty hiking boots for backpacking

  5. Most stylish hiking boots

  6. Most ventilated waterproof hiking boots

  7. Best hiking boots for day hikes

  8. Best winter hiking boots

  9. Other favourites

Our Top Hiking Boots, Reviewed

1. Our top pick

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Lowa’s Renegade GTX has been a fan favourite for the last two decades. The mix of stability, weatherproofing, comfort, and breathability makes it one of the most versatile boots on the market today. The boot features a GORE-TEX lining, VIBRAM Evo outsole, and MONOWRAP frame construction.

For those seeking an all-around versatile and comfortable boot, consider the Renegade GTX. It’s perfect for all manner of activities, from a weeklong hunting trip to a trekking expedition abroad. 

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2. Best Runner-Up Hiking Boots

Sleek and stylish, the Salomon Cross Hike Mid-High GTX is an ideal hiking boot, offering the lightness and flexibility of a running shoe with the support and waterproof protection of the strongest models. With a toe cap, full GORE-TEX® membrane and 5mm crampons, it's as rugged as it is comfortable and practical.

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Pros

  • Supportive 
  • Waterproof 
  • 5 mm lugs 
  • Good grip

Cons

  • Not that breathable 

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3. Best Affordable Hiking Boots

The anti-fatigue footbed of this rugged hiking boot offers unparalleled all-day comfort, while the TimberDry™ waterproof membrane made from 50% recycled plastic makes it 100% waterproof. The Mt. Madsen waterproof boot from Timberland is a great choice for both novice and seasoned hikers, and its urban look will allow you to use it as an everyday boot as well.

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Pros

  • Price
  • Traction
  • Support
  • Durability
  • Value

Cons

  • Heavy
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4. Best Heavy-Duty Hiking Boots for Backpacking

Protect your feet against sharp rocks and steep inclines with the La Sportiva Nucleo High II Gtx Hiking Boot (Women’s; Men’s). These boots are made with Nubuck leather uppers, a very fine leather that has great durability. If you get these boots, you’ll need to pre-treat the leather for water stains and scratches. 

Because of the materials, many customers claim there’s no break-in period, and they’re comfortable right away! The Nano cell inserts create better breathability, and the compression-moulded midsole provides some bounce and responsive feel. They’re also super lightweight, coming in at less than one pound, or 381 g

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Pros

  • Protective 
  • Breathable 
  • No break-in needed

Cons

  • Delicate Nubuck leather
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5. Most Stylish Hiking Boots

For over 30 years, the Danner Mountain Light hiking boot has been a symbol of rugged adventure. The classic aesthetic speaks to a bygone era of heroic expeditions. And yet, even today, form still follows function with the Mountain Light.

It features waterproof GORE-TEX liners and Vibram Kletterlift outsoles. Each pair is still carefully handcrafted with real, full-grain leather in Portland, Oregon. It’s the iconic classic—updated. Men can check out a similar version but made with a Gore-Tex membrane here.

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Pros

  • Classic style
  • Rugged
  • Real leather
  • Breathable
  • Durable

Cons

  • Price
  • Heavy
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6. Most Ventilated Waterproof Hiking Boots

As nimble as a trail running shoe, the Salomon X Ultra 4 mid-high boot offers all the stability, grip and waterproof protection you need to tackle technical terrain. Equipped with a new chassis, this boot provides even better protection for sensitive joints without restricting freedom of movement. A lightweight boot for rough terrain that fits your foot perfectly.

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Pros

  • Versatility
  • Lightweight
  • Breathable
  • Waterproof
  • Price

Cons

  • Less durable than most
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7. Best Hiking Boots for Day Hikes

If you’re looking for a casual but dependable hiking boot, then the Danner Mountain Pass Hiking Boot is for you. The full-grain and Horween leather upper barely needs any break-in and smells lovely. Since full-grain leather is the highest grade of leather, it doesn’t require much protection or care. 

The uppers are lined with Dri-lex, which is breathable and moisture-wicking, making the shoes better for hot-weather hikes. There’s also a removable OrthoLite footbed for ultimate comfort and precise fit.

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Pros

  • High quality 
  • Low maintenance 
  • Light
  • Stylish

Cons

  • Grip could be better
  • Expensive
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8. Best Winter Hiking Boots

Designed for all types of terrain and worst-case conditions, the Coldspark Ultradry insulated hiking boot from Vasque is a great choice for anyone looking for a waterproof, breathable boot. The Coldspark UltraDry™ is a winter boot designed for hiking and other active activities in cold weather. The Retain, a unique heat-reflective and breathable lining, and an UltraDry™ waterproof membrane keep feet comfortable while moving through the winter. The multi-directional outsole lug pattern maximizes grip in icy and wet conditions.

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Pros

  • Winter-ready
  • Weatherproof
  • Insulated
  • Shock absorbent
  • Higher upper

Cons

  • Initially quite stiff
  • Price
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9. Other Favourites

Shock-absorbent, waterproof, and breathable, Lowa’s Tibet GTX boots are designed to be durable and comfortable over long distances (like in the Tibetan Himalayas—get it?). The Tibet GTX will run you a pretty penny, though less than actually climbing the Himalayas.

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Shock-absorbent, waterproof, and breathable, Lowa’s Tibet GTX boots are designed to be durable and comfortable over long distances (like in the Tibetan Himalayas—get it?). The Tibet GTX will run you a pretty penny, though less than actually climbing the Himalayas.

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AKU’s Tribute II GTX Hiking Boots are a tough, comfortable, affordable option. They’re designed for hiking hills and low-lying mountains. Men can check out their own Tribute II GTX here.

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AKU’s Tribute II GTX Hiking Boots are a tough, comfortable, affordable option. They’re designed for hiking hills and low-lying mountains. Men can check out their own Tribute II GTX here.

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The AKU Trekker Pro GTX hiking boots are well-suited to day hikes and moderate trails. The breathable suede upper with GORE-TEX lining is waterproof. Women can check out their version of the Trekker Pro GTX here.

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The AKU Trekker Pro GTX hiking boots are well-suited to day hikes and moderate trails. The breathable suede upper with GORE-TEX lining is waterproof. Women can check out their version of the Trekker Pro GTX here.

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Buying Guide

What to look for when buying hiking boots

There are several key factors to consider when purchasing hiking boots. Below, we break them down so you can find the best hiking boots for your needs. 

1. Hiking Boots vs. Hiking Shoes

The hiking boot is quintessential backcountry footwear. Long before venturing into the woods was ever considered fun, explorers would slip their feet into a tough ol’ pair of boots. Compared to a mere shoe, boots offered more protection, better grip, and unmatched durability. And, despite the many revolutions in shoe textiles since then, boots have remained the hiker’s go-to choice.

Today, however, hiking shoes have gained unprecedented popularity. This has to do with modern fabrics and research into the physics of hiking. For instance, while an ankle boot does offer more stability, it restricts flexibility, which can lead to more serious ankle rolls when they do occur. 

Many people, including thru-hikers, are opting for lighter footwear just as they’ve opted for lighter backpacks. As the old adage goes, “one pound on your feet equals five pounds on your back.” What it comes down to is this: a hiking boot will be more durable, more waterproof, and create less impact per step. A hiking shoe will be lighter, less tiring to wear, more breathable, and dry faster when wet. Best way to know what works for you is to experiment!

2. Weight

As features increase, so does weight. Things like metal hardware, added insulation, a taller support, and a thicker sole all go a long way in protecting your foot. But these will also contribute to quicker leg fatigue—especially on inclined terrain. If weight isn’t your top concern, you should still determine which features you need and which you don’t. That way, you’re not carrying more weight than you have to.

3. Materials

There are three main categories that materials fall into:

  • Synthetic

Synthetic is a broad category that includes all man-made materials. Synthetic materials of today tend to perform better in every category, such as breathability, weather-resistance, and durability. Of course, they won’t look nearly as cool as a pair of leather boots.

  • Suede & Nubuck

Folks often confuse suede for nubuck and vice versa. That’s because both have a ‘fuzzy’ look and feel, since both are made of sanded leather hides. The difference is that suede is the result of sanding the inside of the hide, while nubuck is the result of sanding the outside.

The practical difference is that suede is softer and nubuck more durable. You’ll notice that hiking boots which appear to be suede are actually nubuck. Because of its soft feel, suede is typically reserved for next-to-skin garments like gloves or boot interiors.

  • Full-Grain Leather

Any good leather boot will be made of full-grain leather—it is the toughest, highest-quality leather on the market. You may be used to seeing the term genuine leather on a lot of supposedly high-end products. Don’t be fooled. Genuine leather simply means that the material is technically leather, but it won’t tell you the actual grade of the leather.

4. Waterproofness

There’s nothing worse than feeling like every step you take is a barefooted one into a puddle. That’s why a boot that can withstand a serious downpour is a must. Always check the boot material construction: GORE-TEX is the most common waterproof fabric, while rubber outsoles like VIBRAM are also waterproof. 

Areas of the boot made of a secondary fabric (like full-grain leather) should be treated with a waterproof coating by the manufacturer. You should also check the quality of the stitching, and whether you can lace the boot well enough to prevent water from entering from above.

5. Breathability

After waterproofness, breathability is the next most popular concern. Think about it: the most perfectly waterproof boot will still leave you feet soaking wet from sweat! Carefully consider a boot’s ventilation, as having a foot that can breathe is as important to staying dry as having a boot that repels water.

6. Soles & Traction

Traction is always important. Deeper grooves and multiple patterns on a boot’s outsole tend to provide more traction. That said, better traction also requires a thicker outsole. This is good because thicker outsoles reduce impact; however, they minimize your tactile feel of the trail. It’s important to decide how much traction you need to maintain a good grip.

7. Features

Here are a couple common features:

  • Rands

Toe and heel rands (more commonly known as toe and heel caps) provide wearers with additional protection against rocks and logs. In hiking boots, a rand is usually made from a thicker piece of rubber or leather, and is a common feature of many models.

  • Crampons

Crampons are an after-market feature that equip your boots to travel across snow and ice. They are a detachable outsole that consist of a frame and an array of metal spikes (either aluminum or steel), which penetrate into and grip icy/snowy terrain. 

Crampons come in many varieties, from flexible to rigid, which vary according to the level of technicality required of them. Make sure the crampons you like are compatible with your particular boot.

8. Fit

Nothing beats trying on a pair of boots to determine their fit. Altitude Sports has an easy return policy, letting you try boots on, determining your best fit, and sending them back quickly and hassle-free to exchange if needs be.

Because all our feet are different, it’s important to go with a pair that feels like they were made for you. For those with wide feet, pay special attention to a boot’s narrowness: if your toes feel squished together, move on. 

Winter hikers and thru-hikers should consider sizing slightly up. For the former, you’ll need the extra space for a thicker sock. For the latter, your feet will most certainly swell on the trail from so much hiking. On the other hand, you don’t want a hiking boot or shoe that feels too loose, either—this is a guaranteed road to blister-city.

And try your boots on after 2 PM, when your feet have swollen naturally, as they do every day.

FAQ's for hiking boots

Q: Are hiking boots necessary?

A: For short hiking trips, strolls through the countryside, or hikes along easy terrain, hiking boots aren’t strictly necessary. But for any hiking that involves paying attention to the placement of each step, a hiking boot or shoe is a must. Not only will your normal shoes wear out near-instantly on a real trail, but you’re greatly increasing your risk of injury.

Q: How long does it take to break in hiking boots?

A: It really depends, and there’s no shortcut. The only way to find out is by wearing them as much as possible in and around your home. Never wait until you start hiking to break in your new pair of boots, no matter how comfortable they feel out of the box.

Q: How often should I replace hiking boots?

A: Things like the make and/or model of your boot, types of terrain, climate and weather, frequency of use, and how well you take care of them will all factor into this answer. There’s a loose guideline, however, that stipulates replacing them every 300-500 miles.

Q: How can I make hiking boots more comfortable?

A: After-market insoles, a padded Merino wool sock, and lots of break-in time are the three key ingredients to making a boot comfier. If all that fails, you might consider buying different boots...

We hope to have shed some light on what it takes to choose the right hiking boot. Now that you’re equipped with the right knowledge, go back and take a look at our best hiking boots for men and women in 2022 to see if you can pick a boot that’s right for you. Happy trails!