The 9 Best Hiking Boots to Wear This Year | 2019

Choosing the best hiking boots is a little harder than it sounds.

There isn’t just one perfect hiking boots pair for everyone, it’s more like a matchmaking process.

There are hiking boots for different types of hikes, different weather conditions, and different terrains.

No matter what type of hiking boots you need, the real test is what it feels like after a few hours out on the trail, so we’ve put together a list of the best hiking boots!

Top Hiking Boots – Editor’s Pick

This table shows a comparison of the editor’s top 5 best hiking boots choices.

 

9. Columbia Women’s Newton Ridge Plus Hiking Boot

 

Ideal for: Day hikers

Columbia makes some of the best hiking boots for women as this particular pair is made with a waterproofed leather upper, and a rubber sole.

Also, the outsole has Omni-Grip tread technology for full traction.

This is a mid-cut boot that comes in only two colorways.

These boots are appropriate for a wide range of weather and terrain conditions.

Heights: 

• Comfortable after breaking in
• Waterproofed leather
• Omni-Grip outsole

Plains: 

• Not ideal for difficult or long-term hikes
• Narrow toe

8. Timberland Men’s Chocorua Trail Hiking Boot

 

Ideal for: Day hikes

Timberland’s Chocorua hiking boot features waterproof leather.

There’s also a Gore-Tex membrane, and the boot is seam-sealed.

These are some of the best hiking boots for men as they are great for snowy or rainy conditions and they are also breathable.

However, their traction is not that durable, and the sole is not thick enough for rocky terrain.

Users say they are comfortable right out of the box.

Heights: 

• Fully waterproofed
• Comfortable and light-weight
• Good support

Plains: 

• Traction is weaker than with some other boots
• They have a thin sole

7. Under Armour Men’s Valsetz RTS

 

Ideal for: Light hikes

Under Armour’s Valsetz boot is made with a synthetic full-grain leather and textile upper.

Although this boot is not waterproof, it still stands out thanks to its attention to comfortability.

There is memory foam in the sockliner and sole, and the “ClutchFit” technology is designed to wrap around your ankle for optimal support and comfort.

These boots are lightweight, warm, and breathable.

Heights: 

• Comfortable like a sneaker
• Ankle support
• Warm

Plains: 

• Not waterproof
• Not durable enough for moderate hikes

6. Ahnu Women’s Sugarpine Hiking Boot

 

Ideal for: Day hikes, bumpy terrain

It’s made with a waterproof leather upper and has Numentum technology, which helps improve your stability during a hike.

The ankle collar is padded for comfort and support. It’s lightweight and suitable for bumpy terrain.

They are great for light to moderate hikes, and the waterproofing will hold up.

We consider these some of the best women’s hiking boots on the market.

Heights: 

• Comfortable
• Lightweight
• Good for uneven terrain

Plains: 

• Uncomfortable/stiff at first wear
• Run warm

Suggested: Be fully prepared for your next hike, get a top-rated, high-quality tent too!

5. Columbia Men’s Newton Ridge Plus Waterproof Hiking Boot

 

Ideal for: Moderate hikes

Next up, we have another hiking boot from Columbia, this one made for men and different in shape and appearance.

This is cut lower than the women’s boot and should be great for longer hikes as well.

It’s made from a waterproof leather upper and synthetic breathable mesh.

These hiking shoes are lightweight but still have the durability of a heavier boot.

Heights: 

• Lightweight
• Extremely waterproof
• Great traction

Plains: 

• Stiff toe box
• Not much arch support

4. KEEN Women’s Targhee II Waterproof Hiking Boot

 

Ideal for: Day hikes, all terrain

This women’s hiking boot from Keen is made with nubuck leather, a textile upper and a rubber sole.

It’s a mid-height hiking boot with a waterproof membrane along with a protective toe cap.

The outsole is aggressively lugged, so it should be able to handle a variety of rocky and uneven terrain easily.

The insole includes an ESS shank, which provides a more secure experience, and the boot has great arch support.

Heights: 

• Waterproof
• Comfortable immediately
• Excellent traction

Plains: 

• Run small
• Not for narrow feet

3. Timberland White Ledge Men’s Waterproof Boot

 

Ideal for: Casual hikes, moderate hikes

Here we have another hiking boot from Timberland.

This one has an oiled leather finish and is waterproof.

The EVA insole provides foot support and is removable.

Users say that these boots are well-insulated, so they will keep your feet warm and dry.

Due to the lower price, these boots are not as durable as some other higher-end hiking boots.

Still, they would work well for moderate hikes a few days long.

Heights: 

• Lightweight
• Comfortable
• Waterproof and insulated

Plains: 

• Not extremely durable

Recommended: Don’t forget to pair your hiking boots with a good, reliable pair of hiking pants (for women and men alike)!

2. Merrell Men’s Moab Ventilator Mid Hiking Boot

 

Ideal for: Day hikes, long hikes

Merrell’s hiking boots are extremely popular with hikers of all stripes.

The Moab hiking boot is mid-cut, with a leather and textile upper.

It’s very breathable and features moisture-wicking technology on the mesh lining, along with odor prevention.

The outsole is made with Vibram, so it has pretty good traction on the ground.

One possible downside to these boots is that they are not waterproof.

Also, the insole may need occasional replacing for a truly comfortable footbed that will last.

Heights: 

• Durable construction
• Breathable
• Good lasting traction

Plains: 

• Not waterproof
• Flimsy insole

1. Salomon Men’s Quest 4D 2 GTX Hiking Boot

 

Ideal for: Backpacking, light to difficult hikes

The new Quest 4d 2 GTX is high-cut and with nubuck leather and textile.

It features Gore-tex waterproofing and a molded EVA ortholite footbed that’s also removable.

The outsole is made with their in-house technology Contagrip, which provides adequate traction.

Though they’re not insulated, users say they keep their feet warm while still being breathable enough for warmer weather.

These are durable enough for long through-hikes, frequent day hikes, and even backpacking (so don’t forget to get a proper hiking backpack with you too).

Heights: 

• Lightweight and comfortable
• Breathable
• Suitable for a range of hiking conditions

Plains: 

• Can be slippery when wet
• Run slightly narrow

Conclusion

 

Whether you need something simple for the occasional day hike or a durable hiking boot to hike the Appalachian trail, our best hiking boots have a whole range of users proclaiming their benefits.

These boots are well-made and have been proven worthy out in the field.

Do you know of a popular pair of hiking boots that we didn’t include here? Let us know below!

Recommended Read: The Ultimate Hiking Items Checklist [PDF]