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The 8 best hiking boots of 2026, according to outdoor enthusiasts
From Merrell to Salomon and Hoka, our top picks for men and women will help you tackle your next trail.
In this story
Some sports and activities require tons of specialty equipment — hiking, on the other hand, technically only requires your feet. That's why a good, sturdy pair of hiking boots is crucial. You'll need a durable pair that protects from foot pain and blisters while helping you trek across rough terrain, rushing rivers and muddy trails without slipping.
"Hiking footwear is literally the foundation of the hiking experience, and no gear is as important as great-fitting, supportive and adequate-traction footwear," says Wesley Trimble, creative director at American Hiking Society. With the help of his expertise and that of podiatrists, hiking enthusiasts and our expert product reviewers, we've put together a selection of the best hiking boots.
Whether you're a cautious beginner, a daily hiker or an experienced off-trail explorer looking to reboot (sorry) your hiking footwear, all types of hikers can find something on this list, from traditional hiking boots to winter-ready boots, water shoes, shoes designed for rocky terrain and more.
The best hiking boots of 2026
Sizes: Men's 7-14, Women's 5-11 | Width: Medium | Outer: Leather, Gore-tex | Inner: Mesh, EVA foam | Outsole: Rubber | Waterproof: Yes | Weight per shoe: 1 lb. 7 oz. | Closure style: Laces
Why we love it: Looking to make a long-term commitment to the hiking game? Check out these beasts from Salomon that are designed to thrive in all types of environments you might be hiking in. Gabaccia Moreno, executive director of the Outdoorist Oath, has worn them everywhere from a Continental Divide hunting expedition to a trek to the base camp of Sagarmatha (Everest) and said she would do it all again in the same pair of boots. That's likely thanks to their Gore-Tex waterproofing, rubber outsole that provides maximum traction on mixed terrains, and a high-rise design that offers more-than-ample ankle support.
What our pros say: Moreno has been wearing her Quest 4s for over three years now and keeps going back to them because they "perform amazing on trails but also in cross-country environments, and are the most durable boots I've ever owned. They breathe great, though waterproof, and I trust every step I take with them. My favorite thing about them, and why they are my top boots, is that they did not require a break-in period for me at all."
Keep in mind: They're expensive and slightly heavier than the other options on our list at around 1.5 pounds per shoe, but the trade-off is incredible security, waterproofness, durability and support.
- Waterproof, breathable Gore-Tex outer
- Tall shaft for improved ankle protection
- Works well on multiple types of terrain
- No break-in period
- Durable
- A little heavier
Dick's Sporting Goods
Sizes: Women's 6-12, Men's 7-14 | Widths: Regular, Wide | Outer: Leather, Gore-tex | Inner: EVA foam | Outsole: Rubber | Waterproof: Yes | Weight per shoe: 2 lb. 7 oz. | Closure style: Laces
Why we love it: The ideal fit for a women's boots is generally more narrow with a smaller heel and slightly different arch shape that typically feels more secure to women, according to Aricia Symes, stylist and founder of personal styling company Unfoldid. Reviewers love that these were excellent for narrow feet while still offering a roomy toe box, ideal for allowing your feet to grip and balance properly. They're also totally waterproof thanks to the Gore-tex membrane, designed to keep moisture out while still letting sweat evaporate.
What our pros say: Moreno recommends these because they're "not only super stylish but also very comfortable. I've owned three pairs that lasted me several years and hundreds of miles of backpacking, hunting and hiking." Our Senior Home Writer, Kristin Granero, is also a fan of how comfortable the Vasque boots are. She says they provided great traction as she hiked through Yosemite National Park thanks to cushioning pods in the insoles and outsoles made from Vibram, a durable rubber material that's a good indicator that the brand didn't skimp on quality materials.
Keep in mind: If your boots aren't comfortable straight out of the box, don't panic: Moreno notes that the boots "do require a break-in period, but it's worth it because the leather on these is beautiful and comfortable." Also, while these do have a more narrow fit, there are wide options available for those who need it.
- Budget-friendly
- Waterproof leather that molds to your feet over time
- Durable and can last for years with proper care
- Cushioned, supportive insoles
- Good for narrow feet
- Requires a break-in period
Sizes: Men's 7-14, Women's 5-10 | Width: Regular | Outer: Gore-Tex, polyestser, leather | Inner: EVA foam | Outsole: Nylon shank | Waterproof: Yes | Weight per shoe: 2 lb. 5 oz. | Closure style: Lace-up
Why we love it: Although personal preference is king at the end of the day, the ideal men's model typically has more overall volume and width, according to Symes. "The Teva Grandview GTX earns its top spot for men because its roomier fit and generous toe box give it a true comfort edge," Symes says. "Those details make a noticeable difference on steep descents when the foot tends to slide forward." And you can reach for these boots whether your hike is set to be sunny or there's rain in the forecast thanks to the waterproof leather uppers that are treated with Gore-Tex waterproofing to protect your feet from the elements and the quick-dry webbing system.
What our pros say: "The Grandview GTX blends serious trail capability in a streamlined build that feels supportive, not bulky, with comfort that lasts all day," says Symes. "It checks every performance box with Gore-Tex waterproofing, rubber traction and a sturdy yet cushioned footbed that handles varied terrain. It’s the rare boot that gets the technical elements right while still feeling easy to wear."
Keep in mind: Despite the roomy fit, these do not come in wide sizing. We recommend buying your regular size due to the way they're designed to fit a range of widths and only sizing up if you feel it's necessary.
- Wider toe box and roomy fit with more volume
- Heavier but with a sturdy feel
- Waterproof, breathable Gore-Tex outer
- Features a quick-dry webbing system
- Doesn't come in wide widths
Sizes: Women's 6-11 , Men's 8.5-14 | Width: Regular | Outer:Polyester | Inner: EVA foam | Outsole: Rubber | Waterproof: Yes | Weight per shoe: 13.7 oz. | Closure style: Laces
Why we love it: At only 13.7 ounces, these stable yet lightweight pair won't drag you down on the trails. The rubber outsoles and built-in shanks (the stiff, structural component built into the sole) provides the stability you need to tackle trails in both wet and dry conditions (yes, they're waterproof), and reviewers love the innovative lacing system that allows for both quick single-pull and traditional lacing for easy on and off.
What our pros say: According to Hillary Brenner, D.P.M., a podiatrist at NYC Private Medical, the key to a good hiking shoe is "a balance of light weight, support/stability, cushion/functionality, stiffness/breathability and durability." Reviewers agree these fit the bill: One shopper raved, "My favorite feature is the grip. We were climbing on a lot of rocks, and these boots held the grip exceptionally well."
Keep in mind: The brand says both men's and women's sizing runs small and recommends sizing up by a half size, especially if you're between sizes. The trendy style may not suit everyone.
- Super lightweight feel
- Two different lacing options
- Provides grip in both wet and dry conditions
- Runs slightly small
Sizes: Women's 6-11, Men's 7-15 | Width: Regular | Outer: Nubuck leather | Inner: EVA foam | Outsole: Rubber | Waterproof: Yes | Weight per shoe: 1 lb. 1 oz. | Closure style: Laces
Why we love it: These Hoka mid-risers (you can shop the lower version here) have a traditional lace-up closure that offers a secure fit, an abrasion-resistant toe cap and heel for added protection and what the brand calls an anatomical Achilles construction with a heel pull tab that makes them easy to put on and take off. Perhaps best of all, shoppers say the "ankle support is flawless," which is crucial on unstable ground.
What our pros say: "It's the design details that make the Hoka Kahas unique: a waterproof, breathable membrane to keep feet dry, a durable toe cap for rock protection and a molded heel counter that locks the foot in place," says Symes. "Those structural elements, combined with cushioning, help provide comfort and stability for long days on the trail."
Keep in mind: Multiple customers noted that these tend to run a little small. They also are only available in regular width with no wide option, so if you have wider feet and/or are between sizes, it may be safer to go up by half a size.
- Lightweight yet durable
- Secure, extended ankle support
- Toe cap for extra protection
- Runs small with no wide sizing
Sizes: Men's 7-14, Women's 5-11 | Width: Regular, Wide | Outer: Synthetic, leather | Inner: Textile, Gore-Tex | Outsole: Rubber | Waterproof: Yes | Weight per shoe: 15 oz. | Closure style: Hook and loop
Why we love it: If you're heading to a trail with a lot of variable terrain, reach for a pair that offers extra grip or traction that feature a patented super-grip outsole for all sorts of environments. The lacing is designed to prevent your foot from slipping to help you with complicated downhills. Customers with wide feet especially liked that they have a nice, roomy toe box and are available in wide sizing.
What our pros say: "I bought these 2 weeks ahead of my backpacking trip so I could break them in if necessary. They were comfortable from the start," says one reviewer. And several others noted that they stayed dry in the rain as well.
Keep in mind: Some customers complained about the laces — too long, not strong enough, won't stay tied — it varies, but overall, the chief complaints seem to center around the laces. The good news is that laces are replaceable. While the wide sizing is great for some, others noted that they can feel a little clunky.
- Wide sizing and roomy toe box
- Great traction for downhill
- Lightweight and grippy even on wet surfaces
- Run wide
- Divisive laces
How we chose the best hiking boots
Who better to advise on the best hiking boots than hiking experts and outdoor enthusiasts who rely on the day in and day out? We got intel on the things they look for in a good pair of boots, dealbreakers, must-haves and must-skips. We did the same with our Yahoo Shopping experts who test hiking gear on and off the clock.
We cross-checked these selections by consulting with shoe experts and podiatrists to understand the intricacies of a hiking boot's fit, durability and comfort and how that intersects with foot health.
With these tips in mind, we researched dozens of hiking shoes and boots for both men and women based on various needs, preferences and budgets. We combed through hundreds of customer reviews to see if each brand's sizing and functionality claims actually held up when worn by dozens of people across the country, and tested several options ourselves to see how they felt when worn out and about.
Factors to consider when choosing hiking boots
Wesley Trimble, creative director of the American Hiking Society, says there are four main factors to look for when shopping for a pair of hiking shoes: fit, traction, support and protection. Above all, adds Dr. Brenner, a hiking shoe "needs a balance of light weight, support, stability, cushion, functionality, stiffness/breathability and durability." Here's what to look out for when shopping:
Outer material
The best outer material will all depend on what type of hiking you'll be doing — and what the weather and trail conditions will be like. Aricia Symes, stylist and founder of personal styling company Unfoldid (who's also hiked Mt. Rainier!), broke down each of the most commonly-used outer materials for hiking boots. Consider this a mini glossary to keep handy as you browse:
Mesh: "Shoes with mesh uppers are ideal for warm weather and fast-paced hikes, since mesh is lightweight and breathable," says Symes. "It's a great choice for dry summer trails and speed hiking, but not ideal for wet or cold conditions. The trade-off is the amount of protection and durability. Mesh can let in water, dust and debris, and it won't insulate in cold weather."
Leather: This material provides "excellent durability, abrasion resistance and water resistance," says Backcountry gear expert Kenton Matthaei. "Most commonly used in the classic style boots intended for carrying heavy loads, they provide additional support for traveling through rugged terrain." Symes adds that leather is the most protective choice for your feet as it "resists abrasion from rocks and brush, blocks wind well and molds to your foot over time for a secure, broken-in feel." While it's not automatically waterproof, treated leather is great at handling wet conditions. Just keep in mind that once saturated, leather takes a very long time to dry.
Nylon: "This is a solid material for outdoor shoes," says Symes. "It's lighter than leather and more durable than mesh. It's a solid middle ground for hikers who want durability without the bulk of full leather, good for abrasion resistance while also staying flexible and relatively lightweight."
Gore-Tex: If you've invested more than five minutes into shopping for hiking boots (or simply read this article), you've heard of Gore-Tex. "It's a waterproof, breathable membrane that keeps water out while allowing sweat and moisture to escape," explains Symes. "It's excellent in wet, muddy or snowy conditions. However, in very hot climates, some may prefer a non-waterproof shoe for greater airflow and the cooling that comes from water getting into the shoe."
Inner material
Did you know that your midsole (which is the cushioning and support layer that lives above your outsole, which is the part of the shoe that touches the ground) can actually heavily impact the comfort, shock absorption and longevity of your shoes?
Foam is often used for comfortable cushioning and shock absorption, but Symes notes that quality can vary: "Cheaper foam compresses faster and can start to feel flat and hard. This is one of the easiest places a brand can cut corners, so weight, price and brand reputation matter here."
EVA is a common type of light foam that feels soft and flexible out of the box with an easy break-in. But the trade-off, according to Symes, is that it, too, can pack down faster with heavy use. "Choose EVA for lighter weight and softer comfort," she says.
Polyurethane, often abbreviated as PU, is a denser midsole material that's a little more durable than EVA. "It holds its shape longer and provides better support, but it's heavier and you don't get that soft, pillow-y feel. It's a great choice if you value longevity and stability," explains Symes.
Rubberized foam is a concoction of rubber injected with air or gas to give it a soft, flexible, bouncy feel. "Rubberized foam resists compression better than basic foam, so it tends to feel more stable and can hold its shape longer under more mileage," Symes says. "It blends that foam cushioning with added durability."
As for insoles, which are the removable layers that goes into a shoe and sits right under your foot, Symes explains that they can help improve arch support (especially if you have a tendency to require a little extra) or improve fit for shoes that are ever so slightly too roomy. A new set of insoles can even give you back a little of that out-of-the-box cushioning if use over time has packed down the original insole. They're typically made with one of the foam variants listed above, and it's cheaper to buy some insoles rather than a whole new pair of shoes — just "make sure it does not steal too much volume in the toe box or compromise a comfortable fit," says Symes.
Outsole material and traction
For a flatter, less challenging trail, Trimble says "a simple cross-trainer athletic shoe may suffice," but as you advance on to steeper more uneven terrain, "it's more important to have a shoe or boot with good deep lugs on the outsole to provide adequate traction."
Cris Hazzard, hiking expert of HikingGuy.com, suggests footwear with Vibram outsoles. Symes says, "Vibram is a premium brand known for durable rubber compounds and reliable traction. It tends to grip well and wear longer than many generic outsoles." It sounds extremely jargon-y, but turns out Vibram rubber is "a good sign the brand invested in outsole performance rather than cutting costs," according to Symes.
While Vibram tends to come with a more premium price tag, it's known as the gold standard for rubber outsoles because "the material does an excellent job for all-around traction," says Hazzard.
And what are lugs, you ask? "They're raised rubber grips on the outside of a shoe," explains Symes. "Deeper, widely-spaced lugs perform well on loose terrain and shed mud more efficiently, while shallower lugs feel smoother and more comfortable on hard-packed trails." She notes that you don't need aggressive lugs if you mostly hike on dry or smooth ground, but in wet, uneven conditions, lug depth truly matters.
Waterproofness
Keeping feet as dry as possible is also key to foot comfort and safety. The materials to prioritize if you'll be in rainy or snowy conditions, or crossing water on the trail:
Gore-Tex, a material that is simultaneously waterproof and breathable by having pores that are smaller than a water droplet but bigger than a sweat molecule. It's the gold standard for waterproofing in clothing and shoes.
Full-grain and/or Nubuck leather can vary from fairly water-resistant to basically waterproof depending on how intensely they've been treated and maintained.
Support
Matthaei says that a good pair of hiking shoes will be supportive, lightweight and breathable. And it turns out that "good support" doesn't just mean shoes that are taller around the ankle: "Most hiking support comes from secure lacing (more on that below), plus a stable midsole that won't collapse when you twist the shoe and a firm heel counter — a rigid, stabilizing piece built into the back of a shoe — to hold the foot snugly in place," says Symes.
Do a quick twist test on your shoes — according to Symes, "you want the shoe to resist twisting through the midfoot but still flex at the toes. If it folds like a taco in the middle, it will feel unstable on the trail."
Protection
Trimble warns, don't forget to choose an option that'll shield your feet from hazardous flora, fauna and obstacles: "Different regions will have different factors to account for, but a protective shoe will generally decrease abrasions and injury from rocks, brush, thorns, prickles, insects and even the sun." A reinforced toe cap will protect your toenails, while a higher ankle will protect against scratches and debris. And in order to protect yourself from ticks, snakes and heavy brush, think coverage, says Symes. "Taller boots help and gaiters can be even more effective because they seal the gap and add an extra barrier between your skin and the elements."
Closure
Lacing systems impact the way your shoes fit, and most people sleep on the various options that different lacing methods unlock. The top eyelets of your hiking boots, Symes explains, can be utilized to increase support. "Use the heel-lock lacing method to achor the heel in place, reduce heel lift and prevent sliding on descents. This should help cut down on blisters and toenail pain," she says. "You can also use a surgeon's knot halfway up your laces to prevent slippage. This locks tension in place so the lower boot stays snug."
And for increased durability, don't be afraid to swap out the laces your boots came with for a higher-quality woven pair. You can even keep a spare set in your pack in case you end up dealing with a broken lace mid-hike.
Weight
There's generally an inverse relationship between boot weight and protectiveness. A heavier boot is more tiring to hike in, but the heaviness is most likely due to the use of durable, substantial materials like real leather and/or dense PU as well as sizable lugs. On the other hand, a lightweight boot made of more flexible materials like nylon, mesh and/or foam will feel easier to move in — but you sacrifice some insulation and protection. Ideally, you'd have a pair for easier, warmer and drier hikes as well as a second pair for colder, wetter and more intense conditions.
Meet our experts
Hillary Brenner, D.P.M. at NYC Private Medical
Cris Hazzard, hiking expert at HikingGuy.com
Kenton Matthaei, Backcountry gearhead expert
Gabaccia Moreno, executive director at Outdoorist Oath
Aricia Symes, stylist and founder of personal styling company Unfoldid
Wesley Trimble, creative director at American Hiking Society
The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.
Update, Feb. 27, 2026: We checked all product prices and availability. We included new picks from Hoka and Salomon as well as updated shopping advice from experts.
