My picks for the best hiking boots
Last updated: February 9, 2021
1. Best Hiking Boot - Timberland Men's White Ledge Mid Waterproof Ankle Boot ($89.95)
- Our White Ledge Men's Hiking Boots have premium full-grain waterproof leather uppers, seam-sealed waterproof construction, and rustproof speed lace hardware with hooks at top for secure lacing
- LOOK NO FURTHER for trail-ready performance and style; Our selection of men’s hiking boots, waterproof hiking boots, casual boots, and casual shoes is designed to fit in with your outdoor-ready ensembles
- TIMBERLAND HAS YOU COVERED whether you're looking for men's boots, women's boots, or kids boots; For the best in hiking boots, rain boots, work boots, casual shoes and boots and more, choose Timberland
- WHAT YOU NEED IN THE OUTDOORS: Timberland has the gear you need for all your outdoor adventures, including jackets and coats for outdoor activities, backpacks and luggage and outdoor accessories
- Covered by the Timberland Limited Warranty; For complete terms, limitations, and instructions on how to make a warranty claim, please visit the Timberland website
Why we chose this one?
Timberland is one of the most well-established and highly-regarded names in the world of footwear. Any experienced hiker will surely have come across the Timberland brand before - they are ubiquitous in this space. Despite being comprised of all-leather and being incredibly sturdy in its construction, this boot is lightweight and comfortable to wear for extended periods of time. As well as being a formidable hiking boot, these Timberlands have also found their way into the work kits of many tradesmen and construction workers who work mostly outdoors.
As well as being lightweight and very well made, the comfort of these Timberland boots is further enhanced by thick ankle padding. This padding, which is present on both the upper shoe and the collar of the boot, is arguably the defining feature of these boots. It certainly helps to make the White Ledge Mid a step above other options in the same range.
The presence of a wide sole at the forefoot provides a very sturdy base. In combination with the padded collar, this ensures complete comfort regardless of the surface you are traversing. Our only complaint is that, compared to similar boots from other manufacturers, these measures do relatively little to provide stability for the wearer's ankle. But this minor quibble is somewhat mitigated by the impressive traction that these boots provide.
Overall, these boots provide excellent value to the wearer, however, it should be noted that in spite of the excellent build quality and use of an all-weather design, the soles of these boots do wear out relatively quickly compared to some of Timberland’s main competitors.
Specifications
- Materials: 100% leather body, recycled rubber sole
- Available Sizes: Men’s - 7-15. Women’s - 7-9.5
- Eyelet Pairs: 6
- Price range (approx): $60 - $195
- Colors: Dark brown, black, wheat, brown
Pros
Cons
2. Runner-Up Best Hiking Boot - Columbia Men's Newton Ridge Plus II Waterproof Hiking Boot (Price not available)
- ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY: This Columbia Men's Newton Ridge Plus II Waterproof hiking boot features Techlite lightweight midsole for long lasting comfort, superior cushioning, and high energy return as well as Omni-Grip advanced traction rubber sole for slip-free movement.
- HANDY FEATURES: This men's hiking boot is crafted of a waterproof full-grain leather and suede lightweight construction as well as a durable mesh tongue for breathability and comfort during treacherous days out on the trail or on the mountain.
- ADJUSTABLE FEATURES: The Newton Ridge Plus Waterproof II hiking boot features a lace-up closure for an adjustable, secure fit.
- DURABILITY: This men's waterproof hiking boot is lightweight and durable.
- This Columbia Men's Newton Ridge Plus II Waterproof hiking boot is the perfect waterproof addition to a treacherous day out on the trail or up the mountain.
Why we chose this one?
Another instantly-recognizable footwear manufacturer, Columbia has been making quality footwear for almost a century now, and they have clearly learned a few things in that time. Instead of an all-leather design, these boots feature a combination of materials that, when used together, make for a shoe that is comfortable, functional, and stylish.
Most experienced hikers have had experience with shoes that provide excellent outside waterproofing but fail the test when it comes to the inside waterproofing. In order to qualify as a truly waterproof hiking boot, they need to be able to resist water when the entire shoe is exposed. Fortunately, the Columbia Newton Ridge Plus II’s smart use of multiple materials ensures that they retain their waterproofing in all conditions.
Specifications
- Materials: Leather, suede, mesh, rubber sole
- Available Sizes: 7 - 17
- Eyelet Pairs: 6
- Colors: black, cordovan, curry, grey steel, collegiate navy, mud, dark brown, graphite.
Pros
Cons
3. Third Best Hiking Boot - Merrell Men's Moab 2 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot (Price not available)
- Leather, Mesh Upper
- Vibram TC5 Outsole; Merrell air cushion in the heel absorbs shock and adds stability, 5 millimeter lug depth
- Molded nylon arch shank
- Merrell Air Cushion, Breathable mesh lining
- EVA mid sole for stability and comfort, 5 millimeter lug depth
Why we chose this one?
The Merrell Men's Moab 2 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot is not quite as sturdy or resilient as the other shoes on this list, it probably won’t be enough for the most hardcore hikers out there. However, for beginners or for those who enjoy light hiking over multi-day treks through the mountains, this is the ideal boot to choose. The use of suede leather and a priority synthetic mesh provide reasonable waterproofing for most everyday scenarios but aren’t so effective for more extreme conditions.
The combination of materials used in the construction of the Merrell Men's Moab 2 make for a comfortable boot with a short-to-non-existent break-in period - you can appreciate the experience of wearing these boots from your very first hike. However, while these boots are very comfortable on gentle hikes, even when carrying some weight, they aren’t so comfortable to wear on rougher terrain.
Despite being a shoe for relatively lightweight hikers, the Merrell Men's Moab 2 is a pretty heavy boot. You can easily find other boots that offer as much or greater protection in a much more lightweight shoe. However, if weight isn’t an issue to you then these are among the best beginner hiking boots on the market.
Specifications
- Materials: suede leather, synthetic mesh, rubber sole
- Available Sizes: 7 - 15
- Eyelet Pairs: 5
- Colors: boulder, earth, beluga, gold, dusty olive, granite, walnut, charcoal, brindle
Pros
Cons
4. Forth Best Hiking Boot - Skechers Men's Relment Pelmo Chukka Waterproof Boot (Price not available)
- Waterproof
Why we chose this one?
The Skechers Men's Relment Pelmo Chukka is among the more affordable options on this list. As you would expect when it comes to the purchase of hiking boots, you get what you pay for. However, in spite of the relatively low price point of these boots, they provide an exceptionally comfortable experience in most circumstances.
This is another boot that is going to fall short for the most hardcore hikers out there. If you are regularly taking long hikes over extremely uneven, wet or slippery terrain then you will want a more sturdy pair of boots on your feet. However, for those who are either taking their first hikes or who are moving from beginners’ trails to intermediate ones, these boots will serve you very well.
The waterproofing is fine, but it does degrade a little quicker than many hikers will be used to. This can be mitigated by giving these boots regular TLC and spraying protective waterproofing over them periodically.
Specifications
- Materials: Leather, Gore-tex, synthetic rubber sole, memory foam
- Available Sizes: 6.5 - 16
- Eyelet Pairs: 6
- Colors: grey, khaki, suede
Pros
Cons
5. Fifth Best Hiking Boot - NORTIV 8 Men's Ankle High Waterproof Hiking Boots (Price not available)
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Why we chose this one?
Not every hiker is looking for a top-of-the-line hiking boot to last them for the next decade. If you are looking for something to see you through a short hiking holiday, a sturdy if relatively short-lived hiking boot, the NORTIV 8 Men's Ankle High Waterproof Hiking Boots are the ideal option. Despite their relatively low price point, these boots offer impressive waterproofing. In fact, the waterproofing on these boots outperforms some far more expensive options in certain circumstances.
The rubber outsole on these boots not only enhances their waterproofing but also provides an impressive grip on uneven or slippery terrain. A cushioned footbed helps to retain comfort, even when traversing relatively uneven surfaces. Of course, with a boot in this price range, there is only so much you can expect in this regard. However, the NORTIV 8s definitely perform well for their price point.
While these boots won’t stand up to the most rigorous hiking trails, they are a great option for more gentle terrain and make walking through your day-to-day life s comfortable as could be.
Specifications
- Materials: Cross-weave nylon, rubber soles, microfiber lining
- Available Sizes: 6.5 - 15
- Eyelet Pairs: 6
- Colors: black, brown, olive green
Pros
Cons
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