The Best Hiking Boot - 2021
We looked at the top 11 Hiking Boots and dug through the reviews from 85 of the most popular review sites including and more. The result is a ranking of the best Hiking Boots.
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Our Picks For The Top Hiking Boots
- The Best Hiking Boot
- 1. Timberland Men’s White Ledge Waterproof Ankle Hiking Boot
- 2. Columbia Women’s Newton Ridge Plus Waterproof Hiking Boot
- 3. KEEN Men’s Targhee 2 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot
- 4. Salomon Men’s Quest 4D Hiking Boot
- 5. Oboz Men’s Bridger BDRY Waterproof Hiking Boot
- 6. Skechers Men’s Segment-Garnet Ankle Hiking Boot
- 7. Merrell Men’s Moab 2 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot
- 8. Salomon Men’s X Ultra 3 Mid GTX Hiking Boot
- 9. Ariat Women’s Terrain Work Hiking Boot
- 10. Hi-Tec Women’s Bandera Mid-Rise Waterproof Hiking Boot
- 11. Mountain Warehouse Womens Adventurer Waterproof Hiking Boot
Durable ShoesThis is a durable and waterproof option for those who explore the outdoors in any weather.
Breathable Mesh Textile/Leather UppersThese boots provide comfort during both casual and strenuous hikes.
Minimal Break-In PeriodThese nubuck leather waterproof boots are sturdy and comfortable without a long break-in time.
Legendary Speedcross Lug PatternThis rubber sole and unique lug pattern eats up soft, technical trails with ease.
Why we recommend these hiking boots?
Products Considered
Products Analyzed
Expert Reviews Included
User Opinions Analyzed
Our experts reviewed the top 11 Hiking Boots and also dug through the reviews from 85 of the most popular review sites including and more. The result is a ranking of the best of the best Hiking Boots.
DWYM is your trusted roduct review source. Our team reviews thousands of product reviews from the trusted top experts and combines them into one easy-to-understand score. Learn more.
The Best Overall
Timberland Men’s White Ledge Waterproof Ankle Hiking Boot
Our Take
These 100% leather boots offer excellent durability, while the rubber soles provide traction to ensure you don’t slip on wet trails. The seam-sealed waterproof construction means you don’t have to worry about wet feet. The rust-proof speed-lace hardware with hooks ensure your laces are secure.
What other experts liked
What other experts didn't like
The Best Bang For Your Buck
Columbia Women’s Newton Ridge Plus Waterproof Hiking Boot
Our Take
These waterproof boots provide breathability and comfort. The lightweight midsole offers superior cushioning and high-energy return. The hook-and-loop closure system makes it easy to get the perfect snug fit.
What other experts liked
What other experts didn't like
Overall Product Rankings
1. Timberland Men’s White Ledge Waterproof Ankle Hiking Boot
2. Columbia Women’s Newton Ridge Plus Waterproof Hiking Boot
11. Mountain Warehouse Womens Adventurer Waterproof Hiking Boot
Our Hiking Boot Findings
Timberland Men’s White Ledge Waterproof Ankle Hiking Boot
What We Liked: These 100% leather boots offer excellent durability, while the rubber soles provide traction to ensure you don’t slip on wet trails. The seam-sealed waterproof construction means you don’t have to worry about wet feet. The rust-proof speed-lace hardware with hooks ensure your laces are secure.
Columbia Women’s Newton Ridge Plus Waterproof Hiking Boot
What We Liked: These waterproof boots provide breathability and comfort. The lightweight midsole offers superior cushioning and high-energy return. The hook-and-loop closure system makes it easy to get the perfect snug fit.
KEEN Men’s Targhee 2 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot
What We Liked: This lightweight choice has a stiff shank, aggressive tread and excellent toe cap protection, but does not require much time to break in. Plus, they are highly breathable, so you can wear them in the warmer months. These work well for those with wide feet.
Salomon Men’s Quest 4D Hiking Boot
What We Liked: These lightweight boots have durable construction and are perfect for day hikes. The lug pattern on the soles ensures that you don’t slip. Plus, this boot also offers protection for technical trails.
Merrell Men’s Moab 2 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot
What We Liked: These comfortable boots can be worn right out of the box without much break-in time, and they have a cushioned collar and tongue, plus a highly supportive footbed. The air cushion in the heel absorbs shock and adds stability. There is also extra protection in the toe cap.
Our Hiking Boot Buying Guide
If you like exploring scenic terrain, wandering through forest trails or just going for long walks in the wilderness, it’s important to have a good pair of hiking books. This kind of footwear is designed to protect your feet and ankles during your hike, ensuring you don’t get injured. The construction of hiking boots makes it easy to walk over rough and uneven terrain. They are stiff around the ankles, which can help to prevent sprains.
There are three main types of hiking boots, each designed for a specific kind of hiking, with their own benefits and features. Hiking shoes are low cut and are perfect for day hiking. They have flexible midsoles and will work for long-distance journeys. Day hiking boots, on the other hand, are mid- to high-cut. They work for all-day hiking trips or multiple-day backpacking trips. They are flexible and easy to break in. Backpacking boots are the most durable of the three options and are designed for multi-day trips with a heavier backpack in the backcountry. They are cut high above the ankles so they provide added support. They have stuff midsoles so they work well for off-trail travel. Be sure to consider what kind of hiking you do most when selecting your hiking boots.
The fit of your hiking boots is important for your safety and comfort. If your boots are too big or too small, you’ll have trouble enjoying your hike, and blisters could even cause you to cut it short. Make sure you look at the sizing chart before you buy and measure your feet accordingly. Try your boots on at the end of the day, which is when they are their largest size due to normal swelling. Be sure to wear socks that prevent moisture build-up, which leads to blisters. Break in your hiking boots long before your first trip on the trails to ensure your feet don’t get sore during your hike.
DWYM Fun Fact
It’s no secret that hiking boots get dirty. After you’ve traveled trails in the forest or climbed up muddy inclines, your boots are bound to need a good cleaning. Remove you laces and wash them in warm water. To clean the uppers, you’ll need an old toothbrush and a mild solution of dish soap and warm water. First use the brush to take off any dry dirt and dust. Then use the soap and water solution to wash the uppers. To clean the soles, use the brush to take off any caked on mud or dirt, and then use a hose to wash away the rest of the mud.
The Hiking Boot Tips and Advice
- One of the most important elements to consider when buying hiking boots is durability. Hiking boots handle rough terrain and weather and need to be strong enough to last through it all. The uppers of the boots, which is the material the boot is made out of on the outside, impact their durability, water resistance, weight and other factors like breathability. The most durable material for uppers is full-grain leather, which is commonly used in hiking boots. It’s perfect for those who want to go on multi-day trips through rugged terrain. However, it’s not as light or breathable as nylon or split-grain leather. Keep in mind that with leather hiking boots, you need a long time to break them in, so don’t buy them right before your hiking trip.
- Synthetic uppers, which can be made from nylon or polyester, are lighter than leather and don’t require as long to break in. However, they are not as durable, though they do dry faster than leather. Keep this in mind if you frequent wet trails.
- When you’re walking on rough terrain, you want to ensure that your feet have the support you need to stay comfortable. The midsoles, or the cushioning, affect how stiff your boots are. Opt for stiffer boots for long hikes on uneven terrain. This way, you’ll get more stability.
- Be sure to take a look at the outsoles. You want to make sure they have enough grip so you don’t slip on the trails when they are wet. The lug pattern is what provides traction on the soles; in general, the deeper the lugs, the better the grip. If you frequent muddy trails, then look for widely spaced lugs, which will shed the mud more quickly.
About The Author
Anam Ahmed is a copywriter and essayist based in Toronto. She has been writing on technology, travel, parenting, and business for over 10 years, and works with a number of high-profile organizations. She values finding the best products to make people's lives easier. Anam earned an M.A. from the University of Toronto and a B.A.H. from Queen's University. Learn more at www.anamahmed.ca.