When I started hiking, big leather boots were the only real option. They were burly, stiff, and difficult to break in, but one pair would last you decades. Technology has mercifully caught up, however. If you head to the trails today, most hikers and backpackers are opting for more lightweight, low-cut options. While an influx of new shoes from brands like Hoka, Merrell, Danner, and Salomon has transformed the footwear industry, that doesn’t mean the hiking boot has had its day. It just depends on what you’re looking to do and when you’re doing it.
Which shoes should you pick to go out for the day? I tested countless pairs of great hiking boots, trail runners and hiking shoes, across a variety of terrain, from forest trails and coastal paths, to high alpine terrain. To get a better understanding of the differences between the many options available—and which is right for you—I grilled Ingrid Johnson, a leading footwear product specialist at REI. (For what it’s worth, Johnson’s personal recommendation is the Salomon XA Pro).
When you’ve chosen your next pair of trail running shoes (or hiking boots), be sure to check out more of WIRED’s outdoor guides, like the Best Running Shoes, Best Puffer Jackets, and Best Hiking Backpacks.
Jump to Section
Here’s When You Need Boots
If you’re carrying a heavy pack over rough terrain, or if it’s wet or snowy, you need hiking boots. They tend to be higher at the ankle, with stiff midsoles, protective toe caps, and are generally made from very durable materials like leather and tough synthetic fabrics like Cordura. Hiking boots prioritize stability, protection, and durability.
Boots generally have thick, deep lugs, tougher soles, stronger toe guards, sturdier ankle support. They protect you from rock impact, uneven ground, moisture, and often colder conditions. The high cut designs also offer more ankle support, something I found reassuring when coming back from a recent injury.
But don’t think that hiking boot brands are stuck in the dark ages. Borrowing lightweight features and materials from trail running, brands are able to offer technical boots with cushioning, grip and stability. They’re still heavy, but featherweight compared to a traditional leather boot. Hoka’s Kaha 3 GTX ($240) is one of the best boots available, blending soft nubuck leather, Vibram Megagrip sole and bags of cushioning. Here are a few other picks.
Perennially popular for good reason, these Salomons boast superb levels of comfort and support without the bulk typically associated with traditional walking boots. They feel like ski boots, but that’s not a criticism, the height and support is most welcome when walking all day carrying a full pack.
The suede leather and rubberized toe-cap make them impressively robust, they’re easy to clean, and the Gore-Tex liner offers complete waterproofing. The outsole is deep, aggressive, and impervious to unexpected slips, and top marks go to the metal lacing system, especially the middle eyelet that grips the laces securely. They’re not as forgiving underfoot as many of the newer running-shoe-inspired designs, but there’s plenty of shock absorption in the ball and heel.
Photograph: Chris Haslam
Arc’teryx
Kopec Mid GTX Boot
You pay handsomely for the privilege, but the Kopec is a hugely versatile, waterproof boot for all seasons. Made from 100 percent nylon Cordura, the upper is very durable and gives the boot quite a stiff, secure feel, despite weighing just 11.9 ounces for a size eight.
Designed for day hikes over varied terrain, they impressed me with a great mix of stability and cushioning. If you’re not a fan of the pillowy feel of trail running shoes, these hit the sweet spot. They have out-the-box comfort, which is rare with a stiffer boot, and they feel really secure when scrambling and walking. The security in the heel and ankle is matched by a Vibram Megagrip rubber sole with mud loving 4-mm lugs. I’m a big fan of this rubber compound, and here the lugs have been arranged to give the most grip for the least weight.
After months of regular wear—on and off the trails—they still look remarkably fresh, and I appreciate being able to simply hose them down to wash away the mud. Yes they’re expensive for day hikers, but the materials used do offer a genuine crossover between old and new designs, without compromising on style or performance.
Photograph: Chris Haslam
Mammut
Kento Tour High GTX
Serious alpine terrain demands respect, and if you’re going to be encountering snow, ice, rocks and steep climbs, you need a mountaineering boot. Weighing 1 pound, 5.8 ounces per boot (9.5) the Kento Tour, from Swiss pioneers Mammut, offers a surprisingly agile mix of stiff soled support, grip and protection. Given the height and stiffness, it’s a remarkably comfortable boot, and despite the big 11 millimeter drop, it’s easy to stick to your natural stride.
This is about as far from a trail running shoe as you can get—it’s crampon-compatible, for one thing—but it does have out-of-the box comfort, and just enough flex to stop it feeling like a ski boot. Gore-Tex takes care of the waterproofing, and the velour leather upper and approach shoe style lacing system means you can really dial in the fit.
