How to Choose the Best Hiking Boots for You
We often get asked about the best hiking boots and which ones we recommend. While we have our favorites, the truth is the “best” boots depend on your feet, hiking style, and the terrain you tackle.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to choose hiking boots that fit comfortably, what features to look for before buying, and share the boots we personally use and love on the trail.
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Table of Contents
Key Factors to Consider for Hiking Boots
Hiking boots can be a big investment and there’s nothing worse than realizing your feet are sore and uncomfortable miles from the trailhead. Before you buy, keep these key factors in mind to find the best hiking boots for your feet, hiking style, and terrain.
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Foot Swelling + Downhill Fit
Your feet will swell during long hikes, and your toes will naturally slide forward when going downhill — leave a little extra room in the toe box. -
Arch Type and Support Needs
Consider your arch type — do you have high arches or flat feet? This will impact the type of midsole support and footbed comfort you’ll need. -
Brand Fit and Width
Not all hiking boot brands fit the same. Width and overall shape vary, so it’s smart to try on multiple brands or visit an outfitter for help. -
Typical Hiking Terrain
Are you mostly hiking desert trails, muddy forest paths, or rocky mountain terrain? Your primary terrain should guide your choice of sole, tread, and boot height. -
Hike Duration and Pack Weight
For longer hikes or when carrying a heavy pack, look for boots that offer ankle support and firm midsoles to reduce fatigue. -
Boot Materials
Leather boots offer durability but can get hot. Softer midsoles or mesh uppers may wear out faster on rough trails but are often more breathable. GORE-TEX offers protection from water without adding weight, but often at a higher price tag. -
Break-In Time
Some hiking boots require a break-in period. Make sure you factor that in if you have a trip planned soon after buying.
When to Replace Hiking Boots
There are several signs it may be time to get new hiking boots. The condition of the upper material, the structure of the toe box, and any obvious tears or breaks should always be checked. But one of the most telling indicators is the state of your boot lugs.
Lugs are the thick pieces of rubber that extend from the sole, providing critical traction on surfaces like slick rock, muddy trails, and steep hills. They work much like tire tread, gripping the ground to keep you stable.
When your lugs are worn down (like in the photos below), it’s time to replace your hiking boots. Worn lugs mean less traction and more slipping, which can make hiking more dangerous, especially on challenging terrain.
Lauren's Top Hiking Boot Picks
We always recommend visiting REI or a trusted local outdoor outfitter to get properly sized for hiking boots, especially if you have struggled to find a comfortable fit. A professional fitting can make a big difference when choosing the best hiking boots for your feet.
I learned this the hard way after painfully wearing Oboz boots for far too many hikes. My feet would throb during and after every outing. At first, I assumed they just needed to be broken in, but eventually I realized something was not right.
A visit to REI changed everything. They measured my feet, assessed my arch type, and explained that I did not have the right arch support for Oboz boots. It all made sense. Once I switched to a hiking boot that matched my foot structure, the discomfort disappeared and I finally enjoyed pain free miles on the trail.
These were my very first pair of hiking boots. I chose them mainly because of the price, and they turned out to be a great starter boot. One important lesson I learned is to make sure you get the correct size. After months of wearing these boots, I realized my toes always hurt and that they were actually a half size too small.
Pros:
- Affordable compared to many other hiking boots
- Durable and able to handle rough terrain
- Comfortable for long hikes
- Waterproof design keeps feet dry
Cons:
- Heavier than some other hiking boots
- Leather construction can make these boots hot in summer and less breathable than synthetic options
After my Columbia boots wore out, I tried Oboz. As I mentioned earlier, they simply were not the right fit for my feet. However, I know many hikers who enjoy them and find them very comfortable. During a visit to REI, an employee recommended that I try Salomon hiking boots, so I decided to give them a shot.
I wore these Salomon hiking boots for several years and found them comfortable, breathable, and durable, with solid ankle support for longer or rockier hikes. Over time, I switched to a low ankle version from the Salomon X Ultra series, which I now wear more often on the trail. If you are looking for a hiking boot that provides excellent ankle stability and support, I highly recommend this pair.
Salomon now offers the X Ultra 5 Mid GORE-TEX Women’s, available at REI and on the Salomon website.
Pros:
- Lightweight design that is easy to wear on long hikes
- Extremely comfortable right out of the box
- Durable and long lasting
- Excellent ankle support and breathable materials
- No break in period required
Cons:
- Can be difficult to find in stock at times
- Higher price point compared to some other hiking boots
These Merrell hiking boots were gifted to me, and I was pleasantly surprised by how much I like them. They are comfortable, durable, and work well for everyday hikes. They are also the reason I started hiking in low cut boots more often than mid height ones. While I do not wear these as often as some of my other pairs, I still think they are a solid all around hiking boot, especially if you are looking for a lightweight option.
Pros:
- Durable and able to handle frequent use
- Comfortable with great support
- Little to no break in time required
Cons:
- Not as lightweight as some other hiking boots
- Less breathable than the Salomon boots
After trying a pair of low cut hiking boots, I decided to give the low Salomon hiking boots a try and I honestly fell in love with them. While I still like the mid ankle version and use them when I want extra support, I have been wearing the low Salomon X Ultra hiking boots regularly. I even wore them on our Grand Canyon backpacking trip in March 2025.
These are the hiking boots I currently wear the most and always recommend trying. I have been using the Salomon X Ultra 4 low hiking boots for the past two years, and I recently picked up the new X Ultra 5s, which just launched. So far, I am loving them.
Pros:
- Light weight + breathable
- Durable and long lasting
- Comfortable fit for long hikes.
- No break in time required.
- Unique lace design prevents tripping on loose laces.
Cons:
- Lace style may not be comfortable or convenient for everyone.
- Low cut design makes it easier for small rocks or sand to get inside.
Other Outdoor Shoes Lauren Loves
When I don’t need a full hiking boot, I love wearing the two shoes listed below. The Merrell Bravada shoes offer more support than the Merrell Trail Glove, and I wear them for everyday hikes that don’t involve super rocky terrain.
The Trail Gloves are incredibly lightweight — perfect for easy trails or packing light — but I wouldn’t recommend them for anything with sharp rocks.
I was also gifted the Merrell Moab 2, and I’ve been loving them! They feel a bit grippier than the Bravadas, which makes them even better for hiking. I often wear them on planes when we travel, so I’m ready to hit the trail as soon as we arrive.
Owen's Hiking Boots
I used to hike exclusively in Nike trail running shoes. When I was younger, I loved how lightweight and low cut they were, which made them perfect for quick trails. But as I started hiking more challenging routes around Arizona, especially in the Superstition Mountains, I realized I needed better underfoot protection, more stability, and overall stronger materials.
The trail runners could not hold up against the tough desert rock. They would wear down quickly or rip against sharp edges. In January 2020, I got my first pair of Salomon X Ultra Mid hiking boots, and I have stuck with Salomon X Ultra boots ever since. I liked them so much that I try to always keep a reserve pair in the closet, especially because they tend to sell out quickly.
Similar to Lauren, I have fallen in love with the Salomon X Ultra Low Hiking Boots. I have owned pairs of the X Ultra 3 Low and X Ultra 4 Low, and now I have a pair of the X Ultra 5 Low waiting in my closet for when the 4s wear down. The X Ultra 5s were released in April 2025. I still keep Salomon X Ultra Mids in both GORE-TEX and non GORE-TEX and will use them occasionally, but the lows are my boot of choice for about 95 percent of my hikes.
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Salomon X Ultra LOW Hiking Boots
Salomon X Ultra 5 Low Hiking Boot
Pros:
- Lightweight & breathable – feel like a running shoe
- Lace system with “Lace Garage” makes it easy to keep boots tight and lace out to the way
- Highly durable
- Great traction
- Comfortable – minimal to no break-in period
- More narrow than other brands
- They look good!
Cons:
- Not always in stock
- Easier to get small rocks or sand in the boots
Salomon X Ultra 5 Low GORE-TEX
Pros:
- Lightweight and breathable with waterproof protection
- Same lacing system
- Comfortable
- Highly durable
- Great traction
Cons:
- Not consistently in stock
- Higher price point
- Holds water if water gets in through ankle
Salomon X Ultra MID Hiking Boots
Salomon X Ultra 5 Mid GORE-TEX Hiking Boot
Pros:
- Lightweight & breathable
- GORE-TEX offers water protection with good breathability and less weight
- Sole and lugs are durable
- Comfortable
- More narrow than other brands
- No break-in time
- Better for wet or muddy trails
Cons:
- Not always in stock
- Ankle rubbing if you don’t like that feeling
- True laces that can come undone
Final Thoughts on Choosing the Best Hiking Boots
Finding the right hiking boots can take some trial and error, but the effort is worth it once you discover a pair that fits well, supports your feet, and matches your hiking style. Whether you prefer the stability of a mid cut boot or the lightweight feel of a low cut option, comfort and fit should always come first.
If you are still unsure about which boots to try, visit a local outdoor store or REI to get professionally fitted and test a few options. With the right pair of hiking boots, every trail becomes more enjoyable.
