7 Best Hiking Boots, 100+ Shoes Tested in 2023

Hiking boots: are they necessary?

There’s probably a time when you’ve thought of wearing your reliable beaters, Dr. Martens or flip-flops for hiking. Since it’s just a walk up the mountains, your everyday Chucks might just be able to survive the beating. The question is: would your feet make it?

If you’re the type who has strong ankles and likes to travel light, then your trail runners or sandals might just make it. Keep in mind though, that however strong you think your feet are, there are hiking adventures that will require you to wear non-slip hiking boots. Checking the mountain’s hiking rules is always a good idea to avoid any unnecessary hassle on your part. 

Hiking boots vs hiking shoes and other footwear 

Generally, when hiking, your footwear needs to be grippy, stable, supportive, and protective. While hiking boots offer these benefits, we’re not saying that it’s always an ideal option. 

In case you're wondering what hiking boots have that trail runners, hiking shoes, and whatnots don’t, here’s a side-by-side comparison.

NOTE: The ratings are based on how each type of footwear performs in general. This does not, however, apply to each model that exists. The ratings will vary depending on the make and model of the shoes.

Types of hiking boots (based on your hiking plans) 

Before you finally click on that buy button, have you considered checking the difficulty level of your upcoming hike? Hiking trails have levels of difficulties and include a variety of terrains. Knowing the elevation and distance of a hike (plus the weather condition on that day) will help you figure out the right footwear to wear. 

When it comes to difficulty, trails can be rated from easy to very strenuous. Below, you’ll find the various difficulty levels of trails as defined by the National Park Service (NPS). As a bonus, we also added the types of boots that will work best for each difficulty level.

NOTE: The weather condition or season will definitely affect your choice. Hiking during the summer will require you to wear breathable kicks. On the one hand, insulated hiking shoes are recommended for winter hiking.

Hiking boot anatomy and why it matters 

The construction of a hiking boot plays an important role in the footgear’s performance. You need to determine the kind of hike you’re planning to take so you can choose the appropriate boot configuration. 

Here are the major parts of a boot, common materials used, and their key benefits as well as their flaws.

Waterproofing in hiking boots

Some of the things you will encounter when hiking or backpacking are rivers, streams, and muddy trails. Enter waterproof boots, or should I say water-repellent boots, or maybe water-resistant boots - now you’re at a loss. Don’t fret though. We’re here to help you decode those confusing labels.

Take note, however, that when a shoe is waterproof, its breathability decreases due to the added layers (regardless if it's made with the popular Gore-Tex or other waterproofing membranes out there). It would also feel heavier compared to water-resistant and water-repellent hikers. 

So, if you value breathability and weight and you plan to take an adventure in the hot tropics, consider non-waterproof boots that are quick-drying. If you have to go with regular boots, you can always turn these into water-repellent ones by using waterproofing sprays that cost around $5 to $25.  

Other important features in hiking boots

Yes, there are other things worth considering when out boot hunting. Here are just a few of them:

How to know that you have the right fit in hiking boots

When fitting hiking boots, it is vital to ensure the fit is snug (not too loose, not too tight). How? Try these methods out.

Go shoe shopping late in the day. Your feet tend to swell after a day full of activities. It happens too when you are hiking, so to get the best fit, try your boots in the afternoon.

Try it on, lace it up, feel your toes, and check for pressure points. Slide your foot inside and push it forward as far as it goes inside the boots. Once settled, feel your toes. There should be a thumb’s width space between the end of the boot and your toes. Check as well if your feet move from side to side. If it does, then the boots are too wide. It should be comfortable, non-constricting, and snug. 

Make sure to try the boots while wearing your hiking socks. Bring the socks that you intend to wear with the hiking boots you are going to purchase. Do not use cotton fabric as it does not offer any insulation and retains moisture. It can leave you with cold feet on the terrain. Wool or synthetic is a better choice of material for socks.

Take your orthotics or preferred insoles with you. Consumers are often not satisfied with the default insole of the hiking boots. Do not fret if the volume is too high or too low for you. Remember that brands manufacture their boots for hiking using different lasts and this can affect how your feet fill the boots’ volume. If it did not work with your insoles, try another pair of hiking boots.

Walk up and down the ramp. This tests the snugness of the boots. When you go up the board, observe for any heel lift or constraint on the collar. When you go down, observe if your toes jam the front of the boots. If your heel rises more than a quarter of an inch or if your toes hit the front, try adjusting the laces or sizing up.

Before your trip, make sure to break your boots in. Every boot, especially the heavy, leather hikers, requires a different break-in time. Start small by wearing it inside your house with your preferred socks (it might look awkward but your feet will surely thank you in the end). From there, gradually increase your miles. 

Common hiking boot problems and remedies

While the best hiking boots offer the support, durability, and protection you need to hike that difficult terrain, we can’t deny how heavy and uncomfortable boots are after wearing it for some time. But you don’t have to feel disheartened. Here’s a list of common hiking boot fails and their remedies.

As you can see above, most problems can be quickly fixed by adjusting the laces. Here are two lacing techniques that can help remedy blisters and toenail issues when out and about.