7 Best Hiking Boots in 2025

Jovana Subic
Jovana Subic on
7 Best Hiking Boots in 2025

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Confused about what to buy after seeing the hundreds of boots available online? Well, worry not. Whether you’re a beginner hiker planning to go on a short hike or an experienced backpacker looking for a new pair of boots, we are here to help make your boot-hunting experience a breeze with our list of best hiking boots and detailed guide.

Having tested hiking boots on the mountains and in the lab, we know what makes the best one. Whether you’re looking for a heavy-duty trailblazer or a lighter option for some speedy hikes, we have selected our top picks in different categories.

How we test hiking boots

We at RunRepeat help you find the right hiking boot without going through the hassle of checking out every feature of every boot. Here’s a quick overview of what we do:

  • We buy all the hiking boots using our own money, with no one capitalising on us.
  • We backpack and trek on different terrains and elevations, personally determining the level of grip, durability, stability, and breathability of the hiking boots we're testing.
  • We take the boots to our lab to cut them in half and accurately measure more than 20 features like shock absorption, stack heights, outsole thickness, lug depth, outsole hardness, traction, and other features that are important for hiking.

Best hiking boots overall

What makes it the best?

After meticulous testing and logging countless miles, we've crowned the Merrell Moab 3 Mid GTX as the king of hiking boots. It’s protective all around while ensuring the ride remains comfortable and stable as we cross various trail conditions, improving our performance and endurance during hikes.

The Vibram outsole, featuring deep 5.0 mm lugs, provides excellent grip on submerged rocks and slippery logs. Even as our feet go ankle-deep, not a drop of water touches us because of its Gore-Tex membrane. True enough, even smoke couldn’t escape in our test, earning a 1/5 in breathability.

The stack was thick and cushioned enough to shield us against sharp objects underfoot. Each stride felt surefooted thanks to the firm 32.8 HA cushion as per our durometer. Thankfully, it feels much softer in actuality due to the 24.6 HA Air Cushion technology.

The boot's rigid construction enhances stability by preventing ankle collapse. With a stiff shank in the midfoot, it resisted our manual twists and earned a high 4/5 in torsional rigidity. Surprisingly, it retains comfort by keeping its midsole bendable, scoring 33.2% above average in our flexibility test.

Because of the boot’s solid waterproofing, it will feel too hot for temperatures above 70°F (20°C). Best to use this pair in colder weather.

Pros

  • Best-in-class waterproofing
  • Great stability for moderate hikes
  • Supportive for all-day wear
  • Comfortable step-in feel
  • Excellent grip on hard terrain
  • Secure lockdown
  • Sturdy construction
  • Sturdy construction

Cons

  • Moderate impact protection
  • Mesh panels are easy to tear
  • Not for mud or soft terrain
  • Moderate impact protection
Full review of Merrell Moab 3 Mid GTX

Hiking boots with the best waterproofness

What makes it the best?

As a military boot in the first pace, the LOWA Zephyr GTX Mid has gradually made its way into the outdoor realm over the past decade. Having tested the boot through and through, we can see how its ruggedness and insane stability make it so effective for multi-day backpacking objectives. It may not look as advanced as most modern-day hiking boots but our tests confirmed that the Zephyr has really stood the test of time.

Pros

  • Stability and containment are off-the-charts
  • Excellent underfoot protection
  • Effective Gore-Tex waterproofing
  • Hard-wearing materials
  • Slid grip on soft and rocky terrain
  • Accommodating D medium fit
  • Comfortable padded interiors

Cons

  • Lacks grip on smooth wet surafces
  • Heavier than average
Full review of LOWA Zephyr GTX Mid

Hiking boots with the best shock absorption

What makes it the best?

We found the hiking boot with the best shock absorption after countless hours on foot and in the lab, and it's none other than the Hoka Anacapa 2 Mid GTX. With a great deal of foam underneath plus the iconic SwallowTail heel, each landing is well-protected. Its light build and impressive support make it stand out from the crowd.

The boot’s protruding heel acts as a shock absorber and paves the way for super-smooth transitions. Backing this up with numbers, this boot recorded an exceptionally high 118 SA rating, meaning it offers 28.3% better impact protection than average. Our calliper shows plenty of material underfoot, particularly its 25.4 mm forefoot. We found the platform comfortable from the get-go because it erased the rocks underneath while offering some springiness.

Besides the balanced midsole, its broad width brings an inherently stable ride. Measuring 115.9/93.4 mm, we could easily position ourselves within the boot. It’s hard to twist our ankles here since it received a 4/5 torsional rigidity rating in our manual assessment.

We were impressed with this comfort-loaded boot’s figure on the scale: at only 17.4 oz (494g), it manages to be 7.7% lighter than average! Not to mention, it emerged 21.7% more bendable than average in our flex test, adding to its weightlessness. All these contributed to less fatigue even during long hikes.

However, we can only recommend this boot for manicured trails. Hikers who frequent more tricky terrain should have more ground feel and agility.

Pros

  • Well-cushioned for long miles
  • Very comfortable step-in feel
  • Highly stable platform
  • Excellent waterproofing
  • Solid grip, even on wet terrain
  • More flexible than other boots
  • Decent durability for moderate hikes
  • A lot of sustainable components

Cons

  • Extended heel catches rocks
  • Not for technical terrain
  • Gained 2 ounces
Full review of Hoka Anacapa 2 Mid GTX

Best hiking boots for backpacking

What makes it the best?

On our hunt for the best hiking boot for backpacking, our research led us to the Salomon Quest 4 GTX. Exceptionally supportive, incredibly durable, and protectively cushioned, it’s the perfect companion for multi-day hikes over rough and rocky terrain.

As soon as we laced up the boot we could feel the support afforded by Salomon’s integrated ADV-C 4D chassis stabiliser. In the lab, we twisted and bent the boot, finally awarding it 5/5 for rigidity - the most rigid possible. Even when rock hopping on alpine trails with a heavy pack, we couldn’t twist an ankle if we tried! 

If we could, we would give the Salomon Quest 4 GTX a 10/5 for durability! We applied our Dremel liberally to the toe box, the heel, and the outsole – all three far exceeded our expectations! After 12 seconds at 5K RPM at a force of 3.2N, the solid rubber toe cap barely showed a scratch. While hiking on rocky trails or light scrambling, we could relax, knowing our toes are fully protected from bumps and scrapes.

The midsole is of average firmness - 27 HA according to our durometer measurements. The stack height at the heel is 2 mm above average, meaning there is plenty of firm material underfoot to protect our heels from sharp rocks. Heel strikers in particular may enjoy the extra material below the heel.

While 23.4 oz (663g) is not unusual for a highly supportive backpacking boot, for most day hikers, this may be overkill. For this reason, we don’t recommend the Salomon Quest 4 GTX to light hikers or day hikers.

Pros

  • Exceptional durability
  • Top-notch waterproofing
  • Excellent underfoot protection
  • Highly secure ankle support
  • Fantastic stability
  • Comfortable in-boot feel
  • Effective grip on various terrain
  • Fits as expected

Cons

  • A bit heavy
  • Gets very stiff in cold
Full review of Salomon Quest 4 GTX

Hiking boots with the best energy return

What makes it the best?

The Terrex Free Hiker 2 is a lightweight and speedy offering from Adidas that toes the line between hiking boots and roided-up trail shoes. This agile boot had us blazing through the trails with its plush, pleasantly rockered midsole and grippy continental outsole. As far as comfort is concerned, we can't find a better way to describe it but simply heavenly, especially once we're past its customary break-in period.

Pros

  • Extremely well-cushioned
  • Exceptionally lively and bouncy underfoot
  • Luxuriously padded interior
  • Grippy and durable lugs
  • Tackles wet surfaces confidently
  • Very flexible and forgiving
  • Excellent airflow
  • Feels incredibly stable underfoot
  • Supportive heel collar
  • Rockered midsole
  • Relatively lightweight
  • High-quality construction
  • Eye-catching design

Cons

  • Needs breaking in
  • Tricky to put on
  • Expensive
Full review of Adidas Terrex Free Hiker 2

Hiking boots with the best comfort

Hoka Kaha 2 GTX
83
Good!

What makes it the best?

The Hoka Kaha 2 GTX dominates the comfort category among hiking shoes because of its seamless blend of lightness, cushioning, and waterproofing. Our lab validates the presence of the highly-esteemed Vibram outsole, ensuring safe and confident strides on our mixed-terrain adventures.

We were surprised to see the amount of cushioning under the Kaha 2 GTX, rising to a 39.3/28.2 mm stack, because it felt really light on foot. Our scales confirm it’s below average at 18.5 oz (525g). 

The ride feels well-balanced and stable due to the dual-density setup and broad base. Our durometer reveals the primary foam is a soft 21.7 HA while the carrier foam is a firmer 31.6 HA, explaining its steady ride. Additionally, the shoe’s width offsets any potential imbalances, notably in its whopping 106.1 mm heel, 18.7 mm wider than average. The Vibram outsole also offers excellent traction for steady footing, further enhanced by its deep 4.9 mm lugs.

Our feet stayed warm and cosy as we crossed streams, evidenced by its 1/5 breathability rating. Unpacking the upper reveals layers of waterproofing material: the Gore-Tex membrane, sturdy nubuck leather, and the water-repellent coating.

A nitpick we have is the boot’s short tongue, which causes some unwanted pressure on the shin when lacing up. We recommend wearing thick socks with this pair for additional cushioning.

Pros

  • Sky-high comfort level
  • Excellent waterproofing
  • High-quality materials
  • Pain-alleviating support
  • Smooth heel-to-toe transitions
  • Incredibly stable
  • Superb grip
  • Surprisingly light
  • Minimal break-in period
  • Includes sustainable materials

Cons

  • Short tongue (laces slip and cause pressure)
  • Bulky heel gets stuck in stones
  • Polarising aesthetics
Full review of Hoka Kaha 2 GTX

Best leather hiking boots

Scarpa Terra GTX
95
Superb!

What makes it the best?

After multiple wear tests and lab analysis, we discovered Scarpa Terra GTX as the best leather hiking boot. It delivers the support and protection we need to traverse rough terrains with its impenetrable upper, stable ride, and impressive adhesion capabilities. Its tank-like build gave us confidence like no other.

Terra GTX kept our feet warm and dry as we sloshed through puddles and streams. In our breathability tests, it blocked off smoke and light completely with its solid leather upper, confirming its insular nature.

Each stride feels surefooted even as we carry heavy backpacks on technical trails. The firm and low-profile platform enhances ground feel and doesn’t compress easily. Our durometer confirms it’s 16.1% harder than average. Providing additional support is the stiff heel that scored 4/5 in our manual assessment. Thankfully, it didn’t place unwanted pressure on our Achilles since it tapers down slightly in the rear area.

Underfoot, is the renowned Vibram outsole that is reliably durable and grippy. It has 4-mm multi-directional lugs that serve as our source of traction and brakes. From loose gravel to slippery mud, Terra GTX powered through them all.

Unfortunately, it’s a heavyweight hiker at 20.3 oz (575g). For long hikes, it felt undeniably chunky and intensified the pull of gravity.

Pros

  • Glue-like underfoot, even on wet surfaces
  • Insanely comfortable
  • Reliably stable and supportive ride
  • Resilient and high-quality build
  • Durable Vibram outsole
  • Watertight and warm
  • Quick break-in time
  • Performs consistently in the cold
  • Strong ankle support

Cons

  • Quite heavy
  • Cushioning could be better
  • Scuff magnet
Full review of Scarpa Terra GTX

When to go for hiking boots and not shoes

The main anatomical difference between the hiking shoes and boots is the cut: shoes are usually low cut and boots are mid or high cut. Performance wise, that means that the boots offer ankle support thanks to the heel collar that surrounds the ankles and can be tightened with laces. 

Test hikes before lab tests in RunRepeat

Based on all the tests we’ve performed on our hikes and in our lab, we recommend getting hiking boots when: 

  • you need ankle support because your ankles are prone to twisting and prefer being secured 
  • you plan to go backpacking
  • you don't like water or debris getting inside of your hiking shoes (and wearing gaiters is not your cup of tea) or if 
  • the terrain is so harsh you want more protection all over your feet and ankles. 

Hiking boot cut in pieces in the shoe lab

Nail the perfect fit in hiking boots

If you’ve never bought the hiking boots before, these are our guidelines on how to make sure the fit is as good as possible: 

  1. Go hiking boot shopping later in the day, in the afternoon or in the evening. By then, your feet are already somewhat swollen naturally. The swelling happens on the hikes as well so it’s best to match the conditions as much as possible. 
  2. Bring your hiking socks and orthotics (if using) with you and try the boots on with them. 
  3. Lace the boots up and sense if there are any hotspots. Boots should be comfortable and snug, but not too snug or too wide. You should have one thumb’s width of room behind your heel when you push the foot forward. Or, find as much room in front of the toes when your heel is glued to the back. 
  4. Try the boots on the ramp! Go up and down. There should be no heel slipping and no sliding inside the boot

Perfect fit in hiking boots

Most boots need some time to be broken in properly. Keep that in mind when planning your hiking adventures. 

Hiking boots for beginners and easy hikes 

If you’re new to hiking and want to get your first pair of boots, we recommend all-terrain hiking boots that allow for a little bit of everything but are not to be used on very demanding hikes. Very demanding means very long or even multi-day hikes on technical terrain, maybe even with a heavy backpack. 

For beginners, we recommend lightweight hiking boots with around-the-average lug depth. That means they should weigh less than 17.6 oz (500g) and have lug depth around 4 mm or less. 

Timberland Sprint Trekker outsole

Heavy hiking boots can be too much at first if you’re new to hiking and might tyre your feet sooner rather than later. Very deep lugs work great in soft wet ground but are also less durable. Average lugs (or close to the average) are great for light hikes on usually well-maintained trails. 

Another tip for beginners: hiking boots with a heel tab (pull tab) are usually much easier to put on. 

heel-tab-hiking-boots.jpg

Grip and lug thickness: don’t slip!

In hiking, traction is a priority. The boot can fit perfectly but if you choose boots for dry hard-packed trails and end up covering dozens of miles in the mud, you won’t be happy and maybe not even standing due to all the slipping.

In our lab, we use a digital calliper to measure the thickness of the lugs. 

Thickness of lugs in hiking boots
Using a digital calliper to measure the depth of the lugs in hiking boots

The deeper the lugs, the better the grip. This especially applies when it comes to soft ground like mud, slush, snow. Here are our general guidelines: 

  1. Choose very deep lugs (4mm and deeper) if you plan to hike mainly on wet soft ground (snow, mud, slush)
  2. Chose average lugs (~4 mm thick) if you plan to cover a little bit of everything when hiking - maybe it will be wet, dry, soft, hard. 
  3. Choose shallower lugs (less than 4 mm) if you plan to stick to hard-packed trails or rocky terrain. 

It’s important to note that the hardness of the rubber also plays a role in traction. Generally, softer rubbers are stickier and more pliable while harder rubber outsoles offer more protection and durability

rubber-hardness-in-hiking-boots.jpg
Measuring the hardness of the rubber in hiking boots using an HC durometer

We measure the hardness of the rubber with a shore C durometer. The higher the number, the harder the rubber. 

Stability in hiking boots: 3 tests we do

Feeling planted when hiking, especially on uneven terrain, is imperative. Hikers who prioritise stability do not enjoy narrow and high platforms. 

When doing test hikes, we always check for lateral stability. Is it easy to twist the ankle? Is it easy to bring the shoe out of the balance? See on the video below how that looks like. 

Doing the lateral stability test on our wear tests

width-of-the-base-measurement-in-hiking-boots.jpg
Using a digital calliper to measure the width of the base in hiking boots (up: at the heel, down: at the forefoot)

We take this a step further: we also measure the width of the base (midsole). The wider the base, the more stable the hiking shoe is. 

Additionally, we measure the stiffness of the heel counter.

Flexible ones allow more ankle movement and stiffer ones, especially when the laces are tightened properly, secure the ankle to a high degree which helps with the overall stability of the shoe. 

heel-collar-closeup-hiking-boots.jpg

Hiking in summer: prioritise breathability!

We don’t just perform wear tests but we also do lab tests. This is especially important in breathability because feet sweat differently but our tests are standardised and every hiking boot is treated the same way in the lab. 

 

Testing the breathability of hiking boots in RunRepeat lab

We make smoke with a smoke machine and pump that smoke into the shoe. Then, we watch where the smoke comes out and at which pace. This allows us to rate the breathability of the hiking boot on a 1-5 scale. 5 means the hiking boot is perfect for summer, as breezy as it gets! 4 as well. Such breathable shoes are never waterproof which is great because waterproof membranes are not needed in summer.

Usually, we'd look for the highest breathability ratings: 5/5 and maybe 4/5. However, in hiking, even 3/5 is considered breathable, given that their average breathability (1.4/5.0) is lower than the average breathability of, say, running shoes (3.3/5.0). 

Hiking boot upper under the microscope

It’s very interesting to look at the uppers under a microscope and notice how waterproof hiking boots have uppers that are tightly woven and have absolutely no ventilation holes, while breathable hiking boots have uppers that are more loose. 

breathable-vs-non-breathable-upper-in-hiking-boots-under-the-microscope.jpg
Under the microscope: Breathable vs non-breathable (waterproof) upper in hiking boots 

Winter hiking boots: what to look for? 

For winter hiking boots, we highlight 3 features: waterproofness, warmth and grip that works on wet ground. But, we also emphasise our freezer test which allows us to test flexibility of the boots once they've been exposed to cold weather. Will the boot feel like a brick or almost identical to how it feels at room temperatures? We answer these questions!

When it comes to waterproofness, it is best to look for waterproof membranes.

Waterproof sign on hiking boots

The most common one is Gore-Tex but some brands have their own trademarked membranes. The good thing is that waterproof hiking boots are horribly rated on the breathability test which means they are warmer. 

Hiking through water in hiking boots

Waterproof hiking boots are rated with 1 or 2 on our breathability test, meaning they are the least breathable. If you are worried about very cold weather, also look for insulation in the hiking boots. 

La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX outsole

When it comes to the grip for winter hiking, we recommend deep lugs because winter usually means snow, slush or mud. When we say deep, we mean at least 4mm. No worries there, because our calliper measurements are already done and at your service. 

It’s also great when hiking boots are super stable, this means that the base is wider than the upper and that the heel collar is rather stiff as covered in the section on stability

To determine how the boot performs in winter, we put it in the freezer for 20 mins.

hiking-boot-in-a-freezer.jpg

Then, we repeat the a) flexibility test, and b) midsole softness test. This tells us how much the boot stiffens up and firms up in cold weather. See below the hiking boots sorted by the smallest change in flexibility. 

Harsh terrain asks for the highest durability

If you know you will hike over very harsh terrain and you want hiking boots that are super protective, we recommend looking for the most durable boots. In our lab tests, durability is assessed based on how much damage we’re able to make on 3 different parts of the boot. 

 

Doing the Dremel test on the toebox of hiking boots 

We make this damage using a Dremel. All our tests are standardised, so we always use a) the same RPM, b) the same pressure, and c) the same period of time (how much the test lasts). When we make a dent on the toe box or on the heel counter, we assess the damage on a 1-5 scale, where 1 is the least durable. 

 

Doing the durability test on the heel counter in RunRepeat lab

However, when we press the Dremel against the outsole, we’re able to use the tyre tread gauge and to measure exactly how deep the dent is.

 

Testing the durability of the outsole in hiking boots with a Dremel

The deeper the dent, the less durable the outsole rubber! 

dent-on-the-outsole-dremel-test-hiking-boot.jpg
The dent on the outsole made by the Dremel during the durability test in RunRepeat lab

Lightweight vs. heavy hiking boots 

We consider hiking boots lightweight when they weigh less than 17.6 oz or 500g. 

Weighing a hiking boot on a scale in RunRepeat lab

We measure every boot that comes into our lab on the same scale and in men’s size 9 (US). 

Heavy hiking boots are heavier because they usually offer more protection, stability, and are able to endure more abuse. We recommend using heavy hiking boots on more demanding endeavours. 

Lightweight hiking boots are better for easier routes, when you don’t need as much stability, or when you plan to do fast and light hiking. This means light backpack, light boots and covering the ground at a rather higher pace. 

Waterproof hiking boots: what, when and why

Use waterproof hiking boots when you know you’ll spend time in wet weather, rain, snow.

 

Hiking in waterproof boots (Salomon X Ultra GTX Mid)

Don’t use them for dry and warm weather because they don’t breathe well (or almost at all) and because they are pricier: you will be paying extra for something you don’t even need. 

If in doubt, you can always opt for water resistant or water repellent - they might work for light rain or morning dew. Here’s how the 3 are different: 

  Water-resistant Water-repellent Waterproof
General characteristics a tightly woven fabric that is naturally capable of resisting water upon contact fabric treated with durable water-repellent (DWR) or hydrophobic chemicals -fabric treated with DWR
-have waterproofing membranes like Gore-Tex and OutDry
-have seam-sealed construction for extra protection
Water protection level low water protection moderate water protection high water protection
Water pressure resistance 0-5000 mm (no pressure or moisture) 6000-10000 mm (light pressure) 10000-20000 mm (high to very high pressure)
Weather conditions best used in light rain shower and dry snow light rain and average snow moderate to heavy rain and average to wet snow

Another thing worth noting is the tongue gusset. When the tongue is fully gusseted, it is connected to the sides of the boot under the eyelets. This additionally prevents water/snow/debris from getting into the boot.

Gusseted tongue in hiking boots

When tongue is "free", meaning it has no gussets and no connection to the sides, it is more likely the debris and other things will get inside the boot. 

Wide-feet friendly hiking boots 

We all know the struggle when you have wide(r) feet and don’t know whether the boots are wide enough for you. Fortunately, we've made a special gel in our lab that perfectly fills the interiors of the hiking boots and, once frozen, is easy to measure. 

Pouring the gel into the hiking boots to make the gel mould 

Once the gel has frozen and we get a gel mould, we measure the 2 widths: of the shoe and of the toebox.

lowa-zephyr-gtx-mid-toebox-width.jpg
Measuring the width of the shoe where it is the widest 
lowa-zephyr-gtx-mid-toebox-width (1).jpg
Measuring the width of the toebox at the big toe 

Knowing both widths is very practical because it allows hikers to understand which toebox will work best for their shape of feet: 

Having both width measurements allows us to assess how much the toe box tapers, whether it's pointy to better accommodate Greek style, or wider so that other types of toes can enjoy it. 

Many hikers with wide forefoot also need more vertical room. Not necessarily because their big toe is pointing up but because they have more voluminous feet. Because of this, we cut the gel in half and measure the height of the toebox. 

lowa-zephyr-gtx-mid-toebox-heigh.jpg
Measuring the height of the toebox in RunRepeat lab 

We test hiking boots in men's US 9, regular (D) width. 

Bonus tips: 3 important features to look for in hiking boots 

If you’re very much into hiking, here are 3 more things you should pay attention to when it comes to hiking boots: 

  1. Are your hiking boots crampon compatible? This will matter once the terrain asks for crampons - usually when it is very icy and snowy. Usually, mountaineering boots are crampon compatible. This compatibility is usually given by the manufacturer. Boots can be B1, B2 or B3 graded and, therefore, compatible with C1, C2 or C3 crampons. 
  2. Is the lining/insole antimicrobial? Very important if you have sweaty feet. Check the specifications from the brand to find out. 
  3. Can your boots be resoled? This is up to the manufacturer, so check with them. It’s convenient because such shoes can then last longer, as long as the upper is not damaged. 

Get noticed in the dark!

Some hiking boots come with reflective elements that make them noticeable in the dark. If this is a feature you find important, make sure to look for it. In all our hiking boot reviews we make sure to note whether the shoe has them or not. 

 

See here how Keen Targhee III Waterproof Mid shines in the dark 

reflective-elements-hoka-trail-code-gtx.jpg

Above, you can see the reflective elements on Hoka Trail Code GTX

Author
Jovana Subic
Jovana Subic
Whether it's a vertical kilometre or an ultra, climbing in the Alps or exploring local mountains, Jovana uses every opportunity to trade walls and concrete for forests and trails. She logs at least 10h/week on trails, with no off-season, and 4x more on research on running and running shoes. With a background in physics and engineering management, she prefers her running spiced with data.