7 Best Leather Hiking Boots, 100+ Shoes Tested in 2023

Paul Ronto
Paul Ronto on
7 Best Leather Hiking Boots, 100+ Shoes Tested in 2023

There is just something special about experiencing the great outdoors in a pair of leather hiking boots. These hikers are naturally tough, and their grounded design makes mixing and matching — to complete your backcountry outfit—an easy feat.

We’ve rounded up the finest leather hiking boots (out of 300+ pairs) for your convenience. Are you in need of a smashing all-rounder? Maybe you’re into a lightweight pair? Or perhaps something powerful for pack adventures? Whichever it is, if it’s leather, you’re in the right place.

How we test hiking boots

This selection of top-of-the-line leather hikers is a product of dedication and passion. Here’s our approach:

  • We buy leather hiking boots using our own funds. This way, we can be as objective and straightforward with our reviews as possible.
  • Each leather kick goes through a series of tests. In every pair, we hike on various terrain for days, come rain or shine.
  • We collect and analyze hundreds of reviews from a combination of regular hikers and professional testers.

As a result, every tested leather hiking boot receives a 0-100 rating, a.k.a. CoreScore. This RunRepeat-exclusive scoring system gives a glimpse of whether a given shoe is among the finest or a major pass.

Best leather hiking boots overall

Salomon Quest 4 GTX
Salomon Quest 4 GTX

CoreScore

87
Great!
4.3 / 5 from 5,801 users
87 / 100 from 9 experts

Pros

  • Waterproof
  • True to size
  • Secure fit
  • Comfortable
  • Durable
  • Grippy

Cons

  • A few days break-in needed
  • Runs hot
  • Not for easy hikes

Verdict

At $230, the Salomon Quest 4 GTX is reasonably priced. It is durable, comfy, and grippy. With its waterproof protection, your feet will stay protected even on wet hiking sessions.
Salomon Quest 4 GTX full review

Best lightweight leather hiking boots

Timberland Garrison Trail Waterproof Mid
Timberland Garrison Trail Waterproof Mid

CoreScore

86
Great!
4.7 / 5 from 3,207 users
N/A

Pros

  • Exceptionally light
  • Mighty plush everywhere
  • Zero break-in
  • Cranked-up grip level
  • Amazing ankle support
  • Shock-absorbent
  • Cozy in the cold
  • Swagger
  • Made with recycled materials

Cons

  • Lackluster waterproofing
  • Not-so-durable outsole

Verdict

A tenacious pair that oozes comfort and lightness—this is the Garrison Trail Waterproof Mid in a nutshell. In this city-to-trail boot from Timberland, you'll be able to cut through familiar and unexplored areas with great undiminished confidence, especially where extreme humidity is not involved. You also can't go wrong with its casual-ready dapperness.
Timberland Garrison Trail Waterproof Mid full review

Best leather hiking boots for backpacking

Lowa Zephyr GTX Mid
Lowa Zephyr GTX Mid

CoreScore

88
Great!
4.6 / 5 from 1,381 users
87 / 100 from 4 experts

Pros

  • Extremely comfortable
  • Incredible ankle support
  • Excellent waterproofing
  • Highly durable
  • Lightweight
  • Feels nimble
  • Astonishing looks

Cons

  • Questionable grip

Verdict

Where the trail turns for the worse and your backpack is as loaded as ever, rest easy in the Zephyr GTX Mid. From its cozy, weatherproof confines down to its exemplary support system, this durable shoe is more than ready to do all the dirty work for you. Yes, the Zephyr GTX Mid can work wonders on your treks, especially if you keep to the rugged sections of the trail.
Lowa Zephyr GTX Mid full review

Best leather wide toe box hiking boots

KEEN Ridge Flex Mid WP
KEEN Ridge Flex Mid WP

CoreScore

85
Great!
4.3 / 5 from 3,244 users
85 / 100 from 16 experts

Pros

  • Remarkably flexible
  • Sticky on various surfaces
  • Wow-level comfort
  • No break-in period required
  • Lightweight
  • Quite tough
  • Watertight
  • Great ankle support

Cons

  • Not the most breathable
  • Not enough room for lacing creativity

Verdict

From "a bomber boot" to "ticks all the right boxes"—these are the comments that give the Ridge Flex Mid WP such a stellar reputation among professional critics. "A real mile-cruncher" (as another reviewer puts it), this hiker from KEEN delivers fluid-yet-surefooted movements on multi-surface terrain. There's also its weatherproof construction and a gusseted tongue that fence out wetness like champs.
KEEN Ridge Flex Mid WP full review

Best looking leather hiking boots

Scarpa Terra GTX
Scarpa Terra GTX

CoreScore

90
Superb!
4.5 / 5 from 3,929 users
90 / 100 from 11 experts

Pros

  • Glue-like underfoot
  • Insanely comfortable
  • Watertight
  • Quick break-in
  • Lightweight
  • Reliably supportive
  • Sufficient breathability
  • Mildly warm

Cons

  • Scuff-magnet
  • Subpar cushioning

Verdict

What results in wearing the Terra GTX is reaching the "point B" of your go-to trail with dry, pampered feet. Wearing this thing of beauty from Scarpa also translates to empowered hikes, whether on groomed paths or uneven terrain. While it has some downsides, the Terra GTX's core attributes make it a worthy investment.
Scarpa Terra GTX full review

Best value

Asolo Arctic GV
Asolo Arctic GV

CoreScore

93
Superb!
4.8 / 5 from 66 users
98 / 100 from 2 experts

Pros

  • Thermal wonder
  • Light
  • Precise fit
  • Comfy
  • Sticky (particularly on ice)
  • Heavy-duty
  • Attractive

Cons

  • Quite expensive
  • Might not secure lace-hooked gaiters properly

Verdict

When the going gets tough on snowy trails, the tough (a.k.a. the Arctic GV) gets going. With the latest advancements in insulation, this mesmerizing boot will make the biting cold bow down in submission as you blaze through frigid terrain. And although there are budget-friendlier options out there, the Asolo Arctic GV hits it out of the park with its excellence in both form and winter-focused function.
Asolo Arctic GV full review
Author
Paul Ronto
Paul Ronto

Over the past 20 years, Paul has climbed, hiked, and run all over the world. He has summited peaks throughout the Americas, trekked through Africa, and tested his endurance in 24-hour trail races as well as 6 marathons. On average, he runs 30-50 miles a week in the foothills of Northern Colorado. His research is regularly cited in The New York Times, Washington Post, National Geographic, etc. On top of this, Paul is leading the running shoe lab where he cuts shoes apart and analyzes every detail of the shoes that you might buy.