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.
Table of contents How we test hiking bootsBest overallBest lightweightBest for backpackingBest wide toe boxBest lookingBest valueMost popularComparison
Overview
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
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$87
Backcountry
Free shipping
$161
Zappos
Free shipping & returns
$230
REI
Free shipping
$230
CoreScore
- Top 29% in hiking boots
- Top 25% in Salomon hiking boots
- Top 1% most popular hiking boots
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.
Best lightweight leather hiking boots
CoreScore
- Top 28% in lightweight hiking boots
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.
Best leather hiking boots for backpacking
Lowa Zephyr GTX Mid
Backcountry
Free shipping
$210
Summit Hut
Free shipping
$220
Zappos
Free shipping & returns
$230
REI
Free shipping
$230
CoreScore
- Top 21% in hiking boots
- Top 21% in waterproof hiking boots
- Top 5% most popular hiking boots
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.
Best leather wide toe box hiking boots
KEEN Ridge Flex Mid WP
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$99
Zappos
Free shipping & returns
$118
REI
Free shipping
$133
Outland USA
Free shipping
$161
CoreScore
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.
Best looking leather hiking boots
Scarpa Terra GTX
Zappos
Free shipping & returns
$239
Backcountry
Free shipping
$239
Moosejaw
Free shipping
$239
Running Warehouse
CoreScore
- Top 11% in hiking boots
- Top 16% in Scarpa hiking boots
- Top 2% most popular hiking boots
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.
Best value
Asolo Arctic GV
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$300
Backcountry
Free shipping
$300
Moosejaw
Free shipping
$300
Zappos
CoreScore
- Top 2% in hiking boots
- Top 8% in Asolo hiking boots
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.
Most popular leather hiking boots
Hoka Anacapa Mid GTX
Zappos
Free shipping & returns
$185
Hoka
Free shipping & returns
$185
Backcountry
Free shipping
$185
REI
Free shipping
$185
CoreScore
- Top 30% in Hoka hiking boots
- Top 2% most popular hiking boots
Pros
- Provides stability
- Resplendence in comfort
- Cushy midsole
- Lightweight
- Good trail performance
- Watertight
- Grippy outsole
- Excels on rocky trails
Cons
- Underwhelming toe cap
- Tricky access
Verdict
The Anacapa Mid GTX. Indeed, they managed to create a hiking boot that promotes movement, secures footing, and shields mightily in bad weather all at the same time. Although it lacks in certain areas such as the dipped design of the shoe’s Achilles heel that irks some reviewers, the aces it got translate to a leveled-up experience on the trail.
