7 Best Leather Hiking Boots

After thorough wear tests and lab analysis, the Scarpa Terra GTX emerged as our ultimate leather hiking boot. It provides unparalleled support and protection on rugged terrains. With its robust construction, stable ride, and exceptional grip, we felt we could conquer any trail.

The Terra GTX kept us safe even when navigating cold and wet terrain. Its solid leather upper seals our feet from unwanted elements—cold air, water, and debris—as confirmed by our tests. In addition, its 5/5 durability is unmatched, as evidenced by its resilience against our brutal Dremel.

We felt confident in this pair as its firm and grounded platform gave a lot of surface feedback that allowed us to adapt accordingly. Our durometer reveals its cushion is 16.1% tougher than average—a promising sign that it won’t bottom out even under heavy loads. True enough, we had no wobbles as we carried heavy backpacks. Our ankles also felt supported without any discomfort to our Achilles. 

The Vibram outsole carried us safely through wet, dry, soft, and compact surfaces. It’s tough enough to handle anything and is insanely grippy even for the slickest surfaces, thanks to its 4-mm sticky and multidirectional lugs.

Measuring 110.5 mm in the forefoot and 84.1 mm in the heel, it runs a little narrow. We recommend those with broad feet to consider alternative options.

Leather boots can feel a bit clunky, but the Hoka Kaha 2 GTX is most definitely the exception to the rule. With heaps of cushioning underfoot a padded tongue and es, this sturdy and stable boot is the perfect companion for long days on the trail. We crowned it the most comfortable leather hiking boot.

We expected great things from the generous cushioning in the Kaha 2 GTX, and it did not disappoint. Impact protection and comfort while hiking are exceptional, and when we measured the stack height in the lab, all became clear. The Hoka Kaha 2 GTX has 3.3 mm extra material below the heel compared to the average, not to mention a massive 5.6 mm extra below the forefoot! In addition, it’s 14% softer than average, making this boot a delight on big mountain days.

But it’s not all about the feel underfoot - the Kaha 2 GTX is an all-round feel-good boot. Our calliper measured the tongue at 12.5 mm thick, making it 1.3 mm thicker than average. The padded heel counter is also much more flexible than other boots we have tested. In fact, we awarded it 2/5 for stiffness, where 5 is the stiffest. It delivered excellent comfort without compromising the lockdown, and our feet remained securely in the boot without slipping.

A Hoka wouldn’t be a Hoka without an extra-wide landing platform! Our lab assessments show the Kaha 2 sports an impressive 117 mm wide midsole at the forefoot, 4.8 mm wider than average. In practice, this makes for a very stable landing. Along with a maximum rigidity of 5, thanks in part to the nubuck leather upper, we felt safe and surefooted hiking along uneven trails.

While the tongue is 1.3 mm thicker than average, we found it was too short and led to lace bite on our shins. Alternative lacing techniques may solve the issue, but hikers prone to trouble with lace bite may want to look at other options.

The Lowa Renegade GTX Mid ran the gauntlet of our lab tests and days on the trail. This tank of a boot passed our assessments with flying colours, with special attention going to its first-rate stability, incredible durability of the toe box, and perfect waterproofing. This stylish leather boot completely knocks the socks off the competition and we voted it the best leather hiking boots for backpacking.

With a slew of features contributing to its outstanding stability, we have rarely encountered a boot as stable as the Lowa Renegade GTX Mid. A rigid nylon shank in the midsole offers a high torsional rigidity, which measured 5/5 in our lab tests - where 5 is the most rigid. The midsole is cunningly crafted to allow our feet to nestle into it instead of hovering above it, which lends a whole other dimension to the stable feeling of the boot. On rough trails, over rocks or scree, we always felt as surefooted as a mountain goat.

The tough leather upper withstood a load of battering on our test hikes, so we put it to the test in our lab. Setting our Dremel to 5K RPM and applying 3.2N of pressure, we set to work on the toe box. After 12 seconds, only the smallest scuff remained as proof of our attack! The solid leather construction of this boot is tough as nails, and our feet feel protected for the long haul in the Lowa Renegade GTX Mid.

Boasting a Gore-Tex lining, we already trust the Renegade GTX Mid to not let any water in. Coupled, however, with the nubuck leather upper and fully gusseted tongue, this boot is completely watertight. Our feet stayed bone dry splashing through streams, and as an added bonus, the sticky Vibram outsole worked just as well underwater as on dry land!

This boot tapers rapidly around the toe, making this boot unsuitable for hikers with wide feet. Measuring it in the lab, we found it to be 72.3 mm wide around the toe, which is 6.4 mm narrower than average. We recommend hikers looking for a roomier toe box to look at other options.

KEEN Targhee III Waterproof Mid stands out as our top choice for breathability among leather hiking boots in our lab. Its ability to keep our feet ventilated while remaining watertight during hikes impressed us, making it a stellar option for tackling rugged terrains without sacrificing comfort. Priced at £150, it offers these exceptional features without breaking the bank.

Despite its tough exterior, this boot provides a padded interior, ensuring a comfortable fit. Under the microscope, its compact and interlocked braided fibres with minimal gaps strike a balance between waterproofing and breathability. With a remarkable 2/5 score in our lab tests, it proves its effectiveness in keeping water out while allowing airflow. Featuring a toe bumper, it provides additional protection from rocks, enhancing durability.

The ride feels inherently stable due to its firm midsole, supportive shanks, and grippy lugs. Our durometer confirms a 31.1 HA measurement, 22.4% tougher than average, yet we feel cushioned enough from harsh landings. The shoe's additional support and 4.2 mm multidirectional lugs help us feel well-planted and surefooted, even as we carry loaded backpacks. 

Balancing all the rigidity is its longitudinal flexibility to enhance a natural feel. Our bend test reveals it’s 31.8% more adaptive than the average boot.

Because this is still a waterproof shoe, it inevitably feels stuffy during the summer.

We cut open and hiked with leather boots and discovered KEEN Pyrenees offers the best wide toebox. With its premium nubuck leather and mighty build, this pair offers exceptional stability and protection. On top of that, we find it immensely cosy for all-day wear, especially in colder seasons.

Pyrenees doesn’t hinder our toe splay in any way. The toebox is a generous 108.0 mm and doesn't taper around the big toe area. It's a whopping 83.5 mm! We have lots of room to find our footing with every stride. Our hikes feel stable thanks to the stiff shank in the midfoot and the firm foothold that prevents awkward missteps.

Our feet feel at home straight away with the plush platform. Our durometer confirms it's 40.2% softer than average. Pyrenees pairs a generous heel stack for impact protection and a humble forefoot for enhanced ground control. This creates a massive 18.1 mm drop, which is extremely supportive and relieving when we’re carrying heavy backpacks.

All around, Pyrenees screams protection. Its tough leather build and secure lockdown shields us from cold winds and water. Underfoot, the KEEN.ALL-TERRAIN compound is one of the toughest we measured in our lab (92.0 HC) for extra protection from jagged rocks.

Contrary to its name, the outsole doesn’t grip well on all terrains. We found ourselves feeling unsteady on mud and snow. 

Extraordinary robustness, world-class quality, and reliable protection define the best premium leather hiking boot, and the Danner Mountain Light perfectly embodies this. Its handmade craftsmanship is undeniable in the lab with its resistance to wear, while offering effective waterproofing and remarkable traction even on the harshest terrains.

Despite extensive strenuous hikes and challenging conditions such as puddles and rocky paths, we felt extremely sheltered from all unwanted elements. Our feet were free from water contact and cold weather, proven by our breathability test when this boot earned a 1/5 mark. The leather showcased its extreme toughness when it barely showed visible signs of wear after our Dremel test, earning a remarkable 5/5 rating. Even the heel mirrored this performance, truly cementing Mountain Light’s premium quality.

Even underfoot, the boot proved resilient on the most rugged terrains. Its Vibram outsole boasts tougher-than-average results in all our lab tests, convincing us it will survive longer than the average boot. Its 91.6 HC rubber is a massive 4.8 mm thick, lined with extra toothy 5.8 mm lugs for solid traction. With its pronounced heel brake, tackling steep inclines was a breeze.

However, this heavy-duty boot has nothing to do with being “Light.” At a monstrous 28.3 oz (803g), it’s significantly 53.3% heavier than the average boot.

Of all the leather hiking boots we tested in and out of the lab, Keen Voyageur Mid satisfies the outdoor adventurer’s cravings without breaking the bank. At only £130, it offers generous padding, support, ventilation, and traction for more enjoyable long days in the wild. It’s undoubtedly our best budget pick given that the average hiking boot costs £180.

Despite having a leather upper, Voyageur Mid aced its ventilation. It scored a 4/5 on our breathability test thanks to the holes in the mesh area. This, together with the moisture-wicking function, ensures we remain free from blisters and even stinky feet.

The platform is a healthy mix of soft and firm elements for a comfy yet stable ride. The gentler sensation comes from the thick stack, notably its 46.2 mm heel. Meanwhile, the firmness comes from the foam’s density, which our durometer confirms is 15.4% harder than average.

Also ensuring our surefooted strides are the 4.2 mm multi-directional lugs that display their unwavering grasp on loose dirt, soft sand, and wet rocks. Together with the thick 5.0-mm outsole, these served as our underfoot shield from sharp debris.

Unfortunately, while the outsole itself seems durable, the way it’s glued to the midsole is the problem. The sole started peeling off during our testing, which raised concerns about the shoe’s quality.