Best Hiking Boots for Men and Women: 13 Top Picks Of 2023

This is the Quest’s fourth iteration and with each new update it just gets better and better. Very few hiking boots out there score highly in every metric, but it manages to do just that.

These boots are designed to handle all the trail has to throw at them and keep your feet dry and comfortable in the process.

Like many other Salomon boots, the Quest builds off an updated ADV-C chassis, which provides great support and stability. Deep aggressive lugs and the Contagrip® TD rubber outsole provide awesome traction and grip in loose or muddy terrain, while the Gore-Tex liner ensures your feet stay when hiking in wet weather.

One area that improves the overall fit compared to competitors is the Quest’s lacing system, which allows you to lock your heel in place while allowing for adjustability when needed. Not only does this make them feel great but improves stability and reduces the risk of chafing and blisters.

The Quest are often praised for their sneaker-like comfort, and we’d be loath to disagree. Their beefy, springy EVA midsole makes them one of the most cushioned boots we’ve ever tried, and there’s ample padding around the ankles and in the tongue to keep your feet happy on long days on the trail.

We’re also big fans of the Quest’s mixed leather and textile upper. While far from the most durable boot on our list, this combo strikes the sweet spot between durability and breathability and allows them to perform well in both warm and cooler conditions.

So far, all we’ve done is sing the Quest’s praises, but we wouldn’t be doing our jobs if we didn’t point out its shortcomings, as few as these may be.

At 2 lbs. 14 oz., the Quest is one of the heavier boots reviewed, which makes it 5 to 6 ounces heavier than the lightest midweight models such as the Scapa Zodiac or the Lowa Renegade. While the upgrade in performance is well worth it in our opinion, not everyone will be willing to haul that much weight around on their feet.

It’s also worth mentioning that the Quest are likely to be overkill for certain applications. If you hike in dry, warm climates, for example, the breathability of the Moab 2 (below) makes them a far more suitable pick. And if you tend to throw in a bit of scrambling on your hikes, a more technical boot like the Scarpa Zodiac Plus will serve you better.

Click here for Women’s Version.

While not the lightest hiking boot we reviewed, the X Ultra 4 Mid GTX scoops top place in the lightweight category courtesy of offering a reduced weight without compromising on important attributes like stability, support, or traction.

Like other Solomon boots such as the Quest, the X Ultra is built around Salomon’s hugely comfortable and supportive ADV-C chassis. However, while the Quest offers a very rugged feel, the X Ultra 4 is a pound lighter and feels more like a trail running shoe, which makes it a great pick if you want to travel fast and light or are prone to leg fatigue on long trail days.

But what sets the X Ultra 4 apart from other lightweight models?

While you could opt for something like the Altra Lone Peak Hiker Boots, which are over 7 ounces lighter, or a pair of hiking shoes, we feel that X Ultra’s extra weight is worth it for the improved protection, stability, and traction, not to mention its Gore-Tex liner.

The downside to having such a flexible light hiking boot is that challenging technical terrain will remain…challenging. If you want lightweight hiking boots with a bit more technical performance, then we recommend the Asolo Falcon and the La Sportiva Pyramid, both of which are a touch stiffer and more supportive, and only weigh a few ounces more.

Click here for Women’s Version.

If you are looking for a great hiking boot at a bargain price, then it’s hard to look past the Moab 2. This is one of the cheapest pairs of boots we reviewed, but also one of the best in the business for certain applications.

The Moab has been around for some time, and the upgraded version has only had minor adjustments made to one of Merrell’s most popular designs, all of which made it just a little better than the original.

Protecting your feet from the hardships of the trail, the Fit.Eco+ blended-EVA midsoles combined with the Air Cushioning in the heels give a great bouncy feel. The improved insole design, meanwhile, has a more contoured finish to provide more support for your heel and arch.

The Moab 2 are one of the most breathable boots we’ve reviewed, making them a great pick for hot summer hikes. They also come in a Ventilator model that is a little cheaper and does away with waterproofing completely – ideal if you need a boot for extremely hot arid hikes in the desert areas of the southwest.

For such a low price, you shouldn’t expect premium features like Gore-Tex. Merrell’s in-house waterproofing M-Select is not the greatest, making them far from the most waterproof hiking boots on the market. If you’re willing to pay extra you can upgrade to a Gore-Tex version of this model. These, however, will set you back a few more $ and are far less breathable.

The other downside is that while a little bulky, the Moab 2 are not particularly supportive, making them more suited for well-maintained trails. If you need a little more support and stability without breaking the bank, then upgrading to the Vasque Breeze AT would be a good shout.

If your foot shape runs a little wide, then the KEEN Targhee III is a very similar boot in terms of price and performance but has a wider fit.

Click here for Women’s Version.

The Lowa Renegade GTX Mid was one of the most comfortable hiking boots we tested, providing superb support and protection for your feet on rocky and rugged trails.

Despite the all-leather uppers, full-length nylon shank, and thick Vibram rubber outsole, the Renegade is one of the lightest boots in its class, tipping the scales at just 2 lbs. 7 oz.

The Renegade is a classic-looking mid-cut boot that offers great ankle support, even when carrying heavy loads, thanks to its polyurethane Monowrap frame. The polyurethane cuts some weight from the boot and gives a sturdier and more supportive feel. The slightly higher ankle cuff helps protect from scrapes, bumps, and debris ingress while still providing a comfortable fit.

The Renegade is one of the lightest midweight hiking boots to offer this level of ankle support and stability. This makes them an excellent choice if you need more support carrying heavier loads or if your hiking and backpacking trips take you over more technical terrain. (If you plan on taking on long thru-hikes like the Appalachian Trail or CDT, the Renegade are a great pick.)

If we’re going to be picky about shortcomings, then we’d zone in on the lacing system, which made it tricky at times to find the perfect fit. While the Renegade offers more cushioning than the Salomon Quest, the ability to provide a precision fit is why the heavier Quest stole the top award.

Click here for Women’s Version.

Shoe running company Altra has taken a traditional trail runner and given it some upgrades to meet the demands of the hiking trail. Their first hiking boot, the Lone Peak Hiker has the fit and feel of a trail running shoe and has been winning over fans in the ultralight community.

The standout feature is of course the 1 lb. 7 oz. weight, making them the lightest hiking boots on our list over half-pound lighter than their closest rival in this category, the Salomon X Ultra 4. The roomy toe box and very flexible design make for a comfortable choice.

As a step up from running shoes, Altra has made the ankle collar a little higher cut, giving them a beefier outsole lug design, and added a little more cushioning to the footbed. Their Balanced Cushioning™ platform is designed to reduce heel dropping on ascents.

For such a dramatic weight reduction, there are several compromises that Altra had to make. The all-synthetic upper offers little in the way of protection and can’t match the durability of a suede/leather boot or hiking shoe. The pair we’ve reviewed here are non-waterproof hiking boots, although Altra does make an all-weather version that costs a little more.

Click here for Women’s Version.

The REI Co-op Flash are the “odd one out” in our line-up with the unique polyester knitted upper giving the Flash a look all of its own. Aside from aesthetics, the Flash are a flexible, lightweight, and breathable pair of boots most suited to easy-going day hikes.

The knitted polyester may be great for breathability, but it lacks the durability of suede, nubuck, or leather. And because it has only a midfoot shank and limited stiffness coming from the knit design, don’t expect the support and stability you’d get from lightweight peers like the Salomon X Ultra or the Merrell Moab.

REI does a good job of using recycled materials and algae-based foam to make these waterproof shoes more environmentally friendly. Overall, this is a fun and interesting lightweight boot that works well for easy to moderate trails, but don’t expect it to be as durable as its peers.

If you know you are in for a slog over tricky terrain then the Scarpa Zodiac Plus is a semi-stiff boot that will provide the support, stability, and technical performance you need.

The Zodiac Plus excels on rugged terrain, rock scrambling, and snowy trails where its superb traction and stability put it ahead of its competitors in these categories. The Salomon Quest 4 comes a close second but doesn’t quite match the performance of the Zodiac Plus, which, at just 2 lbs. 6 ounces, is considerably lighter.

It’s hard to knock Scarpa’s Zodiac Plus boots, but if your typical trail is well-maintained and free from extra-steep ascents and tricky descents, then they will likely be overkill for your needs. We’d recommend you look at either the Asolo Falcon or the X Ultra from Salomon depending on your preference for weight vs support and stability.

While the Zodiac Plus offers better traction and stability, it narrowly lost out on the top prize to the Salomon Quest due to the Quest’s superior comfort and fit. That said, if you need to trust your tread, then Zodiac Plus may be the better option for you.

Click here for Women’s Version.

The Zamberlan Vioz is everything you would imagine in a pair of traditional, heavyweight leather boots for hiking. Made for more serious treks with heavy pack weights, and even a little light mountaineering, the Vioz provides some of the best traction, stability, and durability in our hiking boot reviews.

The full-length thermoplastic urethane shank and stiff leather uppers make for one very rigid boot that offers great stability, even on precarious terrain. Combine that with the Vibram® rubber outsoles, polyurethane midsoles, and the padded, soft interior, and you have one of the burliest, most supportive boots out there, and one of the best hiking boots for hauling heavy loads.

The stiff leather design also gives you solid toe protection and durability that you won’t see in many synthetic or suede leather designs. Add to this the fact that the Vibram sole is resoleable, and these boots will last for years.

The downside to the Vioz, and the reason why there has been a wider retreat from using traditional leather boots, is their weight. At 3 lbs. and 8 ounces, the Vioz are heavier than other boots we have reviewed – a huge 9 ounces more than the next heaviest, the Salomon Quest. The stiff leather will also require a longer break-in time.

Click here for Women’s Version.

Superb comfort, good traction, and at a great price, it’s not hard to see why the KEEN Targhee III has been a perennial favorite amongst day-hikers. At 2 lbs. 2.8 oz., the KEEN Targhee is a lightweight pick that still provides good protection and durability despite its low price.

While made with tough nubuck leather, the Targhee doesn’t need much of a break-in period – it’s trail-ready straight out of the box. The interiors are soft and hug your feet, with dual-density midsoles providing more than enough cushion for your average trail. The deep lugs also offer great traction even in muddy conditions.

As a lightweight option, the Targhee does lack some of the support of midweight boots such as the Scarpa Zodiac Plus or Lowa Renegade, which are not that much heavier (although are pricier).

It was also a close runner-up to our value pick, the Merrell Moab 2. While the Targhee is more durable, it tends to run wide so is not so great for folks with narrow feet. It is also less breathable and more expensive than the Moab, which ultimately just gets the nod.

If you’re in the market for a boot with a wide fit, we also highly recommend Salomon’s X Ultra 3 Mid GTX hiking boots, which is available in both a men’s version and a women’s version.

Click here for Keen Targhee III Mid WP Women’s Version.

Great waterproofing, brilliant craftsmanship, and excellent out-of-the-box comfort are some of the defining features of the modern-looking Asolo Falcon GV Gore-Tex hiking boots.

At 2 lbs. 3 oz., the Falcon is light for a boot classed as midweight, although this does mean that it doesn’t offer the same stability as peers like the Lowa Renegade or the Scarpa Zodiac Plus (both 4 ounces heavier).

Providing more support and stability than a lightweight boot, but not as much as is typical for a midweight one, this uniquely places the Falcon somewhere between lightweight options like the La Sportiva Pyramid or the Merrell Moab and its (supposed) midweight competitors.

Despite this, the Falcon still performs admirably and we’d still recommend it for tougher hikes. However, if you would feel safer with the extra ankle support, then you’re going to have to opt for a heavier boot. For that, we’d recommend the Quest, which is a lot heavier but offers a big step up in terms of performance.

The suede leather and Gore-Tex liners combine to give very breathable yet extremely waterproof footwear. Unfortunately, thanks to the Falcon’s lug design, it is not the greatest on muddy trails, which is disappointing considering how well it performs in wet conditions otherwise.

Click here for Women’s Version.

The La Sportiva Pyramid is one of our favorite lightweight waterproof boots and great for long-term trail travel.

La Sportiva has put a lot of thought into how to improve breathability by adding a Gore-Tex Surround to the sides, as well as the top of the upper boot. Despite this, the boot still performs well when wading through the dew, boggy terrain, or streams.

At only 2 lbs. 1.6 ounces, the low weight makes it a great choice for hikers and backpackers who prefer a lighter, faster trail shoe or boot. The traction is superb and comes close to the overall winner in this category, the Scarpa Zodiac Plus.

The lower weight does mean that it’s not as sturdy as some heavier options like the Vioz or the Quest. However, the Pyramid is more than capable of handling all but the most technical of ascents and steep descents and is nimble and stiff enough for moderate scrambling.

If you have wider feet, then there are better options out there. Like all La Sportiva footwear, the Pyramid runs narrow and is not available in a wide version. The Asolo Falcon is the closest comparable boot that we would recommend for wider feet.

Cheap hiking boots that offer great comfort, traction, durability, and support are few and far between, but the Vasque Breeze AT (“All Terrain”) is just that.

The Breeze uses modern materials to give the traditional hiking boot look an update. The boot offers great support and enough stability for tougher trails and days with a heavy pack and is extremely comfortable thanks to a snug-fitting heel, wide toe-box, and cushy padding in the tongue and cuff.

The Breeze uses a mix of Nubuck leather with mesh vents to give the boot some extra breathability, while a Gore-Tex membrane helps keep your feet dry whilst also allowing sweat to escape.

The Breeze AT is a pretty heavy and bulky boot compared to its peers, making it less nimble than other midweight options like the Asolo Falcon or Scarpa Zodiac. However, it does perform better on the trail than lightweights like the Targhee or Moab. In terms of performance, the Lowa Renegade is its closest rival, with the Renegade a lighter but more expensive boot.

Click here for Women’s Version.

Is there no end to the awesomeness that Italian boot brand La Sportiva continues to roll out? After putting the Nucleo II High GTX through their paces on a few day hikes and a 4-day adventure in their homeland (the Sentiero Roma, if you’re interested), we’d have to say that’s a negative.

The Nucleo are La Sportiva’s latest foray into the lightweight end of the market, weighing just over 2 pounds. But they borrow from the brand’s more technical and burlier backpacking boots and mountaineering boots a lot of lovable features that set them apart from other lightweight competitors.

Most notably, the Nucleo are tough. While most other hiking boots in this weight class are distinguished by extensive mesh panels that can tear up if they just look at a rocky surface or patch of thorny scrub, the Nucleo boasts rugged leather uppers with patches of Nano Cell mesh to boost breathability.

Another standout feature is the Gore-Tex Surround liner, which covers both the top of the foot, as per regular membranes, and the footbed and sides. This makes it not only a standout performer in wet weather but more breathable than most other boots with so rugged a build.

Click here for the Women’s Version.