The Best Hiking Boots and Shoes for Any Adventure

The Salomon X Ultra 5 Mid Gore-Tex looks like a classic pair of modern hiking boots, with chunky dimensions, robust features, and good support, but these mid-cut Salomon boots are deceptively light at 1.94 pounds per pair. I have spent years urging people to buy the superb Salomon Quest 4 GTX, but these have become my preferred choice from the brand.

While not specifically designed for hauling heavy packs, I had no issues over several weekend overnighters, and was taken by just how versatile they were. The Contagrip rubber keeps you surefooted when climbing, and while the EnergyCell midsole lacks the squish of the Hoka Kaha 3 GTX, those more used to traditional hiking footwear will like the firm but responsive feel. They’re not too stiff, and not too soft, just easy to get on with, even straight out of the box.

A Gore-Tex lining provides dependable waterproofing, and extra warmth, and the build quality feels reassuringly solid, with an upper made from a tightly woven synthetic material reinforced with Kevlar. This is a superb all-around boot from Salomon.

The Targhee collection, named after a hardy American sheep breed known for its resiliency and fine wool, was first launched in 2005, with the intention of being versatile, robust, and comfortable from the get-go.

I’ve walked in many pairs over the years, and they remain a dependable choice I’m happy to recommend, even though they’ve never been the most aesthetically pleasing. But with the new Keen Targhee Apex, they’ve gone all-in with a trail-running Gorpcore look that actually works. I know that looks aren’t important when you’re scrambling over rocks and through puddles, but in the high-fashion world of the outdoors these days, pretty and practical ideally go hand in hand.

Regardless of style, these are wonderful waterproof trail shoes that weigh just 0.75 pounds each. They feel light without being fragile. The footbed is generous, allowing my feet to spread comfortably over a long day, and there’s plenty of stability through the midsole. Grip is reassuring on mixed terrain too, and the outsole digs in confidently on both ups and downs, and toes are well protected.

The best feature, however, is the all-new ReGENX midsole, which gives you a spring in your step, but without the mushy feeling you sometimes get with trail-running styles. There’s also enough side-wall support to stop them feeling like basic sneakers. If you prefer a little more support, there is a Targhee Apex boot version, which is also impressively light at 1 pound and 10.4 ounces per pair.

I love these reassuringly robust, traditionally styled hiking shoes from Swiss brand Mammut. The Ducan III Low GTX is the antithesis of the modern trail-runner-for-hiking shoe, with a structured feel offering a stiff and massively grippy sole, excellent protection, and long-distance comfort. They’ve been given an A7 flex rating on Mammut’s own stiffness scale (which goes from A1 to A9, with higher numbers signaling more stiffness)—which gives you a good idea how they perform over difficult sections and climbs.

Much of this stiffness comes from the Flextron plate, designed to add more midfoot stability to reduce foot fatigue. It does work, especially over varied terrain, although if you find yourself walking for miles over flat, even ground, the lack of plushness from the EVA midsole can be tiring. It feels more composed than cushioned, and your feet will ultimately thank you.

Weight is 17.3 ounces per US-9.5 shoe, putting it on the heavier side for a low-cut hiker, but that heft has purpose, and remember, the uppers are made of thick suede. There’s a Gore-Tex liner, and a nice slab of Vibram XS Trek for grip. They do run quite narrow—more approach shoe than trail runner—so check sizing carefully, although in my opinion, the snug fit helps with control.

The Altra Lone Peak shoe first launched in 2011 and now has a cult following, particularly with thru-hikers looking to go the distance. Weighing 11.55 ounces for men’s, the Altra Lone Peak 9+ is silly light and beyond comfortable, while the reinforced toe and heel offer excellent protection from nature’s trip hazards. I tested the non-waterproof version, but there is a Gore-Tex option for just $5 more.

Being an Altra, it has a zero-drop design and a super-wide toe box to encourage natural movement. While this does give the sneaker a rather orthopedic look, the comfort is hard to argue with, especially after a long day’s hiking. Be warned, though, you will need to train your legs to adapt to a zero-drop design before taking on any serious distances.

The midsole here doesn’t offer super-shoe levels of cushioning, and that’s not a bad thing, as they remain balanced and responsive over all types of terrain. There’s a rock plate too, which really makes a difference. The Lone Peak 9 has a MaxTrac rubber outsole, but the 9+ boasts a class-leading Vibram Megagrip compound that simply eats up the trail.

For me, La Sportiva is a brand built for climbing. I’ve worn out countless pairs of its climbing shoes, and a fair few of their super-grippy approach shoes. But as I’ve discovered, La Sportiva also makes a good line of trail-running and fast-hiking footwear.

The La Sportiva Prodigio Hike GTX combines trail runner agility with boot-level protection, delivering surprising versatility on rugged terrain. The boots remind me of the first generation of the Adidas Terrex Free Hiker ($165), which changed the way brands looked at hiking footwear. The elasticated knitted upper is wonderfully comfortable, even if getting them on does remind me of wrestling into surf booties. The fit is snug rather than generous—this is consistent with La Sportiva in general—but the footbed was fine for my wide feet, and the overall impact is a feeling of security, without the bulk of a traditional boot. And at 1.65 pounds for the pair, they are the opposite of bulky.

Waterproofing comes courtesy of Gore-Tex ePE, the latest-gen membrane, and while I imagine the knitted design will wear out relatively quickly, they show no worrying signs of wear after a week’s walking in the Lake District. The FriXion Red Dual-Mix outsole is a new compound for me, but I have no complaints, even across treacherous loose slate, and the EVA cushioning manages to balance plushness and responsiveness. My only real complaint is with the laces, which are very spaced out, so dialing in the fit isn’t so easy.

Part of Arc’teryx's first wholly in-house-designed footwear collection, the Kopec Mid GTX Boot replaces the popular Aerios. Despite the high price, it’s a hugely versatile, waterproof boot. Made from 100 percent nylon Cordura, the upper is very durable and gives the boot a stiff, secure feel, despite weighing just 11.9 ounces for a size 8.

Designed for day hikes over varied terrain, they’ve impressed me with their the stability and cushioning. If you’ve been disappointed by the soft sneaker feel of many new-generation options from brands like Hoka, these hit the sweet spot. They have out-of-the-box comfort but feel far more secure when scrambling or just walking for hours on end. The security in the heel and ankle and from the 3D-molded collars and tongues is matched by a Vibram Megagrip rubber sole with 4-mm lugs. I’m a big fan of this rubber compound, and here the lugs have been arranged to give the most grip for the least weight.

After three months of regular wear—on and off the trails—they still look remarkably box-fresh, and I appreciate being able to simply hose them down to wash away the mud. Yes, they’re expensive for day hikers, but the materials used do offer a genuine crossover between old and new designs, without compromising on style or performance.

Serious alpine terrain demands respect. If you’re going to be encountering snow, ice, rocks, and steep climbs, you need a mountaineering boot. Weighing 1 pound, 5.8 ounces per boot (in a men’s 9.5) the Kento Tour High GTX, from Swiss mountain stalwarts Mammut, offers a surprisingly agile mix of stiff-soled support, grip, and protection. Given the height and stiffness, it’s a remarkably comfortable boot. Despite the big 11-mm drop, it’s easy to stick to your natural stride.

These boots are built for serious terrain and transporting heavy loads, and are crampon-compatible for icy conditions. Surprisingly, they have impressive out-of-the-box comfort, and just enough flex to stop them from feeling like ski boots. Gore-Tex takes care of the waterproofing, and the velour leather upper and shoe-style lacing system means you can really dial in the fit.

Tested on a snow-covered glacier in freezing conditions, I was impressed by the warmth offered, and the Vibram Hexa Tech sole made me feel more mountain goat than amateur mountaineer. I’ve also worn these boots to scramble rocky ascents, and they instill confidence in every step, while never feeling cumbersome.

Relentless high-profile marketing campaigns and frequent launches mean the once-niche Swiss brand On Running, known for its unmistakable hole-y soles, is now playing in the big leagues. Love it or hate it, the brand now has footwear for every occasion, including these waterproof Cloudrock Low hiking shoes, which have yet to put a foot wrong. The first thing I noticed as I headed out in the Cloudrocks was just how unlike a pair of regular On Running shoes they felt. The super-soft midsole I’ve enjoyed in their running shoes is surprisingly stiff. They remain comfortable regardless of how long you’re on your feet, and there’s a traditional hiking boot feel to them, which marks a change from all the super-cushioned hybrid options.

They’re stable, and the Missiongrip rubber outsole and lugs are deep and offer excellent grip. Although they have no ankle-roll support, I still felt secure in them over uneven ground. In fact, I’d happily carry a pack just to have extended periods in them. It’s not an especially fast shoe, prioritizing control over propulsive power, but I think a lot of people will really enjoy them, both on and off the trail. On Running also does a high-top version and a limited-edition colorway in partnership with Beams and REI, which looks great. It’s just a pity they are so expensive. If you do want a similar but cheaper design, the $120 Adidas Terrex Skychaser AX5 GTX is worth a look.

In the 15 years since they launched, I’ve worn several pairs of the classic Moab 3 Mid and highly recommend them. But over recent years, Merrell’s Speed collection has turned my head and pleased my feet.

The Moab Speed 2 GTX Mid is around 2.8 ounces lighter per boot (14.1 ounces total), and you can really feel the difference after a few miles. The upper is made from nylon ripstop TPU, which looks robust and gleefully sheds water, dust, and mud, and is easier to clean than traditional suede. I wonder if it will prove as durable over the years as suede, but so far, so good. Comfort is spot on, with a generous toe box and nicely padded collar. I also like that there’s not an excess of material in the waterproof tongue bellows, which can often crease and become a point of weakness over time.

The foam midsole makes it feel reassuringly like a walking boot rather than a squishy trainer, but there’s still a nice amount of flex in the forefoot and plenty of cushioning. Combine that with the shoe’s Vibram TC5+ outsole and its deep, well-spaced lugs, and you’ll be impressed by how nimble it feels over all sorts of terrain. These aren’t mountaineering boots by any stretch, but they proved especially good at navigating slippery tree roots and muddy forest trails.

The Moab Speed 2 Mid GTX is also available in a women’s specific fit, and as a stylish hiking shoe. There’s also a heavier but burlier leather boot option I’m looking forward to testing.