To the uneducated, a boot is just a boot, but to a hiker, the boot you wear hiking can mean the difference between life and death. In recent years, hiking boots have gotten more comfortable and lighter with every iteration.
Most hiking boots are now waterproof and choosing the right boot often influences how fun your hiking trip will be. Lightweight boots are excellent for daytime, fast packing for backpacking trips, and heavyweights for rough terrain.
Hiking boots come with a foam insole that wears out quickly, and how good your boot depends on how easily you can replace it.
Fit, price, durability, comfort, popularity, performance, and ankle support are some factors we examined in this list. Our samples were wide and our examined features wider.
Best Hiking Boots 2023
1. Tecnica Forge
Forge is a first-generation hiking boot from a new manufacturer (Tecnica), and it is a testament to its quality that it is our best pick. It is fully customizable and is designed in both nubuck leather and synthetic ripstop.
Forge comes with Vibram rubber sole and Gore-Tex liner. The moulding process takes only a few minutes with its custom boot-fitting robot. Since it is attractive and fully customizable, Tecnica Forge is a boot that always fits.
Specs
- 6 to 20.9-ounce in weight
- Vibram Megagrip sole
- Synthetic or Nubuck leather
- Gore-Tex Extended Comfort waterproofing
Pros
- Always fit
- Comfortable
- Waterproof
- Lightweight
- Comfortable and breathable wrap-around cuff
Cons
- Pricy
2. Salomon X Ultra 3 Mid GTX
Salmon X Ultra has the look of a trail-running shoe but includes extra protection and ankle support. It awesomely combines comfortability and lightweight, with an improved design, a stable chassis, and solid toe protection.
It lacks underfoot protection as a compromise and is thinner than expected, but it is flexible with excellent traction.
Specs
- 6-ounce
- Gore-Tex
Pros
- Waterproof
- Affordable
- Ultra-light and thin
- Flexible
- Unique design
- Some models weight even less
Cons
- Underfoot protection is too thin
- Not very stable
3. Danner Mountain 600 Enduroweave
Danner Mountain combines modern materials with Danner’s classic outdoor design to produce a wonder hiking boot. It is comfortable, elegant, and lightweight with a cushion Vibram outsole and leather upper.
It is adaptable and can be worn in many other settings that don’t involve terrain. Its weird techy look is a trait of the Enduroweave fabric that is stylish.
Specs
- 17-ounce
- Vibram Fuga Sole
- Synthetic Upper
- Enduroweave or leather fabric
Pros
- Lightweight and cheap
- Made of breathable materials
- Comfortable
- Stylish techy look
- All-setting use
Cons
- Initially uncomfortable
- No waterproofing
- Sizes are half a size too big
4. Merrell Moab 2 Mid WP
While Merrell Moab is not something we’ll recommend for heavy loads and rough trails, it is an excellent choice for day hikers. It is cheap despite its lightweight, breathability and waterproofing.
Moab 2 Mid WP is like the initial Moab design except for better waterproofing and cushioning. It isn’t very durable and long-lasting though.
Specs
- 2-pounds
- M Select Dry waterproofing
- Vibram outsoles
- Nubuck leather upper
Pros
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Cheap
- Waterproof
- Awesome design
- Comfortable
Cons
- Not durable
- Not good for rough terrain
5. Hoka One One Kaha
One Kaha has the most cushioning of all the models on this list. This cushion means that it is super comfy and ideal for users who are super conscious of impacts and rough grounds. While it may feel strange because of the sole’s thickness, you will get over it quickly.
It is waterproof, lightweight, made of a leather upper, and offers plenty of ankle support. If you like your boot comfy, Hoka One One Kaha is your best bet.
Specs
- 9-ounce
- Leather Upper
- eVent Waterproof bootie waterproofing
- Vibram Megagrip sole
Pros
- Comfiest
- Lightweight
- Waterproof
- Rocketed bottom helps roll the boot from step to step.
Cons
- Large sole
- Pricy
6. Salomon Quest 4D 3 GTX
For hiking boots, the tougher they are, the more money you can expect to spend on them. Salmon Quest 4D is the whole package if you are looking for a tough hiking shoe to handle serious backpacking and day hiking.
It has an outsole that grips well, a flexible platform, and impressive comfort. Quest 4D 3 is a light but durable construction that is worth every penny you spend on it.
Specs
- 2-pounds
- Gore-Tex waterproofing
- Mesh or Nubuck leather upper
Pros
- Durable and long-lasting
- Supportive
- Comfy
- Excellent grip
- Fantastic with heavy loads
Cons
- Heavy
- Pricy
- Too much for day time hikes
7. Keen Targhee Vent Mid
Keen Vent is one of the best-selling hiking boot this year. While it has no waterproofing, this vent model features mesh panelling for better breathability. It offers a wider fit than you will expect in the toe box and leaves impressive room for movement.
Targhee Mid is very supportive, with a cuff that is not too tall.
Specs
- 6-ounce
- Keen all-terrain rubber sole
- Synthetic and leather upper
- Oiled Nubuck leather (water-resistant)
Pros
- Comfy and lightweight
- Cheap
- Supportive
- Excellent cuff
- Breathable
Cons
- The toe box is slightly too wide
- No waterproofing
8. Lowa Renegade GTX Mid
Lowa is another expensive mid-weight hiking boot that is a mite too expensive. Unlike the nimbler Quest 4D, Lowa GTX is more isolated from the ground and sturdier.
It performs well with heavy backpacks and weighs significantly less than expected.
Specs
- 2-pounds
- Gore-Tex liner waterproofing
- Nubuck leather upper
Pros
- Light
- Comfortable and breathable
- Impressive ground isolation
- Good for backpackers
Cons
- Pricy
- Not durable
- Lacing is not the best
9. Vasque Saga GTX
Saga GTX is another successful Vasque model that has a breathable double-engineered upper and a Vibram Megagrip sole.
Specs
- 23-ounce
- Synthetic upper
- Gore-Tex Extended comfort waterproofing
- Vibram Megagrip
- TPU toe cap and heel
Pros
- Cushy
- Excellent for long-distance treks
- Breathable
- Excellent ankle support
- Remarkably cool
Cons
- Heavy
- Expensive
10. Scarpa Zodiac Plus GTX
Zodiac GTX is tough and versatile, suiting for both high-elevation climbs and home trails. It sits just below the line of becoming a mountaineering boot and has excellent waterproofing.
Specs
- 2-ounce
- Suede upper
- Gore-Tex performance comfort waterproofing
- Vibram Drumlin sole
Pros
- Versatile
- Durable
- Supportive
- Cuff design is innovative
- Has precision fitting
Cons
- Heavy
- Expensive
- Weird design