I’m an Avid Hiker and Test Footwear for a Living—These Are the 6 Hiking Boots I Recommend
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Whether planning your first National Park trip or tackling rocky trails, the right hiking boots should keep you comfortable, supported, and steady on your feet. After testing 30 hiking shoes, boots, and sandals, our top pick is the Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof for its supportive fit, reliable traction, and comfortable feel on the trail.
At the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab, we regularly evaluate hiking footwear for ankle and arch support, cushioning, flexibility, and design. Recently, we've tested 30 hiking shoes, boots, and sandals with the help of over 65 consumer testers, who have logged over 900 miles across all types of terrain. These are the six pairs we’d recommend most.
Our top picks:
- Best overall: Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof
- Best value: Columbia Newton Ridge Plus Waterproof
- Most supportive: Oboz Bridger Mid B-Dry
Best Deal
Pros
- Lightweight and supportive
- Mesh panels for extra ventilation
- Protective toe cap
Cons
- A little heavy for light hikes or fast scrambles
WHY WE LOVE THEM: Beginners and veteran hikers alike will appreciate the balanced comfort and support of this pair from Merrell. They’re known for their surefooted feel and provide generous support without feeling too clunky to walk around town in afterward. I find them fairly versatile: Consumer testers have worn these both on technical trails and long treks, though some found them a bit too heavy for scrambles.
They've got generous arch support with substantial cushioning around the ankle and interior. On the exterior, there's breathable mesh, a protective toe cap, and a rugged Vibram outsole.
HOW THEY PERFORMED IN OUR TESTS: GH Editor Isabella Cavallo is an avid hiker and chose this pair above all others for a recent trip to Banff. She says, “I could walk for hours in them. I even had to wear them on my flight, since they didn't fit in my suitcase, and I forgot they were on my feet.”
It’s also received top praise from several consumer testers. One said, “These are so comfortable and have lots of padding. When I first put them on, I didn’t want to take them off!" Another commented, “These are some of the most solid-feeling shoes I've ever worn. The traction is fantastic going both uphill and downhill, and I felt really safe in these shoes on loose rock and slick surfaces.”
Pros
- Top scores from testers for comfort
- Lightweight design
- EVA foam midsole
Cons
- Unideal for heavy-duty treks
WHY WE LOVE THEM: Columbia's hiking boots are some of the most popular ones you'll see on the trails, and there’s a reason for that. They have a timeless design that doesn't skimp on key features like ankle support and comfy cushioning. This pair in particular has won over several GH editors and analysts, who reach for them over any other.
The ample midsole is lightweight and made with cushiony ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) foam for added comfort, while the tall ankle shaft provides necessary stability. Plus, the rugged outsole easily navigates a wide range of terrain.
HOW THEY PERFORMED IN OUR TESTS: Our testers especially appreciated how comfortable these boots were from the start, with minimal break-in time (if any). One described them as “forgiving” and highlighted how they “melt with the movement of my foot.”
Several GH editors are also fans: "I’ve gone on a variety of hikes in these, from a steep volcano in Iceland to muddy trails in New Jersey,” said GH Analyst Eva Bleyer. “I’ve never gotten blisters from them. My feet and ankles feel supported, and they provide good traction no matter the terrain."
Note that these boots aren't the best for a weeklong backpacking trip or particularly challenging terrain.
Pros
- Stable and protective
- Excellent traction in every direction
- Notable arch support
Cons
- May be too stiff for some hikers
WHY WE LOVE THEM: If you're looking for extra security on uneven terrain, this pair has superior traction and support. They're a must-have for hikers who prefer a stiff, durable option, especially for weeklong backpacking trips. Plus, they're particularly well-suited to people who need added stability, like those who tend to overpronate or have plantar fasciitis.
They've got supportive insoles (which you can even buy separately and slip into your own shoes for extra arch support) with a focus on stability. Each outsole also has lugs that cover every edge for optimal grip in all directions. And there's a protective toe cap, too.
HOW THEY PERFORMED IN OUR TESTS: Because of its exceptional support, Senior Analyst Olivia Lipski swears by this pair for all kinds of hikes, from short loops to long backpacking trips. She says, “These have done a remarkable job protecting my feet on rocky trails and keeping them dry when stepping in mud or water. I’ve worn these boots in both hot and cold weather, and they’ve been surprisingly breathable for someone with feet that quickly overheat.” Still, they may not be for everyone: Some consumer testers, particularly those who prefer softer, flexible boots, found these a bit too stiff.
Pros
- Soft, flexible upper
- Cushioned ankle
- High-traction outsole
Cons
- Can run warm, according to testers
WHY WE LOVE THEM: Salomon's X Ultra 4 Mid combines the comfort of a trail runner with the durability of a boot for an all-in-one versatile mid hiker. In fact, it's one of the lightest pairs you’ll find, and has a well-cushioned interior and flexible feel.
Like our other picks, these boots have a high-traction outsole with sharp lugs for extra grip, a solid toe cap, and a Gore-Tex membrane to keep out muddy water.
HOW THEY PERFORMED IN OUR TESTS: I always reach for this pair on long hikes because of how comfortable it is. The padded ankle is my favorite part and feels more cushioned than other boots I’ve tried. These boots are also a favorite of Cavallo, who especially liked how they keep her narrow feet secure.
All our testers unanimously liked how this pair felt both comfortable and supportive. Beyond its flexible nature and top-tier padding, it provides adequate stability and protection. One tester shared, "I loved how supported I felt while hiking. I have weak ankles and these were a dream." Others praised the waterproof design and one said, "We walked in the pouring rain, and I was soaked, but my feet were dry." Note that the shoes can run a bit warm, especially for those with sweaty feet.
For a more traditional backpacking shoe, I'd recommend the brand's Quest 5 GTX.
Pros
- No break-in period
- Responsive cushioning and breathable mesh
- Great for short hikes on many types of terrain
Cons
- Not ideal for multi-day hikes or backpacking
WHY WE LOVE THEM: Adidas Terrex's Free Hiker 3 is undeniably sleek and perfect for many types of terrain. They'll take you from hard concrete to soft, muddy trails without compromising on performance. Unlike most hiking boots, these look and feel like a pair of the brand’s comfy sneakers.
The sock-like upper and gusseted tongue offer protection against dirt and debris, while the rugged outsole provides necessary grip. Beyond that, the ankle is padded for extra comfort, and the waterproof Gore-Tex membrane keeps your feet dry.
HOW THEY PERFORMED IN OUR TESTS: I personally tested this pair and was surprised by how supported I felt compared to the original Free Hiker and 2.0. The midsole feels more responsive than other hiking sneakers, but the new sock-liner and padded ankle help keep you secure. These are meant for hiking, unlike agile trail runners, but they’re not too heavy and don’t need to be broken in like traditional boots. Our other testers agreed, highlighting the support, responsive cushion, and excellent grip. But I’d wear these for day hikes rather than a long backpacking trip.
GH Textiles Lab Associate Director Emma Seymour has tried several iterations of the Free Hiker and says, “I love that these shoes offer ankle support without feeling too bulky or heavy like other hiking boots I’ve used in the past. They have good traction [and] a chic appearance that I’d still wear in the city. I also appreciate the excellent cloud-like cushioning, [which is] great for a new hiker.”
Pros
- Specialized airflow system for extra breathability
- Superior braking ability and traction
- Lighter than most backpacking hiking boots we've tried
Cons
- Brand's boots run narrow in our tests
When you're on a multi-day trek, the last thing you want is to be weighed down by heavy, clunky hiking boots. This pair from La Sportiva offers lightweight comfort without compromising on durability.
WHY WE LOVE THEM: It's got a durable nubuck leather upper with a high-traction Vibram outsole and a Gore-Tex membrane to help keep out water. The outsole also has slanted lugs at the heel for improved braking and added stability. Plus, this pair uses nano-size channels in the footbed and midsole, which will help wick away excess moisture (in other words: sweat) and provide ventilation.
HOW THEY PERFORMED IN OUR TESTS: While we're still in the process of testing this updated pair, La Sportiva's shoes have earned high praise from our consumer testers. Several of them highlighted how their feet have stayed dry when stepping in puddles or streams without overheating. Our most recent testers for this style even commented that they'd never found backpacking boots this lightweight. Note that these boots run narrow, so for those with wider feet, consider opting for wide sizing or even going up half a size.
How we test hiking boots
The Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab has evaluated all kinds of footwear for over a century. Our analysts are constantly testing both tried-and-true classics and new innovative launches to find the best available.
In recent years, we've tested 30 hiking boots both in the Lab and with the help of over 65 consumer testers with various foot shapes and experience levels, who hiked more than 900 hours on all sorts of trails over the past few years to help us determine the best of the best.
Beyond real-world performance testing, we assess footwear construction, material performance, and more in the Lab. Our analysts use specialized machinery (like our Rain Tester, pictured here) and standardized testing methods to verify claims like moisture-wicking and water resistance.
Things to keep in mind when shopping for hiking boots
✔️ Sizing & fit: Finding hiking boots that fit your feet properly is essential. Too big, and your feet will slosh around, feeling uncomfortable with every movement, especially when hiking downhill. Too small, and your toes will hit the front of your boots the entire time you walk down.
- Try shoes on after dinner. Since your feet usually swell throughout the day, your feet will likely be at their largest at night. This will help you check to make sure they aren't too small. If you're trying on boots earlier in the day, make sure you can fit one finger behind your heel once your toes are touching the front of the boot to accommodate potential swelling.
- Wear thick or hiking-specific socks. You also want to factor in the socks you'll be wearing, and thicker pairs will help avoid blisters. Wool socks are some of the most popular hiking socks, since they help wick away moisture and are temperature-regulating. Just make sure you're not looking for 100% wool socks, as those won't have the necessary structure for long-term use. For those who have wool sensitivities, opt for acrylic for cold-weather hiking or polyester and nylon for summer hikes. Good hiking socks will also have ample cushioning along the soles.
- Wiggle your toes. Your boots should feel snug all over—but not tight. You should have enough room to wiggle your toes. If the toe box feels too wide or too narrow, these shoes aren't suited for you. Too wide, and you can get blisters on your feet. Too narrow, and your feet will feel squeezed the entire trek.
- Walk around. Go from room to room and up and down the stairs. If you notice your heels slipping up and down while walking, you may get blisters out on the trail. Check to make sure your toes don't hit the end of the boots on an incline and that there's no pinching in the forefoot, or uncomfortable bumps or seams. If the boot feels too tight near the laces, or too loose, the instep isn't the best fit for your foot.
✔️ Materials: When searching for hiking boots, we recommend looking for a mix of materials, starting with waterproof treated leather and mesh for breathable ventilation. Always take a peek at the sole too. Hiking boots should have a rubber sole with deep crevices and lugs, which help provide strong traction on slippery slopes. Below are some common materials for the upper fabric of the boot:
- Leather: This is one of the most popular materials for hiking boots. Leather typically has a waterproof treatment, so it will keep your feet dry and shoes scuff-free in wet weather. Full-grain leather is used in heavier-weight hiking boots, as it's not as light or breathable, but it is very tough, making it ideal for boots that will get a lot of wear.
- Suede: Similar to leather, suede is another common material for hiking boots. It's often been waterproofed, so you can feel comfortable that your boots are mud-ready.
- Nylon: Woven nylon and nylon-mesh panels are a popular fabric upper in mid-level boots. Creating areas of breathability, these panels allow air in, so your feet are unlikely to overheat on a long trail.
✔️ Weight: Hiking boots are sold at various weights for different needs. If you're a beginner, avoid super-heavy boots, as these are designed for seasoned hikers and backpackers. Typically, lower-weight styles offer less support and stability, making them best for fast hikers who aren't carrying a heavy pack. Whether you're planning on a casual hike or a longer trip, our pros recommend choosing something you'll feel confident maneuvering in.
✔️ Midsole material: The midsole of the hiking boot is what your foot will be directly seated on, providing cushioning between the ground and your foot. Most hiking brands use one of two materials for midsoles—ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) and polyurethane (PU)—though you may find some brands that combine both.
- EVA: You'll likely find EVA in light- or mid-weight hiking boots, as it's soft and has a cushiony quality.
- PU: Although less cushiony, PU foam will likely last longer without losing its shape.
✔️ Key features: When shopping for new hiking boots, these features can make a huge difference in your hiking experience:
- Gusseted tongue: A "gusseted" tongue means that the tongue is connected to the boot on each side. This helps keep out debris so you leave the dirt and mud on the trail.
- Toe cap: Hiking boots should have a rubber sole, but not all styles have a toe cap. A toe cap consists of a sole that actually covers your toe box to keep your toes protected when you're forging ahead.
- Waterproofing: If you're planning on hiking in snowy or wet weather, look for a waterproof hiking boot to help keep your feet warm and dry. Just note that if you don't expect to be in a wet hiking environment, the waterproof membranes used in hiking boots typically cause the shoes to feel less breathable and run warm.
Should I get hiking boots or hiking shoes?
Though they're often advertised as one and the same, hiking boots cover your ankle, while hiking shoes cut below the ankle. Hiking boots offer ankle support and added stability on technical terrain, while hiking shoes are usually lighter and fit more like a sneaker.
If you're hiking in the fall or winter, hiking boots can help provide more protection and warmth. On the other hand, warm-weather hikers may prefer lightweight hiking shoes or trail-running shoes (think: hiking sneakers). Those who have larger calves and ankles and find boots uncomfortable during long treks may want to consider swapping to a supportive, stability-focused hiking shoe.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Senior Textiles Analyst Grace Wu has worked with dozens of testers to evaluate hiking footwear and has personally tested boots on trails around the world. An avid hiker, she plans to tackle Old Rag in Shenandoah National Park this fall.
Wu holds a Master of Engineering in materials science and engineering and a Bachelor of Science in fiber science from Cornell University.
HOW THEY PERFORMED IN OUR TESTS
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