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Best hiking boots for trail hiking: top picks on Amazon

Hiking boot ankle height, waterproofing, outsole lug depth, midsole stiffness, toe box width and weight determine which boot suits day hikes versus multi-day backpacking trips.

By Pickspry EditorialUpdated 4 picks

The short answer

Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof at $130 is the best hiking boot for most trail hikers: the Gore-Tex waterproof lining keeps feet dry in wet trail conditions, the Vibram TC5+ outsole grips wet rock and root-covered trail and the mid-cut ankle collar provides ankle support on uneven terrain without the weight of a full backpacking boot.

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Quick picks

How we chose

Hiking boots are evaluated by ankle height, waterproofing technology, outsole type, midsole stiffness, weight per pair, toe cap protection, break-in time and price. Specs from manufacturer product pages. We did not test these products.

The picks, in detail

4 picks reviewed
01
Best hiking boot for most trail hikers
Merrell Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof

Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof

Brand: Merrell

Best for

Day hikers and weekend backpackers who want a waterproof mid-cut boot with a broken-in-out-of-the-box reputation, where Merrell Moab 3 uses a breathable waterproof membrane lining and the Vibram TC5+ outsole that provides grip on wet rock, dirt trails and loose gravel without the stiff break-in period of stiffer leather boots.

Skip if

Heavy multi-day backpacking loads (40+ lb pack) are carried regularly. Merrell Moab 3 is a day hiking boot and light backpacking boot. The midsole is not stiff enough to support very heavy loads over long distances without causing foot fatigue. For extended backpacking with heavy packs, a stiffer boot like Salomon X Ultra 4 or a dedicated backpacking boot provides more underfoot support.

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Merrell Moab 3 uses a Gore-Tex lining bonded inside the upper that prevents water from entering from rain and stream crossings up to the boot height while allowing moisture vapor from the foot to escape. The Vibram TC5+ outsole uses a compound designed for multi-surface grip, providing traction on wet granite, compressed dirt and leaf-covered trail.

The Moab series is known for minimal break-in time compared to leather-dominant hiking boots. The mesh and suede upper construction provides some flexibility from the first wear.

At $130, Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof is the most affordable full-featured waterproof hiking boot in this guide.

Specifications

Specifications for Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof
Ankle heightMid-cut
WaterproofingGore-Tex waterproof breathable membrane
OutsoleVibram TC5+
Weight2 lb 4 oz per pair
Price$130

Specs from Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof, hiking boot Amazon search

02
Best hiking boot for technical terrain
Salomon Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX

Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX

Brand: Salomon

Best for

Hikers who regularly tackle rocky, technical terrain with significant elevation change, where Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid uses a Contagrip TD outsole with aggressive lug depth for grip on steep loose rock and the chassis underfoot provides better torsional rigidity for precision foot placement on exposed scrambling terrain.

Skip if

Easy, well-maintained trails on flat or gently rolling terrain are the typical hiking environment. Salomon X Ultra 4's stiffer chassis and aggressive outsole are designed for technical terrain. On maintained park trails without significant technical challenge, the additional stiffness and weight are not matched to the terrain demands.

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Salomon X Ultra 4 uses the Salomon chassis design that places a rigid plastic plate between the midsole and outsole to prevent the sole from twisting underfoot on uneven rock. The Contagrip TD outsole uses deeper lugs than most mid-range hiking boots for improved purchase on loose shale and wet rock faces.

The boot is available in both men's and women's specific last shapes. The lacing system uses Salomon's Quicklace design for one-pull tightening.

At $160, Salomon X Ultra 4 is the premium option in this guide, appropriate for hikers who frequent technically challenging terrain.

Specifications

Specifications for Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX
Ankle heightMid-cut
WaterproofingGore-Tex
OutsoleContagrip TD
Weight2 lb 6 oz per pair
Price$160

Specs from Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX hiking boot, technical terrain Amazon search

03
Best hiking boot for wide feet
Keen Keen Targhee III Mid Waterproof

Keen Targhee III Mid Waterproof

Brand: Keen

Best for

Hikers with wide feet or who need more toe box volume than standard-fit boots provide, where Keen Targhee III uses Keen's wider toe box design that allows toes to spread naturally during the toe-off phase of each step, reducing the toe cramping that causes blisters in narrow-toe box boots on long hikes.

Skip if

Narrow feet are the fit profile. Keen's wide toe box accommodates wider feet but may cause the foot to move inside the boot if the foot is narrow, which causes blistering on the heel and ankle. For narrow to normal-width feet, Merrell Moab 3 or Salomon X Ultra 4 provides a more appropriate fit.

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Keen Targhee III uses the KEEN.DRY membrane waterproofing and a wider forefoot construction than most hiking boots. The rubber toe cap provides additional protection against toe stubbing on roots and rocks that is not present on many trail running shoe-style boots.

The KEEN.ALL-TERRAIN rubber outsole uses a multi-directional lug pattern designed for surface grip on varied trail conditions. The steel shank underfoot reduces torsional flex for foot support on uneven terrain.

At $140, Keen Targhee III is appropriate for hikers who have had persistent blister or comfort problems with narrower boots on long hiking days.

Specifications

Specifications for Keen Targhee III Mid Waterproof
Ankle heightMid-cut
WaterproofingKEEN.DRY waterproof membrane
OutsoleKEEN.ALL-TERRAIN rubber
Toe capRubber toe cap protection
Price$140

Specs from Keen Targhee III Mid Waterproof, wide toe box hiking boot Amazon search

04
Best budget hiking boot
Columbia Columbia Newton Ridge Plus II Waterproof

Columbia Newton Ridge Plus II Waterproof

Brand: Columbia

Best for

Casual hikers who hike infrequently and want a waterproof boot at a significantly lower price than Gore-Tex options, where Columbia Newton Ridge Plus II uses Columbia's Omni-Tech waterproof breathable membrane at a price point that makes it accessible for occasional use without the investment of a premium boot.

Skip if

Regular long-distance or technical hiking is planned. Columbia Newton Ridge Plus II uses a more casual construction than Merrell or Salomon options. For hikers who plan to hike frequently, weekly, or on challenging terrain, the additional durability and outsole grip of Merrell Moab 3 or Salomon X Ultra 4 provides better value over multiple seasons.

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Columbia Newton Ridge Plus II uses an Omni-Tech membrane that provides waterproof protection in rain and shallow water crossings. The leather and mesh upper provides structure without the full-grain leather weight of traditional hiking boots.

The Omni-Grip outsole uses a rubber compound with moderate lug depth appropriate for maintained trails. The boot fits true to size in most standard width configurations.

At $90, Columbia Newton Ridge Plus II is $40 less than Merrell Moab 3 for occasional hikers who want waterproof protection without the premium boot price.

Specifications

Specifications for Columbia Newton Ridge Plus II Waterproof
Ankle heightMid-cut
WaterproofingColumbia Omni-Tech
OutsoleColumbia Omni-Grip
UpperLeather and mesh
Price$90

Specs from Columbia Newton Ridge Plus II Waterproof, budget hiking boot Amazon search

Hiking boot comparison

Model Waterproofing Ankle Outsole Price
Columbia Newton Ridge II Omni-Tech Mid Omni-Grip $90
Merrell Moab 3 Mid WP Gore-Tex Mid Vibram TC5+ $130
Keen Targhee III Mid KEEN.DRY Mid KEEN.ALL-TERRAIN $140
Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid Gore-Tex Mid Contagrip TD $160

Compare the picks

Side by side comparison of every pick
Specification
Merrell Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof
Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof
Salomon Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX
Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX
Keen Keen Targhee III Mid Waterproof
Keen Targhee III Mid Waterproof
Columbia Columbia Newton Ridge Plus II Waterproof
Columbia Newton Ridge Plus II Waterproof
Our verdictBest hiking boot for most trail hikersBest hiking boot for technical terrainBest hiking boot for wide feetBest budget hiking boot
Ankle heightMid-cutMid-cutMid-cutMid-cut
WaterproofingGore-Tex waterproof breathable membraneGore-TexKEEN.DRY waterproof membraneColumbia Omni-Tech
OutsoleVibram TC5+Contagrip TDKEEN.ALL-TERRAIN rubberColumbia Omni-Grip
Weight2 lb 4 oz per pair2 lb 6 oz per pairNot listedNot listed
Price$130$160$140$90
Toe capNot listedNot listedRubber toe cap protectionNot listed
UpperNot listedNot listedNot listedLeather and mesh
BuyCheck priceCheck priceCheck priceCheck price

Questions people ask

Should hiking boots be waterproof?

Whether hiking boots should be waterproof depends on the typical conditions. In wet climates, at high elevations where snow and wet vegetation is common on morning trails, or for stream crossings: waterproof boots prevent blisters from sustained wet exposure and keep feet comfortable through a full day hike. In dry climates on dry trails: waterproof membranes add cost and reduce breathability, causing feet to run warmer and sweat more than non-waterproof mesh boots. Hot, sweaty feet cause blisters as reliably as wet feet. For hot and dry conditions, a non-waterproof trail runner or low-cut hiking shoe provides better comfort at lower cost. Waterproof boots dry more slowly when they do get wet, which can be a disadvantage if multiple stream crossings fill the boot from the top.

How should hiking boots fit?

Hiking boots should fit with a thumbnail of space between the longest toe and the boot toe box when standing on a slope or pressing the foot forward. Toes should not touch the front of the boot during descent. The heel should stay in contact with the heel cup without lifting more than 1/4 inch when walking on flat ground. Lacing from the ankle up (not the toe eyelets) controls heel lift. Width should allow toes to spread without pressing the outer foot into the side walls. Try boots with the hiking socks you will use in the field, not thin dress socks. Boots that feel correct at first try in the store and do not need the foot to adjust during a 10-minute walk around the store are the correct fit. Boots that require extensive break-in from day one often continue to cause problems throughout their life.

How do I break in hiking boots?

Break in new hiking boots before a long hike by wearing them for progressively longer sessions. Week 1: wear the boots for 30 to 60 minutes of walking around the house or neighborhood, 3 to 4 times. Week 2: increase to 1 to 2 hour walks on varied terrain (stairs, gravel, uneven ground). Week 3: a half-day hike of 3 to 5 miles on the type of trail the boots will be used on. The break-in process allows the boot materials to conform to the foot shape and reveals pressure points that require thicker socks, padding or a return to the store before a long hike. Modern athletic hiking boots (mesh and synthetic uppers like Merrell Moab or Salomon X Ultra) break in significantly faster than traditional full-grain leather hiking boots, which may require 4 to 6 weeks of progressive wear.

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