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The 3 Best Hiking Boots of 2023 | Reviews by Wirecutter

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Whether you’re going on a day hike with friends or tackling an ambitious backpacking route, you’ll need to wear a good pair of hiking boots to protect your feet and stabilize your ankles. Men's Comfort Lace Up Boots

The 3 Best Hiking Boots of 2023 | Reviews by Wirecutter

In the span of five years, we wore 47 pairs of hiking boots while trekking more than 1,200 miles and taking over 2 million steps across all types of terrain.

After all that, we’ve chosen the Salomon Quest 4 Gore-Tex Hiking Boots (men’s and women’s) as the best hiking boots.

Made of breathable and waterproof materials, they provide solid traction and support. And these boots have several essential features—including a wide toe box, sturdy heel protection, and a gusseted tongue—that allowed us to hike comfortably for miles.

Our testers hiked 1,200 miles and took more than 2 million steps.

Wearing these boots, we trekked through New Zealand, Iceland, Canada, Mexico, and 13 US states.

We chose boots that kept our feet dry while we hiked in snow and rain, as well as when we trekked along creeks, lakes, and waterfalls.

We enlisted 26 testers to help us choose boots in a variety of fits.

These versatile boots offer trustworthy traction, top-notch cushioning, and the widest toe box of any boots we tested. They’re best suited for longer treks with heavier packs, but they are comfortable to wear on hikes of any length.

These versatile boots offer trustworthy traction, top-notch cushioning, and the widest toe box of any boots we tested. They’re best suited for longer treks with heavier packs, but they are comfortable to wear on hikes of any length.

May be out of stock

In 2021, Salomon updated its popular Quest boots from 3D to 4 (in men’s and women’s sizes). Thankfully, the Quest 4 Gore-Tex boots still have many of the features we loved in the previous version, including ample toe and heel protection, solid traction and support, breathable and waterproof materials, and a gusseted tongue. This was already the best boot for those carrying heavy loads; a minor upgrade to the old model adds to that sturdiness, with increased ankle and heel support for carrying weight.

These boots also have a flexible midfoot plate, which makes flexing your foot a bit easier. Though the new Quests had a slightly longer break-in time than the previous model, they also had the widest toe box of any of the boots we tested; that means the boot is likely to fit most foot shapes right out of the box. That said, the Quests are fairly bulky, so they’re best for folks carrying heavy packs or kids on their back. Despite their clunkiness, they’re surprisingly comfortable on shorter hikes, too.

These lower-priced boots are a reliable choice for people who plan to hike short distances and for those with wider feet.

These lower-priced boots are a reliable choice for people who plan to hike short distances and for those with wider feet.

The newly updated Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boots (which come in men’s and women’s sizes) are just as good as their predecessors, offering hikers who are on a budget a no-frills, trustworthy option. These boots have been one of our picks for five years, and each time we test them, we find the Moabs to be a good fit in all the ways that count. They’re waterproof (though not for an extended a period of time, like our other picks); they provide decent ankle support for moderate-length hikes; they’re easy to lace; and they’re fairly breathable.

We found them to be extremely comfortable, too: The updated shock absorption and contoured foot bed make a noticeable difference in preventing sore feet, especially on longer treks. If you have wider feet, you may appreciate that the Moab 2 boots come in both regular and wide widths (and even the regular width is wider than that of our other picks). These boots are also less expensive than most of the others we’ve tested.

These flexible, lightweight hiking boots work well in many different types of terrain, and they last over time. They do run narrow, though, throughout their size range and take longer to break in.

These flexible, lightweight hiking boots work well in many different types of terrain, and they last over time. They do run narrow, though, throughout their size range and take longer to break in.

We’ve tested the Vasque Breeze hiking boot many times over the past few years, and we’ve found its most recent iteration to be the best yet. The newly updated Vasque Breeze boots (in men’s and women’s sizes) offer the comfort of a trail-running shoe with the ankle support of a hiking boot. The midfoot is flexible enough to allow you to drive, maneuver difficult terrain, and move quickly. But the ankle support is substantial enough to support you when you’re carrying a heavy pack. And the soles grip the ground, no matter the terrain. Though they were comfortable right out of the box, these boots seemed to get better with wear. They formed to our feet as they broke in, so they became even more comfortable after weeks and months of use. We found ourselves gravitating toward these boots over other options.

The Breezes weigh (approximately) 2 pounds 2 ounces, depending on sizing, so they’re the lightest of our picks. Paired with the substantial underfoot support, the lighter weight was especially noticeable after longer hikes, when we found our legs and feet were less sore than expected. The only downside is that these boots do run a bit narrow all the way up; several of our testers ended up with hot spots on their ankle bones. These hot spots diminished over time, but you should expect a longer break-in period with these, compared with some of our other picks. We recommend ordering at least a half-size up from your street-shoe size.

These versatile boots offer trustworthy traction, top-notch cushioning, and the widest toe box of any boots we tested. They’re best suited for longer treks with heavier packs, but they are comfortable to wear on hikes of any length.

These versatile boots offer trustworthy traction, top-notch cushioning, and the widest toe box of any boots we tested. They’re best suited for longer treks with heavier packs, but they are comfortable to wear on hikes of any length.

May be out of stock

These lower-priced boots are a reliable choice for people who plan to hike short distances and for those with wider feet.

These lower-priced boots are a reliable choice for people who plan to hike short distances and for those with wider feet.

These flexible, lightweight hiking boots work well in many different types of terrain, and they last over time. They do run narrow, though, throughout their size range and take longer to break in.

These flexible, lightweight hiking boots work well in many different types of terrain, and they last over time. They do run narrow, though, throughout their size range and take longer to break in.

For the first iteration of this guide, published in 2017, writer Ebony Roberts conducted tons of research and interviewed several experts.

In 2020, writer Jenni Gritters took over. Jenni has worked as a journalist for nearly a decade and has edited dozens of Wirecutter guides for the outdoor, travel, sleep, and babies/kids sections. She has also written for the New York Times, Outside, Slate, Reviewed, Forbes, and Gear Patrol.

Jenni conducted extensive research and tested a bunch of boots—in the Pacific Northwest and the high deserts of Utah and Oregon—in 2020 and 2021. In 2022, along with two other testers, she did another round of testing to evaluate new versions of our favorite boots. Jenni has continued to long-term test several of our picks throughout fall, winter, and spring months while carrying either a 35-pound toddler or a 15-pound infant on her front or back.

Whether you’re just starting your hiking journey, with local day hikes, or you’re planning a one-month thru-hike on the Appalachian Trail, you need a pair of good hiking boots.

Sure, you can tromp through the woods in many different types of shoes, including hiking boots, hiking shoes, or trail-running shoes. But most hikers who want to tackle intermediate trails should choose a pair of hiking boots because they provide over-the-ankle support, whereas hiking shoes generally stop before your ankle bone. If you’re carrying weight on your back, you’ll need that extra support to keep you stable.

Hiking boots fall into a few categories: hiking, backpacking, and mountaineering. To accommodate day hikers, campers, and weekend warriors, in this guide we cover hiking boots that bridge the hiking and backpacking categories. Most of the boots here should be able to support a hiker carrying a backpack weighing up to 25 pounds, but we wouldn’t recommend most of these for a mountaineering trip.

We chose boots that would serve a range of gaits. Our picks will likely work for you whether you pronate (walk on the insides of your feet) or supinate (walk on the outsides of your feet), and all should accommodate high or fallen arches. They’ll also work for you no matter your gender. (Some studies show anatomical differences between male and female feet; men’s feet tend to be longer and wider than women’s feet, whereas women’s feet tend to have a wider toe region and instep compared with men’s feet. However, most shoes, including the boots we tested for this guide, don’t reflect those differences. The men’s and women’s options we picked are the same, apart from variations in size.)

We also have options for various foot shapes. Everyone’s feet are unique, and to hike comfortably and safely, it’s essential that you find the right boot fit. So we encourage you to read this whole guide—including our list of the other boots we liked—with your foot shape and terrain plans in mind. And if the first few pairs you try on don’t feel secure and supportive on your feet, we urge you to try on more models.

After hiking 160 miles in 18 pairs of hiking socks, we chose the men’s and women’s Darn Tough Light Hiker Micro Crew as the best hiking socks for most people.

Most hiking boots look like this:

Even so, though boots may look similar, there’s a lot that distinguishes a truly great hiking boot from the rest. We considered nearly 125 pairs of boots, and we spoke with experts about the most important qualities to look for. We also read through hundreds of boot reviews on Amazon and REI, as well as in publications like GearLab and Outside. After all that, we narrowed our list to 47 total pairs of boots for testing (26 pairs in 2018, an additional 10 in 2020, seven more in 2021, and another four in 2022) using the following criteria:

Comfort: If a boot isn’t comfortable, every other feature is insignificant. We looked at boot weight, keeping in mind that a lightweight but clunky boot might not be as comfortable to wear as a slightly heavier but more streamlined one. Fit is also a key part of comfort, since an ill-fitting boot won’t support your feet; be sure to read our fit guide before making a purchasing decision.

Support: Next to comfort, support for the ankle and foot is crucial. A good hiking boot keeps your foot locked down and secured in the heel area; again, this cradling effect is dependent on fit. A good boot also has a well-thought-out lacing system to support your foot.

Traction: A good pair of hiking boots will provide solid traction on the slopes. You shouldn’t slip around in muddy, wet, or icy conditions. At some point most hikers will traverse tree roots, loose rocks, slippery boulders, and other obstacles.

Protection: Toe, ankle, and underfoot reinforcements are essential elements because they protect your feet from trail obstacles. If a pair of boots is intended for rocky terrain, the design should have a rock shield in the sole, too.

Water resistance: If you’re hiking, you’ll probably end up crossing creeks, trekking over snow, or getting caught in a rainstorm at some point. Good hiking boots should be able to withstand a moderate amount of water.

Breathability: An all-around good boot should have crucial features such as foot protection and water resistance, but it should also remain breathable during summer hiking, allowing feet to stay cool. Each brand has its own “breathable technology,” but not all are created equal. During our testing, we were on the lookout for sweaty and swollen feet, and we noted wet socks (provided we hadn’t just trekked through a creek) as an indicator that the boots didn’t breathe well.

Construction: We compared models to determine which boots had been designed with the most care. The names of most hiking boots contain the letters “V,” “GV,” or “GTX,” labels that tell you about their materials: A boot with “V” in its name has Vibram outsoles. Boots with “GV” contain a Gore-Tex lining with a Vibram outsole. And “GTX” indicates a Gore-Tex lining. While perusing hiking stores, we also looked at the tongue of each boot, paying close attention to gusseted tongues, which are designed to prevent dirt, water, and sand from getting into the boot.

Durability: The footwear designers we interviewed said a good pair of hiking boots should last from 300 to 500 miles (depending on the type of hiking, the weather conditions, the hiker’s gait, and the pack weight) before the cushioning becomes ineffective. For many hikers, that mileage will take three to five years to achieve. We tested boots that had a reputation for being solidly long-lasting, with good warranty programs and customer service ratings. Worn-out seams and soles, broken eyelets, and torn or frayed laces are all warning signs of a nondurable boot, so we watched for those during testing.

The names of most hiking boots contain abbreviations that tell you about their materials: A boot with “V” in its name has Vibram outsoles, and “GTX” indicates a Gore-Tex lining.

We looked at each pair’s protective bumpers (the rubber parts on the toe, side, and heel), the type and makeup of the soles, how well the collar (which wraps around the back of the foot) was padded and shaped to fit the foot, and how the liners were constructed.

In 2018, we tested 26 pairs of boots. In 2020, we tested 10 additional pairs. And in 2021, we tested seven more pairs. In 2022, we followed up by testing four additional pairs, all updated versions of past favorites.

To get multiple opinions, over the years we handed pairs of boots out to 26 testers, both male and female, plus the guide authors. We asked each of our testers to hike at least 30 miles total—and they went for it, hiking in 13 states and three provinces. (We sampled terrain abroad, too: One tester tried our picks in Iceland, New Zealand, Canada, and Mexico.) Testers tackled loose gravel, groomed trails, and brush. They schlepped through mud, splashed in water, scampered up steep inclines, and slid on snow—they even wore the boots into town and around the block. Our testers hiked during the spring, summer, fall, and winter months.

Our testers hiked over 1,200 miles, taking more than 2 million steps across 13 states, three provinces, and four countries.

And while they hiked, they tracked their steps and distance using fitness trackers. They also recorded information about the hike and the weight of their packs. And they took notes on the terrain and climate, in addition to recording their thoughts on the boots and the break-in time required for each pair. Some hiked with kids, while pregnant, and with dogs and friends. In the end, in total our testers hiked over 1,200 miles, taking more than 2 million steps.

These versatile boots offer trustworthy traction, top-notch cushioning, and the widest toe box of any boots we tested. They’re best suited for longer treks with heavier packs, but they are comfortable to wear on hikes of any length.

These versatile boots offer trustworthy traction, top-notch cushioning, and the widest toe box of any boots we tested. They’re best suited for longer treks with heavier packs, but they are comfortable to wear on hikes of any length.

May be out of stock

The Salomon Quest Gore-Tex boots (which come in men’s and women’s sizes) have been our top pick since we first tested hiking boots, in 2018. (In 2021, Salomon updated its popular Quest boots from 3D to 4.) These versatile boots have good traction, are supportive and waterproof, and accommodate many foot shapes. That said, the newest iteration is a bit clunkier than past models; if you prefer a lightweight boot, check out our also-great pick, the Vasque Breeze.

Over the past few years, we’ve tested three versions of the Quest. Our testers have crossed glaciers, braved tough trails, and climbed rocky terrain, and they’ve waded through streams, navigated late-spring snow, and slopped through knee-deep mud. So we can make the following promise because we’ve tried nearly everything: Whether you’re scrambling, climbing, or walking down a paved sidewalk, these boots can handle it.

In addition, these boots have a wide toe box, which is likely to fit many different foot shapes. We also appreciate that the Quests strike that ideal balance of being both breathable and waterproof, a combination that can be tough to find. And they fit true to size (we recommend ordering them in the same size as a street shoe, rather than a half-size up).

In 2020, Salomon updated the Quest boots with a new lug design along the bottom. We found this version to be just as grippy on wet and dry surfaces as the previous iteration. It’s still made with Contagrip rubber, not the more commonly used Vibram outsole of our other picks; we’ve found both to be exceptionally sturdy on the trail. In 2021, the company updated the base of the boot, to add extra stability and heel support. Although the boots still feel as flexible in the foot as they did before, they’re now a bit more rigid around the ankle—perfect for backpacking trips with heavy packs, when you need the extra support.

Because of their extra support, the Quest boots are the heaviest of our picks, weighing more than 2 pounds 13 ounces for a men’s-size-9 pair. Yet despite their weight, they surprised us: Compared with many other traditional hiking boots, they didn’t feel overbuilt on the trail, even when we were headed out on a shorter day hike. The uppers hug the tops of the feet without feeling compressive, which is welcome on longer hikes. The underfoot protection was the best of any boots we tried, due to a midsole made with EVA foam for cushioning and an under-arch shank for added stability. If you struggle with aching feet or carry a heavy pack (or a child), this added support is likely to allow you to go a few extra miles without foot pain.

In fact, after a long, challenging hike, these boots left our feet feeling far less sore than most of the other boots we tested—despite their heavier weight. We could still sense the ground enough to navigate, but the multitude of rocks we encountered didn’t cause sore toes. And if you tend to stub your toes, you’ll also be grateful that the rubber outsole extends to offer toe and heel protection.

One of the Quest boots’ biggest benefits is their versatility for many foot shapes. Seven of our testers—with a mix of wide and narrow feet—found these boots to be comfortable for their particular foot shape. And that’s likely thanks to the boots’ roomy toe box. We could wiggle our toes, but our feet still felt nice and snug.

One tester who had plantar fasciitis even found that he could comfortably wear the Quests without having to insert his usual insoles. Compared with most of the other boots we tested, we found these to be slightly wider through the foot. (If you have very wide feet, though, we recommend our budget pick, the Merrell Moab 3 boots.) Because of the Quest boots’ ample toe room, most of our testers found that the boots could fit a thicker hiking sock if necessary.

After a long, challenging hike, these boots left our feet feeling far less sore than most of the other boots we tested.

The Quest boots are exceptionally breathable. We’ve also found that they’re easy to clean after a hike—dirt and mud wipe off easily. And they’re durable: Over a year of long-term testing, the Quests have held up well in a variety of conditions. They stayed comfortable and well ventilated on dusty trails in the mountains of Southern California. And they didn’t leak—even after muddy, puddle-heavy walks along the shores of New Zealand’s alpine lakes.

We’ve tested the Quest boots for years—including in the snow and in the heat, in both Oregon and California. And even after multiple seasons of use, we’ve found they’ve stayed just as durable.

In the past, one long-term tester had complained that the top lace hook on a previous Quest model had twice caught on the other boot midstride. However, in 2021, when she started using the latest model, she was happy to report that the issue had not reoccurred, after almost a year of use.

We’ve also heard reports of failed waterproofing after the first year of use, but we have not experienced this with any of the pairs we’ve tested over the past four years. If you do discover a problem early on, Salomon offers a 30-day return policy for clean gear and a two-year warranty covering manufacturing defects. But we recommend buying through REI or Zappos due to those retailers’ excellent, less-restrictive return policies for online purchases.

These boots have a few downsides: Most notably, the Quests are the heaviest of our picks; they may be too much boot for shorter hikes. They have a rigid build and are heavy, so it can take a while to break them in: It took about 10 miles of walking to break them in, whereas most boots we tested felt broken in after 5 miles.

Additionally, the laces on the updated Quest 4 pair are sheathed with a material that’s supposed to make them more secure. But in our experience, it made the boots difficult to tie because the laces were quite rigid. Even when we double-knotted the laces, they came untied or loosened as we walked; to get a more-secure fit, we opted to replace them with another pair of laces we had at home.

These lower-priced boots are a reliable choice for people who plan to hike short distances and for those with wider feet.

These lower-priced boots are a reliable choice for people who plan to hike short distances and for those with wider feet.

For five years now, we’ve been recommending the Merrell Moab Mid Waterproof Hiking Boots (in men’s and women’s sizes) to hikers. In 2022, the company updated the boot again, to a 3rd-generation model. These boots continue to be a prized standby among both backpackers and hikers for their versatility, lower price, comfort, and strong grip.

The Moab 3 boots come in both medium and wide widths, something our testers with wider feet appreciated. Although the Moab 3 boots are the least expensive of our picks, they’re still sturdy and waterproof, fairly breathable, designed to offer high-quality underfoot protection, and capable of handling day hikes and backpacking trips.

The newest update to the Moabs (which Merrell claims stands for “Mother of All Boots”) only adds to the boot’s stability and versatility. We found that the previous version of this boot, the Moab 2, lacked comfort and traction on steep, wet, and rocky treks of more than 5 miles. But we were pleasantly surprised to learn that the Moab 3 boots didn’t have that issue: A newly contoured footbed and reinforced heel cushion provide an incredibly comfortable walking experience. The company also added extra shock absorption to the midfoot plates, as well as a Vibram outsole (this protects your toes against rocks and roots, and it’s the same outsole we loved on our top pick, the Salomon boots). Even though these boots aren’t the most stylish of our picks, we really didn’t want to take them off.

The Moab 3 boots weigh a middle-of-the-road 2 pounds 4 ounces per pair (depending on sizing), and our testers found that they offered good grip on varied terrain. They feel broken in right out of the box. You can choose from waterproof or non-waterproof models. We tested the waterproof version, and though our feet stayed fairly dry through multiple creek crossings, the suede leather sections on the boots themselves got soaked. We doubt that in rainy, wet climates these boots will be able to hold the water out for long, and we encourage you to check out our top pick, if you think you’ll be walking through water on a regular basis.

The Moab 3 boots offered the best breathability we could find in a pair costing $150 or less, probably due to their smartly placed mesh panels, but they weren’t as well ventilated as the Salomon Quests or the Vasque Breezes. These boots also aren’t as supportive as the Salomons because their ankle portion doesn’t extend as high, so they may not work as well for longer hikes or for hikes with heavier packs. Testers also complained about debris getting into the top of the boots’ wide, shallower ankle. And the Vasque Breeze boots are certainly more lightweight and flexible when compared with the Moab boots.

But the Moab 3 boots shine in one specific area: They come in two widths, which isn’t the case for most of the other boots we tested, and even the regular-width option is significantly wider than the widths of our other picks.

If you do experience a problem with your boots, Merrell allows free returns on unused items for up to 30 days. (As we’ve said elsewhere, though, we recommend purchasing from REI or Zappos since those retailers have excellent, less-restrictive return policies for online purchases, even if you’ve used the item.)

These flexible, lightweight hiking boots work well in many different types of terrain, and they last over time. They do run narrow, though, throughout their size range and take longer to break in.

These flexible, lightweight hiking boots work well in many different types of terrain, and they last over time. They do run narrow, though, throughout their size range and take longer to break in.

The Vasque Breeze Waterproof Hiking Boot (men’s and women’s sizing) offers the comfort of a trail-running shoe around the midfoot, with the ankle support needed for hiking with a heavy pack. These are great boots for hikers who love a lightweight, flexible fit. Our testers appreciated the shoe-like fit while hiking, but they also enjoyed how easy these were to wear while driving to the trail or prepping their gear.

Over the years, these boots have stood out as a hiker favorite. Many of our readers and some of our testers liked the older models of the Breeze. However, as of 2021, we thought the available options (especially the LT Mid GTX) were lacking in comfort, with a bulky, stiff ankle and narrow foot. Then in 2022, Vasque released the newest model of the Breeze. It kept the flexibility we liked in the previous models, but it also increased underfoot protection and felt less bulky.

The updated Breeze boots are flexible and the lightest of our picks (about 2 pounds 2 ounces, depending on the size you order), so you can move quickly over varied terrain. Jenni especially noticed the flexibility while driving and getting her kids ready for a hike. In many of the competitors, more flexibility and less weight meant a loss of stability and comfort, but not so with the Vasque Breeze boots. The EVA foam used under the midsole and footbed feels supportive, and the proprietary outsoles (which Vasque calls the “Vasque Trail Strider”) are grippy on wet, muddy, and dusty terrain.

Our testers had varied opinions about the Vasque’s fit, depending on their foot volume and width. For people with narrower feet and higher arches, the Vasque Breeze boots appeared to be a winner almost every time. But if you have lower arches, the more rigid ankle support might hit higher on your leg, causing hot spots on your ankle bones. These hot spots diminish over time, but they were a chief complaint for our testers during the first 10 or so miles.

As with our top pick, it may take a while to break the Breeze boots in. But if you can tough it out, we think you’ll find, as we have, that these boots get better the longer you wear them. For several of our testers, once the Breezes were broken in, the light, comfortable fit made them the go-to option, despite temperature or terrain—and even when they were presented with many other boots. We do recommend sizing up at least a half-size, if not a full one, to get more room in the ankle and reduce the likelihood of hot spots.

We tested the Breezes in desert and snowy climates, as well as on rainy, mountain hikes, and we found that they maintained that desirable balance of being both breathable and waterproof. (Unlike previous versions of this boot, the new Breezes use the proprietary, partially recycled VasqueDry waterproofing, rather than Gore-Tex. We didn’t find it to be any different in function than Gore-Tex.) Our feet stayed warm and dry, but they didn’t get too sweaty. After a desert hike, we did end up with a bit of trail debris in our boots. And we found that the laces loosened over time, so use proper lacing techniques to ensure the boots stay locked in. These boots are also made with leather, which can get scratched and dirty if you wear them hard.

The Vasque Breezes have a narrower fit than our other picks, so be sure to try them on before you buy. They do come in wide variations, though. If you buy them on the Vasque website, you have 30 days to wear your shoes before returning them, if needed.

If you’re looking for a stylish, all-leather boot that molds to your foot after a long-ish break-in period: Consider the stylish and comfortable Danner Mountain 600 Hiking Boots (men’s and women’s sizes). Though some of our testers found them to be too wide, others loved the slightly bulkier fit. If you do find these boots attractive, we recommend trying them on before you buy, as well as ordering in your street-shoe size, rather than sizing up.

Since they’re made of suede leather, the Mountain 600 boots have a longer break-in time than some of the others we tested (about 10 to 20 miles, depending on the terrain). But once they’re broken in, they’re more likely to mold to your feet.

Overall, we thought these boots were less appealing for actual hiking (and definitely not a fit for backpacking or mountaineering adventures). We instead found them more ideal for around-town activities or very short hikes. One of our long-term testers found himself going back to these boots, winter after winter, because they were comfortable and warm.

In our testing, the Danner boots in men’s sizes were much more well loved than those in women’s sizes, likely because the boot in women’s sizes had a slightly narrower fit.

For hikers who prefer the fit of trail-running shoes but need ankle support: La Sportiva’s Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX Boots (men’s and women’s sizes) offer the same flexible setup as a running shoe, but with added toe protection and a slightly longer break-in time.

The Ultra Raptor is built on the midsole and outsole of a trail running shoe. So it’s easier to flex your foot (which means driving and walking are a breeze, versus doing so in our other picks). And you’ll also notice that it’s easier to put the boots on and take them off. We appreciated the Raptor’s solid underfoot support, ideal traction on wet trails, and excellent waterproofing. But the Raptors do run a bit small in length, so you’ll want to order a half-size to a full size up from your street-shoe size. All La Sportiva boots are generally narrow, but, like the Merrells, the Raptors come in medium-width and wide options to accommodate more foot shapes, too.

The Raptor was previously a pick, and we still think it’s a great boot. However, it didn’t maintain its support as well as the Breeze boots did over a year of testing. The Breeze boots were also more breathable and flexible than the Ultra Raptor II, so they required less break-in time.

If you hike in moderate or colder temperatures: Consider the Lowa Renegade GTX Mid Hiking Boots (men’s and women’s sizes), which have less ventilation than our picks and tend to be warmer.

In our tests, they had excellent traction, even over loose rocks. The lacing system locked our heels in place, too, and the tongue came up high enough to prevent dirt from entering. Multiple testers reported that the Lowa boots were slightly stiff out of the box and required a lot of breaking in. But others said they loved that these boots offered good ankle support for carrying a heavy pack.

In the end, these Lowa boots fell short compared with our picks because of their lack of ventilation: The all-leather upper and insulated insoles made our feet too warm in hot summer weather.

If you have achy feet and are looking for a tremendous amount of underfoot support: Consider the Hoka One One Anacapa Mid GTX Boots (women’s and men’s sizes), which have an unusual build that feels more like a moon boot than a traditional hiking boot.

These boots might not be a fit for everyone, but we found wearing the Anacapas to be like hiking on a Tempur-Pedic mattress. The inch of underfoot EVA foam is comfortable and supportive, but it doesn’t allow for much ground feel, and this can be disconcerting in areas with lots of rocks and roots. The chunky heel can also be cumbersome. That said, the lack of ground feel is largely psychological, since we didn’t actually slip or trip at any point, even on steep paths full of gravel and dust.

We also liked the extra support of the sticky Vibram outsole and the huggy fit from the breathable upper, which wraps around the midfoot. These boots are better ventilated than Hoka’s most popular boot model, the Sky Kaha, and they offer a more secure lacing system. And considering their large profile, they’re surprisingly lightweight; the men’s models weigh just 1 pound per boot.

If you want hiking boot–style support without a rigid ankle: Consider the Salomon Predict Hike Mid GTX Boots (women’s and men’s). They feel like a hiking boot in the foot area but maintain a low profile around the upper foot and ankle.

The Predict Hikes boots represent a newer model for Salomon, and they’re quite stylish. They also feel lightweight (1 pound 12 ounces for the men’s model, 1 pound 8 ounces for the women’s) and low-impact.

Like the La Sportiva Ultra Raptor IIs (above), the Predict Hikes are designed like trail runners, with a tapered toe and flexible midsole. But unlike most of the other boots we tested, these boots sit right under the ankle bone to allow for some support with less rigidity. If you’re carrying a heavy pack, you’ll miss that added support—but this may be ideal if you’re hoping to move quickly on the trail. The biggest downside to this low-profile design is that after our hike, we had to empty the trail floor from our boots. If you think you’ll be hiking in a place with loose rock or dust, you might prefer one of our picks with a higher ankle.

Foot shape and gait are unique to each person, so a shoe that fits one person might not fit another. The picks in this guide offer certain features that will make the boots comfortable to wear, whether your foot is wide or narrow. Those features include expertly designed lacing systems (which let you customize a boot for your foot) and wider toe boxes. Still, there’s no replacement for trying on a boot to see exactly how it fits your foot.

If you buy your boots online, we recommend that you order several different boots or several sizes of one boot from a retailer (such as REI or Zappos) that provides free shipping on returns. When ordering online, always order your boots true to size or a half-size up—but never a half-size down. “Generally speaking, I tend to size everyone up a half-size,” said REI’s Beth Henkes. “For example, if I measure someone, and they are dead on an 8, in most boots I am going to grab them an 8½ and at least start there.”

Better yet, go to an outdoor-gear store, ideally at the end of the day. “Feet can swell and change sizes, so it’s important to buy the boots when our feet are their largest,” said residency-trained podiatrist Jim McDannald (previously a writer for Wirecutter).

Once you get the boot on your foot, check for a thumb’s width of space between your toe and the end of the boot. “As you hike, your feet are going to swell, and they are going to push forward,” Henkes explained, adding that you’ll also be grateful for that extra room when you’re coming downhill. “[Then] you aren’t jamming your toes at the end. That’s how you lose your toenails. It takes them about a year to grow back!” Also, if boots fit well, you should be able to spread out your toes and wiggle them. If boots feel tight while you’re standing still, they’ll feel even tighter on the trail.

The “windshield wiper” effect is another problem to watch for: If your foot slides from side to side when you walk, the boot is likely too wide for you. On the other hand, it’s normal—even healthy—for your heel to move a bit in the boot. Henkes explained that a tiny bit of movement is important for protecting your Achilles tendon and preventing blisters, but your heel shouldn’t rise more than a quarter of an inch.

You should do the following things at home or in a store to test whether your new boots fit you well:

There’s also a sneaky little component of fit called volume. “[That’s] the depth of your foot versus the depth of the boot,” Henkes said. “That is possibly one of the most important pieces of fit no matter what you’re putting on. Because if [a boot is] not deep enough for your foot, you are going to put your foot to sleep. And if it’s too deep for your foot, you are going to slide underneath the laces and hit the end no matter what size that boot is.” To evaluate this aspect of fit, pay attention to where the boot falls at your ankle bone. If it’s uncomfortable, you might want to try a model that’s more (or less) shallow.

When it comes to ensuring your boots fit just right, lacing can make a big difference. The right lacing technique can relieve hot spots, prevent blisters, and tailor your boots to your feet. You should try a few different lacing techniques before heading out into the field with a new pair of boots. To help you get started, here’s a video we made with some basics.

Salomon Cross Hike 2 Mid Gore-Tex: More of a shoe than a boot, this hiking option (men’s and women’s sizes) fits like a rigid trail runner that lands slightly below the ankle bone. But these boots don’t actually provide the needed ankle stability for hikers carrying heavy packs. The lugs on the bottom of the shoe are aggressive and deep, providing a solid grip on unstable terrain. These shoes also handle well in water, with a Gore-Tex membrane that’s both breathable and waterproof. But we don’t think most people will need this level of traction without ankle support. The Cross Hikes also have a lacing system that cinches down with a pulley. This is convenient for quickly pulling these shoes on and off, but it can be tough to secure tightly.

Vasque Breeze LT NTX: We’d been enthusiastically waiting to try the Breeze LT NTX (women’s and men’s sizes) because the boots have a waterproof technology made with 50% recycled content that’s used in place of Gore-Tex (Vasque calls it “Nature Tex”). But while it was indeed waterproof in our testing, we found the boots themselves to be uncomfortable. The ankle piece was rigid and caused ankle bone hotspots that didn’t diminish after a few miles of break-in time. And the mesh upper was almost flimsy and seemed like it would not be protective out on a rugged trail.

Scarpa Zodiac Plus GTX Hiking Boots: Most people would be unlikely to need the extra stability and foot protection offered by these mountaineering boots (men’s and women’s sizes). In our experience, the firmer sole didn’t easily flex with the foot, and one tester said the lack of cushioning left her with sore feet after an alpine descent.

We also tested the Scarpa Zodiac Tech GTX Hiking Boots (offered only in men’s sizes), a beefed-up version of the Plus. They’re too much boot for most people. One tester found that his feet were constantly sore while he hiked mountain trails, and he had to switch out the insoles for something more cushioned, even after breaking in the shoes.

Keen Targhee III Waterproof Mid Hiking Boots: We found these boots (men’s and women’s sizes) to be too narrow in the toe box, which makes them unlikely to accommodate most foot shapes. After a 6-mile hike on rooted ground, our feet were aching—which suggested the boots offered limited underfoot support. And both testers developed blisters on their pinky toes.

Keen Targhee EXP Waterproof Mid Hiking Boots: The Targhee EXP model (men’s and women’s sizes) looks less like a traditional hiking boot and more like a hybrid of a boot and a running shoe (similar to our budget pick, the Merrell Moab 3). These boots offered substantial room in the toe box, and we think even the standard width should accommodate most wider feet just fine. One major drawback: We couldn’t get the laces to stay tight.

Salomon X Ultra 3 Mid GTX Hiking Boots: These Salomon boots (men’s and women’s sizes) are overbuilt for most day hikers, and we found the fit uncomfortable. The X Ultras ran quite big around the ankles. Despite tight lacing, the boots loosened up during a 5-mile hike, and we ended our hike with debris in our shoes, which led to blisters. Also, the mesh upper creased across the top of the foot, rather than moving flexibly with each step, and this caused bruising for one of our testers.

Oboz Bridger Mid Waterproof Hiking Boots: This Oboz model (men’s and women’s sizes) is a rugged-looking hiking boot with serious outsoles that provide excellent grip. All of our testers reported feeling stable in these boots, even in the slipperiest conditions. However, all of our testers also noted that these boots were too hot for midsummer hiking (likely due to the all-leather upper). In addition, we had a hard time keeping the laces tight, and we found that these boots ran small.

We also looked at the updated Oboz Sawtooth II Mid Hiking Boots (men’s and women’s sizes). They didn’t breathe as well as the Merrell Moabs, nor did they fit as snugly, due to a too-roomy toe box. We struggled to cinch them tightly enough around the ankle and had to retighten them multiple times during a short hike.

Danner Explorer 650 Hiking Boots: These old-school, suede leather-and-nylon boots get serious style points, but they’re pretty basic in terms of functionality. They don’t offer any added toe or heel protection, and the lacing system is similar to that of your average high-top sneaker. These boots also rise quite high and snug on the ankle, which caused discomfort and blistering for our testers. If you prefer an all-leather boot, we recommend going with the Danner Mountain 600, a lighter update that offers better underfoot protection and less ankle chafing.

Timberland Mt. Maddsen Mid Waterproof Hiking Boots: The women’s model is suede and runs narrow. So it’s hard to clean, prone to creating hot spots, and less breathable than the other boots we tested, especially on hot days. The men’s leather version got scuffed quickly.

Decathlon Quechua MH500 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boots: In search of a hiking boot under $100, we ordered the Quechua MH500 boots (men’s and women’s sizes), but we were disappointed by the cheap, thin materials. These boots caused blisters for both testers. They’re not breathable because of the waterproof, leather upper, which can make feet hot. The waterproofing wasn’t foolproof, either. There’s also very little foam in the underfoot panels. We can’t recommend these boots; also, their price as since gone up to $109.

We’ll do another round of testing during spring and summer of 2023, and we plan to try the updated Hoka One One Sky Kaha 2 Gore-Tex Hiking Boots, as well as the Topo Athletic Trailventure 2. Keen has also updated its hiking boot line to include the Circadia boot, which we’ll consider.

REI’s Beth Henkes shared a few tips for maximizing the lifespan of your hiking boots:

This article was edited by Ria Misra and Christine Ryan.

Mike Armstrong, disaster program manager at the American Red Cross, email interviews, July 1, 2017

Beth Henkes, sales lead in footwear, REI, Alderwood, Washington, phone interview, September 11, 2017

Jim McDannald, residency-trained podiatrist and founder of the consultancy Podiatry Growth, phone interview, August 31, 2017

Mark San Buenaventura, footwear designer for The North Face, email interview, June 21, 2017

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The 3 Best Hiking Boots of 2023 | Reviews by Wirecutter

Outdoor Men's Fashion Lace Up Boots Wirecutter is the product recommendation service from The New York Times. Our journalists combine independent research with (occasionally) over-the-top testing so you can make quick and confident buying decisions. Whether it’s finding great products or discovering helpful advice, we’ll help you get it right (the first time).