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The Top 10 Hiking boots

If you are a hiking enthusiast, then you know that your hiking boots can make or break your trip. Hiking boots remain popular across all ages, and you would want one that fits your needs.

An ideal hiking boot should be:

Sturdy
Durable
Equipped to handle weather changes
Comfortable

The Ten Top Hiking Boots You Can buy Today

Did you know that the European market for Hiking boots is worth over $2,000 million?

For all those hikers who are looking to buy a new pair of boots, here is a comprehensive list of the best hiking boots of the year.

Adidas Terrex Fast Mid GTX

While Adidas mostly grabs headlines for its athletic footwear, the brand also makes excellent hiking boots. These boots, with a modern design, will be the perfect companion for your hiking trips.

Adidas has used a combination of closed and open lace hooks in the boots to make an efficient speed-lacing system. Moreover, the boots also come with Continental rubber soles.

The Gore-Tex Surround, which is a popular breathable waterproof membrane manufactured by Adidas, has also been used in these boots. You will be surprised at how lightweight the boots are despite the support and protection they provide.

Vasque Saga GTX

These hiking boots from Vasque are lightweight and extremely easy to wear. The double-engineered mesh used in the design is breathable which ensures that your feet are always comfortable.

The boots also come with a Vibram MegaGrip sole that will allow you to walk across rugged terrains. The molded TPU toe cap and heel provide additional support and protection to your foot.

You will find that the windows of ventilation incorporated in the boot keep your feet from getting too warm and sweaty. The tongue is also cushiony and soft, which reduces pressure on your forefoot.

Scarpa Zodiac Plus GTX

These hiking boots will be a unique addition to your footwear arsenal because they combine shoe-like traction with toughness and stability.

If you are walking over heavy rocks and boulders, you will find that the boots keep your feet well protected. The semi-stiff build along with the flawless construction makes this boots a must-have.

The best part is that the Zodiac will feel comfortable to wear right off the bat. Since it is waterproof, you can be sure that this pair will last you a while.

Tecnica Forge

Tecnica, a ski boot manufacturer, came up with its first hiking boot and it is a huge success. Fully customizable, these boots will leave your spoilt for choice.

You will be able to customize the upper with either synthetic ripstop or nubuck leather. The Forge comes with a Vibram rubber sole and a Gore-Tex liner, both of which are essential for a good hiking boot.

Since the idea behind this boot is individual preferences, you might have to try on a few before you find the perfect fit for yourself.

The sole is rugged, while the boots themselves are waterproof. However, your feet will not feel suffocated even for a second.

hiking boots

Keen Targhee Vent Mid

These boots are not super versatile, but they are also affordable. The Vent in the Targhee line is not waterproof, but it makes up for that in all its other features.

With heavy mesh paneling, the boots ensure that maximum breathability for your feet. This is especially helpful if you live in warm weather.

The boots are made of water-resistant oiled nubuck leather and have a strong footbed design. Moreover, the rubber outsole offers excellent grip. The fit of the boots is roomier than its predecessor.

Merrell Moab 2 Mid WP

If you are looking for lightweight hiking boots that will not break the bank, then this is the pair for you. These boots offer you unparalleled comfort at a very reasonable price.

The underfoot cushioning is soft and protective. The boots come with Vibram outsoles which are extremely reliable no matter what terrain you are hiking in.

They also have a waterproof membrane and a long-wearing suede upper. The overall design and the build of the boots are impressive for the price.

Lowa Renegade

If you are looking for something for something for traditional, then you should consider these hiking boots. They offer the sturdiness and durability of conventional designs but weigh significantly lesser.

These boots will make your feet feel more planted and isolated from the ground. If you like to travel on rocky trails, then you will love these boots.

The external polyurethane frame contributes to the light weight of the boots. The leather upper is also thin which makes the boots more comfortable from the word go.

Vasque Talus Trek Mid UltraDry

If you love to explore wet and rocky trails, then you need to check out these boots because they will provide your feet with adequate protection.

The build quality of these boots is impressive. With a sturdy leather upper, the boots are able to withstand sudden changes in weather without many tears.

They come with a strong toe cap and heel piece which help in giving your feet that extra layer of protection. The fit is rather snug.

Salomon X Ultra 3 Mid GTX

These mid-weight hiking boots are a popular choice because of their versatility. Equipped with Contagrip rubber soles with rough lug patterns, these boots will give your feet sufficient grip as you are navigating through trails.

The Gore-Tex-lined synthetic upper make the boots resistant to water. The boots come with a full-sized cuff that keeps your ankles protected.

Arc’teryx Bora2 Mid GTX

One of the most unique hiking boots on the market, these come with a removable stretch bootie. The design is very effective in warm conditions.

The boots come with a breathable lining and provide a comfortable fit. The sturdy outer shell will keep your feet protected.

Which one do you want?

Choosing the Right Class of Boot

CHOOSING THE RIGHT CLASS OF BOOT:

Why clop around in stiff, bulky boots all summer when what you need is a light, breathable strider. Follow these guidelines to pick the class of boot that’s right for you.

Outsole

The lugs should have a beveled shape for easier mud clearance. Many outsoles will combine a variety of properties for traction and durability.

Choose small lugs for delicate tundra and forest country, softer rubber lugs for traction, and tougher lugs for snow and talus.

Midsole

The best midsoles provide a combination of cushion, protection against stone bruising, and flex control. There are a variety of materials that can be used in the midsole, but a more solid material is generally desirable.

The softer the midsole, the faster the boot will wear out. The flex of the midsole is determined by a shank. The stiffer the shank, the more rigid the boot will be.

Choose softer flex for fast striding and smaller loads, and stiffer flex for edging, climbing, and heavier loads.

Upper

Hiking boot uppers come in three categories: full leather, full fabric, or combination. Full fabric boots are still very scarce, but newer technologies are improving this category. Although easier to break-in, they tend to offer slightly less support than their leather counterparts.

Full leather boots tend to be the most supportive and water tight, but they are also the heaviest. Most hiking boots fall in the combination category where breathability, support, water repellency, and break-in time is balanced.

Choose high-cuff uppers for ankle support and low-cuff uppers for freer striding.

Footbed

Consider buying some off-the-shelf footbeds for better padding and arch support. The supports will work with your foot to improve the fit, comfort, and support of any hiking boot.

Plan on buying the supports before you try on the boots as they can change the fit of a boot.

Boot Classes and Characteristics

Trail Boots (low cut)

This category features lightweight, breathable footwear designed for fast striding on level trails with little or no pack weight. These boots will generally have a softer flex and a softer midsole for more cushion. They require little break-in time. Choose this category if speed and weight are more important than support.

Trail Boots (high or mid cut)

This category has the same features as the low-cut trail boots with a bit more ankle support. This is also where the waterproof/breathable membranes start to appear.

Rough-Trail Boots

This category offers much more support than the trail boot category, and is designed for use on any trail with a pack. The midsoles will be stiffer and the cushioning material will be denser to support some pack weight.

This is the biggest category for waterproof/breathable liners. Boots of every style upper can be found here and they will be stiffer and more supportive than the trail boots.

They require a moderate amount of break-in. Choose this category if your hiking is done mostly on-trail and your pack weight is moderate to heavy.

Off-Trail Boots

This category features very stiff boots that will support you on most any terrain. Most uppers will be full leather although waterproof/breathable liners are very common.

The midsoles will have very a stiff flex and will be aimed more towards support than cushion so you can carry the kitchen sink with these boots on.

However, they will require some considerable break-in time and will be much heavier. Choose this category if a majority of your hiking is done in the middle of nowhere or on talus.

Mountaineering Boots

This category features boots with little or no flex designed for edging and climbing in extremely rugged conditions. The midsoles will have a full shank and the outsoles will accept crampons for snow and ice. As with the off-trail boots, they will support any load.

The fit is extremely important here because the boots will not conform very well to the foot. Choose this category if you have been buying hiking boots for a decade and don’t need this guide.

Hiking Boot Fitting Tips

Proper fit and footwear selection will make any trek more enjoyable. Boots that hammer your arches, blister your heels, and pinch your toes will transform your weekend into torture. To avoid this needless pain, follow some time-tested guidelines.

Ask for one of the most experienced boot fitters. They can offer more guidance when you have a tricky fit problem. If they aren’t there, make an appointment to see them later.

Either bring your own sock combination or plan to by a new set at the store. That way, you will be wearing the same socks to try on the boots that you’ll be wearing on the trail. Volume is a very important factor in boot fitting and your socks will make a difference.

Get measured! It doesn’t matter if you’ve been a size 10 for the last 10 years. Have your foot measured using a Brannock device with a standardized size scale. Manufacturer sizing is not universal and an experienced boot fitter will be able to select the correct size for you. Most of all, trust your feet, not a number.

Try on boots near the end of the day. Your feet will be swollen from standing or sitting all day. This will resemble the feel you will have on the trail. Make sure to leave enough time before the store closes to walk in some boots.

Take your time. Try on as many different styles as you can before choosing and walk for several minutes in each style. It may take some time for pressure points too appear. Your last choice may be the perfect fit for you and comfort is far more important than looks. Pay close attention to the comfort of the tongue and the heel as a majority of the problems will appear in these two places.

Once the boots are laced up snug, you shouldn’t be able to kick your toes into the front of the boot. Slightly tap the toe of your boot on the ground. If your toe is hitting the front of the boot, they’re either too small or, in most cases, too roomy of a fit.

You are the only person who will know if the fit is perfect. The salesperson is there to get you close and give you as much guidance as possible. From there you need to trust your feet. Value the comfort of the boot above all else.

Hiking Boot Care

HIKING BOOT CARE

A few minutes of care can extend the life of your boots.

Step 1: Clean mud and dirt off with warm water and a brush or rag.

Step 2: Use a boot cleaner such as NaturSeal® or Nikwax® and a brush to scrub your boots to deep clean the leather.

This will remove imbedded dirt, waxes and oils. Allow the boot to dry thoroughly. Now the leather is ready for conditioning and waterproofing.

Step 3: Apply waterproofing and leather conditioner such as NaturSeal® or Nikwax® in either paste or liquid. Apply paste with your fingertips or use a dauper for liquid.

Notice that the paste and liquid soaks into the leather immediately, particularly if leather is old, worn or dry. This will darken the leather. The darker color will fade back to original over time.

DO NOT HEAT!! Excessive heat will destroy the leather.

Step 4: Add a final coat of protection by applying a fabric guard such as NaturSeal® or Nikwax®. This is only necessary if the boot has fabric on the upper.

Walking in wet grass will wear away your waterproofing and conditioner very fast. Plan on applying it more often if you enjoy tromping through meadows early in the morning.

Do I need to treat leather boots that have a waterproof/breathable liner?

Yes, for two reasons. First, leather needs regular applications of conditioner to keep it from becoming dry and stiff. Second, your waterproof liner is under the leather.

It will not prevent the leather from becoming saturated and heavy with water once the original waterproof coating wears off.

Courtesy of Vasque