Best hiking boots 2024: trail-tested footwear for every adventure

A walk-through of the best hiking boots around, providing comfort, protection and support during your adventures

Best hiking boots 2024: Quick links

Palladium x Finisterre Pallatrooper Hiker WP+ launches in two new colourways

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01. Best overall: Inov8 Roclite Pro G 400 GTX V2
02. Best lightweight: Vivobarefoot Tracker Decon FG 2
03. Best for summer: Keen NXIS Evo Mid
04. Best for grip: Berghaus Explorer Trek
05. Best all-season: Taiss Light Mid GTX
06. Best technical: Arc'teryx Acrux LT GTX
07. Best foot protection: Jack Wolfskin Force Striker
08. Best for speed: Inov-8 ROCFLY G390
09. Best cushioning: Salomon Predict Hike Mid

Embarking on outdoor adventures requires more than just enthusiasm—it demands the right footwear. Enter the realm of the best hiking boots: your trusted companions in conquering nature's challenges.

Our guide is here to navigate the jungle of options, ensuring your feet are snugly encased in the perfect pair. From urban explorations to rugged terrains, these boots are more than just functional—they're truly versatile.

We've sifted through the myriad choices to present you with only the best hiking footwear that offers comfort, durability, and stability. Whether you're scaling mountains or strolling through forests, these boots will have you striding with confidence.

And fear not, adventurers of all budgets and trail preferences will find their match here. For our female counterparts seeking the perfect fit, check out our companion guide here: the best women's hiking boots. And for those leisurely dog walks or rainy day strolls, we've got recommendations perusing T3's best walking shoes and best women's walking shoe guides.

So lace up your boots, grab your backpack, and let's hit the trails!

Best hiking boots to buy right now

Why you can trust T3 Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.

Best overall

Inov-8 Roclite Pro G 400 GTX V2T3 Best Buy badge

(Image credit: Pat Kinsella)

1. Inov8 Roclite Pro G 400 GTX V2

Best hiking boots overall

Specifications

Upper: super tough ripstop material
Outsole: Graphene-enhanced G-GRIP lugs
Waterproofing: Gore-Tex

Reasons to buy

+
Great Graphene grip
+
Strengthened upper
+
Firm heel lock
+
Responsive midsole
+
Fully waterproof
+
Good quicklace system

Reasons to avoid

-
Three-season use only – not protective enough for winter adventures
-
No recycled material used

Crafted to endure the rigours of the great outdoors, the Inov8 Roclite Pro G 400 GTX V2s boast a formidable arsenal of upgrades. From an enhanced heel-lock system to fortified nylon ripstop uppers, every component has been meticulously refined to offer unparalleled protection and support. 

Despite their robust construction, these boots maintain a surprisingly lightweight feel, ensuring agility and comfort on even the most challenging terrains. The Gore-Tex membrane keeps feet dry in adverse conditions, while the rock plate offers essential protection against sharp debris. 

Tested across diverse landscapes, from Dartmoor to the South West Coast Path, the Roclite Pro G 400 GTX V2s consistently impressed us with their superior performance. Whether navigating rugged trails or traversing stream crossings, these boots inspire confidence with their secure fit and reliable traction. 

While not designed for extreme alpine conditions, these boots excel in three-season trekking and backpacking adventures. With their unmatched grip, reinforced construction, and enhanced comfort, the Roclite Pro G 400 GTX V2s represent the pinnacle of hiking footwear, promising years of dependable service on the trails.

Read our full Inov8 Roclite Pro G 400 GTX V2 review

Also consider: the Inov-8 Roclite G 345 GTX excels in quick hikes with exceptional grip on various terrains. With its lightweight design, the boots are barely noticeable during long treks. Features like the bellows-style tongue and low heel enhance comfort and support.

Best lightweight

Vivobarefoot Tracker Decon FG 2 review

(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)
Best lightweight hiking boots

Specifications

Upper: Responsibly-sourced leather
Outsole: Not stated
Lugs: 4 mm
Waterproofing: N/A

Reasons to buy

+
Eye-catching design
+
Excellent grip and ground control
+
Highly-flexible construction
+
Quick-drying upper

Reasons to avoid

-
Thin midsole might take a while to get used to if you haven't tried barefoot-style shoes before
-
Upper almost attracts moisture and isn't waterproof at all

We appreciate that the Vivobarefoot Tracker Decon FG 2 hiking boots aren't for everybody. The sole is pretty thin, and the design, no matter how eye-catching, might be off-putting to people used to more traditional hiking boot shapes. However, if you've ever toyed with the idea of trying barefoot-style footwear, we'd argue that the Tracker Decon FG 2 is your best option, thanks to its versatility.

The multi-terrain approach lets you wear the boots as intended – for outdoor use (i.e. hiking) – while also allowing you to mix things up and use the Tracker Decon FG 2 as an everyday shoe. The grip is excellent, and the ground feel is second to none, which you'll appreciate both inside and outside city limits.

The boots aren't waterproof; if you need weatherproof footwear, check out other options in this guide. For anything else, we highly recommend the Vivobarefoot Tracker Decon FG 2, especially to those adventure types who sometimes jump up on rocks or climb a sturdy-looking tree when they hike for no apparent reason. These boots will help you rediscover the joy of movement in the funnest way possible.

Read our full Vivobarefoot Tracker Decon FG 2 review.

Best for summer

Keen NXIS Evo mid bootT3 Approved badge

(Image credit: Mark Mayne)
Best men's hiking boots for summer

Specifications

Upper: Mesh upper with TPU overlays
Outsole: Rubber Keen all-terrain
Waterproofing: Keen Dry

Reasons to buy

+
Lightweight 
+
Broad-foot fit 
+
Good heel control 

Reasons to avoid

-
Less technical than others
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Styling not for everyone 

If you're looking for a versatile summer hiker, the Keen NXIS Evo Mid waterproof hiking boot is well worth a look. This lightweight men's hiking boot ticks a lot of boxes, offering plenty of comforts straight out of the box, a good grip and an excellent heel control system. With Keen’s own-brand waterproof membrane keeping the weather out, solid toe protection and 4mm multi-directional lugs for traction, there’s lots to keep you safe and warm on a long day out in the hills. 

A stability shank might not be stiff enough for higher-level adventures, but it’s enough for casual rambles in comfort – a featherweight 332 grams per shoe certainly won’t tire you unnecessarily. Keen’s signature wide toe box is also present and correct, ensuring that the wide forefoot doesn’t get cramps or hotspots. Breathability is decent thanks to the mesh upper, and there’s an environmental nod in the PFC-free water repellent to boot.

Read our full Keen NXIS Evo Mid hiking boot review.

Best for grip

Berghaus Explorer Trek Gore-Tex Hiking BootsT3 Best Buy badge


(Image credit: Sian Lewis)
Best hiking boots for grip

Specifications

Upper: suede
Outsole: Vibram rubber
Waterproofing: Gore-Tex

Reasons to buy

+
Excellent grip
+
Very supportive
+
Reliable waterproofing

Reasons to avoid

-
Not as breathable as summer boots
-
Narrower fit

Another impressive all-rounder is the Berghaus Explorer Trek. This versatile design is perfect for those who are getting more ambitious with their hiking adventures and want to graduate from a more basic boot. We tested out the female version and found these boots delivered outstanding grip, even on wet rock or muddy ground, thanks to well-placed lugs. These boots are also ready to wear straight out of the box, with deep, cushiony insoles that mould to your feet over time. A robust suede upper with a Gore-Tex liner will keep your toes dry even in the worst weather. Note: we found these fit on the narrow side, especially around the toes.

Read our full Berghaus Explorer Trek review.

Make sure you don't miss a deal by checking our Berghaus discount codes page before you buy

Best all-season

Mammut Taiss Light Mid GTX in the mountains

(Image credit: Matthew Jones)
Best all-season hiking boots

Specifications

Weight (per boot): 700g (size UK 12)
Upper: Suede and Schoeller soft shell
Membrane: Gore-Tex
Sizes: Men’s: UK 6.5–12; Women’s: UK 4.5–8.5

Reasons to buy

+
Impressively lightweight
+
Nimble and precise feel
+
C2 crampon compatible

Reasons to avoid

-
Not the most cushioned underfoot
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Asymmetric toebox and offset lacing won’t suit all foot shapes
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No insulation

The Taiss Light Mid GTX isn’t just a technical boot – these are also the lightest crampon-compatible mountaineering boots on the market. When it comes to weight, they even undercut featherweight rivals like the Arc’teryx Acrux LT and the Scarpa Ribelle Lite HD. Unbelievably light, precise and nimble, these extremely capable 4-season boots excel on technical terrain. And despite their lightweight build, they’re also decently robust, able to cope with abrasion from rock and ice.

However, they’re still a bit of a specialist boot, especially for UK winter use. In particular, their spartan feel underfoot, lack of insulation, and lower ankle cuff are all design features that mean they are not as warm, protective or well-cushioned as bigger, burlier boots. In those respects, there are probably better all-around B2s out there. However, if your priorities are flexibility, feel and precision, as well as the lowest weight possible, they’re the best out there right now.

Read our full Mammut Taiss Light Mid GTX review.

Best technical

Arc’teryx Acrux LT GTX hiking bootT3 Approved badge

(Image credit: Matthew Jones)
Best technical hiking boots for men

Specifications

Weight per boot (size UK 9): 650g
Upper: Superfabric Polyester Weave, rubber toecap and TPU rand
Membrane: Gore-Tex
Sole: Vibram Litebase Mont
Sizes (UK) : 4.5-12.5 (Unisex)

Reasons to buy

+
Impressively lightweight
+
Nimble and precise feel
+
Excellent climbing capability
+
C2 crampon compatible

Reasons to avoid

-
Not the most cushioned underfoot
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Narrow fit won’t suit all foot shapes
-
Fabric uppers don’t offer the best protection or support
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No dedicated women’s version

The Acrux LT GTX is a modern climbing and mountaineering boot with excellent heel-to-toe rigidity, which can take a crampon. Primarily designed for three-season alpine conditions – balancing protection, technical capability and durability with remarkably low weight – the boot has a precise feel and delivers superb climbing performance, with or without a crampon fitted.

This boot’s stiffness makes it a very competent and capable performer on steep ground, enabling you to edge with confidence. The highly tapered toe is also an ideal shape for jamming into small rock pockets. The front climbing zone under the toe works well on a variety of different types of rock. It’s a great boot for technical climbing and scrambling. It works just as well with a crampon fitted for snow and ice too, which again is largely down to the boot’s stiffened midsole. 

On test, we did discover some downsides, including minimal cushioning and a narrow fit, which won’t suit everyone (especially if you have wide feet or just prefer a roomy toe box). Also, the fabric uppers aren’t the warmest, and though the Gore-Tex lining provides a little insulation, you still need to guard against numb toes.

Read our full Arc’teryx Acrux LT GTX review.

Best foot protection

Jack Wolfskin Force Striker Texapore hiking bootT3 Approved badge

(Image credit: Mark Mayne)
Best hiking boots for foot protection

Specifications

Upper: Textile
Outsole: Vibram Megagrip
Waterproofing: Texapore o2

Reasons to buy

+
Very protective 
+
Plenty of traction
+
Stable platform

Reasons to avoid

-
Might be a bit warm in summer

The Jack Wolfskin Force Striker Texapore boot is not a shy and retiring boot, it’s chunky in most dimensions and radiates the kind of knockabout robustness you’d hope for in a hiking companion. There are a few factors mixed into that impression - the high ankle and substantial padding offer serious support for tiring legs, while the forefoot ‘force plate’ hidden in the sole unit adds stiffness and protection all in one. This makes a relatively lightweight boot seem much more substantial - an ingenious trick. That said, the mesh and fabric upper does a great job of shedding weight while keeping things breathable, as does the Texapore o2 membrane. 

Running through the boot is a solid seam of quality components too, which add little by little to a good overall impression - the alloy lace hooks, for example - and, of course, the all-important sole unit. That’s moulded from Vibram Megagrip, offering a fierce grip on uneven and rocky terrain. Overall, the  Jack Wolfskin Force Striker Texapore boot has lots to say for itself and not much to complain about - a worthy competitor.

Read our full Jack Wolfskin Force Striker Texapore review.

Best for speed

Inov-8 ROCFLY G 390 bootT3 Approved badge

(Image credit: Mark Mayne)
Best hiking boots for speed and thru-hiking

Specifications

Upper: textile
Outsole: Graphene Grip
Waterproofing: none

Reasons to buy

+
 Incredibly grippy 
+
New Graphene foam
+
Super fast-and-light

Reasons to avoid

-
No waterproofing

The Inov-8 ROCFLY G390 is a new hiking boot for AW21 from UK-based Inov-8, and features the company’s acclaimed Graphene-Grip outsole. The Graphene isn’t just technology for the sake of it, adding durability and strength to a very grippy sole compound (Inov-8 claims a 50% improvement on strength and wear). Inov-8 has rigged the deck in their favour by adding 35 multi-directional 4mm deep lugs to the sole too, their distribution specifically designed to prevent debris from gumming them up.

The midsole also features Graphene, this time in the shape of G-Fly foam, its presence being a first for hiking boots. The knitted upper conforms to the foot, allowing the foot to swell over longer distances without requiring adjustment, as well as offering excellent breathability. Coming in at a stupidly lightweight 390g, the Inov-8 ROCFLY G390 has already been used to break distance and speed records, namely James Forrest’s new record time for a solo and self-supported hike of Great Britain’s National Three Peaks.

Read our full Inov-8 ROCFLY G390 hiking boot review.

Best cushioning

Salomon Predict HikeT3 Approved badge

(Image credit: Mark Mayne)
Best hiking boots for energy return

Specifications

Upper: textile / synthetic
Outsole: All Terrain Contagrip
Waterproofing: Gore-Tex

Reasons to buy

+
Lightweight yet robust
+
Lots of bounce
+
Capable all-rounder

Reasons to avoid

-
Snug fit
-
On the warm side for this style

The Salomon Predict Hike Mid is a boot with plenty of bounce. In the manner of a Hoka One One model (although without the head-turning looks), these really do bounce you onwards with each stride, especially on harder surfaces. The sole unit is fairly still but flexes enough to contribute to the bouncy ride. The build quality is solid, with the mid-height cut delivering ankle support, and the Gore-Tex keeps rain at bay effectively.

The lacing system keeps everything securely in place, and although the laces can be slick, to begin with, they do bed in quickly. On the down-side, we found they came up narrow – if you've got wide feet, you might need to go a half or even full size bigger than normal. And while we didn't have this issue, some other customers reported debris getting stuck inside the layers of the boot. 

Read our full Salomon Predict Hike Mid review.

How to choose the best hiking boots for you

The two key things to prioritise when hunting for the best hiking boot for you: finding the right boot style for the activity and getting a really good fit for your individual foot shape. The fit will vary by brand and style of boot, with some coming up much narrower (or broader) in the midfoot than others.

It's absolutely vital to try boots on before embarking on an expedition, and usually wearing them around the house before removing the retail labels is enough to show up any hotspots that could lead to painful difficulties further down the line. Head to our guide to how to break in hiking boots for some top tips (and our guide to how to treat blisters if the worst comes to the worst).

Although there are some stunning and super-technical hiking boots that might catch your eye, make sure you actually need the features they're offering before you shell out. Super-stiff mountain boots can be a trial on casual Sunday strolls, but equally, rocking up in trainers for a snowy ascent is a terrible idea. Generally, though, the extra support of a good hiking boot will see you happily meander wherever the fancy takes you.

The golden rule is to buy what fits and a model that suits your main use. In terms of brands, at the more robust end of the spectrum, La Sportiva, Scarpa, Mammut, Lowa and Aku all build boots that will shame a tank, while at the lighter, summery end, Teva, Keen and Salomon bring considerable expertise to the table.

FAQ

What are the best hiking boot materials and technologies?

Construction-wise, old-school full leather hiking boots are rare beasts these days, not only because of cost but also because they need months of breaking in before extended use. Modern boots use a range of synthetic materials in addition to leather panels, so are much softer out of the box. Indeed, the latest thermo-fitted/NestFit models are pretty much ready to rock straight off the shop floor, although wearing them around the house or to and from work is still a good idea before leaving on a major expedition.

Outdoor tech has come a long way in recent years, with huge strides being made in the way the best hiking boots are designed and built, from tech geared to keeping your toes warm in sub-zero conditions to innovations that help you stay upright on the most treacherous and slippery trails. Some of the most useful technologies and features include Vibram Megagrip (enhanced traction), Gore-tex (improved waterproofing), NestFit (bio-mapping for comfort), Thermo Tech Application technology (better support), and CleanSport NXT (odour control).

Do I need specific boots for hiking?

Most modern hiking boots include a waterproof membrane, which will be useful when you head off the beaten track. In addition, hiking and mountain boots often incorporate a raised 'rand', a rubber buffer over the leather of the boot nearest the sole, which protects the boot from sharp stone cuts when walking across scree (small loose stones that sometimes cover slopes). 

Hiking boot soles will also be much stiffer than street shoes/boots to shrug off rough surfaces, incorporating aggressive tread for better grip on wet grass, moss or mud and often cleverly-placed sticky rubber areas for extra grip on wet rock. That stiffer sole gets a grade from B0 to B3-B0 and below, making them fine for casual summer hikes but too flexible for crampons. Meanwhile, B1-3 boots offer increasing levels of stiffness to accommodate increasingly technical rigid crampon use.

This might sound excessive for the causal walker, but if you’re hill walking in the UK winter, opting for a stiffer crampon-compatible walking boot is highly recommended, as conditions can change fast. A lighter-weight alternative is a walking shoe. Check out our walking boots vs walking shoes explainer if you're deciding between the two.

What hiking boot features do I need?

In a nutshell, you're looking for boots that are luxuriously comfortable, unstintingly waterproof, heroically breathable, tank-like in their ruggedness, and offer as much grip as Spider-Man's socks. It’s essential to get the right rating for your hiking boot – wearing B3 double-boots for summer trekking will be hell, as will attempting the likes of Indicator Wall in Converse. Overall, you’re looking for ankle support from a boot – which in the hills can be vital when a stone shifts underfoot – but also a comfortable fit.

A snug (not tight) fit minimises heel lift, as well as assorted blisters at ‘hot spots’ like heels and toes (although we'd always recommend a pair of the best hiking socks for an added layer of protection). When seeking out winter boots (B1+), this is particularly important, as a loose fit will see your toes smash into the toe box when using crampons, and the stiffer sole will also exaggerate heel lift unless the heel pocket fits just right.  

The accepted wisdom is to try on hiking boots in the afternoons, once your feet have expanded, and take a range of socks to try them on with. Thin office socks are helpful to show up any obvious shape mismatches and pressure points before moving on to your preferred walking sock. Do experiment with sock-fit as well as boot fit, as even the most expensive socks are cheap compared to boots, and some of the more specialised socks can make a real difference to your hiking comfort.

Matt Kollat
Section Editor | Active

Matt Kollat is a journalist and content creator who works for T3.com and its magazine counterpart as an Active Editor. His areas of expertise include wearables, drones, fitness equipment, nutrition and outdoor gear. He joined T3 in 2019. His byline appears in several publications, including Techradar and Fit&Well, and more. Matt also collaborated with other content creators (e.g. Garage Gym Reviews) and judged many awards, such as the European Specialist Sports Nutrition Alliance's ESSNawards. When he isn't working out, running or cycling, you'll find him roaming the countryside and trying out new podcasting and content creation equipment.

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