The Best Hiking Boots Of 2024, Based On Miles Of Trail Testing (2024)

Since 2022, the Forbes Vetted team has tested over 20 of the best hiking boots, including lightweight models for fast day hikes and burly leather boots for off-trail travel. For 2024, we made it our mission to test every type available—from ultralight models that rival trail runners to overbuilt ones for backpacking. This guide currently features six models that earned high marks in our ongoing testing, performed by reviewers that include backpacking guides and gear experts with years of industry experience. Our winners include the best-overall Salomon X Ultra 360 Edge Mid, the budget-friendly Merrell Moab 3 and the classic Danner Mountain 600 Leaf Gore-Tex.

No matter the style you’re after, the best hiking boots—be it men’s or women’s—should provide traction, support and comfort for all-day use whether you’re hiking an urban trail or backpacking deep into the wilderness. But there’s a lot more to hiking boots than that, so check out our full guide below to find the right boot for your needs.

New for 2024, the Salomon X Ultra 360 Edge Mid has quickly become one of my favorite hiking boots. When you first see the shoe, it looks like it was designed for fashion over function, as it’s obviously inspired by the brand’s lifestyle shoes like the XT-6. But as soon as you hit the trail, you learn that’s not the case. It’s much more supportive and stable than the ever-popular X Ultra 4 Mid, which tops many “best of” lists. When I compared the two head-to-head, I found myself much more confident over technical terrain with the 360 Edge. In fact, my feet felt downright wobbly in the other boots compared to this one.

Right out of the box, these shoes felt comfortable, lightweight and breathable. They also offer adequate cushion for carrying a moderately heavy pack, because the EVA foam midsole is soft and springy enough that it absorbs impact with every step (which takes stress off your joints), but is paired with stiffer shanks to cradle your foot and keep it in place whenever your ankle starts to roll. I was delighted by the boot’s performance, as I felt confident with each step through the boulder field we climbed up to Tanner’s Gulch in Little Cottonwood Canyon. The toe box was spacious enough that my wide feet didn’t feel cramped, but slim enough that I felt agile in tricky terrain. And not once did I question whether my foot was going to stick to the rocks or dirt—the outsole rubber is top notch.

Overall, I think this is a fantastic, well-rounded boot that checked every box that I look for when testing. So far, I haven’t found another boot that lives up to this one’s support, comfort, breathability, grippiness and light weight—except maybe last year’s winner, the La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II Mid, which has been temporarily discontinued. Compared to the Ultra Raptor, this boot is much more stylish, and the only reason to search for a different option is if you’re going ultralight or carrying a super heavy overnight pack.

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There’s no good reason a hiking boot should have a long break-in period anymore—materials technology has simply come too far. Case in point: The Danner Mountain 600 Leaf. I used these for the first time on a multi-day hut-to-hut trip in the Canadian Rockies (A classic case of “do as I say, not as I do”) and I didn’t experience any foot pain or hot spots or blisters. By the end of the trip, these boots felt as if they had molded to my foot; my arch felt cradled and my toes had just enough wiggle room.

I really put these shoes through the wringer: On the hut-to-hut trip, we hiked through dense alpine trees and onto glacier ice, descended over 3,000 feet on trails littered with loose dirt and slippery roots, and crossed at least five narrow log bridges. With each step, I felt comfortable and confident knowing the Vibram rubber would keep me grounded. When the going got rough, I could cinch the laces down for a secure fit around my ankles. (The boots come with two types of laces, but I find flat laces help you get a much more precise fit and don’t come untied as often.)

After that first test, I’ve used these boots again in various environments: most recently this spring in the Wasatch mountains to pit them directly against the other boots we considered for this list. They’re still just as comfortable as ever. The only downside I’ve seen so far? The toe cap doesn’t extend very high, so it’s ever-so-slightly peeling up after consistent impact. If you’re really rough on your shoes, you may want to opt for a different pair with a more robust toe cap, but otherwise, these are a great option from a well-known brand.

For casual hikers in need of a boot that’s almost guaranteed to fit on the first try, the Merrell Moab 3 is a comfortable boot that’s suitable for most hikers. And at $130, which is more than $40 less than the average price among boots we tested, it’s impressive for the mileage you can get out of it. In the past, I’ve been hesitant to highlight these boots because I thought (and still think) the traction isn’t up to par when compared to other models. But I’ve come to appreciate these for what they are: A solid boot for most hikers who get outside a few times a month and stick to maintained trails.

There’s no denying the comfort these boots provide. As soon as you slip your foot in, you can feel how plush the upper is and how soft the insole feels. The upper is a perfect mix of soft leather and mesh—no plastic in sight—so it feels pliable and not too restrictive, even if your toes hit the sides or top. I also appreciated the 11.5-millimeter drop (how high your heel rests above your toes), which makes these shoes great for those with tight calves or Achilles tendons (like me) because you don’t need as much mobility.

When I took the Moab 3 on easy to moderate trails, life felt breezy and I enjoyed the wide, roomy fit. However, when I pushed into steeper, rockier terrain, I wanted a different shoe like the Salomon X Ultra 360 Edge. Also, the ankle support is lackluster because of the lower cut and bulky materials. If you have strong ankles and like the design and fit of the Moabs, I’d recommend the low-top version to save some money ($10) and ounces. Overall, these are a good choice for hikers that want to prioritize comfort and are prone to blisters or hot spots from more restrictive shoes with tight ankle cuffs.

Combining the look of a burly leather backpacking boot with the weight of a modern shoe, the Lowa Renegade is one of the best backpacking boots I’ve tried. It checked every box in my tests: It’s supportive, breathable, has excellent traction and is water-resistant. And most surprisingly, it’s a few ounces lighter than the Salomon Quest 4, which I ranked as the best backpacking boot in 2022 (and is still a worthy alternative.) This year, the Renegades won a neck-and-neck race against the La Sportiva Nucleo High II when I tested them both on a steep, rocky, wet trail in Ferguson Canyon in Utah. While they both stood up to every test I put them through (keeping traction after trudging through stream crossings, preventing slips on loose downhills), these boots kept me a bit more comfortable through it all and offered a more contoured, custom fit. And, when you add a weighted backpack, these shoes feel more robust and supportive for long days.

What sets this boot apart is its durability: The Vibram rubber outsole that is stiffer than that of other boots so it doesn’t break down after a season of use. And then there’s the midsole: It is made of PU foam, which is stiffer than EVA foam but doesn’t pack out as quickly—crucial if you’ll be carrying a lot of weight on your back. (According to Lowa’s website, PU midsoles will last two to five times longer than EVA midsoles.) This combination of rubber and foam creates a tall, stiff sole that made me feel like I was elevated on a platform and invincible against all rocks. So while these boots aren’t as springy and responsive as some of the other boots on this list, they sure are sturdy.

This boot comes in a range of sizes, and I tested this in wide and found that it secured my foot in place but my toes still had enough room to breathe. And while it’s the heaviest boot on this list, it’s still lightweight for a classic, fully-leather boot. When you’re already loaded up with 30 pounds of gear for an overnight trip, this weight increase will be negligible (unless you’re an ultralight backpacker.) Overall, there’s very little to complain about with this boot. I wore the Renegades on a casual day hike and while hiking with a heavy 60-liter pack; each time, my feet felt fresh and I did not get any blisters or hot spots. If you’re a dedicated backpacker who hikes varied terrain and lengths and you only buy one hiking boot for all your adventures, make it this one.

If you’re looking for a shoe with a barely-there feel, the Xero Ridgeway is one of the best lightweight hiking boots I tested. It’s ideal for day hikers, people with wide feet and lightweight backpackers. However, for new backpackers or those with joint issues, it may not have enough cushion to support a heavy pack.

Xero, a relatively new brand founded in 2009, is well known in the minimalist shoe space for a few reasons. First, the brand’s zero-drop designs eliminate padded cushioning in the heel so the sole of your foot rests flat in the shoe. Additionally, the natural footbed shape creates an extra-wide toe box so your toes can splay out in a more natural position as your foot makes contact with the ground. For these reasons, they’re a hit among hikers looking for a minimalist shoe with basic protection.

The Ridgeway has a soft, squishy midsole (a huge upgrade compared to the Scrambler Mid I tested last year) and is incredibly breathable. Usually, after hiking in the heat, my feet feel swollen and sore, and the sides of my shoes put pressure on my toes and forefoot. But after miles of hiking in 80-degree temps with these boots, my feet felt fine. This is due to the wide toe box which allows for foot swell. Another perk is that, although they don’t look like it, they are waterproof—the membrane isn’t quite as reliable as Gore-Tex, so I wouldn’t stand in a stream for minutes on end, but it’s capable enough to handle the morning dew on tall grass or a quick, shallow river crossing.

These boots are best for day or ultralight hikes—not long backpacking trips. The Ridgeway does not have a toe cap and offers the least amount of protection among the shoes on this list. When you put on a heavy pack, the cushioning does not stand up to the weight and you may not feel adequately supported. But for a minimalist shoe, I was surprised by how structured and stiff the ankle collar was and if you can adjust to the zero-drop design, you won’t find another shoe as light or comfortable.

I didn’t want to like the Salomon Elixir Mid when I pulled it from the box. It looks more like a moon boot than a hiking shoe, and I couldn’t picture it providing any stability on a rocky, rooted or technical trail. But as soon as I laced up a pair, I started bouncing up and down, feeling spry, light and excited to get moving. This thing is seriously fun (and that’s coming from someone who prefers the minimalism of trail runners to boots.) Every step felt easier because of the rocker sole, which is shaped like a banana so you roll through your stride without exerting much effort. On the downhill, this worked wonders; the uphill was just as difficult (as is always the case).

During the testing period, I was highly impressed with the stability of these boots. Usually, high-cushioned boots and a rocker sole are a recipe for instability. But when I wore them on a five-mile hike that had a few rocky sections, the Vibram Megagrip outsole held onto any and all terrain. In fact, I kept pushing the limits of this boot to see if I would slip or roll my ankle: Slippery logs? A river bed? A soft hillside covered with pine needles? All fine. To counter all the cushioning, this shoe is loaded with features, like an extended heel, structured upper and side “chassis” that keeps your foot firmly in place.

Would I recommend these shoes to every hiker? No. The Salomon Elixir Mid is a far cry from a traditional hiking boot, but it is a springy model that brings a lot of fun to the trail. If you want something light and breathable, you’ll be better off elsewhere. But if you want your hikes to feel a little bit easier or you love the squish of a max-cushion shoe, this is the boot for you.

Other Hiking Boots I Tested

Footwear is deeply personal, and your hiking boot choice will depend on your hiking style and foot shape. While the following boots didn’t impress us enough to earn a “best of” title, they could be a great option for other hikers. Over three years of updating this article, I’ve tested over 20+ pairs. Here are some others that stand out:

La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX: I tested this boot in 2023 and awarded it the “best hiking boot overall.” However, this year, I was disappointed to learn that it’s been discontinued (temporarily). Some sizes are still in stock, so if you’re looking for a lightweight boot that provides superior grip and feels like a more-supportive trail running shoe, snag these while you can.

Hoka Kaha 2: I really wanted to love these boots, but ultimately, they weren’t comfortable for me (a gal with wide feet) or for my friend with narrow feet. The cushioning is perfection, and the technical features allow you to support a heavy load, but if you’re considering them, we recommend testing them in a store to see if you experience discomfort. The ankle tab rubs and the laces and stiff upper chaff when the shoe bends on uphill hikes.

Adidas Free Hiker 2: These were a contender for the lightweight category, and they blend elements of trail running shoes and boots. They have a sock-like collar and a sleek mesh design, and while I think they’re a great option for those in need of a lightweight shoe, they weren’t quite as comfortable as the Xero Ridgeway and have a longer break-in period. Their color options are on point, though.

Decathlon Quechua MH500 Waterproof: These won our best budget boot in 2023 because they offered the performance of a leather backpacking boot without the high price tag. However, they seem to be discontinued and remaining sizes are on sale right now.

Salomon Quest 4: I crowned the Salomon Quest 4 as the “best backpacking boot” in summer 2022 and still think it’s a fantastic option for any backpacker. It has a more roomy fit than the Lowa Renegade and is a bit more breathable, too. However, it may not last as long compared to a fully-leather boot and I thought it felt slightly bulky because of the overbuilt design, so it didn’t feel quite as agile (which really on matters on highly technical trails.)

Altra Lone Peak Hiker 2 : Last year, this won our best lightweight shoe category and I stand by them for hikers who love a very minimalist design. However, the durability is a bit lacking and they are very hard to slip on and pull off.

Saucony Ultra Ridge GTX: This moderately-cushioned shoe is Saucony’s first attempt at a hiking boot. It is fast, responsive and comes in eye-catching colors, but ultimately, it didn’t stand out among a sea of other impressive shoes. That said, runners who like a rocker design and Saucony’s cushy PWRRUN midsole will love this boot.

Columbia Newton Ridge Plus: These budget-friendly boots are suitable for easy treks, but they lack the cushion and traction that I would like to see for most major hikes. That said, they would be a good option if you’re looking for a boot that you can wear from the trail to town because of their classic aesthetic and fun colorways.

La Sportiva Trango Tech GTX: While I loved these boots, they’re too technical for most hikers. They’re stiff-soled with sticky rubber, so they excel in very technical terrain. However, they’re overbuilt, heavy and hot for everyday hiking because they fill a unique gap between hiking boots and serious mountaineering boots. They’re worth considering for backpacking trips with a lot of alpine mileage or non-winter mountaineering trips.

My Expertise

I’ve been advising hikers on what boots to wear since 2015 when I began working as a backpacking guide on multi-day trips in National Parks such as Yosemite, Yellowstone, Olympic and the North Cascades. As a guide, I hiked—and instructed guests on—terrain from root-covered trails to the smooth granite slabs of Half Dome. Before and during trips, I recommended boots to guests, advised them on break-in protocol and assessed footwear issues on the trail.

For additional insight, I interviewed multiple experts, including the team at AllTrails. I spoke to Senior Operations Manager Manon Nectoux and Head of Social Media Stephanie Asper, both of whom have spent hundreds of hours in hiking boots for work, research and recreation. I also consulted with Joe Liefer, the Divisional Merchandise Manager for Hard Goods at Christy Sports, who determines the hiking boot inventory for their retail stores and previously led the company’s boot fitting educational programs for staff.

How I Tested The Best Hiking Boots

Hikers need boots that can perform well on the trail and stand up to miles of hard use, so I established testing criteria to determine which boots would serve you best for hiking and backpacking.

First, I wore the boots in different environments and climates to see how they performed. I originally tested the hiking boots in the late spring and summer of 2022 in various terrain in the Wasatch Mountains outside of Salt Lake City, Utah, and then tested new and additional models in 2023 and again in 2024. I hiked on smooth trails, up and down steep, loose dirt, across granite boulder fields, and through creeks. Each day, temperatures reached between 75 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit, so I was able to see how breathable these boots were in summer hiking conditions. Since this testing, I’ve also worn the boots on many personal hikes in the damp forests of the Pacific Northwest, the alpine in Colorado, the dry desert of Nevada, and the narrow paths of the East Coast.

To see how boots performed with and without heavy weight, I tested each pair of hiking boots with both a light day pack and a 30-pound backpacking pack. With the weight of a heavy pack on your back, cushioning and support are even more important to stay comfortable and safe on your hike. However, boots should also feel light and agile when you’re only carrying a day pack.

As I was hiking, I evaluated each hiking boot on the following criteria:

Comfort

I tested how the boots felt on my feet and whether or not they created pressure points. I also considered if they needed an extensive break-in period or were comfortable right out of the box. Another aspect of comfort is the fit of the boot, so I evaluated whether they ran narrow or wide, and how that impacts comfort for all hikers.

Traction

I took each boot on both solid rock and loose dirt to test whether or not the shoe provided good traction in all scenarios.

Stability

I looked at the ankle height and tested how much support they provided when fully laced. I also tested if the cushion provided decent comfort without sacrificing stability. (In general, more cushion creates a less stable shoe.) Boots also include other features, like harder shanks, to keep your foot in line when hiking, so I determined whether my foot felt wobbly or supported inside the shoe.

Breathability

I tested these boots in hot summer temperatures to determine whether or not my feet stayed cool and if the shoe materials were breathable. I wore the same socks for each hike to try to keep the conditions consistent.

Waterproofing

I took each pair of boots through an ankle-deep creek crossing to see how the waterproof coating and lining performed, and all of the boots did well during a three-minute exposure to water. I considered whether the waterproofing prevented leakage and if the ankle and tongue design prevented water from getting in through the top of the boot when splashed with water.

Weight & Aesthetics

When selecting the winners, I also considered each boot’s weight and aesthetics. When looking at weight, I considered the intended use of the boot. For example, a backpacking boot can—and should—be heavier than a day hiking boot. Lastly, while aesthetics shouldn’t be the main deciding factor when you’re searching for hiking boots, you may consider them if you plan to wear your hiking boots around town, as well as on the trail.

How To Choose A Hiking Boot

Day Hiking Versus Backpacking

Before investing in boots, consider what type of hiking you prefer. If you’re a casual day hiker, you should prioritize comfort over technical features. “You won’t be carrying as much weight and you’ll want something that is really comfortable so you can enjoy being out there,” explained Liefer. Liefer advised that for casual to moderate day hikes, you may want to find a soft-soled boot that’s a bit more flexible than a traditional backpacking boot.

However, if you plan to backpack with a heavy pack, you should consider a more durable boot with cushioning and high ankle support, especially if you are prone to joint issues. The amount of support you need is a personal decision, so give some thought to your body’s needs and comfort level on rocky or technical terrain. Some experienced backpackers like to wear low-top trail running shoes because they are light and breathable but lack support, while others need a stiff cuff to prevent their ankles from rolling.

Fit

When it comes to hiking boots, comfort is paramount. If you’re comfortable, you can enjoy your journey without worrying about returning home before serious blisters form. “You’ll stay out on your feet longer because you’ll have the basic support based on your foot shape and type,” said Liefer.

Look for a shoe that is designed to fit your foot type based on your foot width, arch, and overall shape. “I am very tall with a size 11 foot,” said Asper, the head of social media at AllTrails, who usually wears a women’s shoe size. “But I wanted something that would fit me really well. So, I bought the men’s version because it fits my foot a lot better than the women’s model.” Some models, like the Merrell Moab 3 and Lowa Renegade, come in both regular and wide fits.

Other shoes, like the Salomon X Ultra 360 Edge Mid, are more adjustable than others so they can fit a variety of foot shapes because they have a wider footbed but also use a lace system with forefoot and midfoot bands so you can achieve a more precise fit.

Your preferred type of trail will also dictate the fit you want: “If a hiker is looking to go through really rocky terrain, we want them in a snug-fitting boot because they’re going to need that support,” explained Liefer, the Divisional Merchandise Manager for Hard Goods at Christy Sports.

When you get your shoes, try them on and walk around your house to ensure they’re comfortable and provide enough support before taking them on the trail.

Support

Ankle support and overall boot stability are crucial aspects to consider when buying a boot. While a structured boot will provide ankle support, it will also protect the rest of your joints, like the knees and hips. “I’ve hurt my knees and ankles quite a bit,” said Asper, “So I need to have a boot that is supportive and comfortable for the longevity of my body.”

In general, the higher the ankle cuff, the more support it will provide. “Some customers have a very rigid foot and ankle joint, so they might be able to handle a low or mid-cut height boot,” said Liefer. “While other guests might need a lot of support up and through the ankle, perhaps due to a past injury or because they’re going on a backpacking trip and will be carrying an additional 40 pounds on their back.”

But it’s not just about the height of the boot: You’ll also want to consider how stiff the ankle collar is. Some, like the Salomon X Ultra 360 Edge Mid, have a soft and pliable cuff that molds around ankle, while others, like the Lowa Renegade and Xero Ridgeway, are more rigid to hold the joint in place. “Often when I go on hikes that are rocky, I know I want double the support,” explained Asper. “That way, even if my ankle rolls a bit, it’s not going to go all the way because it's enclosed in a pretty stiff shaft.”

Materials

Different climates and terrain require different hiking boot designs and materials.

• Synthetic materials will be best if you’re hiking in hot environments, because they are typically more breathable than leather. They are also often lighter than their leather alternatives, but will wear down faster.
• Leather is great for durability, but it is not breathable, so should be avoided in hot temperatures.
• Waterproof coating and liners—like Gore-Tex and eVent—are beneficial if you’re hiking in damp, rainy climates. Most boots come in both a waterproof version (often designated as GTX if they use the Gore-tex waterproofing) and a non-waterproof version. But the waterproof vs non-waterproof debate is nuanced, so we dove into even more detail below.

Waterproofing

Waterproof boots will keep your feet dry in most conditions, including during rain storms and through shallow creek crossings (although we do not recommend wearing boots in deeper water crossings.) Liefer mentions that he wears waterproof boots every time he goes for a hike. “If you’re walking in knee-high grass in the morning, your feet are going to get wet because there’s dew in that grass,” he explained. “If you walk through a field, your feet are going to be just as wet as if you crossed a creek.” If your feet get wet during a long hike and can’t dry out properly, you risk blisters, foot discomfort, and—in worst-case scenarios—trench foot.

But remember that waterproof boots don’t prevent all moisture from getting inside. If your feet do get wet, they will not soon dry out in waterproof hiking boots. The design is also significantly less breathable than their non-waterproof counterparts. If you primarily hike in hot, dry environments, you may want to forego the Gore-Tex membrane altogether.

Sole

The sole of the shoe may not be your first priority when choosing hiking boots, but as you start to move from beginner to intermediate hikes, you’ll want a sole with adequate traction to keep you from slipping on roots, rocks and loose dirt. When it comes to the sole, you have two considerations: the tread pattern and the stiffness of the rubber.

First, you should consider tread, which is the pattern on the bottom of the sole. “The tread of your hiking boot is really important, especially if you’re hiking in mud so you can make sure you’re getting a really good grip,” said Nectoux, the senior operations manager at AllTrails. Think about trail running shoes compared to road running shoes: Deeper lugs will provide more grip in mud and on rocks, while a smoother sole won’t offer as much traction but may be more comfortable on well-graded paths.

The stiffness of the rubber is also important because a stiffer sole will make it easier to walk up steep terrain. “Say you’re walking up the stairs and you can only get the tip of your toe on the step platform,” said Liefer. “You don’t want that sole to be super soft and flex or you’ll feel unstable.” However, if you’re on a hiking route that is primarily smooth, rounded rock—like the Half Dome hike in Yosemite—you would want a softer-soled boot so your foot could flex to get the most surface area in contact with the rock.

Design Features

If you’re a serious hiker, you may want to consider all the extra bells and whistles on a hiking boot. Here are some key features to look out for:

• Toe caps are rigid piece of materials that wrap around the toe box to protect the front of your foot from impact against rocks or hard objects. Some boots, like the Lowa Renegade, offer advanced toe protection that wraps around the front of the foot while others, like the Xero Ridgeway, offer less protection to save weight.
• Pull tabs on either the tongue or back of the ankle help to get the shoe on and off. This is more important the higher the boot cut.
• Rock plates are inserts layered between the midsole and outsole that protect the sole of your foot from any sharp objects on the trail.
• Boot height is also a crucial design element to consider beyond its stability benefits. “When I’m in the desert, I wear a high-top boot so I can keep sand out of my shoes,” said Nectoux. So, you should also keep in mind any unique hiking terrain, like the sand dunes in Death Valley or along the Lost Coast in California.
• Crampon compatibility is important if you’re considering mountaineering in your boots. While all of the boots on this list are compatible with microspikes, only the La Sportiva Trango Tech GTX will work with crampons because of their notched heel design.

Return Policy And Warranty

When you’re buying online, shop with retailers that have generous return policies so you can find a boot that works for you. REI offers a 365-day return policy for members and a 90-day policy for non-members, even if you’ve worn the boot on the trail. Many retailers accept returns as long as the product is unused in its original packaging. “When I bought my last pair of boots, I ordered two sizes to try on at home,” said Nectoux. “I kept the pair that fit me and returned the other pair because the store had a great return policy.”

“Don’t be afraid to return them if you have to,” stressed Asper. “Hiking boots are an expensive piece of gear and you want them to last for a really long time.” Just be sure to keep the original packaging so you can get a refund. When you buy online, it can be helpful to buy from a retailer, like REI or Christy Sports, that has physical stores where you can make returns.

Many brands also offer warranties for manufacturer defects, usually for one to two years for footwear. Although a warranty provides protection for your purchase, it is also a sign that the brand stands by the quality of its products.

Are Hiking Shoes The Same As Hiking Boots?

Hiking shoes refer to low-top hiking-specific footwear, while boots refer to both mid and high-top designs that provide more ankle support and stability than low-top hiking shoes. Hiking boots are ideal for people with ankle instability or backpackers who are carrying heavy weight. However, advances in hiking boot technology have led to more versatile boots that combine the benefits of trail running shoes with the support of traditional boots. Lightweight boots, like the Salomon X Ultra 360 Edge Mid, Xero Ridgeway, Adidas Free Hiker 2, and the Altra Lone Peak Hiker 2, fill this niche.

Should You Buy Hiking Shoes A Size Bigger?

This depends: Many avid hikers suggest sizing up a half size for hiking shoes. While it’s good to have a bit of breathing room, too much extra space will cause your feet to move around, especially on downhill sections of trail. If your boots are too big, your heel might rise with each step, causing friction and blisters on the back of your ankle. Meanwhile, your toes might jam against the foot box with each step, which also makes for an obvious source of discomfort.

Additionally, each boot is designed with a different fit in mind. Some boots, like the Quechua M500, are meant to offer a snug fit for agility on the trail, while boots like the Salomon Quest and Merrell Moab have a wider fit so you can wear thicker socks and allow for foot swelling while on the trail. The best way to know if a hiking boot will fit is to try it on with the socks intend to wear while hiking. When ordering online, Nectoux suggests you “compare the sizing to a brand you know fits you well.”

When Should I Replace My Hiking Boots?

Each hiking boot has a different lifespan depending on its quality of construction and intended use. Your shoe choice, mixed with your hiking frequency, pack weight and the terrain you frequent will have a huge impact.

In general, you should be able to get anywhere from 300 to 1000 miles out of a hiking boot before it starts to degrade. Some signs that it’s time to retire your pair include significant sole wear (if you turn it over, you may see the sole is worn flat and you’re missing lugs in some spots) or visible damage to the upper. But a more subtle but equally important indication? You are losing comfort or support inside of the shoe from packed down cushioning.

More Hiking Gear We Love

Whether you’re looking for trail runners, sandals or tents or daypacks, here are some roundups to help you shop:

• Best Hiking Sandals
• Best Backpacking Tents
• Best Daypacks
• Best Camping Cots