Best Walking Boots of 2025 | Fully Tested and Rated by Our Experts
Light but protective, grippy and waterproof. Those are the key qualities to look for in a walking boot for three-season walking. Here are the men's and women's hiking footwear options that tick those boxes...
A good pair of walking boots can be the difference between an enjoyable day out and one you’d rather forget. Find the right pair for you and they’ll help you to go further, higher and over terrain that would otherwise be inaccessible. Of course, choosing boots can be difficult, with huge variations in price and quality and different categories of walking boots to choose from too, but we’re here to help you there. In this article, you’ll find our footwear recommendations for all types of hikes, ranging from casual weekend walks through to multi-week thru-hikes, and with options for men and women.
Lead tester Will Renwick has been testing and reviewing outdoor gear on a professional basis for over a decade now. In that time, he’s been on numerous gear awards juries, including for ISPO, the Scandinavian Outdoor Awards and OIA Awards, and he’s written for a raft of outdoor magazines and websites along the way. Will has walked just about every long-distance path you can find within Wales, including the Wales Coast Path and Offa’s Dyke, the Cambrian Way and the Beacons Way. Further afield, he’s trekked the Alta Via 2, the Camino de Santiago and the Kungsleden in Sweden.
Om editor Will looking at a cross section of the boots tested for this article.
How We Tested Them
This list of the best hiking boots is the result of a long-term and on-going process involving careful study of the latest product launches, visits to trade shows in the UK and Germany and then rigorous testing on hill walks, scrambles and multi-day backpacking trips. Will Renwick personally tested all of the men’s boots that are featured here, while the women’s boots were assessed by our female testers, including our editorial assistant Jazz Noble and contributors such as Emma Cole and Hannah White. All of the pictures you can see in this article show the products in use by our team.
Our criteria during our tests? Durability and longevity was a big factor in the selection process. Hiking boots should perform for years, especially given how much they can cost these days. We wore each pair of boots over testing terrain – including through bogs, up rocky slopes and on hard-packed tracks – to assess their ruggedness and pay particular attention to dependability of the membrane, which is usually the first thing that wears out on a badly made pair of boots. We also looked at the grip on soft, hard and wet surfaces and we assessed the protection, stability, waterproofing and breathability too. Locations for our tests included the Cairngorms, Glencoe, Lake District and Snowdonia.
Our Team’s Pick of the Best Walking Boots of 2025 for Men and Women
In this article, we’ve whittled down the 10 pairs of boots that we think are the best, along with some standout category winners too. The category winners are as follows:
Best Overall Walking Boot: Scarpa Terra GTX
A Close Second: Aku Trekker Lite III
Best Lightweight Walking Boot: Helly Hansen Ascender Mid HT
Best Budget Walking Boot: Haglöfs Skuta Eco Proof
Best Vegan-Friendly Hiking Boots: Altberg Dalesway
Our Ratings and Updates to this List
With our ratings, our cushioning is assessed on a scale of 1 to 10 with 1 being very hard and 10 being very soft, and with the stiffness, 1 being very flexible and 10 being very stiff.
This article was recently updated with the best buy award being moved from the Aku Trekker Lite III to the Scarpa Terra GTX. We also removed the Lowa Trek EVO and added the Hoka Kaha 2 GTX after its comfort and stability impressed us during recent tests in the Welsh hills.
Scarpa Terra GTX
Best overall hiking boot: This gets our pick as the best in test. The versatility, quality and comfort sealed the deal for our testers.
Our best in test, pictured in use during our test trip in the Black Mountains.
Price: £210 Weight: 570g Best for: Hillwalking, country walking What we liked: Comfortable from the get go, well crafted, roomy at the toe What we didn’t like: Quite firm under the heel, some might find a little too flexible for very rough ground
The Terra GTX has been a bestseller for Scarpa over the years and we can see why. In our tests we were impressed by the versatility of this boot and the level of craftsmanship too, so much so that we deem this the best all-round walking boot that’s currently on the market. It gets our pick if you’re looking for a hiking boot that you can rely on for anything from walking the dog through muddy fields through to hiking up Snowdon or Scafell Pike.
Will using the Scarpa Terra GTX on a 20-mile mountain hike with his dog Griff.
Firmly in the three-season category, we wouldn’t recommend the Terra GTX if you’re after something for cold weather, winter mountain use, but we found it has all the aspects we look for in a boot for country walks and hill bagging from the start of spring through to the end of autumn. In our tests, we found it gripped well on muddy inclines – thanks, in particular, to its slight heel brake – and we liked its roomy toe box which adds to its long-distance comfort. For us, it was comfortable right out of the box and we had no issues from the get-go. Its midsole blocked out rocks and roots well but there’s still plenty of flex which, again, really helps when you’re covering a lot of mileage, and the ankle provides just enough support over uneven terrain but without feeling too restricting.
If you like a boot with lots of cushioning, look elsewhere (at something from Danner or Hoka perhaps) because while this provided good shock absorption we did find it was a little solid underfoot, particularly at the heel.
Available in men’s and women’s versions / Waterproofing: Gore-tex / Upper material: full grain leather / Outsole: Vibram Energy II / Stiffness rating: 6/10 / Cushioning rating: 6/10.
Our second best pick: The Asolo Falcon GV EVO is our runner up for best walking boot
The Aku Trekker Lite III pictured in use during our test trip in the Cairngorms of Scotland.
Price: £200 Weight: 570g Best for: Hillwalking, trekking What we liked: Well-crafted, grippy, versatile What we didn’t like: Quite expensive, a touch hard underfoot
Having tested this out over a long period now this has risen up to the top of our list to become our pick for the best overall hiking boot. During our tests we found that the Trekker Lite III ticked a lot of boxes. Over rough ground, the sole unit was protective and able to block out sharp rocks and roots while there was still enough flex to it to save your feet from getting worn out over long distances. The Gore-tex waterproof membrane was reliable, keeping our feet bone dry during river crossings, and the overall construction of the upper felt durable, supportive and well-crafted. It’s a boot that, from what we’ve seen, is built to last, and it’s from a brand with a good track record in terms of the longevity of their products.
The Aku Trekker Lite III passed our waterproofing tests with flying colours.
This, we found, is a boot that’s a lot more capable than a lot of today’s ‘three season boots’, many of which are little more than glorified high-top trainers. It looks, feels and performs like a proper mountain boot, without feeling too heavy. The Vibram sole provides a nice amount of grip on a variety of surfaces – we found it to be particularly impressive on muddy slopes – and the lugs are widely spaced so they shed dirt and debris well. There’s no dedicated climbing zone on the toe, reflecting the all-purpose nature of this boot, but the thick tread blocks at the edge of the outsole still made jamming and edging on easier scrambling terrain possible.
Available in men’s and women’s versions / Waterproofing: Gore-tex / Upper material:suede and air8000 synthetic / Outsole: Vibram Curcuma / Stiffness rating: 6/10 / Cushioning rating: 6.5/10
Best lightweight hiking boot: Our pick for those who want a lightweight waterproof boot.
Tester Will Renwick scrambling in the Helly Hansen Ascender Mid HT in the mountains of Eryri. Photo: Dave MacFarlane.
Price: £180 Weight: 490g per boot Best for: What we liked: Recycled content, impressive Helly Tech performance What we didn’t like:
Helly Hansen’s Ascender Mid HT boots feature the brand’s proprietary Helly Tech membrane. This is waterproof but it’s also designed to allow moisture vapour to escape from the inside of the boot. HH say that 70% of the upper is made from recycled materials too, while it’s 30% for the sole unit.
OM editor Will has been out testing the Ascenders in the mountains of Eryri. He said, “I first wore these right out of the box for a hike in the Moelwynion mountains of Snowdonia. I didn’t have any issues just going full throttle with them on the first use, wearing them over the course of about 13 kilometres of hiking over terrain that was sometimes very rocky and at other times very boggy – a classic day out in North Wales!”
“I’ve found that the 5mm lugs and slight heel brake make these grippy enough to provide a reliable footing on steep, muddy descents. The HH Max Grip compound provides some grip on wet rock but, like most shoes, they struggle on very slimy stuff. It excels on dry rock though.”
Available in men’s and women’s versions / Waterproofing: Helly Tech / Upper material: Recycled polyester with a little elastane / Outsole: Helly Hansen Max Grip / Stiffness rating: 6/10 / Cushioning rating: 7/10
Best vegan-friendly hiking boot: this landed the top spot as the best in test for vegans
Right: Our team using the Dalesway in the Lake District National Park
Price: £220 Weight: 630g Best for: Three-season hiking, hillwalking, scrambling What we liked: Vegan-friendly, Yorkshire-made, resoleable, durable and sturdy What we didn’t like: Padded ankle cuff could be more water resistant, no recycling efforts
Altberg make a broad selection of boots for hiking, hunting and for the military, and they have a very strong reputation within the UK for their craftsmanship. The Dalesway sits within their hiking range and are their fully vegan offering, with no animal products used for their fabrics or glues. We tested them out over the course of three days hillwalking in the Lake District and were very impressed with what they had to offer.
The Altberg Dalesway during our tests in the Lake District.
From our experience, the Altberg Dalesway performs as a versatile three-season boot which we found ideal for hiking in over mountainous terrain on milder days during the winter in the UK. The semi stiff sole is comfortable over long distances while also performing capably over rocks and roots too. We found that the boot offered plenty of dependable traction on mud while hiking in it on a very sloppy few days in the Lake District. The grip was also good when hiking on dry rock and trails. On wet rock, the Dalesway did offer a touch of traction but, like most boots, there are limitations there. The durability seems good too, and even if it does get damaged; the repairability element is particularly commendable. Altberg also deserve credit for offering an extensive repair service long before repair was ‘cool’.
Best budget hiking boot: This has been our favourite good value option for some time now. It’s a great boot.
Pictured during our test trip in the Brecon Beacons
Price: £122 Weight: 950g Best for: Hiking and hillwalking What we liked: Comfortable, eco-friendly What we didn’t like: Can be hot
As we’ve come to expect from Swedish brand Haglöfs, the Skuta Mid Proof Eco has been built with sustainability in mind. This has been done by avoiding the use of any nasty chemicals in its creation. What we’re specifically referring to are those PFCs or perfluorinated compounds, which have been proven to be environmentally hazardous
Eco friendliness aside, we think that this is a nice-looking boot, successfully blending that traditional leather look with a modern style to create something that looks high-tech without being over the top or ‘out there’. It’s generously cushioned and fairly flexible midsole features both EVA foam and a shock absorbing gel so you can expect comfort over distances. All-in-all, a great boot at a decent price as well. We originally reviewed these around five years ago and while our testers were mightily impressed by these (and wore them a lot) they did eventually start to fray and break after three years of very intense use.
Right: Our tester Hannah using the Salomon X Ultra 360 on the muddy chalk downland of Wiltshire
Price: £150 Weight: 365g (UK5) Best for: Trail hiking, summer backpacking, casual wear What we liked: Very light and breathable, good grip, lots of comfort What we didn’t like: Lacking the durability of some competitors
A brand new offering from French brand Salomon and one that’s really impressed us in our tests. When we first tried the X Ultra Edge on, the arch support and overall comfort was noticeable right away and, after months of hiking, we haven’t been disappointed. The outsole used here is aggressive – much like an outsole you’d find on some of Salomon’s trail running shoes – and walking down muddy slopes in these felt a breeze. They also felt very light and agile, almost encouraging you to move quickly. The fit is quite snug around the mid foot, but we found the toe box was perfect – not too narrow, nor too wide.
What we would’ve liked to have seen on these is a bit more protection to the upper as there’s not too much there to shield the mesh and the waterproof liner underneath. But the absence of any tough materials here is what keeps these light. As such, these are a good pair of boots for when fleet-footedness is a priority and solid durability isn’t so important. Long term update: these are still holding up excellently after regular use over the course of a year.
Full Specifications
Available in men’s and women’s version / Waterproofing: Gore-tex / Upper material: synthetic with TPU / Outsole: Contagrip / Stiffness rating: 5/10 / Cushioning rating: 8/10
OM editor Will testing out the Kaha’s waterproofness.
Price: £220 Weight: 570g Best for: Hillwalking, country walking What we liked: Lots of arch support, comfortable toe box, supports a natural stride What we didn’t like: Wide toe and platform means it lacks precision on technical terrain.
With its wide sole platform and slight extension off the back of the heel, this is a chunky boot that places a big emphasis on stability. From our tests, we found it well suited to long distance walking, particularly if you’re carrying a heavy pack. What it’s not suited to is very steep technical terrain as the wide toe and platform limits its precision.
Will using the Kaha GTX during a wet and very muddy hike in winter.
We expected it to be more cushioned than it actually is. The sole platform might look very high, spongy and chunky but actually it doesn’t feel much different to most other three-season hiking boots. It’s still cushioned and offers good shock absorption, but it’s not as ‘maxi’ as you might expect. What you do get is a lot of arch support and a heel cup that comfortably locks your foot in place. There’s also a fair bit of space at the toes and that’s one of the aspects that makes this great for long distance walking – you’ve got that room for foot swelling and splaying. Another aspect that surprised us is how light the Kaha 3 is. Again, it looks a heavy boot but, at 566g, it’s lighter than many other similar boots in its category.
Testing this out on one very muddy hike, we found the grip to be very reliable. That’s thanks to the large surface contact area that the wide platform creates and also the Vibram Megagrip compound which we generally find to be the most versatile outsole out there. The Gore-tex waterproof membrane also proved to be reliable, whether that’s splashing through puddles or even fording mountain streams. Overall, we’d say the Hoka Kaha 2 is a well made and versatile three-season hiking boot that suits anything from short and easy hikes through to multi-day thru hiking.
Available in men’s and women’s versions / Waterproofing: Gore-tex / Upper material: Nubuck leather / Outsole: Vibram Megagrip / Stiffness rating: 6/10 / Cushioning rating: 8/10.
On the right: Will Renwick testing the Asolo Traverse in the mountains of Glencoe
Price: £250 Weight: 644g Best for: Rocky treks, winter hiking What we liked: Light but durable and supportive, good quality What we didn’t like: White collar hard to keep clean, expensive
This is a very smart looking boot with a performance to back up the aesthetic charm too. We used it for treks over muddy and rocky terrain and it proved to be one of the best pairs of boots we’ve tried out this year – that’s why we included it in our Outdoor 100. From our experience using it, it’s a boot that suits winter hiking and high-level treks where a lot of rock is involved.
We found it had the right kind of stiffness to block out rocks and roots and for edging reliably on scrambles but there was still enough flex and torsion to make it a boot that you can cover high mileage in. We found the boot to have good shock absorption. It’s not got a plush amount of cushioning but there’s enough to take the sting out of hard-packed trails. The deep lugs and slight heel brake make it a solid performer on mud and steep gradients while the rubber compound has good versatility.
Available in men’s and women’s versions / Waterproofing: Gore-tex / Upper material: suede leather / Outsole: Vibram Master / Stiffness rating: 7.5/10 / Cushioning rating: 7/10
Tester Will Renwick hiking in the Asolo Acadia boots in the mountains of Eryri. Photo: Dave MacFarlane.
Price: £173 Weight: 506g per boot Best for: Three-season hiking, trekking and backpacking What we liked: Lightweight, quality construction, re-soleable What we didn’t like: slight surface-level scratching on the exterior midsole
Released in Spring/Summer 2025, this boot from Italian footwear specialists Asolo falls into their light hiking category. It’s made from a quality suede leather, has a Gore-tex membrane and the brand’s own proprietary grip. You also find it in a version designed specifically for women’s feet and as a low cut walking shoe.
OM editor Will has been testing the Asolo Acadia boots in the mountains of Eryri (Snowdonia), most recently on our week-long Outdoor 100 test trip, taking on hikes in the rocky Rhinogydd and Moelwynion ranges. Throughout this testing, he encountered muddy trails, bog after bog, and a lot of rain-soaked boulders.
The laces glide easily and evenly and they hold extremely well.
Will reports, “This is one of those hiking boots that I’d call a workhorse – the kind that you’ll end up wearing for all manner of things, from long-distance hikes and three-season hillwalks, through to just wearing for a wintry dog walk on the beach or even down to the shops. ”
“They have performed really well for me over big mileage and on rugged terrain and I’d therefore recommend them for long-distance hikes, particularly over wet and muddy surfaces. They’re not really designed for scrambling so I wouldn’t really recommend them if you’re looking for something to take on sharp, rocky terrain.”
Available in men’s and women’s versions / Waterproofing: Gore-Tex Extended Comfort / Upper material: water-resistant suede / Outsole: Sigma Grip (rubber-mono density Eva) / Stiffness rating: 7/10 / Cushioning rating: 7/10
Will Renwick climbing a mountain in West Wales in the Keen Targhee IV
Price: £155 Weight: 577g Best for: People who like a relaxed fit at the toes / three-season hiking and backpacking. What we liked: Roomy fit, comfortable padding, good value What we didn’t like: Toe might be wide for some people, lacked grip on wet rock.
The Targhee has been a real mainstay in the Keen collection and it’s one of their hugely popular offerings, probably owing to its good value and very comfortable fit. We found this new iteration had the same fit and feel as previous iterations, most notably with its roomy and relaxed toe box. The main update is in the way Keen attach the sole to the upper. With previous Targhees the two parts of the shoe were glued together but now they’re fused, and in a way that creates a much stronger bind that supposedly won’t ever delaminate. For us, it’s so far so good. No issues there.
Its outsole has reasonable bite and there’s a good bit of cushioning and ankle support. From our experience, it’s not a boot for super technical terrain but it makes for a good versatile option that you can wear for country walks and that you can also call upon for more demanding trips too – things like hikes along national trails or weekend wild camping escapes in summer. If you like a narrow and precise toe, look elsewhere. If you like a bit of room at the toes, then you should like the way these fit. It’s main limitation? Wet rock. We found this really struggled to grip onto any solid that was the slightest bit greasy.
Available in men’s and women’s versions / Waterproofing: Keen.Dry / Upper material: leather and synthetic / Outsole: Keen.Rugged / Stiffness rating: 4.5/10 / Cushioning rating: 6/10
Our editor scrambling in the Volpe in Glen Nevis, Scotland.
Price: £289 Weight: 800g Best for: Winter hiking, alpine trekking What we liked: Sturdy, good quality materials, 100% recycled membrane What we didn’t like: Heavy
Brandecosse is a Scotland based brand that makes boots to a very high quality and with an attention to detail. We’ve been impressed by all of the products we’ve tried out from them so far, and this, the Volpe, didn’t disappoint.
It’s a boot that we found to be ideal for winter hiking in the UK with qualities that also make it suited to rocky treks – think trails like the Alta Via 2 or the GR20 through Corsica. Testing it out in Scotland, the high ankle brought a lot of stability on uneven terrain and kept us reliably protected in squelchy bog.
The Volpe during one of our test trips in the Highlands of Scotland.
We also liked the grip which uses a versatile compound, deep lugs and a heel brake to create a lot of reliability on all kinds of terrain. We particularly liked the fact that the outsole can be replaced once it wears out and the upper seems to be built well, so these boots could have a pretty long lifespan if looked after correctly.
The Volpe uses a Sympatex membrane. Made from 100% recycled materials and without PFCs – and built for durability too – this ranks as one of the more sustainable membrane choices out there and it ranks highly among our testers.
Our tester using the Banks GTX in Snowdonia / Eryri
Price: £235 Weight: 720g Best for: Hiking and hillwalking What we liked: comfortable, durable What we didn’t like: our pair frayed at the toe after two years
Hanwag’s popular Banks boot, originally released 16 years ago, received an update a couple of years ago with new materials and a slightly modernised design and fit, and it’s been a big hit with our testers ever since. It’s still as stable, durable and comfortable as ever, so it’s made for managing a day wading through sticky peat on top of Kinder Scout or for navigating the bogs of Rannoch Moor.
It also comes in a number of different variations to cater for different foot shapes. The standard model has Hanwag’s StraightFit last which gives a nice amount of space around the toes to let them sit naturally, then there’s the new SF Extra version which offers a wider fit around the ball of the foot. There are ladies specific variations of both of these models, plus a narrow fit option as well.
If you want something reliable enough and comfortable enough for a big day hike, or maybe even a national trail, the Banks GTX would be a very safe bet. We tested these out over a long period and we were impressed by their durability and comfort. We’d recommend just making sure you look after these by cleaning and waxing them as often as possible to ensure that the leather remains flexible and water resistant. Lon g term update: after three years of very regular use, these started to fall apart at the seams around the toe.
Available in men’s and women’s versions / Waterproofing: Proof Eco / Upper material: AHAR+ / Outsole: brushed leather / Stiffness rating: 5/10 / Cushioning rating: 7.5/10
OM’s Will Renwick tests the waterproofing in a river in Wales.
Price: £145 Weight: 1524g Best for: Hillwalking and trekking What we liked: Comfortable, good flex but still supportive What we didn’t like: A touch too flexible at the toe
The Salomon Quest, in its various iterations over the years, has been one of the best-selling boots in the UK – and with good reason. It’s a superbly comfortable boot that performs well on those days with big mileage. The first thing to notice is how high the ankle is. It goes well above the ankle and up to the shin and this makes these boots very stable on rocky ground – the chances of going over on your ankle in them is slim. The sole has a nice bit of flex to it and plenty of cushioning and the lacing system draws in well around the foot to give you a lot of control over the fit. The outsole is reasonably aggressive and there’s a cut out at the heel for particularly impressive traction on the downhill.
That high cut ankle, the Gore-Tex lining and chunky leather and fabric uppers make the Quest fairly warm boots. There’s plenty of panelling and stitching too, which makes us question its likely long-term durability a little. But other than that, there’s not much to fault.
Available in men’s and women’s versions / Waterproofing: Gore-tex / Upper material: Nubuck and synthetic mesh / Outsole: Contagrip / Stiffness rating: 5/10 / Cushioning rating: 6/10
The Mountain 600 Evo after a good few weeks of use by our team.
Price: £200 Weight: 567g Best for: three-season hiking What we liked: well made, durable, comfortable, blocks out rocks and roots well What we didn’t like: one element that broke quickly
If you like the look of the boots that Danner offer and are wondering which ones to pick for your mountain hiking adventures, this is the pair that gets our stamp of approval. We’ve tested just about all of Danner’s main hiking models over the years and these, from what we’ve seen, are the most complete offering so far. The main Danner Mountain 600 was nearly there. In fact, we wore that model for a two-week hike of the entire Cambrian Way. We liked them but they were just a little on the soft side – they were a little too flimsy. Fortunately, this new ‘Evo’ (for evolution) model has all of the good stuff of the original, but it’s a lot tougher and burlier. Generally, it feels a lot better quality and built to last longer.
It’s basically the definition of a three-season hiking boot, bringing stability underfoot with a touch of stiffness and protection, a grippy and versatile outsole and mid cut ankle that feels protective and steadying without being overbearing. The only bad thing we have to say about this boot is that it has this pointless thread down the middle that the lacing goes through and we managed to snap this the very first time we tied the laces. This hasn’t affected the performance (and that’s why it’s pointless), but you don’t really want that to happen on something you’ve paid £250 for
Available in men’s and women’s versions / Waterproofing: Gore-tex / Upper material: full grain leather / Outsole: Vibram Fuga / Stiffness rating: 6.5/10 / Cushioning rating: 7.5/10
There’s a myriad of elements to look at when searching for the best three-season walking boots, and even among this category, there are a wide range of styles. It all depends on what you’ll be using them for. You’ll find loads of in-depth information in our three-season walking boots buyer’s guide and our lightweight walking boots buyer’s guide to help you make the right choice for you, or read on to discover the basics.
Some important details to look out for when choosing a pair of hiking boots.
The Type of Hiking You’ll Be Doing
One of the main things to consider when you’re trying to decide what kind of hiking boots to go for is the climate you’ll mainly be hiking in. If you’re venturing to a hot place that tends to be dry, you might not need a waterproof boot and can instead prioritise breathability. Conversely, if you’re heading somewhere wet and cold, you might want a pair that will offer the protection of a waterproof membrane.
Then there’s the type of terrain underfoot. If you’re going to be on very rocky trails then a sturdy sole and a high ankle will be highly beneficial for support but on well-maintained trails you might be better off with a lighter and more nimble boot that might focus mainly on cushioning.
James Forrest wearing a pair of lightweight and waterproof boots while on a long distance hike.
Distance plays a factor too. If you’re travelling far then a light and cushioned shoe with a spacious toe box can be more comfortable than a sturdy and rigid alpine boot, depending on the terrain. Hoka, Inov-8 and Altra are really popular brands for long-distance trail hiking. If you’re looking for footwear for tough mountain terrain, Hanwag, AKU, Scarpa, La Sportiva and Salewa tend to be good brands to turn to.
Ultimately, a lot of hikes can throw up different kinds of trails and different conditions along the way and it’s important to consider all of the aforementioned variables – distance, terrain, conditions – to find something that strikes the right balance for your needs.
Assessing Grip
Here at Outdoors Magic, we can tell when a boot is grippy just by looking at and feeling the outsole. If it has deep lugs with an aggressive tread pattern you can count on it providing decent traction. If it has a heel brake then you’ll know it’ll be handy on downward slopes. If the outsole has a sticky and soft feel to it then it’ll be good on hard ground, whereas if it feels hard then it’ll perform on soft stuff like mud and sand. The Vibram logo tends to be a good signifier of a reliable grip, though their soles aren’t the be all and end all. Michelin and Continental also make good boot soles and the likes of Keen and Merrell have their own proprietary rubber that we’ve found often performs well.
Just remember, while grip matters, it’s not a substitute for being careful and knowing how to place your feet. Your judgment and experience are equally important for safe hiking.
OM editor Will testing the Asolo Traverse GV in Glencoe with his dog Griff
Sole Flexibility
The flexibility of the sole in hiking boots is a crucial factor to consider. It’s like the suspension on a car; it impacts how well your boots adapt to the terrain. Boots with a flexible sole allow your foot to move naturally, reducing fatigue and increasing traction on uneven ground. So, for easier trails, some flexibility can be comfortable. But on rugged terrain or with a heavy backpack, you’ll want a stiffer sole for better support and protection. It’s all about matching the sole’s flexibility to your hiking style and the type of trails you’ll be conquering.
What Materials Are Best For Walking Boots?
When it comes to selecting hiking boots, the material they’re made from plays a significant role in how they perform and how comfortable your feet remain on the trail.
Jordan Tiernan hiking in a sturdy pair of alpine boots made from middle distance and technical hikes
Here at Outdoors Magic, we typically hike in the wet and rugged UK mountains and therefore will often favour leather boots. Leather hiking boots are known for their durability and robustness. They can withstand challenging terrains and provide exceptional ankle support. However, they often require a break-in period for optimal comfort and flexibility. Scarpa, Lowa, Hanwag and British-brand Alt-berg are particularly renowned for the quality of their leather boots.
On the other end of the spectrum, you have synthetic hiking boots. These are lighter and more breathable than leather boots, making them ideal for faster, less demanding hikes. Synthetic boots are often more comfortable right out of the box, requiring minimal break-in time.
The more mesh you see on a hiking boot, the more breathable it’s likely to be and boots with a lot of mesh are therefore a good choice for warm-weather hiking. Their breathability keeps your feet cool, but they may lack the durability needed for rugged terrain and extended use.
The Brandecosse Volpe’s waterproofing undergoing testing. Photo: Dave Macfarlane
Some boots will mix everything – that’s leather, synthetic overlays, mesh panels and more. These can have their advantages but just be wary of their durability. Here at Outdoors Magic, as a rule we tend to be suspicious of boots that are made out of lots of different parts as this means more seams and therefore a greater chance of things coming apart.
A Boot Fitting Guide
Once you’ve decided on end use, it’s time to start looking at fit. For different hiking types, the fitting requirements vary. For day hikes on well-groomed trails, prioritise comfort with a secure fit and room for your toes to breathe. On rugged mountain terrain, it’s a good idea to opt for boots with sturdy ankle support and lacing systems for stability. Multi-day backpacking journeys demand snug yet accommodating boots, considering potential foot swelling. Climbing or technical hikes call for precision and control, so opt for a close, responsive fit. In all scenarios, it’s essential to try on boots in the afternoon when your feet are slightly swollen and wear the socks you’ll use on the trail.
A lot of boots now come ready to be walked in but we’d say it’s still important to give them a breaking in period – check out our article on how to break in a pair of walking boots if you need some tips there. It’s a good idea to wear them around the house, ideally in the same pair of hiking socks you’ll be wearing on your trip.
Ultimately, well-fitted and comfortable boots not only enhance your hike but also empower you to focus on the adventure itself and not on discomfort.
How to Clean and Reproof a Pair of Walking Boots
Here’s my own guide to keeping your boots in tip top shape. Give it a watch – it’ll make your boots last a lot longer and the process is super easy.
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