Hiking or Trekking can be a great way of attaining a relaxed body and soul. Beginner or expert, on the trails or in the wild, perhaps the first item to tick off your essentials list is a pair of good quality footwear.
Hiking boots are specially designed to protect your feet and ankles even in the roughest of terrains or the wildest of weather. However, the best comfortable hiking boots will give ultimate comfort to your feet. Here, I’ve enlited 5 comfortable and top-rated hiking boots for men and women to help you get a great pair at an affordable price.
Keep reading and get the right one for you.
Comparison Table Of The Best Hiking Boots With Maximum Comfort
Table could not be displayed.Reviews of The Most comfortable hiking boots For Men & Women
#1 – Timberland Men’s Mid Ankle Waterproof Hiking Boots
Specs:
- Category: Mid-Cut
- Materials:
- Upper –Full-Grain leather
- Midsole –EVA foam
- Outsole –Rubber with multi-directional lugs
- Available sizes: 7 to 15
- Weight: 1.1 pounds
- Available colors: Black, wheat, medium brown
When you decide to buy the best comfortable hiking boots for men, the name that comes first is the Timberland Men’s Hiking Boots. This top-rated hiking boot comes with all necessary features including comfortable wearing.
Though in a cheap price range, you will get a tremendous comforting item. The rubber sole ensures maximum ease and pleasure while you go for a long hiking trail.
As hiking is a pleasant traveling chance, you will need boots that reduce the hassle and decrease the pressure on your feet. While walking to the trail, you may have to pass a wet road or muddy road.
Timberland hiking boot claims 100% waterproof leather boots. Its upper part is made with superior quality full-grain leather products, and the structure is seam-sealed from water or mud.
Besides, there are speed laces and hooks at the top portion that secure the shoes. The design of the boots is fantastic with a padded collar, nicely featured lace-up vamp, and the rear loop of laces. You will hike in modern style and fashion.
The EVA footbed with double density increases the amenities from inside, and it is removable to make it clean easily. Whatever terrain you hike, this all-rounder budget hiking boot is supportive of smoothening your journey to the last.
And don’t forget this boot is a top-notch best-hiking boot for wide feet in the market. If you want to get Timberland alternative boots, go to this article.
Pros:
- Smooth oiled leather finish
- Comfortable rubber sole
- Rustproof lace hooks
- Dual dense footbed
Cons:
- Insoles should be improved more
# 2 – Columbia Newton Ridge Plus II Waterproof Men’s Hiking Boot
Specs:
- Category: Mid-Cut
- Materials:
- Upper – Full Grain Leather/Suede and Mesh
- Midsole – Techlite EVA
- Outsole –Rubber
- Available sizes: 7 to 17
- Weight: 1 pound
- Available colors: Multiple options
Columbia Sportswear has been serving great sports gear and shoes for a while and over the years, the name has become synonymous with durability and comfort. Newton Ridge Plus II Columbia Men’s Hiking Boot is not different from that and gets the runner’s-up position.
This best Columbia hiking boot is packed with features that are designed just to cater to your comfort while at the same time provide great protection.
If we start with the exterior, the upper of the shoe is made of full-grain leather or suede and the tongue of the shoe is made of mesh, which prevents water from seeping in, making it one of the best waterproof hiking boots under 100 bucks.
The outer sole of the shoe is made of Omni-Grip Rubber and this paired with the unique deep lug patterns in them provide great traction, even on icy surfaces! Besides, the midsole is made of Techlite EVA, which makes it super flexible and adds to its comfort level, even when running.
If we move to its comfort levels, the inside of the boot is generously cushioned and the mesh tongue provides ventilation that not only makes it breathable but also helps prevent overheating in hot weather.
The shoe provides a sturdy back, which provides great heel support and the sides and front provide decent ankle and toe support respectively. Also, the boot covers a significant portion of your feet, making it trustworthy hiking boots.
Talking about sizes, yes, they are true to size. The shoe also has an adjustable lace-up feature that helps to secure it in two settings. That apart, there are ample choices of both sizes and colors.
On overall consideration, if you want a durable hiking boot, this one will be top-priority hiking footwear for its unparalleled performance.
Pros:
- Airy and dries easily
- Lightweight
- Well-Built yet flexible
- High-quality materials
- Great grip even on slippery surfaces
- Can be worn in a normal or wide setting
Cons:
- Not too much toe or ankle protection
- The insoles are not cushioned
#3 – Columbia Women’s Newton Ridge Plus Hiking Boot
Specs:
- Category: Mid-Cut
- Materials:
- Upper – Full Grain Leather/Suede and Mesh
- Midsole – Techlite EVA
- Outsole – Omni-Grip Rubber
- Available sizes: 5 to 12
- Weight: 1 pound
- Available colors: Multiple options
Next up on our list is Newton Ridge Columbia Women’s Hiking Boot. Again, this shoe is probably affordable, waterproof, and stylish for female hiking enthusiasts. In fact, this is one of the best comfortable hiking boots for women.
However, you might get deceived by the look because, at first glance, the shoe looks very stiff and hard on the feet, but in reality, they are exactly the opposite. Unlike other boots, you will get the most reliable hiking at a very less cost.
Waterproofness is an essential feature of a hiking boot. Amazingly, in this area, the Columbia Ridge hiking boot performs well. The lace and durable tongue secure the upper top and ensure breathability.
It has very few seams, and the upper part is one leather body; that’s why in light rain and puddles, they keep your feet quite dry. But some tests show after submerging the shoe, water starts leaking, so heavy-duty hikes are not a good option.
Now the concern may arise regarding the shoe’s durability. But as it has a low price range, you can’t expect high-quality construction from the shoe. Though the seam remains intact, the shoe wears out faster by heavy use.
This lightweight women’s hiking shoe is just perfect for occasional and tolerable hiking. However, if you take good care of it will last for a longer time. Also, it will be wise if you keep the shoes away for heavy hiking.
Pros:
- Soft midsole gives comfort
- Lightweight but durable
- Less expensive
- Simple yet stylish
Cons:
- Width of the toe box should be developed
#4 – Merrell Moab 2 Vent Hiking Shoe
Specs:
- Category: Low-Cut
- Materials:
- Upper – Leather, Suede, Mesh
- Mid Sole – EVA
- Outsole – Synthetic Rubber
- Available sizes: 9 to 15
- Weight: 1.1 pounds
- Available colors: Multiple options
This beautiful men’s hiking shoe from Merrell footwear is called MOAB or Mother of all Boots for a reason of course! This lightweight and, low-cut hiking boot blends in high levels of protection and comfort so seamlessly that there seems to be no question about its high quality.
The shoe’s leather and mesh upper provides bendability as well as breathability, while at the same time keeping moisture away. So, you can consider this as one of the best hot weather hiking boots. Its synthetic rubber outer sole is designed to provide phenomenal traction on every kind of surface.
Moab 2 Vent Merrell hiking shoe is also a very comfortable hiking shoe. The inside is airy, cushiony, and in fact, the inner sole too is cushioned, which helps to evenly spread the stress, giving you comfort in every step. The toes are lined with protective rubber to keep them safe and comfortable.
Although size options are fewer than the previous shoe, Merrell provides a great spread of colors for this one including Walnut, Boulder, Beluga, Castle Rock, Charcoal Grey to name only a few.
Overall, this highly versatile shoe is one of the best hiking boots under 100 for any on the trail or day trekking.
Pros:
- Fits wide feet
- Highly breathable; good for sweaty feet
- Provides quick movement
- 5 mm lugs provide great traction
Cons:
- Slightly heavy for a low cut shoe
- Firm and wide heel
#5 – Keen Targhee II Waterproof Hiking Boots
Specs:
- Category: Mid-Cut
- Materials:
- Upper – Nubuck Leather, Mesh
- Mid Sole – EVA
- Outsole – Vibram rubber
- Available sizes: 6 to 17
- Weight: 2 pounds
- Available colors: Multiple options
This All-Terrain Men’s Hiking Boot From Keen Footwear specializes in three segments – comfort, support, and traction, which makes it the ideal footwear for the wildest adventures, all season round.
Let’s start with the comfort level. Firstly, the shoe has a breathable, waterproof membrane that lets moisture escape from within and prevents external moisture from getting in, which helps keep your feet dry.
It also has a sufficiently cushioned collar and tongue, which augments the level of comfort while its insole is designed to provide great arch and toe support. So many hikers love this shoe as the best hiking shoe for overpronation.
Next, this male hiker’s boot has great foot support. The boot features an external support shank that provides excellent ankle support and balances, even on rough grounds, while its insole design provides stability and protects you from injuries.
Lastly, we have traction. Its 4 mm outsole, made of Vibram rubber has multi-directional lugs that provide grip on the most slippery surfaces. So, be it mossy trails in rainy seasons or snowy terrains, this best leather hiking boot can guarantee that you won’t slip!
Pros:
- Provides excellent ankle support
- Great grip on slippery surfaces
- Completely waterproof
- Breathable boot
- Great heel and toe Support
Cons:
- Tongue seems slightly short
- Quite heavier than others
Buying Guide Of Best hiking boots For Highest Comfort
Considering some important features, you can get easily the best affordable hiking or mountaineering boots. Several of them are-
Types Of Hiking Boots
Let’s have a look at the hiking boots types first.
Hiking Shoes
These types of hiking shoes are usually lightweight and ideal for day hiking on the trails. And they are lower cut footwear for hiking trips.
Hiking Boots
Typically, they are mid-cut or high-cut models and are ideal for rougher terrains, off the trail hiking. They provide great support to your ankles and feet and range from lightweights to heavier boots.
Also Read: Blundstone 550 vs 500
Backpacking or Mountaineering Boots
These hiking boots are designed to withstand more heavy-duty usage and therefore are more durable. They usually have high-cut designs and you can wear them on any multi-day trip up in the wilderness.
Now that you have known about the main hiking shoe types. Let’s discover, what will be your most comfortable hiking boots for your next outdoor trip.
Read: Beach camping necessaries including boot
Let’s break down the differences among high-ankle, low-ankle, and mid-ankle hiking boots.
Low-cut vs. mid-cut vs. high-cut boots
Low Cut Boots
Low-ankle shoes are lightweight hiking boots that allow maximum flexibility in motion while hiking or trekking. But they leave the ankle exposed so users don’t get proper weather protection from these. Generally, these boots are widely used by trail runners.
High Cut Boots
High-cut boots provide the highest footwear protection against rough surfaces as well as harsh weather. Their cuff rises a few inches of the ankle bone.
Most of them are waterproof and keep hikers’ feet dry against snow, mud, or rain. Even some of them provide snake-proof performance.
Read Also: Are Blundstone shoes okay for snow?
Mid Cut Boots
Mid-ankle hiking boots combine the positive sides of the above two’s. They rise just above the ankle bone and give better protection to the ankle compared to the low-cut boots.
On the other hand, mid-ankle shoes give superior movability to high-ankle boots. But their waterproofing goes the same as the high-cut shoes.
Also Read: Blundstone vs Redback
Hiking Boots Material
Material is a crucial factor when it comes to choosing hiking boots because of the durability, weight, and breathability of your shoe depending on the material used.
Here I’m discussing the best hiking boots materials for the upper part, outsole, and midsole.
Upper Part
Most hiking boots are made of sturdy materials like leather. You will find full-grain leather hiking boots, for instance, which are highly durable and water-resistant, but less breathable.
Then there is Suede leather, an extremely durable and slightly costlier material but it is not waterproof.
There is also Nubuck leather that is full-grain leather, but resembles suede and is, therefore, both durable and waterproof. Most hiking boots are paired with other materials like mesh that give them breathability.
Related: Ugg boots vs Bearpaw boots
Midsole
When it comes to midsoles, they are integrated with your hiking boots to absorb shock and evenly stress spreading. Most hiking boots have midsoles made of EVA or ethylene vinyl acetate, which gives more flexibility and comfort.
You will also find Polyurethane midsoles, mostly in mountaineering boots. They are highly durable, but also more expensive units.
Also Read: Is Ugg better than Koolaburra?
Outsole
Lastly, we have outsoles. Outsoles are normally made of rubber and have thread-like patterns or lugs in them that provide grip. However, you will find other materials like PVC compounds, leather too.
Read: Blundstone boot alternative options
Fit & Comfort
Many do not realize but fit is extremely crucial when it comes to hiking boots. Imagine having an awful trip just because you have sore feet from a boot that is small or not being able to walk properly because your boot is loose.
Although most hiking boots are true to their size, we would recommend you to compare sizes and understand your own size before making a purchase.
Similarly, comfort is important. You can look for more cushion insides, padded insoles, and tongues to maximize comfort.
Read: Are Tall boots in style or not?
Hiking Boots brands
Although we already reviewed the 5 best hikers’ boots from the top brands, still you may research more. So, here we’re listing several prominent hiking brands to help you out.
Columbia, Timberland, Merrell, Keen, NORTIV 8, Adidas, Wantdo, Danner, ROCKROOSTER, Northside, Vasque, Mishansha, ZASEPY, etc, are a few of the top hiking boots manufacturers.
Also Read: Dr. Martens and Blundstone boots comparison
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is it necessary to get a hiking boot?
Answer: Although there is no rule that you must wear a hiking boot while hiking or trekking, at times, wearing the wrong type of shoe, especially on challenging terrains can make it very uncomfortable for you.
In the worst of cases, this can leave you with sore feet or ankle, or even blisters. In order to avoid such hazards, it is recommended to get a pair of heavy-duty hiking boots.
Also Read: Which is better between Red Wing vs Blundstone?
Q: What is the best material for hiking boots?
Answer: There is no proper answer for that, however, most durable hiking boots are made of a combination of Leather, Suede, Nylon, Mesh, etc.
Q: Can women wear men’s hiking boots and vice-versa?
Answer: Typically, men’s ankle is wider than women’s. Considering this, manufacturers design hiking shoes. So, women should wear female boots, and men’s go for the male’s versions.
But this is not ideal for all. If women feel comfortable in men’s hiking boots, they can wear this for better walking like in summer camping.
Q: Do hiking boots need maintenance?
Answer: Well, since most hiking shoes are made of leather, they do need some maintenance. For starters, store your shoes in an ideal place, and by that, we mean, inside a closet at room temperatures.
Brush off the mud and dirt right after a trip, condition your shoe two-three times a year depending on the wear and tear, and you are almost good to go.
Q: When should I replace my hiking shoe?
Answer: There is no doubt that your hiking boots would start wearing out against long-term heavy-duty usage.
So, we recommend replacing the pair if –
- Lugs in the outsole start wearing out and start compromising with the grip
- Water starts seeping inside the boots
- Heel starts loosening
- Holes in the boot
Conclusion
Although there are many hiking boots in the market, still not all are comfortable for you. Investing in the wrong hiking boot is not only a waste of money, but also you won’t get ultimate comfort throughout the trip.
So, you will find our guidelines and reviews useful to pick the best comfortable hiking boots. Take your time and consider the most suitable hiking shoes. Voila!
Emily is an editor and co-founder of pickoutdoorgear.com. Being a mother, she wants to share her experience with other parents so they can grow their children properly. She also loves gardening and better living ideas.
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