Best Hiking Boots
Top hiking boots ranked by transparent trust scores.
8 products ranked
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Top Pick
9.4
Excellent
Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX
Ranked #1 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
#1
9.4
Excellent
Consensus
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Ranked #1 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Lightweight at 14.4 oz per boot
- Advanced Chassis stabilizes on uneven terrain
- Minimal break-in period
Cons
- Less durable than full leather boots
- Mid-cut offers moderate ankle support
Don't buy this if…
- The lightweight construction trades long-term durability for comfort, so the outsole will wear faster than heavier full-leather boots.
#2
9.2
Excellent
Consensus
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Ranked #2 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Excellent out-of-box comfort
- Vibram TC5+ outsole grips on all surfaces
- Bellows tongue keeps debris out
Cons
- Waterproof membrane is not Gore-Tex grade
- Ankle support is moderate
Don't buy this if…
- Merrell's proprietary waterproof membrane is less breathable than Gore-Tex, leading to sweaty feet in warm conditions.
#3
9.0
Excellent
Consensus
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Ranked #3 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Durable nubuck leather construction
- PU midsole resists compression for years
- Resoleable for long-term use
Cons
- Heavier than synthetic alternatives
- Longer break-in period required
Don't buy this if…
- The nubuck leather upper requires regular treatment with waterproofing wax to maintain its water resistance and longevity.
#4
8.7
Excellent
Consensus
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Ranked #4 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Excellent on rocky technical terrain
- Full rubber toe rand protects against impacts
- Italian-made quality construction
Cons
- Narrow fit may not suit wide feet
- Stiffer sole is less comfortable on flat trails
Don't buy this if…
- The technical fit runs narrow, especially in the toe box, so wide-footed hikers should try on in person before purchasing.
#5
8.5
Excellent
Consensus
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Ranked #5 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Sneaker-like comfort with no break-in
- Gore-Tex Invisible Fit bonds directly to upper
- Vibram Megagrip handles wet surfaces well
Cons
- Knit upper is less protective than leather
- Not ideal for heavy pack loads
Don't buy this if…
- The knit upper can snag on sharp rocks and thorns, so it requires more care on rough bushwhacking terrain than leather boots.
#6
8.3
Good
Consensus
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Ranked #6 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Maximum cushioning reduces joint fatigue
- Late-stage Meta-Rocker aids foot transitions
- Lightweight for the cushioning level
Cons
- Thick midsole reduces ground feel
- Less stable on narrow technical trails
Don't buy this if…
- The thick midsole raises the center of gravity and can feel less stable on steep, narrow sideslope trails compared to traditional boots.
#7
8.1
Good
Consensus
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Ranked #7 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Wide toe box accommodates broad feet
- KEEN.DRY waterproofing is reliable
- Durable rubber toe bumper protection
Cons
- Heavier than trail-runner-style boots
- Styling is bulkier than competitors
Don't buy this if…
- The wide toe box can cause heel slippage for narrow-footed hikers, so proper sock layering and lacing technique are important.
#8
7.9
Good
Consensus
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Ranked #8 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Gore-Tex Surround breathes from all directions
- Ultra-light at 520g per boot
- 3D Flex ankle allows natural movement
Cons
- Less supportive under heavy pack loads
- Higher price point
Don't buy this if…
- The lightweight construction is designed for fast-and-light hiking and may not provide enough stiffness for multi-day trips with 40+ pound packs.
Quick Comparison
How We Rank
Composite trust score from expert reviews, user sentiment, complaint analysis, and value assessment.
Trust Score
Weighted composite of all factor scores
Expert Score
Aggregated expert review ratings
User Sentiment
Community votes and review analysis
Value Score
Price-to-performance ratio
Freshness
Recency of reviews and data
Change Log
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