Best Hiking Boots of 2025 | Affordable AND Reliable
Disclosure: Some of the links in this article may be affiliate links, which can provide compensation to me at no cost to you if you decide to purchase. Depending on when you click the links you may also receive a discount! Â
In this article, I am going to share my Best Hiking Boots of 2025. With testing over 50 models of hiking boots over the last 10 years I have been able to compile a list based on objective testing measures with my case study of each hiking boot.
I have spent hundreds of hours testing each boot on the trail, specifically against rough and technical terrain. Testing included comfort, traction, overall protection, stability, waterproofness, weight, durability, and sustainability.
I have compiled the top 5 best hiking boots of 2025 after testing over 10 different brands. My research has been diligent and pristine, and I am excited to share my best hiking boots with you.
As you will see, each of the top five hiking boots fits into its own category, whether it is the best budget hiking boot or the most comfortable. If you're new to hiking and want to know how to choose the right hiking boots read here.
Top Hiking Boots for Every Need in 2025
Best Overall Hiking Boot: Hoka Kaha 3 GTX
Best Budget Hiking Boot: Merrell Moab 3
Best Max-Cushioned Hiking Boot: Hoka Anacapa 2 GTX
Best Lightweight Hiking Boot: Altra Lone Peak ALL-WTHR Mid 2
The Best Backpacking Boot : Keen Targhee IV
Hoka Kaha 3 GTX - Best Overall Hiking Boot of 2025
Price: $240
Our Rating: 9.6 / 10
Order the Hoka Kaha 3 GTX for the LOWEST PRICE AVAILABLE (Do NOT pay retail):
Disclosure: These links may provide a discount and in return, give us a commission in order to run the website 🙂
Pros
Outstanding comfort
High-riding ankle support
Excellent shock absorption
Cons
Heavier Boot
Expensive
The Hoka Kaha 3 GTX emerges as the premier choice for the best hiking boot in 2025, boasting superior cushioning and strong support that is perfect for beginner hikers to advanced trekkers. With new added comfort and specs compared to previous Kaha 2 it’s easily my choice for the best hiking boot of 2025.
With its comfort level rated at an impressive 9.5(the highest I have ever rated a hiking boot), the Kaha 3 boasts extreme comfort with an EVA midsole that cradles your foot with comfort in a 360 degree fashion.
The Kaha 3 offers exceptional traction and stability on trail, with equipped Vibram megagrip sole, the lugs dig deep into terrain with extreme grip. The high ankle support with Nubuck leather gives it undeniable support on trail.
The boot’s lacing system is composed of three metal hooks and offers exceptional support suitable for various foot shapes, providing increased stability during hikes. The ankle cuff spans up to 7.5 inches giving undeniable support while on trail.
Hoka continues to integrate the Meta-Rocker feature and promotes a fluid stride which helps reduce strain on your feet during long treks. With the Kaha 3 my stride feels much “lighter” as if I wasn't wearing a boot at all.
Hoka really knocked it out of the park with this new design in 2025. Before, when I compared the Hoka Kaha 2 vs Anacapa 2 I said the Anacapa 2 was more comfortable. I have to say, now the upgraded Kaha 3 is just as comfortable.
While this model’s cushioned construction provides exceptional comfort suitable for long journeys, it is accompanied by both an increased cost and weight when compared to some lighter alternatives.
These slight drawbacks do not diminish its status as an ideal option for hikers who prioritize consistent reliability and adaptability in their footwear choices.
Rating 9.6 / 10
Read More: Hoka Kaha 3 GTX Review | The Most Underrated Hiking Boots Of 2025
Merrell Moab 3 - Best Value for Money
Price: $130
Our Rating: 9.1 / 10
At the time of this writing, the Merrell Moab 3 are priced at $130 retail, but available on Amazon.com below for as low as $105 brand new.
Order the Moab 3 for the LOWEST PRICE AVAILABLE (Do NOT pay retail):
Pros
Great cushioning
Budget-friendly
Waterproof
Cons
Lacks traction in muddy conditions
Heavy
Breathability issues
The Merrell Moab 3 hiking boot offers a budget-conscious choice that doesn’t compromise on comfort or support. It boasts an impressive comfort rating of 8.5 and substantial cushioning, making it ideal for hikers who prioritize comfort without wanting to overspend.
The Moab 3 can be purchased for under $110, which is unbelievable value compared to other hiking boot prices. While it is not the most stiff on the terrain such as Oboz Bridger and Oboz Sawtooth, it still keeps up with the competition in terms of support and stability.
Its waterproof design ensures good resistance against moisture with a four-inch flood height, thus suiting various hiking scenarios.
I did a case study where I compared Merrell waterproof vs Gore-tex and felt the Merrell waterproof membrane performed better.
Read More: Merrell Waterproof vs Gore-Tex
The Moab 3 presents some disadvantages like subpar traction on muddy terrain and its heftier structure when compared to more lightweight alternatives in the market.
For an everyday hiker looking for a budget hiking boot, the Merrell Moab is simply the best available.
Our Rating: 9.1 / 10
Read More: Merrell Moab 3 Review
Hoka Anacapa 2 - Most Comfortable Hiking Boot
Price: $195
Our Rating: 9.2 / 10
Order the Hoka Anacapa 2 (Our Most Comfortable Hiking Boot Of 2025) for the LOWEST PRICE AVAILABLE (Do NOT pay retail):
Buy if
You want the most comfortable hiking boot on the market period
You want one of the best values a hiking boot has to offer, with superior comfort and performance
Increased support with undeniable traction while on trail, a perfect summer hiking boot
You want a hiking boot that you can use year round and WILL LAST
DON'T Buy if
You prefer a more “rugged” option such as the Keen Targhee IV
You are looking for the cheapest available option such as the Columbia Newton Ridge
The Hoka Anacapa 2 caters to hikers with a preference for comfort, offering lush cushioning, a secure heel cup, and generous space in the toe area for an accommodating fit suitable for most hikers.
Ideal for well-trodden paths and hikes where comfort is key, this boot promises to keep your feet at ease even during prolonged treks. It’s crafted from robust materials that contribute to its longevity.
Easily the most comfortable hiking boot of 2025, the Hoka Anacapa has such an inviting feeling once you slip them on. The midsole is so cushy and forgiving you forget that this is still a hiking boot.
The ankle cuff has extra padding that you wouldn’t expect from a hiking boot. The sugarcane EVA sole is a nice plush added bonus. Compared to the sister Model, the Hoka Kaha 2- I felt the Anacapa was more comfortable.
Read More: Hoka Kaha 2 vs Hoka Anacapa 2 | Which One Is Better?
The Hoka Anacapa 2 stands out as an exceptional option for those in search of a supremely comfortable hiking boot.
Our Rating: 9.2 / 10
Read Review: Hoka Anacapa 2 Mid GTX | Worth It in 2025?
Keen Targhee IV - Best Backpacking/ Performance Hiking Boot
Price: $185
Our Rating: 9.0 / 10
Buy if
You want one of the best overall values for great backpacking boots under $180 today
You want outstanding traction and stability on trail
You are looking for the next great backpacking boot
DON'T Buy if
You prefer a lightweight hiking boot
You prefer no break in period
The Keen Targhee IV excels in backpacking ventures, providing immediate comfort and a somewhat broad fit right from the start. The IV boasts improved comfort and traction from the Targhee III.
Read More: Keen Targhee III vs Targhee IV
The Targhee IV heel lock mechanism effectively reduces slipping at the heel while walking, which enhances both comfort and steadiness for the hiker. No need for special lacing techniques with this boot. This boot has been upgraded with environmentally conscious features like recycled shoelaces and leather sourced through responsible practices to promote sustainability.
I cannot go without saying how great the voluminous fit is for the Targhee IV. I felt I had more than enough room around the boot in all directions, it also gave extra room for swelling. If you are a wide fit, look no further than the Targhee IV you won’t be disappointed.
As far as waterproofing, it has its own in-house waterproof membrane called keen.dry. I also did a case study on GTX vs keen.dry and felt the keen waterproof membrane outperformed Gore-tex on every single test. No need to worry about any water getting into these boots, they are solid.
Read More: Keen.dry vs Gore-tex | Which Is Better?
Nevertheless, those with more slender feet might find that its wider construction is not as suitable for them. Still, due to its blend of coziness, efficacy on trails, and commitment to environmental considerations, the Keen Targhee IV represents an outstanding option for enthusiasts embarking on backpacking trips.
Our Rating: 9.0 / 10
Read Review: Keen Targhee IV Review | WORTH IT in 2025?
Altra Lone Peak ALL-WTHR Mid 2 - Best Lightweight Hiking Boot
Price: $160
At the time of this writing, the Altra Lone Peak ALL-WTHR Mid 2 are priced at $160 retail, but available on Amazon.com below for as low as $115 brand new.
Order the Altra Lone Peak All-WTHR 2 for the LOWEST PRICE AVAILABLE (Do NOT pay retail):
Pros
Best lightweight boots on market
Extreme comfort
Outstanding value
Zero drop for natural foot movement
Cons
Issues with durability
Need to size up
Renowned for its featherlike construction, the Altra Lone Peak ALL-WTHR Mid 2 stands out as an exceptionally light choice within its category, weighing in at 14 oz per shoe, the lightest I have ever tested.
Its spacious toe box offers increased comfort, especially for those with wider feet. The boot’s zero-drop design encourages a natural walking motion, though it might necessitate some adaptation time for newcomers to this style.
For a hiking boot that is known to be lightweight, this does not take away from the fact that it has great traction. Many lightweight hikers never perform well on the trail, the Altra Lone Peak defies those odds. With an 8.5/10 for traction, the Lone Peak has the same traction rating as the Oboz Sawtooth, which is a known rugged backpacking boot.
Although this lightweight hiking boot may not boast the same longevity as more robust options due to its minimal weight, its combination of waterproof capabilities and overall coziness renders it a top pick for individuals seeking both a comfortable lightweight hiking boot and standard lightweight boot features.
Our Rating: 8.5 / 10
Read Our Review: Altra Lone Peak ALL-WTHR Mid 2 Review | WORTH it in 2025?
How I Objectively Test For The Best Hiking Boots Of 2025
I like to objectively measure all of my hiking boots in specific categories before placing my reviews. I have compiled a list of specific categories that are weighted, to give you the best possible overall score before deciding on a specific hiking boot. I have iterated this formula over the past 10 years to perfect it.
My weighted categories are:
Comfort: (18% of weighted score)
Traction: (18% of weighted score)
Overall Protection: (9% of weighted score)
Waterproofness: (9% of weighted score)
Stability & Support: (9% of weighted score)
Fit: (9% of weighted score)
Durability: (18% of weighted score)
Value: (9% of weighted score)
Based on these objective measures, I am able to come up with an overall score for each hiking boot review.
Comfort
I will go over each testing category and how I objectively test for each to give you the best possible selections.
When it comes to the comfort of a hiking boot, my first impression is how comfortable is the midsole? When first slipping on the boot does my foot sink into the midsole easily? or do I feel some discomfort when first slipping them on?
When I first slipped on the Oboz Bridger, I immediately felt some compression on the top of my foot. Unfortunately this took away from the comfort score, no matter how comforting the midsole is.
The next objective measure for comfort is toe box room. Some hiking boots offer generous toe box space while others can be more compressive. A good example of this is the Salomon Quest 4, it has great toe box space but then becomes a little more compressive around the heel and mid foot.
One of the last objective measures for comfort I use is heel and ankle comfort. The Hoka Anacapa 2 is a great example of a boot that offers excellent comfort in every direction. The heel has extra cushioning as well as the ankle cuff without being too restrictive. Having a lot of pressure on your ankle and heel will lead to a bad hiking experience.
Smaller objective measure I use for comfort is ease of walking. The Altra Lone Peak 2 excels in ease of walking, with a zero drop feature it feels as if you are wearing a running shoe while on the trail.
Additional questions I ask myself for comfort are how does the footbed feel? Are there any additional compression spots? Does the comfort change after a certain amount of miles? And how does shock absorption feel with this boot?
All of these objective measures help me come up with an overall comfort score. Comfort is the most important score when testing hiking boots. I have been re-iterating this formula over and over to make it as objective and accurate as possible.
Traction
The next measuring category is traction. Traction is mainly measured by performance of the lugs and outsole. Many hiking boots outsource their outsole to other companies such as Vibram. Other companies such as Salomon, produce their own mid sole like Contagrip or Columbia Omnigrip.
I also test the outsoles directly and compare them to each other to give you a better idea of what are the best hiking boot materials on the market. For example, I did a case study of Salomon Contragrip vs Vibram. I felt the Vibram outsole was slightly more grippy than Contagrip.
Read More: Contagrip vs Vibram | Which One Is Better?
I also assess the general makeup of the outsole itself. Is it more stiff or soft? A soft outsole tends to conform to uneven surfaces, thus losing grip while on trail.
Next I measure the lugs, which are essentially the teeth of the hiking boots outsole. Deeper lugs tend to work better for uneven terrain, snow or mud.
Shallow lugs are great if you are on even terrain that is smoother. Assessing how much the lugs hold onto snow or mud is also a must. The Oboz Sawtooth Mid tends to hold onto mud with its lugs which hinders its performance on the trail.
I always test my hiking boots on uneven terrain, even terrain, steep accents, and some sort of wet terrain whether mud or snow. These elements help me come up with an overall traction score from a birds eye view.
Overall Protection
Overall protection is a category many other hiking boot testers do not factor into their score. I believe this is an important factor to consider when purchasing your boots. If you feel like your feet are at risk of sharp objects piercing through your boots, then you are essentially putting yourself at risk of injury.
When assessing overall protection I start at the toe box. Most boots have a protective toe cap, many are rubber while some are almost steel toe.
The Kaha 3 has a steel toe-like toe cap that leaves you at ease when it comes to overall protection. Other hiking boots like the Salomon X Ultra 4, lack much protection at the toe box putting you at risk while on the trail.
The next part is the medial and lateral aspects of the boot. Many Nubuck leather boots tend to cover sides of your foot very well, while other synthetic boots tend to leave these areas exposed.
The last is obviously the heel and tongue of the boot. Most hiking boots have a gusseted tongue which helps keep out debris from entering your boot. I check the heel for a rubber cap protection as well. When scoring the top hiking boots I really feel overall protection is a crucial factor a lot of reviewers leave out.
Waterproofness
Waterproofness is a must for any year-round hiker. Several hiking boot models claim they are waterproof, but in my testing I found they were not. The Columbia Newton Ridge claims they are waterproof, I found them to be the complete opposite.
Many waterproof membranes are made with Gore-tex or GTX. GTX works pretty well against water resistance, it does take away from the breathability. Other hiking boots craft their own waterproof membrane such as Keen and Merrell.
I felt the Keen and Merrell waterproof membrane performed better in the field when it came to waterproofing as well as breathability. I did a case study on each, comparing them to Gore-tex.
Read More: Merrell Waterproof vs Gore tex | Which Is Better?
Read More: Keen.dry vs Gore tex | Which Is Better?
When testing for the waterproofness of a hiking boot, I turn to my 10 minute submersion test. I place them in water (a creek) for 10 minutes and notice any water logging, I also test how high the waterproof membrane goes.
The Lowa Renegade are a great representation of a very high waterproof membrane, spanning higher than 6 inches during my testing.
Waterproofness is really important for keeping your feet dry as well as avoiding blisters.
Stability and Support
Stability and support are a must when determining the top hiking boots of 2025. My first objective standard for stability and support is the ankle. Hiking boots with nice sturdy ankle support reduces the risk of sprains. Most of the time, a higher ankle cuff increases ankle support. You must also factor in how secure the ankle cuff is.
When comparing the Merrell Moab vs Keen Targhee III, I felt the Moab had better ankle security dubbing it the winner between the two for stability and support.
Another objective testing measure is torsional stability. On my Youtube reviews, you can see I twist the hiking boot to see how well it bodes for torsional stability. Salomon boots feature the advanced chassis which aids in lateral stability thus aiding in torsional stability.
Better torsional stability prevents you from overpronating and supinating for a more natural foot movement, especially while backpacking.Torsional stability also for better weight distribution and surefootedness.
Shanks and plates are usually not present in hiking boots, more so trail runners. These also aid in torsional stability.
The last thing I consider when rating the best hiking boots for stability and support is surefootedness. How secure does my foot feel while on the trail? This is important when training proprioception while hiking and anticipatory responses to terrain.
Fit
Fit is an underrated category for assessing hiking boots. Many hikers wear different types of socks which can skew the boots fit assessment. I always wear the same type of Darn Tough Full Cushion hiking socks to ensure my fit ratings are accurate.
First, I like to note how wide the mid foot is. What I do is measure the distance from the Toe box to the heel. I then divide that by two to get the exact mid foot. From my mid foot I measure the width of the boot. This gives me an estimate of how wide they run, then I put them on to compare my feel vs how wide they actually are.
Some boots may seem deceivingly wide like the Oboz Bridger, but in fact are narrow. This helps me stay objective in my fit testing. From there, I notice how easy they are to slip on and off. Having to unlace the Salomon Quest every time to get them on, was quite cumbersome and affected its fit score.
I like to always give a recommendation as to size up or down, or go for the wide fit. I also recommend certain sock types to pair with the hiking boots. Using the Danish Endurance would be for a lighter more compressive hiking boot, vs the Smartwool classic for a roomier boot.
Durability
What’s the point of purchasing a hiking boot that won’t last? For durability scoring I always start by assessing the overall makeup of the boot. Synthetic and welded materials may save you money and weight in the short term, but won’t last you long. Leather and traditional stitching tends to last much longer.
The midsole and lugs can also begin to have premature wear. The lugs on the Salomon X Ultra 4 vs Hoka Kaha 2, wore much quicker than the Kaha giving it a lower durability score. I always assess the durability on a long timeline (4+ months) and update my reviews accordingly.
Having a hiking boot that will last you a long time will save you time and money in the long run. Overall, the most durable boots I saw were the Hoka Anacapa 2, Keen Targhee IV, and Hoka Kaha 3.
Value
My last objective testing measure is basically putting it all together. Do the previous measures represent the product well for how much it costs?
Paying well over $240 for the Kaha 3 is worth the investment for how well it scored. Compare that to the Quest 4, and I could not justify the price as well for its performance.
Basically, you want the most value for what you are paying for. A cheaper hiking boot may not score as well, but may represent what it’s worth via scoring. Overall, value is making sure you are getting the same or even more than what you pay for.
Types Of Hiking Boots
Different styles of hiking boots are tailored to cater to particular conditions and user preferences, which is essential knowledge for making a well-informed choice.
Lightweight Boots: These are optimal for casual day hikes or speedy fastpacking excursions, giving you the advantage of agility and airiness. They don’t offer as much support or endurance as their heavier counterparts.
Lightweight boots also tend to have less durability, but not always. Think of lightweight boots to perform more like trail runners, like the Hoka Speedgoat 5 or Speedgoat 6. If you want to move faster on the trail, consider a lightweight boot.
Midweight Boots: Striking a harmony between heft and help, these boots adapt well for bearing modest loads during extensive treks. They’re appropriate for most backpacking journeys. Midweight boots tend to rule most of the hiking boot market.
Midweight boots usually offer good-better comfort and don’t sacrifice lugging around a lot of weight. For most hikers, this is the most popular pick.
Heavyweight Boots: Crafted with challenging landscapes and hefty burdens in mind, these robust boots afford supreme defense and steadiness — indispensable qualities for trekking extensively over rocky trails.Heavyweights usually tend to be less comfortable, but make up for stability and durability.
Consider heavyweight boots if you are an advanced hiker or trekker.
Each boot category comes with its own set of advantages and drawbacks. It’s critical to reflect on your individual hiking tendencies as well as the nature of the terrain when selecting an apt pair of hiking boots.
Why Trust Mountaineer Journey
As a solo owner of Mountaineer Journey, I test all hiking boots with the same objective standards. I do not have multiple testers with skewed results based on subjective experience.
I have reiterated my scoring system over 10 years of trial and error.This scoring system was brought to perfection so I can present you the best hiking boots of 2025. I also objectively test hiking boot materials to give you an idea of the best components that make up each hiking boot.
I have logged over 2000 miles of hiking, I know what to look for and how to get the most for your money. I have specifically niched this website to hiking footwear only! I have one mission, and that’s to provide you with the best information, to make a decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best hiking boots for long treks?
The Hoka Kaha 3 GTX stands out as one of the best hiking boots for long treks, owing to its plush cushioning, solid support, and excellent water resistance.
Are there budget-friendly hiking boots that offer good performance?
The best budget-friendly boots with great performance are the Merrell Moab 3 with excellent cushioning and support, perfect for day hikes and moderate backpacking.
Which hiking boots are best for wide feet?
The Altra Lone Peak ALL-WTHR Mid 2 is an excellent choice for hikers with wide feet, thanks to its spacious toe box, and lightweight zero drop design.
How important is waterproofing in hiking boots?
Waterproofing is essential for hiking boots, especially in wet conditions, as it ensures your feet stay dry and comfortable. An important aspect to keep in mind is the fact that waterproof boots sacrifice breathability.
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Hoka Kaha 2 Vs Salomon X Ultra 4 | Which Is Better?
Merrell Moab 3 Vs Keen Targhee III | Which One Is Better?
Adventure Awaits,
Tyler
Disclosure: Â Some of the links in this article may be affiliate links, which can provide compensation to me at no cost to you if you decide to purchase. Depending on when you click the links you may also receive a discount!