Real Testing. Unbiased Reviews.

Overall Hiking Boot Rankings

Here are the current overall rankings of Hiking boots reviewed on Mountaineerjourney.com to date.

Rankings Based On OBJECTIVE Testing Data From MountaineerJourney.com

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)


Some rankings may change we continually update our reviews with continued testing

1. Hoka Kaha 3 GTX

kaha 3 standing on rock
9.6
Editor’s TOP Choice
Hoka Kaha 3 GTX
PROS
  • Outstanding comfort
  • High-riding ankle support
  • GORE-TEX invisible fit
  • Excellent shock absorption 
Cons 
  • Weight
  • Price
  • Lacing hooks not perfect

2. Hoka Anacapa 2

Anacapa 2
9.2
Editor’s Top Choice
Hoka Anacapa 2 Mid GTX
 Pros
  • Rated as our #1 most comfortable hiking boot on the market
  • Outstanding breathability during summer hiking months
  • Versatility- can use for backpacking, hiking, and mountaineering
  • Very secure fit, able to withstand long 10+ mile hikes
  •  Features a smooth ride with the SwallowTail heel technology
  • Better traction than previous model
Cons
  • Initially Stiff When Breaking In
  • Weight
  • Areas of concern with overall protection
  • Increased flexibility, can have issues with traction

3. Merrell Moab 3

Front view of the Merrell Moab 3 in mossy grass
9.1
Top Budget Hiking Boot
Merrell Moab 3
 Pros
  • Amazing value, best on the market for hiking shoes
  • Very comfortable
  • Great in house waterproof membrane
  • Built with long-lasting quality materials
Cons
  • Issues with breathability
  • Weight

4. Salomon X Ultra 5 GTX

Side View Of The Salomon X Ultra 5 Mid GTX showing the Active Wings
8.9
Editor’s TOP Choice
Salomon X Ultra 5 Mid
Pros
  • Built to last for years
  • Soft, Trail-Ready Feel
  • Excellent Cushioning & Comfort
  • Advanced chassis provides stable lateral support
  • Reliable Water Resistance
  • New And Improved Toe Cap
Cons
  • Higher Price Point
  • Not The Widest Fit
  • Takes a while To Dry After Water Submersion

5. Altra Lone Peak ALL-WTHR Mid 2

giving a side view of the hiking shoe on a bench
8.2
Lightweight Boots
Altra Lone Peak 2
Pros
  • One Of The Best Lightweight hiking boots on the market
  • Very comfortable
  • Excellent waterproofness
  • Excellent value for current price
 Cons
  • Durability
  • Need to size down
  • Increased flexibility puts you at risk of losing traction
  • Concerns with overall protection

6. Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid

Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid in the snow
8.6
Editor’s Choice
Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX
 Pros
  • One of the best lightweight “mid” hiking boots on the market
  • Quick Break-in Period
  • Comfortable all-day wear
  • Advanced chassis provides sturdy, secure fit
  • Outstanding support
Cons
  • Less protection than standard “mid” boots
  • Lacing system

7. Lowa Renegade GTX

Lowa Renegade covered in mud on leaves
8.3
Editor’s Choice
Lowa Renegade GTX
 Pros
  • Crafted with quality durable materials
  • Central Locking Mechanism For Secure Tying
  • Great Traction With Vibram Megagrip
  • Outstanding support
Cons 
  • Tight Fit Around Top Of Foot
  • Breathability
  • Weight


8. Salomon Quest 4 GTX

Quest 4 on wall
8.4
Editors Choice
Salomon Quest 4 GTX
Pros
  • Outstanding traction
  • High-riding ankle support
  • Excellent water resistance
  • Best Backpacking Boots
Cons 
  • Comfort could be improved
  • Weight
  • Foot Fatigue
  • Long Break In Period

9. Danner Mountain 600

front view of the Danner Mountain 600 showing the robust leather materials and front tongue synthetic mesh
8.2
Editor’s Choice
Danner Mountain 600
Pros
  • Outstanding comfort and value
  • Great support and stability
  • Great in-house waterproof membrane (Danner Dry)
  • Built to Last with Premium Materials
Cons
  • Not ideal for trekking past 10+ miles daily
  • Leather offers less ventilation compared to mesh or synthetic options
  • Premium price

10. Keen Targhee IV

side view of the keen targhee IV
8.2
Backpacking Boot
Keen Targhee IV
Pros
  • Best traction and overall support
  • Very Comfortable
  • Excellent waterproofness 
  • Extreme durability that will last years
  • Great value for a brand new model
Cons
  • Luft cell sole issues with comfort
  • Tying Issues
  • No Wide Fit Options
  • Breathability

11. Oboz Sawtooth X

Oboz Sawtooth x, Side view of lacing system. I felt I was able to get a secure and tight fit
7.9
Editor’s Choice
Oboz Sawtooth X Mid
 Pros
  • Resistant to abrasion
  • Great ankle support
  • Excellent water resistance
  • Good backpacking boots
Cons
  • Very Heavy
  • Narrow Fit
  • Foot Fatigue
  • Heel comfort issues

12. Oboz Bridger

Side view of the Bridger with the lacing system, one metal lug on top
7.8
Backpacking Boots
Oboz Bridger
Pros
  • Durable, long-lasting quality materials
  • Excellent Ankle Support
  • Great against uphill terrain
  • Great Backpacking Boots
Cons
  • Weight
  • Narrow fitting
  • Not very voluminous

13. Timberland Mt Maddsen

Entire Side View Of Timberland Mt Maddsen resting on a rock surrounded wit h snow
7.7
Great Budget Boot
Timerbland Mt Maddsen Mid
 Pros
  • Perfect balance of affordability and capability
  • Strong ankle support and dependable resistance against the elements
  • Practical features to use as normal boots during the day
Cons
  • Long Break-In Period
  • Weight
  • Questionable durability over long time use

14. Hoka Kaha 2 GTX

Lacing hooks of the kaha 2
9.1
Hoka Kaha 2 GTX
Pros
  • Best traction
  • High-riding ankle support
  • Extremely durable
  • Great Backpacking boots
Cons
  • Price
  • Weight
  • Issues with Lacing System

15. Columbia Newton Ridge Plus II

Columbia Newton Ridge II plus in snow
6.2
Budget Boot
Columbia Newton Ridge Plus II
 Pros
  • Cheapest Hiking Boot we have reviewed for 2025
  • Price
  • Strong ankle support for beginner hikers
Cons
  • Limited breathability, making them less ideal for summer hikes
  • Durability over long-term use
  • Lacks superior comfort compared to other hiking boots

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