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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
