Best Hiking Boots 2026 (Men and Women): 10 Picks Compared Across Expert Reviews

The 10 Best Hiking Boots at a Glance

Ten boots, chosen because several independent outdoor outlets rank them. Tap a photo or the button to see the boot on Amazon.

Price category reflects current US listings: budget is roughly under $150, mid-range roughly $150 to $200, premium above $200. Prices change, so confirm on the product page.

Which Boot for Which Hiker (and Who Should Skip Each)

Who should skip each boot

Best All-Round Hiking Boots

The boots most hikers will want first: cushioned, versatile and comfortable on mixed trails.

HOKA Kaha 3 GTX

Best for: hikers who want one cushioned, supportive boot for long days on mixed trails

Two outlets put the Kaha 3 first. OutdoorGearLab gives it its Editors’ Choice “Best Overall Hiking Boot” award, calls it “super supportive” with incredible comfort and top-notch water resistance, and lists a Gore-Tex Invisible Fit lining and a nubuck upper. It measured 3.0 lbs for a size 14 pair. Trail and Kale also names it best overall, says it suits the widest range of hikers, and credits the cushioning, the nubuck build and the Vibram Megagrip outsole on wet and dry ground. It lists 19.1 oz in a US men’s 9.

What this means for you: the Kaha 3 is the pick for hikers who value cushion and ankle support over low weight, and who are willing to pay at the top of the range. Trail and Kale says it sits at the premium end on price, and OutdoorGearLab says it is “not cheap”.

Fit and sizing: OutdoorGearLab lists regular width only. Neither outlet gives a sizing correction.

Men’s and women’s versions: The Amazon link here is the women’s listing. The weights above are men’s figures (size 14 pair and US men’s 9), and the outlets we read do not publish a women’s weight.

Watch for: OutdoorGearLab says it is a bit bulky for extensive off-trail hiking and requires some breaking in. It also says the boot is not ideal for hot, dry environments.

Skip it if: you want a light boot for fast days, you hike mostly in hot, dry conditions, or you want to spend less.

Salomon X Ultra 5 Mid GTX

Best for: light, fast day hiking and light backpacking on mixed trails

This is one of the most widely named boots in our set. CleverHiker gives it “Best Hiking Boots Overall” for men at 1 lb 15 oz, citing minimal break-in, excellent traction and low weight. On its women’s list CleverHiker names it best lightweight at 1 lb 12 oz with no break-in needed. Treeline Review also calls it best lightweight, at 1 lb 14.4 oz, with solid lateral stability. OutdoorGearLab names it a Top Pick “Perfect for Lightweight Hiking” and praises the stable footbed. REI lists 1 lb 15 oz for men’s and 1 lb 11.4 oz for women’s, praises the tough uppers and grip on wet, muddy and icy ground, and reports 164 miles of testing. NBC Select makes it the author’s pick, and Switchback Travel lists it among its other favorite women’s boots at 1 lb 12 oz.

What this means for you: if your hikes are day trips or light overnights and you want a boot that feels like a trail shoe with ankle coverage, this is the safest starting point. Treat it as a light boot, not a loaded-pack boot. CleverHiker says it is not ideal for heavy loads.

Fit and sizing: Wide sizes are offered per CleverHiker, OutdoorGearLab and NBC Select (NBC lists men’s 7 to 14 and women’s 5 to 11 in medium and wide). Try your usual size and check the return window, given the split on sizing.

Men’s and women’s versions: REI lists 1 lb 15 oz for men’s and 1 lb 11.4 oz for women’s. CleverHiker’s women’s list says the women’s boot fits narrow to medium-width feet best.

Watch for: the sources disagree on sizing. CleverHiker says the forefoot runs narrow and sizing runs a little small, Treeline Review says it fits true to size with a spacious toe box, and Switchback Travel says the regular size was too large and advises sizing down half a size. Durability is also split: CleverHiker lists it as less durable, Switchback Travel says the Kevlar-reinforced upper and outsole are harder wearing, and REI praises the uppers. NBC Select finds it too warm above 65 degrees, and REI also notes it runs hot.

Skip it if: you carry a heavy pack, want the most ankle support, or hike in warm weather. CleverHiker and Treeline Review both note less ankle support than heavier boots, and OutdoorGearLab says the ankle is hard to snug.

Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof

Best for: first-time hikers and anyone who wants an affordable, no-break-in boot for maintained trails

CleverHiker picks it as Best Budget Hiking Boots at 2 lb 4 oz, praising minimal break-in, comfort, durability and a reinforced heel and toe cap. Treeline Review names it best affordable and says it is extremely comfortable, with a Vibram sole that has great traction and wide sizing. Trail and Kale calls it the best first hiking boot, with no break-in and a bellows tongue that blocks debris. OutdoorGearLab names it Best Buy (“Best Bang for the Boot Buck”) and calls it a dependable ride for weekend backpacking on maintained trails. NBC Select quotes a former production coordinator who has worn hers for nearly five years. On its women’s list, CleverHiker names the women’s Moab 3 Mid its best budget pick at 1 lb 11.1 oz, and Switchback Travel lists the same weight under budget leather boots.

What this means for you: this is the boot to buy if you are not sure how much you will hike. The sources agree it is comfortable immediately and cheaper than the rest of this list, and they agree on where it stops: long days, rough trails and heavy loads.

Fit and sizing: CleverHiker says it runs wide and lists wide sizes. OutdoorGearLab calls the fit spot-on in regular and wide.

Men’s and women’s versions: Separate women’s version with its own weight (1 lb 11.1 oz per CleverHiker and Switchback Travel). NBC Select lists men’s 7 to 15 and women’s 5 to 12, in medium and wide.

Watch for: Switchback Travel says it lacks performance for long days, rough trails or heavy loads, and that stability falls short on technical or wet terrain. OutdoorGearLab says off-trail traction lacks bite and the nylon eyelets are mediocre. CleverHiker lists a thin insole and bulk, and Treeline Review says footing is not as precise as other boots and it may not last as long as others.

Skip it if: you plan big-mile days, technical or wet off-trail routes, or heavy backpacking. CleverHiker suggests a lighter boot for days over 15 miles with a lot of climbing.

KEEN Targhee IV Mid Waterproof

Best for: hikers with wide feet who want a roomy toe box and a durable waterproof boot

CleverHiker names it Best Wide-Fit Hiking Boots at 2 lb 9 oz, with KEEN.DRY waterproofing, a short break-in and “a ton of room in the toe box”. Treeline Review also calls it best for wide feet at 2 lb 8.6 oz, with a wide toe box and improved durability. On its women’s list, CleverHiker gives it Best Wide Fit at 2 lb 1.2 oz, with an extra-wide toe box, dedicated wide sizes, a heel band that helps dial in fit, and a lifetime guarantee against delamination. Trail and Kale names it best value, Tom’s Guide calls it its best all-around hiking boot, and NBC Select quotes a former staffer who has used hers for over eight years.

What this means for you: if most boots pinch your toes, start here. The sources describe it as a comfortable, hard-wearing everyday boot rather than a technical one.

Fit and sizing: Medium and wide are offered per Treeline Review and CleverHiker. If you have narrow feet this will feel roomy.

Men’s and women’s versions: Separate women’s version. NBC Select lists men’s at 20.3 oz and women’s at 17.3 oz per boot, and CleverHiker lists 2 lb 9 oz for men’s and 2 lb 1.2 oz for women’s per pair.

Watch for: CleverHiker lists less ankle support, less durability and weaker traction on steep climbs and descents. Treeline Review says many hikers need a third-party insole and that the ankle cuff is not ideal for deeper streams. OutdoorGearLab lists average traction and a break-in period, and Tom’s Guide says the soft upper scuffs easily in rocky conditions.

Skip it if: you want strong ankle support, hike steep loose terrain, or cross a lot of deep streams.

Best Hiking Boots for Rugged Terrain and Backpacking

Stiffer, more protective boots for heavy packs, long days and rough ground.

LOWA Renegade EVO GTX Mid

Best for: long days on rugged terrain with a loaded pack, and anyone who prefers a leather boot

REI gives the Renegade line its Editors’ Choice Award, noting it has held the award since 2021, and lists 2 lb 9.6 oz for men’s and 2 lb 8 oz for women’s. CleverHiker calls the men’s boot best for support, durability and comfort at 2 lb 10 oz, praising excellent ankle support and outstanding traction. Treeline Review names it best leather and calls it the classic leather hiking boot. CleverHiker’s women’s list ranks it the best women’s hiking boot overall at 2 lb 2.2 oz, and Switchback Travel calls it the best premium leather pick, with a tall, stiff collar and great support for long distances with a full pack. OutdoorGearLab lists great leather durability and an easy-to-lace upper.

What this means for you: this is the boot for people who want it to last and who regularly carry weight. The price and the heat are the trade.

Fit and sizing: Widths are reported differently. Treeline Review says narrow, medium and wide for the men’s boot, and Switchback Travel says wide, narrow and regular for the women’s. CleverHiker’s women’s list says the women’s boot is medium only and suits narrower feet.

Men’s and women’s versions: REI says the women’s version uses a last designed for the female foot. REI lists 2 lb 9.6 oz men’s and 2 lb 8 oz women’s; CleverHiker and Switchback Travel list 2 lb 2.2 oz for the women’s boot.

Watch for: it is the most expensive boot on several lists. CleverHiker says it runs hot above 75 degrees and has a medium break-in, and Switchback Travel says it is overkill for easy hiking and is only offered in a waterproof version. Treeline Review lists a narrow toe box and OutdoorGearLab says it fits slightly short.

Skip it if: you hike mostly in hot weather, stick to easy trails, or have a wide forefoot. Treeline Review flags a narrow toe box.

Salomon Quest 5 GTX

Best for: backpacking with heavy loads and extra ankle support

Treeline Review names it best overall at 2 lb 9.3 oz, calling it “stable without feeling stiff”, comfortable from day one, with excellent traction across varied terrain. Men’s Journal names it best for backpacking and credits the 4D Advanced Chassis for torsional rigidity, saying it trims some bulk compared to the Quest 4. OutdoorGearLab gives it Best Ankle Support, with “outstanding stability and support”, a tall waterproof height and a measured 3.15 lbs per size 14 pair.

What this means for you: choose this when the load is heavy and the ground is rough. For easy day hikes, the sources suggest it is more boot than you need.

Fit and sizing: OutdoorGearLab lists regular width only and Treeline Review says it fits true to size with a narrow toe box. Men’s Journal advises wide-footed hikers to try before buying.

Men’s and women’s versions: Women’s hikers look at the Quest Echo GTX: Switchback Travel names it Best Women’s Hiking Boot for Backpacking at 2 lb 4 oz, with a collar a bit shorter than Quests past that it says better fits the short calves women generally have. REI lists the Quest Echo at 2 lb 4.7 oz. Switchback Travel notes laces came undone and calls it overkill for many hikers.

Watch for: OutdoorGearLab calls it overkill for casual hiking, not as agile, and mediocre for breathability. Men’s Journal says it can run hot in summer, and Treeline Review says the toe box is narrow and the sole is a little squishier than expected, with limits on difficult slabby rock.

Skip it if: you do mostly casual day hikes, hike in summer heat, or have wide feet. Men’s Journal says it suits average to slightly narrow feet.

Oboz Bridger Mid Waterproof

Best for: long miles on technical terrain with firm support and a roomy toe box

REI recommends it for long miles on technical and rugged terrain in cooler temperatures, praising comfort for wide feet and how well it kept its shape over months of wear. It lists 2 lb 6 oz for men’s and 2 lb 0.4 oz for women’s with a B-DRY membrane. Treeline Review calls it a traditional sturdy boot that can take a beating, with a generous toe box and a heel cup that keeps your foot in place on ascents and descents. CleverHiker’s women’s list names it Most Supportive at 2 lb 5.4 oz, with a nylon shank, a plastic forefoot plate and wide sizes.

What this means for you: a firm, protective boot that suits wider feet and rough ground. It is not the lightest, and the sources do not agree on break-in.

Fit and sizing: Wide sizes are listed by CleverHiker’s women’s list and Treeline Review mentions regular and wide. Try it with the socks you will actually wear.

Men’s and women’s versions: REI lists separate weights: 2 lb 6 oz men’s and 2 lb 0.4 oz women’s. CleverHiker’s women’s list gives 2 lb 5.4 oz, so check the size and version you buy.

Watch for: the break-in story differs. Treeline Review says there is no break-in process, while CleverHiker’s women’s list says it is stiff and needs a longer one, with a cuff that can feel restrictive. REI notes the 4 mm lugs will not shed mud as easily as wider-spaced lugs, and that thicker socks can quickly eat up toe box space.

Skip it if: you want a light boot, hike in hot weather, or mostly stick to easy trails. CleverHiker’s women’s list calls it overkill for many hikers.

Best Lightweight and Fast Hiking Boots

Lower-weight boots with a trail-runner feel for speed and technical footing.

La Sportiva Ultra Raptor 3 Mid GTX

Best for: fast hiking, scrambling and technical ground in a light boot

Treeline Review lists 1 lb 14.2 oz with a GORE-TEX ePE membrane and calls it lightweight, agile and reliable on varied terrain, but says it feels closer to a trail runner and its male testers slightly preferred the Salomon Quest 5 for support. Men’s Journal names it Best Overall, praising a slightly higher-volume forefoot, an “unusually precise” feel and a firmer midsole. OutdoorGearLab calls it its most confidence-inspiring lightweight hiker, with 9.0 traction and a measured 2.34 lbs for a size 14 pair. Trail and Kale names it best for technical terrain and lists 14.4 oz per boot in a US men’s 9. Switchback Travel picks it for fast-packing at 1 lb 9.1 oz.

What this means for you: pick it if you move fast over rock and want precision more than plush cushioning. Order carefully, because the sources do not agree on sizing.

Fit and sizing: Medium width only. Men’s Journal says it is not a true wide-foot option, while Switchback Travel found the toe box more accommodating of wide feet than it looks.

Men’s and women’s versions: Switchback Travel lists 1 lb 9.1 oz for the women’s boot. The other outlets list men’s or unspecified figures (about 1 lb 14 oz).

Watch for: sizing and fit. OutdoorGearLab says it runs about half a size small, and Trail and Kale says to size up half a size. Men’s Journal notes European sizing, so try a few sizes near your usual. Treeline Review and OutdoorGearLab say it comes in medium width only. Switchback Travel found the heel wide and hard to keep in place on steep descents, says there is not a ton of support, and notes the lowered collar gives less debris protection. OutdoorGearLab also lists a low rear collar that collects debris.

Skip it if: you want plush cushioning, a roomy fit, wide sizing or strong ankle support, or your trails are mellow forest paths.

Merrell Moab Speed 2 Mid GTX

Best for: a light, durable boot for hiking and lightweight backpacking

The detailed review is from REI, which gives it an Editors’ Choice Award for hiking and backpacking on moderate terrain. It lists 1 lb 12.2 oz for men’s and 1 lb 8.7 oz for women’s with a GORE-TEX membrane, and praises durable nylon and TPU uppers, comfortable foam midsoles and Vibram TC5+ lugs. One tester wore it on Kilimanjaro, and the testers logged 155 miles in total. OutdoorGearLab lists it in its comparison table, calling it extremely lightweight with excellent traction and a more accommodating fit with wide sizes.

What this means for you: a lighter alternative to the Moab 3 when you want GORE-TEX and less weight. It has less independent coverage than the others here, so treat it as the least cross-checked pick.

Fit and sizing: OutdoorGearLab says it fits long and offers wide sizes.

Men’s and women’s versions: REI lists separate weights: 1 lb 12.2 oz men’s and 1 lb 8.7 oz women’s.

Watch for: REI says one tester bruised a big toe on long descents. OutdoorGearLab says it fits long and its lightweight materials are less durable and supportive than the Ultra Raptor 3.

Skip it if: you want maximum durability or support, or you tend to bruise toes on long descents.

HOKA Anacapa 2 Mid GTX

Best for: cushioned, sneaker-like comfort with solid grip on mixed ground

NBC Select lists 18 oz for men’s and 14.7 oz for women’s per boot, with a 5mm lug depth, a roomy toe box and a senior editor who calls it among the most comfortable shoes she has worn, with grippy lugs on rainy Icelandic hills and icy city snow. CleverHiker calls it versatile and lightweight at 2 lb 4 oz, with out-of-box comfort and excellent traction. Tom’s Guide names it best for ankle stability at 13.5 oz, responsive and fully waterproof, and says it needs no months of breaking in. OutdoorGearLab lists great durability and solid waterproofing.

What this means for you: a comfortable, light boot for day hikes and light backpacking on trails. It is not the one for off-trail travel.

Fit and sizing: Sources disagree: NBC Select lists medium and wide, while Tom’s Guide says it runs narrow with no wide versions. CleverHiker says regular width with a narrow midfoot but a wider forefoot.

Men’s and women’s versions: NBC Select lists men’s 18 oz and women’s 14.7 oz per boot, with a 10 mm drop for men’s and 7 mm for women’s. The Amazon link here is the women’s listing.

Watch for: CleverHiker lists less durability, a narrow midfoot, clunky lace hooks and limited waterproofing, and says it is not for off-trail or above-treeline travel. OutdoorGearLab, by contrast, lists great durability. Tom’s Guide says it comes up narrow with no wide versions, and OutdoorGearLab says the lacing system is not user-friendly.

Skip it if: you have wide or narrow-midfoot feet that need a custom fit, or plan off-trail or above-treeline routes.

Men’s vs Women’s Hiking Boots: What Differs

Most of these boots come in separate men’s and women’s versions, and the numbers and fit notes do not always match. The weights come from different outlets and use different bases (a pair, a single boot, a size 14), so compare them within a row only.

Which recommendations come from women’s guides? Switchback Travel’s women’s guide and CleverHiker’s women’s list cover the women’s versions of the X Ultra 5, Moab 3, Renegade EVO, and the Quest Echo and Ultra Raptor 3 (Switchback Travel), plus the Targhee IV and Bridger (CleverHiker). REI and NBC Select list men’s and women’s specs side by side. CleverHiker’s men’s list, OutdoorGearLab and Men’s Journal are men’s guides, and Trail and Kale and Treeline Review do not split by gender in the text we read.

Our Hiking Boot Evaluation Framework

Rather than repeat any one outlet’s ranking, we score each boot on five questions using only what the named outlets published. The aim is to show how the reviews line up, so you can tell a boot many outlets agree on from one with a single strong review.

1. Source agreement. How many of the ten outlets recommend it?
2. Fit suitability. Wide or narrow feet, toe room and sizing consistency.
3. Terrain suitability. Day hiking, rugged ground or heavy backpacking.
4. Comfort and support. What outlets report about cushioning and ankle support.
5. Recurring drawbacks. Complaints that more than one outlet raises, plus durability and waterproofing trade-offs.

Source agreement counts outlets that name the boot in a ranking, with CleverHiker’s men’s and women’s lists counted as one outlet. Everything else is a summary of what those outlets wrote, and the lines in each product section name who said what.

How to Choose Hiking Boots

The sources use a few simple ideas to separate boots. Here are the ones that matter most.

• Match the boot to the terrain. REI sorts its boots into light, moderate and rugged terrain and gives each a “best for” line, which is a useful way to read any list.
• Weight versus support. The lighter boots here weigh roughly 1.5 to 2 lb a pair on the published figures and the backpacking boots roughly 2.5 lb or more. Lighter boots trade away ankle support, which CleverHiker, Treeline Review and OutdoorGearLab all say about the X Ultra 5.
• Waterproof is not always better. Switchback Travel says the LOWA Renegade is only offered in a waterproof version, CleverHiker says it runs hot above 75 degrees, and NBC Select finds the X Ultra 5 too warm above 65. REI describes the HOKA Mafate Hike as water-resistant, not fully waterproof, and one tester said her sock got wet in a creek crossing.
• Width and toe room. The KEEN Targhee IV and Oboz Bridger get praise for roomy toes. The La Sportiva Ultra Raptor 3 comes in medium width only per Treeline Review and OutdoorGearLab.
• Break-in. Sources describe the Moab 3 and X Ultra 5 as needing little, and stiffer boots such as the Quest and, per CleverHiker’s women’s list, the Oboz Bridger as needing more.
• Women’s fit. REI lists separate women’s weights and says the women’s Renegade uses a women’s-specific last, and Switchback Travel says the Quest Echo has a shorter collar. See the men’s and women’s table above.

Check the brand’s sizing before you order: our size guides for Salomon, Merrell, KEEN, LOWA and HOKA cover the fit differences.

Where the Expert Reviews Disagree

Sizing of the Salomon X Ultra 5. CleverHiker says the forefoot runs narrow and sizing runs a little small. Treeline Review says it fits true to size with a spacious toe box. Switchback Travel found the regular size too large and recommends sizing down half a size.

Durability of the Salomon X Ultra 5. CleverHiker lists less durability, REI says the uppers held up well, and Switchback Travel says the Kevlar-reinforced upper and outsole are harder wearing. General advice: expect a light synthetic boot to wear faster than a leather one.

Durability of the HOKA Anacapa 2. CleverHiker says it is not as durable as others. OutdoorGearLab lists great durability.

Heat. NBC Select says the X Ultra 5 is too warm above 65 degrees, and CleverHiker says the Renegade runs hot above 75. Both use waterproof membranes, which several sources say trade away breathability.

Break-in on the Oboz Bridger. Treeline Review says there is no break-in process. CleverHiker’s women’s list says it is stiff and needs a longer one.

Sizing of the La Sportiva Ultra Raptor 3. OutdoorGearLab says it runs about half a size small and Trail and Kale says to size up half a size, while Men’s Journal says to try a few sizes near your usual because of European sizing.

LOWA widths. Treeline Review says narrow, medium and wide, Switchback Travel says wide, narrow and regular for the women’s boot, and CleverHiker’s women’s list says the women’s version is medium only.

Questions About Hiking Boots, Answered

“Do I need waterproof hiking boots?”

Not always. The sources note the trade-off: waterproof membranes run warmer, and CleverHiker and NBC Select both flag heat in boots on this list. REI also notes that a water-resistant boot, the HOKA Mafate Hike, let one tester’s sock get wet in a creek crossing.

“Boots or hiking shoes?”

NBC Select covers both hiking shoes and boots. Mid boots give more ankle coverage, and lighter ones like the Ultra Raptor 3 and X Ultra 5 sit close to trail-runner weight.

“How long is the break-in?”

It varies. CleverHiker’s women’s list says no break-in is needed for the X Ultra 5, OutdoorGearLab says the Kaha 3 requires some breaking in, and CleverHiker’s women’s list says the Bridger is stiff with a longer break-in.

“Which boot is best for wide feet?”

CleverHiker and Treeline Review both name the KEEN Targhee IV. REI praises the Oboz Bridger for wide feet.

“Which boot is best for backpacking with a heavy pack?”

Men’s Journal names the Salomon Quest 5, and OutdoorGearLab names it best for ankle support. Switchback Travel picks the Quest Echo for women.

“Are there women’s versions?”

Yes for most. See the men’s and women’s comparison above for weights and fit notes.

“How do I care for hiking boots?”

See our hiking boot cleaning guide and nubuck and suede guide, and for leather uppers the leather conditioning guide.

“What about the soles?”

Vibram lugs appear on many of these boots. For cleaning them, see our shoe sole guide.

Mistakes to Avoid When Buying

• Buying for the label, not the terrain. REI groups boots by light, moderate and rugged terrain for this reason.
• Ignoring sizing differences between brands. The sources report some boots running large and some small, sometimes disagreeing about the same boot.
• Choosing waterproof for hot, dry trips. OutdoorGearLab says the Kaha 3 is not ideal in hot, dry environments, and CleverHiker flags heat in the Renegade.
• Skipping the lacing check. REI says one thru-hiker got ankle abrasions on the Altra Lone Peak until she laced up a different way, a reminder that lacing and fit matter.
• Comparing weights across lists directly. Pair, single boot, men’s, women’s and size 14 figures all appear.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best hiking boot overall?

The Salomon X Ultra 5 Mid GTX appears on the most lists. HOKA Kaha 3 GTX is named best overall by OutdoorGearLab and Trail and Kale.

What is the best budget hiking boot?

The Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof, named best budget or affordable by CleverHiker and Treeline Review.

Which boots are best for wide feet?

The KEEN Targhee IV Mid Waterproof, named by CleverHiker and Treeline Review.

Which boots are best for backpacking?

The Salomon Quest 5 GTX, with the LOWA Renegade EVO and Oboz Bridger for rugged terrain.

Are there lightweight options?

Yes. The La Sportiva Ultra Raptor 3, Salomon X Ultra 5 and Merrell Moab Speed 2 are the lightest here.

Do the same boots come in women’s versions?

Most do, with separate weights listed by REI, CleverHiker and NBC Select. Women’s hikers look at the Quest Echo in place of the Quest 5.

Are waterproof boots always better?

No. Sources note waterproof membranes run warmer.

How do I clean hiking boots?

Follow our hiking boot cleaning guide.

The Short Version

Start with the terrain and your foot shape. Light, fast hikers can look at the Salomon X Ultra 5 or La Sportiva Ultra Raptor 3, budget buyers at the Merrell Moab 3, wide feet at the KEEN Targhee IV, and heavy loads at the Salomon Quest 5 or LOWA Renegade EVO.

Keep Reading

Sources

• REI: The 14 best hiking boots
• CleverHiker: Best hiking boots for men
• CleverHiker: Best hiking boots for women
• Treeline Review: Best hiking boots
• Men’s Journal: Best hiking boots
• Trail and Kale: Best hiking boots buyer’s guide
• NBC Select: Best hiking shoes and boots
• Tom’s Guide: Best hiking boots
• Switchback Travel: Best women’s hiking boots
• OutdoorGearLab: Best hiking boots for men