Best Hiking Boots for Beginners: 8 Starter Picks, Fit Notes and Who Should Skip Each

The 8 Best Hiking Boots for Beginners at a Glance

Eight boots that independent outlets recommend to first-time hikers. Tap a photo or the button to see the boot on Amazon. For the full list, see our best hiking boots guide.

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 Budget Hiking Boots for Beginners

Starter boots that keep the cost down.

Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof

Best for: a first pair for varied day hikes

Outdoor Life names the Moab 3 Best Overall for beginners at 1 lb 10 oz, praising comfort, durability and a good fit for wider feet. Trail and Kale calls it the best first boot. CleverHiker and GearJunkie both name it Best Budget, and OutdoorGearLab names it Best Buy and says the fit is spot-on.

What this means for you: the most widely recommended place to start.

Fit and sizing: Standard and wide are offered per GearJunkie. Outdoor Life says it suits wider feet.

Men’s and women’s versions: A women’s version is lighter per CleverHiker.

Watch for: Outdoor Life lists it as heavy for a shoe. GearJunkie says it is too bulky for technical terrain, and OutdoorGearLab says off-trail traction lacks bite.

Skip it if: you want a light boot or plan technical terrain soon.

Columbia Newton Ridge Plus II Suede Waterproof

Best for: short, non-technical hikes on a tight budget

Outdoor Life names the Newton Ridge Plus Waterproof Amped Best Budget for beginners at 1 lb 10 oz, praising multi-terrain traction, comfort and waterproofing, with a padded heel and tongue and a 10 mm drop for out-of-the-box comfort. The Gone Goat lists it for short, non-technical treks, with waterproofing, excellent traction and good value.

What this means for you: a low-cost starter for easy trails.

Fit and sizing: The Gone Goat says it runs narrow.

Men’s and women’s versions: A women’s Newton Ridge Plus is also sold.

Watch for: Outdoor Life says metal lacing hooks can bend. The Gone Goat lists little arch support, a narrow fit and a short break-in.

Skip it if: you have wide feet or want strong arch support.

Vasque Breeze Waterproof

Best for: first-time hikers who want a light waterproof boot

The Gone Goat recommends the Breeze LT NTX for first-time hikers wanting a lightweight waterproof shoe, true to size with a narrow fit. Voyageur Tripper names the Breeze LT Mid GTX Best Lightweight at 1 lb 6 oz, with strong ankle support and good breathability.

What this means for you: a light starter for narrow to average feet.

Fit and sizing: The Gone Goat says narrow; wider feet should consider other options.

Men’s and women’s versions: A women’s Breeze is also sold.

Watch for: The Gone Goat says sizes run narrow. Voyageur Tripper says it is not for very wet conditions and is less durable than leather.

Skip it if: you have wide feet or hike in very wet conditions.

Best All-Round Hiking Boots for Beginners

Mid-range boots with more refinement for a first long-term pair.

Salomon X Ultra 5 Mid GTX

Best for: beginners who want a light, grippy boot for many conditions

CleverHiker names it Best Hiking Boots Overall at 1 lb 15 oz, citing minimal break-in and excellent traction. Treeline Review names it best lightweight. Voyageur Tripper and The Gone Goat both recommend the earlier X Ultra 3 Mid GTX for beginners, praising its range of terrain and lightweight breathable build.

What this means for you: a good fit for a first boot, if you carry light loads.

Fit and sizing: CleverHiker says the forefoot runs narrow and sizing a little small. Voyageur Tripper and The Gone Goat said the earlier X Ultra 3 runs wide, so sizing varies by version.

Men’s and women’s versions: See our best hiking boots for women guide for women’s options.

Watch for: GearJunkie says it is too pliable for steep side-hilling, CleverHiker lists less ankle support, and NBC Select finds it too warm above 65 degrees.

Skip it if: you carry heavy loads or hike in warm weather.

KEEN Targhee IV Mid Waterproof

Best for: beginners with wide feet who want toe protection

CleverHiker names it Best Wide-Fit, and Trail and Kale names it best value. The Gone Goat lists the earlier Targhee III for hikers wanting support and toe protection on varied terrain, with 4 mm lugs and a rugged toe cap. Voyageur Tripper names the Targhee III the most value-for-money boot for wide feet.

What this means for you: a roomy, protective starter.

Fit and sizing: Sizing advice conflicts across sources, so try before you commit.

Watch for: GearJunkie says the Targhee IV runs significantly large and is not suitable for narrow feet. The Gone Goat says the Targhee III runs a half to full size small, so sizing differs by source and version.

Skip it if: you have narrow feet or need firm arch support.

Altra Lone Peak 9 Waterproof Mid

Best for: beginners who want a light, roomy, zero-drop shoe

Outdoor Life names the Lone Peak 6 Best Lightweight for beginners at 1 lb 3 oz, calling it a good pick for first-time zero-drop wearers with a wide toe box and rock plate. The Gone Goat lists the Lone Peak Hiker for short, fast trails.

What this means for you: a light option, but sources describe earlier versions, so use them as a guide.

Fit and sizing: Outdoor Life says the shoe is available in wide and has customizable lacing.

Watch for: Outdoor Life says it can feel too roomy and suits high arches or sensitive feet less well. The Gone Goat lists a lack of ankle support.

Skip it if: you want ankle support, have high arches or hike on ice.

Best Sturdy Hiking Boots for Beginners

Sturdier boots for beginners who expect rougher trails.

LOWA Renegade EVO GTX Mid

Best for: beginners who want a durable leather boot with strong support

REI gives the Renegade line an Editors’ Choice Award. The Gone Goat lists the Renegade GTX Mid for wet conditions and uneven ground, praising a roomy true-to-size fit and removable insoles, and recommends breaking them in for several weeks. Voyageur Tripper names it for the best ankle support.

What this means for you: a long-term first boot if you are willing to pay more and break it in.

Fit and sizing: The Gone Goat says roomy and true to size. CleverHiker says it runs hot above 75 degrees.

Watch for: Voyageur Tripper lists it as heavy and a premium price, and The Gone Goat says it needs breaking in.

Skip it if: you want a light boot or hate break-in time.

Oboz Bridger Mid B-DRY

Best for: beginners heading onto rough trails in cooler weather

REI recommends it for long miles on technical terrain in cooler temperatures. Treeline Review calls it a traditional sturdy boot with out-of-the-box comfort, a generous toe box and a heel cup that keeps your foot in place.

What this means for you: protective and comfortable from day one.

Fit and sizing: Regular and wide per Treeline Review.

Watch for: Treeline Review lists it as slightly heavier than other models. REI notes thick socks can eat up toe space.

Skip it if: you want a light boot.

How a Beginner Should Buy Hiking Boots

These are the beginner buying tips named by Voyageur Tripper. The article calls fit and comfort the most important factor.

Our Beginner Hiking Boot Evaluation Framework

We score each boot on five questions using only what the named outlets published.

1. Source agreement. How many outlets recommend it to beginners?
2. Out-of-box comfort. Break-in time.
3. Terrain suitability. Easy trails or rougher ground.
4. Fit. Width and sizing.
5. Recurring drawbacks. Complaints the outlets raise.

Source agreement counts outlets that name the boot or its earlier version. The rest summarizes what those outlets wrote.

How to Choose Your First Hiking Boots

• Start with the terrain. REI sorts boots into light, moderate and rugged terrain. Beginners on maintained trails can pick a light boot. See our best hiking boots guide.
• Prioritize fit. Voyageur Tripper calls comfort and fit the most important factor.
• Match waterproofing to the weather. Waterproof boots suit wet terrain but breathe less, per Voyageur Tripper.
• Check your width. See our best hiking boots for wide feet guide if standard sizes feel snug.

Where the Expert Reviews Disagree

Targhee sizing. The Gone Goat says the Targhee III runs a half to full size small, while GearJunkie says the Targhee IV runs significantly large.

X Ultra width. Voyageur Tripper and The Gone Goat say the earlier X Ultra 3 runs wide, while CleverHiker says the X Ultra 5 forefoot runs narrow.

Moab fit. Outdoor Life says the Moab suits wider feet, while GearJunkie says the wide fit does not work for narrow feet.

Beginner Questions About Hiking Boots, Answered

“What is the best first hiking boot?”

Outdoor Life names the Merrell Moab 3 Best Overall for beginners, and Trail and Kale calls it the best first boot.

“How much should a beginner spend?”

Voyageur Tripper suggests around $150 to $200 for quality boots. The Moab 3 and Newton Ridge Plus fall in our Budget category.

“Do I need waterproof boots?”

That depends on your trails. Waterproof boots breathe less and dry more slowly, per Voyageur Tripper.

“How long should I break boots in?”

Voyageur Tripper says at least two weeks before a big trip, and The Gone Goat says several weeks for the LOWA Renegade.

“How do I care for them?”

See our hiking boot cleaning guide.

Mistakes to Avoid When Buying

• Buying on looks. Outlets stress fit and comfort first.
• Skipping the break-in. Voyageur Tripper says boots that feel fine in a store may still need weeks of break-in.
• Going too stiff too soon. Light boots suit easy trails. Save heavy leather for rough ground.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best first hiking boot?

The Merrell Moab 3, named Best Overall for beginners by Outdoor Life.

What is the best budget boot for beginners?

The Columbia Newton Ridge Plus, named Best Budget by Outdoor Life.

Do beginners need waterproof boots?

Only if you expect wet trails. Waterproof boots breathe less and dry more slowly.

Are light boots good for beginners?

Yes, on maintained trails. Treeline Review names the X Ultra 5 best lightweight.

How long does break-in take?

Voyageur Tripper says at least two weeks before a big trip.

Which boot suits wide feet?

The KEEN Targhee IV, named Best Wide-Fit by CleverHiker.

Do these come for women?

Most do. See our best hiking boots for women guide.

How do I clean hiking boots?

Follow our hiking boot cleaning guide.

The Short Version

Start with the Merrell Moab 3 if you want the most recommended first boot. Pick the Columbia Newton Ridge Plus to save money, the Salomon X Ultra 5 for a light boot, or the KEEN Targhee IV for wide feet, then break them in before your first big trip.

Keep Reading

Sources

• Outdoor Life: Best hiking shoes for beginners
• The Gone Goat: Best hiking shoes for beginners
• Voyageur Tripper: Beginner hiking boots
• REI: The best hiking boots
• CleverHiker: Best hiking boots for men
• Treeline Review: Best hiking boots
• GearJunkie: Best hiking boots
• OutdoorGearLab: Best hiking boots for men
• Trail and Kale: Best hiking boots buyer’s guide