At Skyblue Overland, we’re always testing gear to take your adventures to the next level. That includes everything from the best new adventure gear like a trailer hitch mounted adventure grill, gear to keep you organized on road trips, or the most comfortable rooftop tents. We’re always looking out for new gear to make your adventures fun and enjoyable.
On an off-roading trip, you wouldn’t go out in a car with bald tires and neither should you tackle a hiking trail with casual athletic shoes. Instead, you should lace up a pair of durable hiking boots to set yourself up for success on the trail.
When most people shop for shoes, they want fashionable, comfortable footwear. Hiking boots, however, are all about performance. Whether you’re walking along a rough trail, splashing through puddles, or trudging through the snow, a quality pair of hiking boots can make the difference between misery and memorable fun.
Quality hiking boots can make the difference between misery and memorable fun, no matter where you are. Here I am in my Danner Mountain Light boots at Lake Nanita in Rocky Mountain National Park.
Good hiking boots have durable, high-traction outsoles made by companies like Vibram, which are designed for use on rough terrain. A comfortable upper with a waterproof lining is also important, as is an insole made from shock absorbent material and insulation for cold weather. Look for those features, and you’ve found your ideal pair of hiking boots.
To help you find the best hiking boots for your budget and trail conditions, we’ve rounded up options from top brands including Salomon, Vasque, Danner, La Sportiva, Keen, Merrell and more. These hiking boots will keep your feet stable and comfortable, no matter what the terrain.
Features to Look for in Hiking Boots
Good hiking boots have durable, high-traction outsoles made by companies like Vibram, which are designed for use on rough terrain. A comfortable upper with a waterproof lining is also important, as is an insole made from shock absorbent material and insulation for cold weather. Look for those features, and you’ve found your ideal pair of hiking boots.
To help you find the best hiking boots for your budget and trail conditions, we’ve rounded up options from top brands including Salomon, Vasque, Danner, and Merrell.
The Best Hiking Boots of 2023
Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid Gore-Tex Hiking Boot
Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid Gore-Tex Hiking Boot in the Kelp / Black / Safari colorway. Photo by Salomon.
Get ready to power through uphills and descents with this mid-cut GORE-TEX version of the updated X-ULTRA 4. It is as agile as a trail-running shoe but with all the stability, grip and waterproof protection you need to tackle technical terrain.
The updated X-ULTRA 4 offers a shock absorbing EVA foam and a molded insert or “chassis” embedded in the sole for incredible stability, an all-terrain outsole for awesome grip on loose, slippery surfaces, and the Gore-Tex liner provides waterproof protection to handle all terrain.
Get the Men’s X-ULTRA 4 at Salomon.com, REI.com, or Backcountry.com
Get the Women’s X-ULTRA 4 at Salomon.com, REI.com, or Backcountry.com
Vasque Torre AT GTX
The Vasque Torre AT GTX Men’s Waterproof Hiking Boot in Dark Olive.
The Torre AT is a modern, lightweight, technical hiking boot. Packed with a GORE-TEX waterproof lining, a mesh and suede leather upper that breathes well and advanced technology from Vibram Wavelength II outsoles providing lots of grip, this boot is built for the outdoors – hiking, backpacking and everywhere else you want to go.
The Torre AT hiking boots are surprisingly light, due to the fact that they are made with lightweight materials, which provides a responsive feel under heavy loads. The boots required a break-in period, though. The first hikes resulted in blisters, although as we continued to wear them, the blisters became increasingly less severe. This is a great boot when carrying big loads.
Get the Men’s Torre AT GTX at Vasque.com, REI.com, or Backcountry.com
Get the Women’s Torre AT GTX at Vasque.com, REI.com, or Backcountry.com
La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX
Photo by La Sportiva.
La Sportiva’s Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX hiking boot has been designed from the inside out to withstand the harshest conditions on unpredictable terrain. The waterproof and breathable lining keeps feet cool and dry while you are hiking in wet, rough terrain. The EVO heel stabilizer provides additional support so you can hike longer without experiencing soreness. The nylon AirMesh uppers are abrasion-resistant and water-repellent, keeping feet comfortable. A comfort collar adds ankle protection, while the high-frequency, durable laces keep your boots tied.
Get the Men’s Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX at Lasportivausa.com, REI.com, or Backcountry.com
Get the Women’s Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX at Lasportivausa.com, REI.com, or Backcountry.com
Keen Targhee III Waterproof Mid
The Keen Targhee III Waterproof Mid in Black Olive/Golden Brown. Photo by Keen.
The KEEN Targhee line of boots is a very popular model for hikers and backpackers. With great out-of-the-box comfort, the boot is suited for use on day hikes or easy to moderate backpacking trips.
With its room-for-your-toes fit and out-of-the-box comfort, Targhee has been an icon since Keen introduced it in 2005. For their women’s Targhee III hiking boot, they carried over the fit, made-to-keep durability, and performance that fans love. But Keen gave it an updated look with a slightly sleeker outsole and more of a sneaker feel than Targhee II. With waterproof protection, it’s as ready as ever for all-terrain adventures in any weather.
Get the Men’s Targhee III Waterproof Mid hiker at Keenfootwear.com, REI.com, or Backcountry.com
Get the Women’s Targhee III Waterproof Mid hiker at Keenfootwear.com, REI.com, or Backcountry.com
Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boots
The Merrell Moab 3 in Walnut. Photo by Merrell.
For over 15 years, the Merrell® Moab has been the choice of hikers when a choice needs to be made, making it the bestselling hiker in the world. Famous for its out-of-the-box comfort, durability and all-purpose versatility, its predecessors have enabled 25 million people to step further outdoors.
The all new Moab 3 features a new more supportive insole, a softer more cushioned midsole, and a best-in-class Vibram® outsole. Merrell’s newest generation is the most environmentally friendly Moab ever, utilizing recycled materials in construction.
The Merrell Moab 3 is a great value.
Get the Men’s Moab 3 at REI.com, or Backcountry.com
Get the Women’s Moab 3 at REI.com, or Backcountry.com
Danner Mountain Light
The Mountain Light Gore-Tex hiking boot in Cascade Clovis. Photo by Danner.
Ask a seasoned backpacker what the ideal hiking boot looks like, and you’re bound to hear a description of the Mountain Light. That’s because for over 40 years, the Mountain Light set the standard for every new product that hit the market. And in all that time, nothing ever dethroned the original. Danner Mountain Light hiking boots are built to last, with full-grain leather uppers and classic red laces. When you wear a pair, it’s like stepping back in time to the boots that Danner built in the early 1970s.
The Mountain Light has been my go-to backpacking boot for several years. They recently (see the photo above) kept my feet dry and comfortable while carrying a heavy pack on a recent very difficult (distance: ~21 miles, Total Ascent: ~3,600 feet) backpacking trip into the heart of the North Inlet Trail to Lake Nokoni and Lake Nanita in Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado.
Every single pair is built by hand in Portland, Oregon with full-grain leather, Vibram Kletterlift outsoles, and waterproof GORE-TEX liners. The result is a classic design that provides unmatched comfort and support. Second lace option included with the boot is in flat red.
Get the Men’s Mountain Light at REI.com, or Backcountry.com
Get the Women’s Mountain Light at REI.com, or Backcountry.com
Topo Athletic Trailventure 2 Waterproof Hiking Boots
Trailventure 2 Lightweight and Waterproof Hiker . Photo by Topo Athletic.
Lightweight hiking boots have all but taken over the market. This movement is epitomized by Topo Athletic’s Trailventure 2 WP. With the looks of a trail runner but the bones of a hiking boot, the Trailventure 2 WP provides decent stability and support through an external TPU heel counter, reasonably tall and padded collar, and full length rock plate. Topo Athletic’s lightweight and rugged waterproof hiking boot featuring their signature roomy toe box, built to take on any trail in any weather, with Topo Athletic’s Vibram Megagrip outsole that delivers the ultimate grip on all surfaces, including wet and slippery terrain.
Get the Men’s Mountain Light at REI.com, or Backcountry.com
Get the Women’s Mountain Light at REI.com, or Backcountry.com
Skyblue Featured Video: Same is Boring – Merrell
Trail athletes are change-lovers. Not wanting the same thing twice. Bring on the rain, the sun, hell even the snow, because they wouldn’t have it any other way. The trail-ier the better. Same goes for Merrell, they thrive in the complete unpredictability of the trail. And with 40 years of trail know how, the trail is now second nature to them. And while trail athletes love being surprised by the trail, it’s nice to have a shoe that isn’t. One that is rock steady and ready to adapt to whatever comes its way. So don’t give us the same. We choose the trail. Because same is boring.
