The Best Hiking Boots of 2025

Retaining your toes dry and guarded is mission-critical within the wilderness. A profitable hike begins with the toes, and our information to one of the best mountaineering boots highlights the newest fashions and a few outdated favorites. The right match will preserve you blister-free when you take pleasure in miles of path and sweeping vistas.

Creator and Senior Editor Chris Carter has examined over 20 completely different pairs of trainers prior to now 12 months alone and has his finger on the heartbeat of the mountaineering boot market to convey you essentially the most present, deserving choice attainable. An alumnus of every of the Triple Crown trails in america (PCT, CDT, and AT), Chris has racked up sufficient blisters over hundreds of miles in brutal terrain to know what makes a mountaineering boot value its mettle.

He’s fastidiously picky in regards to the footwear he relies on within the backcountry, and permits solely the easiest into this roundup. The Salomon X Extremely 4 Mid GTX is an general favourite, whereas the Merrell Moab Mid 3 Waterproof will get the job carried out on a price range, however perusing our information might reveal an excellent higher choice on your toes.

Further views come from Sean McCoy and Nick LeFort, each avid hikers, consummate woodsmen, and long-time GearJunkie contributors. As a hunter, Sean has hauled his fair proportion of weight out and in of the backcountry and is aware of the worth of a supportive mountaineering boot. Nick has put in his time as a boot fitter and might communicate to sizing and match issues.

By the testing course of, we primarily targeted on consolation, traction, assist, and sturdiness. Secondary components included worth, model, and weight. After years of mountaineering and months of testing the most recent choices on the market, we’ve compiled a listing of what we really consider to be one of the best mountaineering boots for women and men.

Editor’s Word: This information acquired an replace on April 22, 2025, highlighting the Meindl MFS-Vakuum Hiker. Whereas we love light-weight breathable artificial boots, generally nothing does the trick like a burly all-leather hiker. The MFS-Vakuum is reminiscence foam-lined, making for a faster break-in interval and higher consolation than your dad’s outdated mountaineering boots. Moreover, we’ve examined the newly up to date Rush 2 Professional Mid GTX, an superior boot, particularly for people with slim toes.

Different Nice Boots We Examined

Whereas they didn’t make the highest of our listing, the next boots have been field-tested by GearJunkie editors and are very a lot worthy of your consideration.

Climbing Boot Comparability Chart

How We Examined Climbing Boots

The GearJunkie staff has examined tons of of pairs of mountaineering boots. We’ve hiked alongside gradual metropolis park paths and backpacked via rugged alpine terrain in our seek for one of the best mountaineering footwear available on the market. The advisable boots on this listing are the results of our thorough and unending discipline testing.

Editorial Director Sean McCoy broke path with this information again in July 2020, crafting our preliminary choice of eight worthy mountaineering boots. Whether or not packing out a kill from deep within the backcountry or clocking miles on cruiser singletrack — Sean is intimately conscious of the significance of correct footwear for streamlined adventures.

Senior Editor Chris Carter took over this information in August 2022. He has been combing via his smelly shoe rack, scrubbing via on-line mountaineering boards, and endlessly bugging his dirtbag backpacking buds ever since to slim in on the succinct listing of 16 boots you see at present.

Chris has thru-hiked the Triple Crown of lengthy trails in america: the Pacific Crest Path, the Continental Divide Path, and the Appalachian Path. He is aware of the significance of correctly becoming, snug boots for lengthy backpacking journeys, and is extraordinarily specific in regards to the footwear he relies on within the wild.

After we assess a boot for its sturdiness, we put on it commonly and preserve an in depth eye on long-term efficiency. After we take a look at a boot for assist and stability, we trudge via tough terrain and pay further consideration to floor really feel and roll resistance. Our waterproofing testing entails publicity to puddles, precipitation, and different components that you just’re more likely to encounter on the path.

Our suggestions are usually not fastened in time. As new mountaineering boots hit the market, we’ll be ready to place them to the take a look at. In the event that they’re distinctive, we’ll be sure you add them to this listing of one of the best mountaineering boots available on the market.

Climbing boots are sturdy and supportive, however generally they’re overkill for brief hikes or light-weight backpacking. For some lighter-weight choices that break in additional rapidly, check out our information to one of the best mountaineering sneakers, and for a womens’-specific tackle boots, take a look at one of the best mountaineering boots for girls.

Purchaser’s Information: Select a Pair of Climbing Boots

Selecting the optimum mountaineering boot is an ever-complicated and private endeavor. All of us have distinctive foot shapes and wishes on the path, so analysis and testing are sometimes vital find boots with that excellent mix of match and performance.

Boots constructed for sturdiness and stability are usually much less forgiving than most footwear. And since you’re typically sporting them for hours on finish, they require a extra exact match. Right here are some things that may assist you discover one of the best boot on your foot.

Climbing Boot Elements: Uppers, Midsoles, and Outsoles

Climbing boots — and mountaineering sneakers — are composed of three major parts: the higher, midsole, and outsole. The design of every aspect helps dictate how sturdy, breathable, and water resistant the boot goes to be.

Higher

A mountaineering boot’s higher is the outer materials on the highest and sides of the boot. There are a handful of supplies generally utilized in mountaineering boot uppers, however typically, uppers are both leather-based or artificial.

Leather-based uppers are extra traditional-looking, they usually are usually extremely sturdy and abrasion-resistant. Nevertheless, they often require long-term care to forestall cracking and unpleasant ageing. An ideal instance could be the burly, age-defying Crispi Nevada GTX.

Artificial uppers are usually lighter than leather-based. Additionally they are inclined to dry sooner and customarily price much less. An instance of an artificial higher could be TERREX Free Hiker 2.0 GORE-TEX.

Usually, artificial uppers are usually not as sturdy as leather-based, however fashionable advances appear to be closing the hole. For individuals who favor to not use animal merchandise, artificial uppers are clearly the way in which to go.

Midsoles

A midsole supplies underfoot cushioning and provides structural stability to the complete boot. Stiff boots probably include a thick and stiff midsole, and most frequently require a break-in interval.

Stiffer midsoles present essentially the most sturdiness, however as a result of they’ve much less give, can be more durable on the toes. Stiff midsoles are perfect for offering traction on extremely technical terrain the place foot motion isn’t superb, equivalent to mountaineering, mountain climbing, and motion over variable terrain like talus fields.

Comfortable and versatile mountaineering boots are constructed with thinner, extra pliable midsoles. Stiff boots can stop your toes from turning into drained and sore, however versatile boots could also be extra snug and nimble for quick and lightweight mountaineering, they usually have a tendency to forestall blisters.

Fashionable hikers partaking in long-distance pursuits are discovering that softer midsoles present the stability of technical efficiency and luxury they want for prolonged use, turning to boots just like the Altra Lone Peak All-Climate Mid for his or her long-distance endeavors.

Midsoles are typically constituted of EVA or polyurethane. EVA is light-weight and gentle, whereas polyurethane is firmer and extra sturdy. For those who plan to hike lengthy distances with a heavy pack, both is a viable choice, but it surely actually relies on your private wants.

When you’ve got weaker arches and require assist, stiffer midsoles can stop pointless soreness over lengthy distances. For those who’re already used to extra minimal, versatile footwear, softer midsoles permit the muscle tissues in your toes to perform extra as nature meant. PCT hikers, for instance, are trending towards softer midsoles that restrict blistering and strengthen the toes over time.

Outsoles

The outsoles of mountaineering boots are manufactured from rubber with various grades of stiffness and grip. More durable outsoles on stiff boots generally embody components equivalent to carbon to scale back weight. Whereas extra-stiff outsoles are sturdy and good for carrying heavy masses, they will really feel slick when mountaineering off-trail.

Stiff outsoles are perfect for scrambling on steep rock or different conditions the place traction is integral to security. Softer outsoles are perfect for packed, closely trafficked trails the place technical terrain is much less frequent. A boot that bridges this hole fairly properly is the La Sportiva Nucleo Excessive 2 GTX.

All outsoles embody a lug sample designed to extend traction and grip. Broadly spaced lugs are much less more likely to accumulate mud, whereas shallow lugs are higher for mountaineering over rocky surfaces.

Some lug patterns are symmetrical, whereas others have a level of asymmetry that’s primarily built-in to mirror the pure contours of the toes via the footfall. Each have various levels of stiffness, so selecting the best lug sample tends to be a private desire.

Some outsoles embody a heel brake, which might scale back your probabilities of sliding whereas descending steep slopes. Most fashionable mountaineering boots combine a heel brake to some extent, as do most working/mountaineering hybrid sneakers.

Take this into consideration in case your backcountry travels are going to take you up and over high-altitude passes or on trails which can be notably steep.

Weight

A pair of mountaineering boots can weigh anyplace from 1.5 kilos to properly over 4 kilos. The burden of your boots will depend upon their construction and supplies.

Usually, extra sturdy boots with leather-based uppers and stiff soles will likely be heavier (such because the Meindl MFS-Vakuum Hiker), whereas hybrid artificial fashions will likely be lighter (just like the SCARPA Rush 2 Professional Mid GTX).

There may be all the time a give and take with weight. So, heavier boots typically show to have greater levels of waterproofness and long-term sturdiness, although they is probably not essentially the most snug choices.

Artificial boots with versatile soles will likely be lighter and carry out extra like trainers. Carrying heavy boots in your toes on lengthy hikes may cause fatigue, however heavy boots additionally have a tendency to supply extra assist. As we’ve beforehand acknowledged, it’s necessary to know your private wants and store accordingly.

In the summertime months, it’s not unusual to see folks mountaineering in rugged lugged sandals. Most frequently, nevertheless, it’s not their first rodeo, they usually’ve lengthy developed the foot power to strip weight and switch extra work to the muscle tissues of the toes.

Assist & Stability

For those who’re mountaineering with a heavy load, you’ll most frequently need some steady and supportive mountaineering boots. A stiff outsole and midsole in a boot just like the Asolo TPS 52 GV EVO add assist underfoot. And a pleasant agency ankle collar helps the ankle joint when missteps over free floor are a risk.

Heavier boots are inclined to have inflexible ankle assist, whereas lighter hybrid choices are inclined to have extra of a sock-like match across the ankle. Our ankles are meant to have a sure diploma of flex, and a few have extra steady ankles than others. That is one other necessary issue to contemplate when selecting one of the best boot on your toes.

Arch assist is one other key issue to contemplate, and likewise relies on your private desire and foot form. Some folks have greater, lively arches and might use boots with out arch assist (just like the Altra Lone Peak) over lengthy distances with out situation.

Most producers restrict the quantity of arch assist they embody within the footbed to accommodate quite a lot of foot shapes out of the field. If you understand you want arch assist however don’t essentially want orthotics, extra conventional, inflexible boots just like the Danner Mountain 600 EVO have a tendency to supply extra built-in assist underfoot.

Traction

Totally different lug patterns are designed for various sorts of terrain. Though some boot corporations make their very own outsoles, Vibram soles are nonetheless the usual for high-quality outsoles and most traction. Vibram makes all kinds of soles, from extraordinarily stiff soles for mountaineering and scrambling to extra versatile soles for working and mountaineering on packed trails.

Some boots embody a easy part of rubber below the toes for smearing on slabs of rock. Different boots have deep lugs constructed for gentle or muddy trails. Most lug patterns work for quite a lot of terrain, but when you’ll be mountaineering in excessive situations, search for one thing extra aggressive with bigger or pointier lugs.

On steep and free terrain, a heel brake is a useful function. That is the outlined spot on the heel that helps stop slippage when strolling downhill.

Waterproofing

For those who’ll be sporting your boots when it’s wet, snowy, or chilly, get a water-resistant and breathable pair. They’ll preserve moisture out, which is able to preserve your toes snug no matter what number of miles you’re ticking off.

The trade-off between impermeability and breathability is clear in heavier boots, so think about one thing lighter weight in case your toes will likely be getting moist however not soaked. Usually, the extra waterproof a boot is the heavier and fewer breathable it is going to be.

There are just a few exceptions, nevertheless, and fashionable advances in venting appear to be bettering this age-old dilemma, therefore our rave critiques of the SCARPA Rush 2 Professional Mid GTX.

For those who’re mountaineering primarily or completely in sizzling, dry situations, don’t get a water-resistant boot. A membrane-free boot will preserve your toes cool and dry, and the discharge of moisture can assist stop blisters. For those who reside within the excessive desert surrounded by mountains, you’ll most likely want a summer time boot and a shoulder season boot for when moisture provides extra variability to the paths.

Breathability

As talked about above, breathability and waterproofness are tied collectively, for higher or worse. The extra waterproof a boot is, the much less breathable it is going to be, and vice versa. For those who’re mountaineering in sizzling, humid environments the place you don’t anticipate to come across water, a light-weight, ultra-breathable boot is right (the HOKA Speedgoat 6 Mid, as an illustration).

When your toes don’t air out, you improve the chance of blisters and extra critical accidents like trench foot (far more frequent in older, much less superior boots). Breathability not solely signifies that air can transfer via and out of the shoe, but it surely additionally lets water vapor escape. Dry toes keep hotter in colder temperatures as properly.

All fashionable producers take this under consideration when designing one of the best mountaineering boots, so some aspect of breathability will likely be inbuilt. Nonetheless, it’s an necessary consideration on your distinctive toes (sweaty vs. dry), as swampy/chilly toes can really make or break an outing.

Insoles

Not all mountaineering boot insoles will likely be a very good match for each foot. Relying on the form of your foot, chances are you’ll have to buy insoles individually. When you’ve got a excessive arch, search for insoles that cater to this trait particularly.

Different insoles promote a flatter, extra pure footfall, whereas others can improve the quantity of heel-to-toe drop. In case your insoles are sporting out sooner in a particular spot, it’s a very good signal that you need to discover a unique choice.

Toebox Room

For hikers who’ve toes with toes that splay out greater than others, or simply naturally huge toes, boots with slim toeboxes will be uncomfortable over lengthy distances. Because the miles stack up on a protracted journey, your toes may also swell fairly a bit, exacerbating the problem. This may result in blisters, plantar fasciitis, or different foot points.

For those who really feel like your toes are taking part in a recreation of sardines in each mountaineering boot you strive, it might be time to present wide-width boots a shot, or fashions which have enlarged toeboxes. Altra is the king of ultra-wide toebox clown sneakers, and although they might look foolish, they afford you among the most natural-feeling strides of any boot we examined.

Zero-drop, with loads of house on your toes to breathe with every step, Altra boots go away little or no to be desired. We examined the Lone Peak All-Climate Mid 2 for this information, however each Altra shoe boasts this roomy function.

Crampon Compatibility

For those who plan to do some main winter mountaineering or mountaineering, you’ll want boots that work properly with crampons. These traction units are vital for excessive situations, they usually present traction when crossing steep snow or ice. Generally, heavier, stiffer boots are extra suitable with crampons.

The La Sportiva Trango Tech GTX Boot is an ideal instance of a lighter-weight crampon-compatible boot. Micro-spikes have gotten more and more widespread for thru-hikers preferring to hold much less weight whereas ultralight backpacking, they usually are inclined to work properly over extra versatile, lighter boots just like the Salomon X Extremely 4 Mid GTX.

Value & Worth

The boots in our information vary in worth from $165 to $440. So if cash isn’t a problem, must you simply go forward and purchase a $440 pair of trainers? No! Fortuitously, the entire boots on this information are top quality, and our High Decide is definitely on the cheaper finish of the spectrum. Our worth and worth breakdown can assist you perceive what you want in a boot, what you don’t want, and what precisely you’re paying for whenever you shell out the large bucks.

Price range

“Price range” is commonly correlated with decrease high quality. By way of the boots we examined, worth and high quality correlations are usually not fairly so clear. Our Finest Price range choose is the Merrell Moab 3 ($150). This boot employs a mixture of pigskin leather-based and artificial materials to stability sturdiness and price financial savings.

It’s a wide-fitting, snug boot, however it isn’t essentially the most supportive and never the only option for lengthy distances or backcountry work. The KEEN Targhee IV ($165) is barely costlier and presents somewhat extra assist and sturdiness. It’s a mid-height boot with a sturdy leather-based higher and Eager’s proprietary waterproof liner.

A technique producers can preserve costs decrease is through the use of a proprietary waterproof liner as a substitute of leaping on the GORE-TEX wagon, a course of that entails licensing, testing, and design necessities to satisfy the requirements of the GORE-TEX model.

Proprietary liners range from model to model of their levels of breathability, and GORE-TEX has a great deal of information (and advertising and marketing) that implies their liner is essentially the most breathable. Nevertheless, all of the proprietary liners are fairly efficient at conserving water out.

The cheaper fashions in our information sometimes have artificial or partially artificial uppers. Artificial uppers are cheaper to supply and customarily breathe significantly better than boots with all-leather uppers, whereas a totally leather-based higher is way more sturdy than synthetics.

Mid-Tier

A lot of the boots on this information inhabit the mid-tier of boot costs, together with our greatest general alternative, the Salomon X Extremely 4 Mid GTX ($175). Mid-range boots typically get a GORE-TEX liner and will have a full leather-based higher. They’re heavier, extra sturdy, and provide extra safety than the lighter (albeit extra snug out of the field) cheaper boots.

For those who’re going backpacking or searching, or in a state of affairs the place you’ll be carrying plenty of weight within the backcountry, these boots are value shelling out somewhat extra. The higher finish of the mid-tier consists of boots just like the La Sportiva Nucleo Excessive 2 GTX ($239), a high-top full-leather, waterproof boot that may even deal with some light-duty mountaineering.

Premium

The costliest boots on our listing are heavy-duty boots like those your dad wore. Starting from $300 to $400+, these are tanks on your toes that usually meet the protecting requirements for wildland firefighting or path constructing.

They take a major period of time to interrupt in, and we advocate sporting them round the home and dialing in your sock recreation earlier than committing to massive miles. They’re essentially the most supportive boots made, and when you’ve paid the entry payment and achieved a very good match, they’ll final you the remainder of your life.

Hunters, path employees, arborists, and anybody who must trudge via mud and snow whereas off-trail and carrying a heavy load ought to think about a premium boot. The Asolo TPS 52 GV EVO ($360) is a killer boot that may simply deal with snow and ice when you hike with chainsaws or pulaskis, or haul a kill out of the wilderness.

The absolutely insulated Crispi Nevada GTX Looking Boot ($440) is the crème-de-la-crème of searching boots and can preserve your toes heat and dry whether or not you’re on the transfer or ready for recreation to come back your means. With correct care, a premium boot can last more than your toes will.

Incessantly Requested Questions

Essentially the most snug mountaineering boots are ones that really feel good whenever you put them on earlier than your hike — and that also really feel good whenever you take them off on the finish of your hike.

A really gentle boot may really feel nice to slip into at residence, but it surely won’t have sufficient assist or safety to depart you feeling nice after a protracted day on the path.

The most effective light-weight mountaineering boots are those that suit your foot. Take a look at Altra’s Lone Peak All-Climate Mid 2. We cherished them for his or her feather weight, very good assist, and their roomy toebox. For those who don’t want a water-resistant boot, select one with out a membrane.

Whether or not you hike in sneakers or boots is a private desire. Climbing boots give extra ankle assist, so when you’re carrying a heavy load backpacking, they’re a terrific alternative. However many thru-hikers put on mountaineering sneakers for large adventures, just like the Appalachian Path.

Construction underfoot issues as a lot as how excessive the boot is. Select a boot or shoe that feels good to put on and offers you confidence whenever you’re mountaineering.

For those who plan to commonly hike in moist and chilly environments, it might be smart to get waterproof mountaineering boots. Chances are you’ll not plan on getting moist, but it surely’s all the time a risk within the outside. Waterproof boots ensure you’re ready for something. Relying on the climate and season, it’s your decision a pair of winter mountaineering boots.

That mentioned, waterproof boots are usually hotter and fewer breathable. So, when you plan to hike in heat and dry situations such because the desert, waterproof boots are usually not the only option.