Travel Products Activity + Adventure Camping + Hiking The 10 Most Comfortable Hiking Boots of 2024, Tested and Reviewed These hiking boots and shoes are cushioned and supportive from the get-go. By Anna Popp Anna Popp Anna Popp is a New York-based commerce writer at Travel + Leisure covering all of the best travel products, from luggage to outdoor gear. She has been a travel writer and product tester for over five years. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines Updated on March 8, 2024 In This Article Expand Jump to a Section Our top picks Reviews Others We Liked Our Testing Process Tips for Buying FAQ Why Trust T+L We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Travel + Leisure / David Hattan Hiking takes quite the toll on the feet, so if you want to make sure your tootsies are taken care of during a trek, it’s wise to invest in a pair of comfortable hiking boots. Apart from making sure your hiking boots have the right fit, other comfortable aspects include generous cushioning, flexible upper materials, and ankle support systems for stability. After testing 19 pairs of hiking boots, we weeded our list down to the top 10 hiking boots that impressed us with long-lasting comfort optimized for all types of outdoor adventures. Whether you hike in the winter or summer, have wide or narrow feet, or need extra ankle support or trail-to-town versatility, we put together this list with a pair of plush hiking boots for every hiker’s needs. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Topo Athletic Trailventure 2 WP Hiking Boot at Backcountry.com (See Price) Jump to Review Best for Summer: Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid Gore-tex Hiking Boots at Amazon ($184) Jump to Review Best for Narrow Feet: Lowa Mid Hiking Boots at Amazon ($230) Jump to Review Best for Wide Feet: La Sportiva Mid GTX Hiking Boots at Backcountry.com ($189) Jump to Review Best Lightweight: Scarpa Rush 2 Mid GTX Hiking Boot at Amazon (See Price) Jump to Review Best Flexibility: Zamberlan Hiking Shoes at REI ($250) Jump to Review Best Ankle Support: Merrell Moab 3 Mid at REI ($130) Jump to Review Best for Winter: Oboz Bridger 9 Inch Insulated Waterproof Hiking Boot at Amazon ($220) Jump to Review Best for Speed: Salewa Women's Mid PTX Boot at Backcountry.com ($200) Jump to Review Most Versatile: Forsake Waterproof Sneaker Boot at Amazon ($135) Jump to Review Best Overall Topo Athletic Trailventure 2 WP Hiking Boot Topo Athletic View On Backcountry.com View On Topoathletic.com Our Ratings Comfort 5/5 Fit 5/5 Performance 5/5 Durability 5/5 Value 5/5 Why We Love It Designed to be a recovery shoe, the Trailventure 2 massages the foot with a ridged cushioned footbed and has an athletic-sneaker fit with a roomy toe. What to Consider It runs a tad wide. We highly recommend Topo’s Athletic Trailventure 2 hiking boots for their ultra-cushioned footbed and just-right fit. The shoe is designed to have the fit of a running shoe with extra support in the higher ankle shaft, and we felt that as soon as we put on the lightweight boot. The midsole is incredibly soft and shock-absorbing, and the cushion has chevron-shaped ridges that gently massage the foot during and after trekking. One of the best parts of the waterproof boot is that its arch has a tight but comfortable fit and the toe is noticeably roomy, allowing the toes to spread about naturally — in fact, we think Topo makes the best toe boxes of any hiking boot brand on the market. Even after five months, they still look great with only minimal wear and tear. Although the fit may feel wider at first, we paired the boots with compression hiking socks to strike the perfect balance between a snug fit and space to move our toes comfortably. Plus, the vegan materials and boot construction are sturdy and durable-feeling, and the traction on the bottom is perfectly grippy for various terrain. The Details: Sizes 6 to 12 | 0.82 pounds | Mesh, textile, EVO, rubber | Waterproof Travel + Leisure / Ashley Craiger Travel + Leisure / Ashley Craiger Travel + Leisure / Ashley Craiger Best for Summer Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid Gore-tex Hiking Boots REI View On Amazon $184 View On REI $122 View On Backcountry.com $175 Our Ratings Comfort 5/5 Fit 5/5 Performance 5/5 Durability 5/5 Value 5/5 Why We Love It The boot is incredibly lightweight and has a cooling mesh upper that is still completely waterproof. What to Consider The traction could be better. Hiking in the spring or summer? Pick up a pair of Salomon’s X Ultra 4 hiking boots to keep your feet plenty cool when the temperatures spike. The upper mesh material provides a constant flow of air so your feet won’t get too sweaty while hiking. Although the upper material is very breathable, it has a waterproof layer of Gore-tex fabric so water and moisture can’t seep in at all. Whether you’re hiking through streams, puddles, or mud, the footing of the boots can withstand being completely submerged before any moisture trickles in. At just 1.6 pounds per pair, these hiking boots feel nearly weightless, especially when hiking long distances. The ankle shaft is soft but very supportive. After testing these boots for five months, we love them for their expert traction that makes climbing steep slopes a breeze. The shoes excelled in stability in loose gravel, steep rocks, and trails with leftover snow melt. The Details: Sizes 5 to 11 | 1.1 pounds | Leather, textile, rubber | Waterproof Travel + Leisure / Anna Popp Travel + Leisure / Anna Popp Best for Narrow Feet Lowa Mid Hiking Boots REI View On Amazon $230 View On REI $255 View On Backcountry.com $255 Our Ratings Comfort 5/5 Fit 4.5/5 Performance 5/5 Durability 5/5 Value 5/5 Why We Love It The narrow fit is perfectly snug in the arch area with enough wiggle room in the toes. What to Consider They are waterproof, but shouldn't be submerged (through river or stream crossings). The narrow size options of the Lowa Renegade GTX Mid-hiking Boots have the ideal fit for slender feet. After unlacing the boots, it was easy to slip a foot in and tie it for a secure fit around the top of the foot and the ankle. Although the boot has a thick Vibram outsole and nubuck leather upper material, it doesn’t feel too cumbersome to wear for medium-length hikes, but it might be a bit heavy for longer hikes. The upper has a layer of Gore-tex fabric for waterproofness, and the midsole is moisture-wicking thanks to the tiny perforations that let air pass through so your feet won’t get too sweaty while hiking. The Details: Sizes 5.5 to 12 (narrow, wide) | 2.13 pounds | Nubuck leather, polyester, rubber | Waterproof Travel + Leisure / Kathryn Standing Travel + Leisure / Kathryn Standing Travel + Leisure / Taylor Fox Travel + Leisure / Taylor Fox Best for Wide Feet La Sportiva Mid GTX Hiking Boots REI View On Backcountry.com $189 View On Backcountry.com View On Zappos $189 Our Ratings Comfort 5/5 Fit 5/5 Performance 5/5 Durability 5/5 Value 5/5 Why We Love It The shoes are designed to have a more comfortable and wider fit in the toe box and midfoot. What to Consider The fit could be too wide for some, so you may want to wear a pair of thicker hiking socks. If you’re looking for a roomier hiking boot, check out the La Sportiva’s TX Hike Mid GTX Hiking Boots. They’re designed with a wider fit around the middle of the foot and in the toe box. They run true to size and have an extremely lightweight feel to them thanks to the mesh upper and compression EVO midsole materials that don’t weigh down the shoe. The footbed provides plenty of heel and arch support for longer hikes and the mesh upper allows air to pass through so you can say goodbye to uncomfortably sweaty feet. After five months of tests, we found that the traction really helps by giving wearers confidence to step securely on challenging terrain. Although tie-up laces help with compressing the foot for a snug fit, the spacious toe box allows you to wiggle your toes. The shoe only comes in one style, so the fit could be a tad too roomy for some. If your feet aren’t on the wider side, we recommend wearing a pair of thicker hiking socks to fill a bit of the space. The Details: Sizes 36 to 43 | 1.8 pounds | Mesh, nylon, EVO | Waterproof Travel + Leisure / Kristin Cleveland Travel + Leisure / Kristin Cleveland Travel + Leisure / Kristin Cleveland Best Lightweight Scarpa Rush 2 Mid GTX Hiking Boot REI View On Amazon View On REI $153 View On Scarpa.com Our Ratings Comfort 5/5 Fit 5/5 Performance 5/5 Durability 5/5 Value 5/5 Why We Love It The boots feel as lightweight as a pair of sneakers or running shoes. What to Consider We wish there was more cushioning in the footbed. It’s no fun hiking when you’re being weighed down by your shoes, so we recommend the Scarpa Rush Mid hiking boots for their nearly weightless feel. The design and feel of the shoe closely resembles the weight and snugness of a running shoe, but we love that there’s plenty of ankle support and toe protection while on trails. Because the boots are so lightweight, it’s easy to pick up the feet to go over a variety of terrain, including puddles and mud thanks to the waterproof mesh upper with Gore-tex lining. While the EVA midsoles are perfectly soft and supportive for short and medium-length hikes with mild loads, the footbed and outsoles could be a bit thicker for extra cushioning and traction. In addition, the hiking boots run true to size and the high-quality feel of the materials and construction lead us to believe that these athletic-style boots will last for plenty of hikes without much wear and tear. The Details: Sizes 37 to 42 | 1.8 pounds | Mesh, TPU rubber | Waterproof Travel + Leisure / Laurel Randolph Travel + Leisure / Laurel Randolph Travel + Leisure / Laurel Randolph Best Flexibility Zamberlan Hiking Shoes REI View On REI $250 View On Zappos $260 View On Zamberlanusa.com Our Ratings Comfort 5/5 Fit 5/5 Performance 5/5 Durability 5/5 Value 5/5 Why We Love It The EVA foam midsoles are super plush and soft for flexibility while hiking long distances. What to Consider These don’t have a high ankle shaft like typical hiking boots. These Zamberlan 335 hiking shoes offer more flexibility than a typical hiking boot thanks to the lower ankle shaft and plush midsole cushioning. These sneaker-style hiking shoes are the most flexible in the toe and forefoot with a ridged heel to keep the foot firmly in place on difficult terrain. The cushioned midsole and arch support were immediately prevalent when we first put on the shoes, and the design provided maximum comfort while hiking long distances. While hiking shoes can sometimes lack stability in the ankle, these shoes have a ridged fit around the heel and adjustable laces to prevent the foot from slipping. And paired with the thick Vibram soles, the shoes have impressive stability and excellent traction so we hiked comfortably on a range of surfaces. After five months, the shoes have minimal wear and tear and they're still as comfortable as ever. The Details: Sizes 6 to 11 | 1.68 pounds | Microfiber, polyester, rubber | Waterproof Travel + Leisure / Allison Vancura Travel + Leisure / Allison Vancura The 10 Best Hiking Boots for Women of 2024, Tested and Reviewed Best Ankle Support Merrell Moab 3 Mid Amazon View On REI $130 View On Nordstrom $150 View On Backcountry.com $130 Our Ratings Comfort 4.8/5 Fit 5/5 Performance 4.9/5 Durability 5/5 Value 5/5 Why We Love It The boot has just the right amount of stiffness in the ankle with a soft midsole for cushioning and arch support. What to Consider There is a very minor break-in period. For hiking through uneven or rougher terrain, a pair of hiking boots with exceptional ankle support is crucial for both safety and comfort. The Merrell Moab 3 Mid GTX Boots have the perfect balance of stability and comfort thanks to the stiffer exterior and supportive (and soft) cushioning on the interior. The construction of the thick Vibram outsole and mesh upper is tough and sturdy while still maintaining a lightweight feel on the feet while hiking. Breathable and waterproof, these boots are ideal for all-weather hiking since they can take on water, snow, mud, and more without leaving the feet feeling wet or sweaty. We did notice a slight break-in period that lasted several hours on the first hike but after getting out on the trail for a bit, the shoes softened up and beautifully molded to our feet. The Details: 5 to 12 (medium, wide) | 1.8 pounds | Leather, mesh, rubber | Waterproof Travel + Leisure / Lydia Price Travel + Leisure / Lydia Price Travel + Leisure / Lydia Price Best for Winter Oboz Bridger 9 Inch Insulated Waterproof Hiking Boot REI View On Amazon $220 View On REI $220 View On Backcountry.com $220 Our Ratings Comfort 5/5 Fit 4.5/5 Performance 5/5 Durability 5/5 Value 5/5 Why We Love It The high ankle shaft and 400 grams of insulation make these cozy hiking boots best for cold weather. What to Consider They are better for day hikes or shorter distances. For hiking in winter, fall, or early spring, you may want a boot with a little extra material to combat the chillier temperatures and possibly rougher terrain. These Oboz insulated hiking boots are designed to prevent cold toes thanks to the 400 grams of insulation, waterproof nubuck leather upper, and rubber toe caps. Whether you’re hiking up or downhill, the rubber outsole has asymmetrical divots to grip terrain going in both directions, especially on icy or slick surfaces. The shoes have a snug fit right out of the box and are comfortable for short to medium-distance hikes, but we found ourselves wanting more cushioning in the midsole on longer hikes. The boots feel exceptionally sturdy thanks to the extra tall ankle shaft that’s also great for keeping snow, mud, or water out of the boots, and the high-quality construction of the shoe leads us to believe they will last for plenty of winter hikes or snowshoeing adventures. The Details: 6 to 11 (regular, wide) | 3.3 pounds | Leather, EVA, rubber | Waterproof The 10 Best Hiking Boots for Women of 2024, Tested and Reviewed Best for Speed Salewa Women's Mid PTX Boot Salewa View On Backcountry.com $200 View On Zappos $200 View On Salewa.com Our Ratings Comfort 5/5 Fit 5/5 Performance 5/5 Durability 5/5 Value 5/5 Why We Love It The boots have the feel of a running shoe and boast outsoles specifically designed for hiking at fast paces. What to Consider It’s easier to put on the boots with thinner socks. Hikers and trail runners alike will appreciate the lightweight and supportive feel of the Salewa Pedroc Pro hiking boots. The boots fit similarly to a pair of running shoes with more support in the ankles due to the high-top ankle support system. Each shoe weighs less than one pound, but don’t let the lightweight feel fool you, as we found these hiking boots to have exceptional traction and sturdiness on uneven terrain. However, the most notable aspect of these boots is the generous padding lining the interior of the shoes. The EVA midsoles offer excellent arch support that isn’t too intense for a variety of arch sizes and the tongue and heel have a soft lining of fabric and cushioning to prevent any chafing or pinching. Due to all of the cushioning in the shoes, we found that thinner hiking socks made it easier to put on the boots. The Details: Sizes 6 to 11 | 1.7 pounds | Mesh, TPU rubber | Waterproof Travel + Leisure / Kelsey Chapman Travel + Leisure / Kelsey Chapman Most Versatile Forsake Waterproof Sneaker Boot REI View On Amazon $135 View On REI $155 View On Backcountry.com $139 Why We Love It The boots are equally stylish as they are comfortable. What to Consider These may not be best for long, technical hikes. Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned hiker, these stylish boots from Forsake are the best pair we tested for hiking and everyday wear. The biggest draw is that they don’t look like a typical pair of rugged hiking boots, but they offer the same amount of support and cushioning that you would expect for hiking. The leather upper is sleek and protective, and the brand calls the rubber outsole a “peak-to-pavement” design which we found to be completely accurate. The traction is ideal for stabilization on concrete and light to medium terrain but if you’re doing a longer or more advanced hike, these might not be the best option. However, the leather exterior is soft and sturdy with the high ankle support system and the interior is lined with plush cushioning and ample arch support, making these hiking boots comfortable for all types of activities. The Details: Sizes 5.5 to 11 | 1.8 pounds | Leather, mesh, rubber | Waterproof The 12 Best Daypacks for Hiking in 2024, Tested and Reviewed Other Comfortable Hiking Boots We Liked There was one pair of hiking boots that still scored highly in all of our testing categories, including comfort, but we ran into a few issues with durability and fit that are important to take note of. Danner Mountain 600 Hiking Boots: These hiking boots are comfortable from the very first wear, and they are super easy to put on and take off. They didn’t cause any blisters or discomfort, but they don’t prioritize breathability, and our feet were very warm during and after a hike. If you primarily hike in warm weather, these aren’t the best choice. Our Testing Process Based on our thorough research and expert recommendations, we carefully chose 19 pairs of hiking boots to test while trekking. As soon as the hiking boots arrived at our front doors, we began by unboxing and examining the footwear to start taking notes on the construction and design of the shoe. Then, we put on the boots and walked around the house to get a feel for the possible break-in time needed before actually heading outdoors to test the shoes. We recorded how easy or difficult it was to put on and take off the hiking boots. The next step was to hit the trails for at least two hikes to further note the fit, durability, performance, and, of course, the comfort of each pair of hiking boots. We paid close attention to every aspect of the boot from the heel to the toe (and the ankles) to recommend the top-scoring boots for comfort. The best options we tried required no break-in period and offer the perfect balance of flexibility and support to keep your feet cushioned and stable for hours on end. After each hike, we re-examined each boot for any wear and tear on the footwear and any blisters or redness on our feet. Tips For Buying Comfortable Hiking Boots Keep your environment in mind Not every top hiking boot is right for every hike. Consider the climate, ground conditions, and inclines where you’ll be using the hiking boots most to invest in the right pair. We generally recommend getting a pair of hiking boots made with waterproof materials like Gore-tex to ensure that your feet stay dry if you encounter inclement weather or discreet puddles. However, if you mainly hike in hot weather, opt for extra breathable boots with a mesh upper. Winter hikers should invest in a pair of boots with insulation and dense outsoles with plenty of traction. Opt for a snug fit When you’re picking out the size for a pair of hiking boots, all you can really do is take the most educated guess based on the sizing recommendations or reviews. If the boots arrive and they aren’t snug around the foot or roomy enough to wiggle the toes in the front, exchange them for a different size. The boots should never feel tight, but the fit should hug the foot and leave room to move the toes comfortably. Buy for your foot shape Not all hiking boots offer narrow, wide, and standard sizing. Pay close attention to which size and fit each pair is optimized for, and what width options are available. Depending on your arches, you may want to also look for a boot with removable midsoles so you can customize the boot or focus on finding a pair with the support and cushioning you’re looking for to match the shape of your foot and arches. Frequently Asked Questions How should hiking boots fit? Your hiking boots should fit snug (like a nice hug) around your forefoot with enough room in the toebox for you to wiggle your toes freely. If you’re feeling a tight pressure, toes hitting the front, or the foot sliding around, you have the wrong size. When you’re shopping online for boots, it can be helpful to read the brand’s sizing guide and look at reviews to get an idea of the fit. Also, double-check the return and exchange policy if you’re unsure of the right size. How do I break-in hiking boots? Typically, the best (and most comfortable) hiking boots won’t require any major break-in period. When you first get the boots, you will want to put them on, walk around the house, and run some errands to make sure they aren’t too small or too big. It’s normal for boots to feel a little stiff at first, but that should ease up fairly quickly. How do I clean hiking boots? You can purchase shoe cleaner to keep your hiking boots looking new, but since they are built to be durable, it may not be necessary. After an especially muddy hike, you can try rinsing your boots with a hose or filling a sink with warm water and dish soap. To clean details like the area around the boots' seams, you may want to use a soft brush (like a toothbrush) to gently scrub away any stubborn dirt. How should I tie hiking boots? Your boots should be tied tight enough that your ankle and foot can't slide around too much, but not so tight that you become uncomfortable. Starting at the tip of your toes, use a standard criss-cross method to lace up the boot. Once you get to the hooks at the top of the boot, continue to criss-cross the laces while looping them behind each hook. From there, a standard square knot or double knot should work to keep your foot stable and prevent laces from coming untied on the trail. There is no one perfect way to tie a hiking boot, so be sure to prioritize your own comfort and safety by finding the right style of knot that works for you. Why Trust Travel + Leisure Travel + Leisure Commerce Writer Anna Popp reviews travel products and writes almost all of the team’s tested content. She participates in nearly every travel test, including this one, where she went hiking outside of New York City with other members of the T+L commerce team to try out various hiking boots and backpacks. Anna used her background in hiking and backpacking and sorted through notes from testing to determine the winners for the most comfortable hiking boots. The 8 Best Hiking Shoes for Women of 2024, Tested and Reviewed Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week. Edited by Lydia Price Lydia Price Lydia Price is a senior commerce editor at Travel + Leisure, where she writes and edits reviews about outdoor products. She also shares her top product recommendations in short-form videos across T+L's social platforms. learn more Updated by Taylor Fox Taylor Fox Taylor Fox is a Commerce Updates Writer at Travel + Leisure where she tests, researches, and writes about travel products. Taylor holds a Master’s in Geography and has been a writer and editor for over seven years. learn more Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit