If you’re in the market for a tough boot for serious day hiking and backpacking, Salomon’s Quest 4 GTX is the whole package. What we don't: Pretty heavy and overkill for most day hiking. What we like: Tough, protective, and supportive yet comfortable excellent lacing system. See the Men's Merrell Moab 3 See the Women's Merrell Moab 3 Best Backpacking Boot for Rough Terrain 3. And if you prefer a non-waterproof design, the standard Moab 3 Mid is an equally great value at $130.
But for a significant discount, the Moab offers the right mix of comfort and performance for many day and weekend adventures. Second, it feels heavier than its actual weight: All the cushioning and thick materials make the boot feel clunky and dated when compared to a nimble and modern alternative like the X Ultra 4 above or HOKA's Anacapa below.
What are the downsides of the Moab 3 Mid WP? Compared to some of the pricier models on this list, the boot is lacking in support for carrying a heavy load or scrambling on rocky or rough trails. Notable changes include greater use of recycled fabrics-including the mesh lining and laces-and slightly more aggressive traction. The Moab was updated to the "3" last year, but they didn't fuss much with the proven design. For $150, you get great cushioning underfoot and around the collar, trusty Vibram outsoles, and Merrell’s in-house waterproof membrane (an upgraded Gore-Tex model is available for $170). What makes this boot so popular is its foot-friendly, comfortable feel and reliable trail chops at such a reasonable price. What we don’t: Lacks the nimble feel of many modern alternatives.įor day hikers and lightweight backpackers who stick mostly to maintained trails, our top value pick is the Merrell Moab 3. What we like: Standout price for a proven and extremely comfortable day hiking boot. See the Men's X Ultra 4 Mid GTX See the Women's X Ultra 4 Mid GTXīest Budget Hiking Boot 2. And a final bonus: The X Ultra is one of the few lightweight designs that is made in wide sizes. However, it beats out other ultralight options like the Altra Lone Peak in durability, protection, and support. In addition, the X Ultra is fairly flexible and doesn’t sit as high on the ankle as the Quest, so it isn’t as supportive over technical terrain or when carrying a heavy pack. The most significant is the lack of underfoot protection, which is thinner than the burly Salomon Quest 4 and max-cushioned HOKA Anacapa below. Naturally, there are a few compromises that come with the X Ultra’s lightweight construction. For fast-moving day hikers, lightweight backpackers, and even thru-hikers, we heartily recommend the X Ultra 4 Mid. You also get Salomon build quality, which we’ve found tends to stand up to more abuse on the trail than other boots in this weight and price range. Updated last spring with a sleeker upper and revised chassis, the latest version of the boot offers an impressive combination of comfort and low weight-all while retaining solid toe protection, stability, and well-rounded traction. What we don’t: Thinner underfoot and less stable than the Salomon Quest 4 below.īuilt like a trail running shoe but with added ankle support and protection, the Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid is our favorite all-around hiking boot for 2023. What we like: Fast, light, flexible, and reasonably priced.
Best for Fast-and-Light Mountain Adventures: La Sportiva Ultra Raptor IIīest Overall Hiking Boot 1.Best Max-Cushioned Hiking Boot: Hoka Anacapa Mid GTX.Best Backpacking Boot for Rough Terrain: Salomon Quest 4 GTX.Best Budget Hiking Boot: Merrell Moab 3 Mid WP.Best Overall Hiking Boot: Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX.
If you prefer to go even lighter and faster, check out our article on the best hiking shoes. For more information, see the comparison table and buying advice below the picks. Our picks for the best hiking boots of 2023 below are broken down into three categories: lightweight boots for day hiking and fastpacking, midweight options that work well for most backpacking trips, and heavyweights for rough terrain or hauling a large load. The trend is toward lighter materials that still offer decent support, and waterproof boots are the most popular by far (some are offered in a non-waterproof version for hiking in hot or dry climates). Hiking boots are critical to your comfort and performance on the trail, but this no longer means a stiff and burly model that will weigh you down.
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