The Vasque Breeze Boots provide have a good balance of weather protection and breathability. The ankle cuff is padded without adding bulk, and the lacing system latches twice over the ankle for maximum stability. We treat our recommendations as if they were for our family and friends. 2.3 oz. MEASURED WEIGHT PER PAIR (SIZE 9): 1 lb. Link in bio, Crisp rushing water and distant snowy peaks in the Wind River Range. 0.5 oz. If you're looking for a lightweight and water resistant hyrbid between a trail runner and hiking boots, the Alta Lone Peak All-Weather Mid is a great choice for wide feet. Boots often have shanks and plates either above or beneath the midsole layers, adding support and stability. The traction was on par with the best hiking boots that we tested, featuring Frixion XF 2.0 rubber outsoles with an Impact Brake System and Trail Bite heels, allowing for excellent traction and control in various mountain landscapes. This feature encourages better alignment that will benefit your entire body, but you have to work up to longer distances over time. The Bridgers are made for those who need a dependable and supportive boot for backpacking with a heavier pack or for challenging day hikes over rough trails. WATERPROOFING TREATMENTS - Waterproof footwear is ideal for soggy day hikes, but its important to remember that waterproof doesnt mean that water can never get in. See our full review here: https://www.cleverhiker.com/blog/outdoor-research-helium-rain-jacket-amp-pants-review, Need a gift for the outdoorsy person in your life? They are also available for order in a wide option for a more customized fit. This ankle height is the main difference between a hiking boot and a hiking shoe regarding support. MANAGING MOISTURE & BLISTERS - If youre on an extended trip in wet conditions or you find yourself caught in a downpour during a day hike, your feet will likely get wet no matter what type of footwear you're wearing. 
Most durable hiking boots: Salomon Quest 4 GTX, Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX, Lowa Renegade GTX Mid, La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX, Vasque Breeze AT Mid GTX & Oboz Bridger Mid BDry. Got feedback? Salewa uses a Pomoca rubber compound for its outsole, and they work very well. 
The waterproof layer is an eVent membrane instead of the more common Gore-Tex. Our experts test thousands of products each year using thoughtful test plans that bring out key performance differences between competing products. Despite being so rugged and durable, the Nucleos are light and comfy enough for all-day wear, and their stylish design transitions well to after-hike drinks. Keeping your feet dry is aided by choosing the best boots for your intended uses, as well as noticing when your feet become wet and attending to them. The Merrell Moab 2 Mid WP scored highly across many of our testing metrics due to their simple, supportive, and comfortable design, available at an affordable price. 10.9 oz. Best waterproof hiking boots: Vasque Breeze AT Mid GTX, Vasque Breeze AT Mid GTX, Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX, Altra Lone Peak ALL-WTHR Mid & Lowa Renegade GTX Mid, Best non-waterproof hiking boots: Salomon X Ultra 3 Mid Aero & Merrell Moab 2 Mid Ventilator, Comparing the lightweight Merrell Ontario Mid WP to the heavy-duty Salomon Quest 4 GTX, BEST HIKING BOOTS OVERALL FOR ANKLE SUPPORT, DURABILITY & TRACTION. 
Vibram soles with fairly deep lugs on the Trailventure make for a stable rock hopper - perfect for the desert. Tread on the soles of footwear acts similarly to tread on a bike or car tire. Overall, the Altra Lone Peak Mid provides more support to the feet and ankles than almost any other model we tested. When these accumulate on the bottom of shoes and boots, it is a result of poor tread design and depth. The Salewa Alpenrose 2 Mid has an intricate and aggressive tread pattern that provides traction in wet, muddy conditions as well as rock slabs. The Renegades are exceptionally high-quality and a great choice for anyone seeking a durable and dependable boot with a secure structure at the ankle. The old saying that weight on the feet translates five-fold on the back is pretty spot on, and who wants to feel dragged down by their feet when hiking? Overall, we love this lightweight design for the confidence it inspires on the trail. We have rated each pair of boots based on overall comfort while noting potential uncomfortable design features. But if keeping weight low is important to you, look for a pair of boots with reinforced mesh construction to get the best balance of weight and durability. If you do a lot of hiking off-trail or you tend to carry a heavier pack, you may be more confident in a more burly and durable boot. The La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II and the Salomon X Ultra Mid 4 are both great, lightweight waterproof options. Editor's Note: This review was updated on May 18, 2022, to add four new boots into our mix from Salomon, La Sportiva, and Altra. That said, this design, while comfortable right out of the box, might also take some getting used to, as the 0mm drop places the forefoot and heel at the same height. Follow CleverHiker on Facebook to catch our latest updates & shares. If youre looking for maximum ankle support, you should go with a boot that sits higher up on the ankle and make sure to tie the laces tightly. Itching to get out on the trails? COMFORT AND FIT - Fit is very personal, so what works for some people may not be the best option for others. No sponsored content. Our Editors independently research, test, and rate the best products. TRACTION - Traction is one of the most important aspects of backpacking and hiking footwear. The Altra Lone Peak ALL-WTHR Mid is an excellent choice for those with a wider foot and those who prefer the agility of a trail running shoe with the support of a hiking boot. 
360-degree stability is the name of the game with the Bridger Mid. ALSO AVAILABLE IN: Breeze LT Mid GTX (lightweight version), PROS: Durable, supportive, breathable, out-of-the-box comfort, stable, CONS: Tall cuff can restrict movement, a little bulky. Keep up with our latest tutorials and gear reviews on YouTube. The Renegade is one of the more substantial and long-lasting boots we've tested. Best hiking boots overall for ankle support, durability & traction: Salomon Quest 4 GTX, Best lightweight hiking boots: Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX, Best boots for backpacking with a heavy load: Lowa Renegade GTX Mid, Best budget hiking boots: Merrell Moab 2 Mid WP, Sturdy, lightweight hiking boots with exceptional traction: La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX, Best hiking boots with a wide fit: Keen Targhee III Mid WP, Durable hiking boots with premium supportive insoles: Oboz Bridger Mid BDry, Highly breathable waterproof hiking boots: Vasque Breeze AT Mid GTX, Best ultralight hiking boots: Altra Lone Peak ALL-WTHR Mid, Stylish & lightweight hiking boots: Merrell Ontario Mid WP, We own and use all of the hiking boots we recommend. We love that the Ontarios feel very stable without restricting movement, but the ankle support isnt as solid when compared to boots like the Lowa Renegades. SIZING: True to size; wide sizes available, PROS: Excellent traction, durable, supportive, stable. In general the most comfortable boots give your toes some room to spread, have cushioning that supports your foot shape, and have some flex in the upper so it moves with your foot. 3.9 oz. MEASURED WEIGHT PER PAIR (SIZE 9): 2 lbs. These boots are excellent for the local trails or extended backpacking trips in wet conditions. 
In the past decade, we've tested nearly 50 different pairs of women's hiking boots. Your shoes will take you over narrow and rocky ridgelines, through slippery water crossings, and across loose scree fields. The upper is constructed with a combination of mesh and nubuck leather making them lighter and more suitable for warm weather than many other rugged boots. A variety of tread patterns is shown here. Insoles can also help take up a little extra space in footwear for a customized fit if youre between sizes. CleverHiker.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. We constantly update our guides when new products launch. 
PROS: Excellent traction, good value, out-of-the-box comfort, solid toe protection, affordable, secure fit, CONS: Wide fit isnt for everyone, less supportive than other boots, less durable than others. A slightly less stiff, lighter-duty model is the Oboz Sapphire Mid. SIZING: True to size; the fit runs a little wide/high-volume, and wider sizes are available, PROS: Affordable, out-of-the-box comfort, durable, breathable, CONS: High heel-to-toe drop isnt for everyone, wide fit isnt for everyone, bulky. While we don't expect synthetic uppers to last as long as leather ones in general, we've seen these boots time and time again last several hundreds of miles. All trademarks property of their respective owners We often wonder if something is "worth" what we are paying and if a larger price tag equals better quality. 15.4 oz. Whether you hike in waterproof boots or non-waterproof trail runners, be sure to check out our post on How to Prevent and Treat Blisters for more info on moisture and blister management. This creates better alignment for your body, but it's also very normal to feel some soreness in the calves while getting used to this profile. All leather boots, such as the Lowa Renegade GTX and the La Sportiva Nucleo stand up to wear quite well. Act Blue - Bail Funds And while our feet stayed dry, even when fully submerged, and we noticed no rips or tears in the synthetic upper, it is thin. 10.3 oz. The durable build and aggressive traction make them great for the most rugged terrain. Comfort is typically the most important consideration for boots. ALSO AVAILABLE IN: Prime GTX (mesh/synthetic upper, lighter), PROS: Excellent ankle support, durable, stable, excellent traction, CONS: Heavier than some, expensive, cuff height can be restrictive, stiff sole. This adds no cost to our readers and helps us keep our site up and running. The real caveats worth mentioning are the lack of traction even with 5mm lug depths, we weren't confident enough to trust our feet on all types of terrain. After growing up in Oklahoma, Trish has spent the last fifteen years of her life primarily in the wilderness, traveling to many of the same locations as Jane. As an organization, we feel this issue is too important to remain silent and do nothing. Hiking socks should be comfortable, durable, and made with materials that wick moisture away from your skin. Thats not to say that heavier boots are bad though. The Bridger Mid is a great example of an aggressive tread pattern. Some brands use proprietary rubber compounds, while others use products like Contragrip and Vibram.
Most durable hiking boots: Salomon Quest 4 GTX, Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX, Lowa Renegade GTX Mid, La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX, Vasque Breeze AT Mid GTX & Oboz Bridger Mid BDry. Got feedback? Salewa uses a Pomoca rubber compound for its outsole, and they work very well. The waterproof layer is an eVent membrane instead of the more common Gore-Tex. Our experts test thousands of products each year using thoughtful test plans that bring out key performance differences between competing products. Despite being so rugged and durable, the Nucleos are light and comfy enough for all-day wear, and their stylish design transitions well to after-hike drinks. Keeping your feet dry is aided by choosing the best boots for your intended uses, as well as noticing when your feet become wet and attending to them. The Merrell Moab 2 Mid WP scored highly across many of our testing metrics due to their simple, supportive, and comfortable design, available at an affordable price. 10.9 oz. Best waterproof hiking boots: Vasque Breeze AT Mid GTX, Vasque Breeze AT Mid GTX, Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX, Altra Lone Peak ALL-WTHR Mid & Lowa Renegade GTX Mid, Best non-waterproof hiking boots: Salomon X Ultra 3 Mid Aero & Merrell Moab 2 Mid Ventilator, Comparing the lightweight Merrell Ontario Mid WP to the heavy-duty Salomon Quest 4 GTX, BEST HIKING BOOTS OVERALL FOR ANKLE SUPPORT, DURABILITY & TRACTION. Vibram soles with fairly deep lugs on the Trailventure make for a stable rock hopper - perfect for the desert. Tread on the soles of footwear acts similarly to tread on a bike or car tire. Overall, the Altra Lone Peak Mid provides more support to the feet and ankles than almost any other model we tested. When these accumulate on the bottom of shoes and boots, it is a result of poor tread design and depth. The Salewa Alpenrose 2 Mid has an intricate and aggressive tread pattern that provides traction in wet, muddy conditions as well as rock slabs. The Renegades are exceptionally high-quality and a great choice for anyone seeking a durable and dependable boot with a secure structure at the ankle. The old saying that weight on the feet translates five-fold on the back is pretty spot on, and who wants to feel dragged down by their feet when hiking? Overall, we love this lightweight design for the confidence it inspires on the trail. We have rated each pair of boots based on overall comfort while noting potential uncomfortable design features. But if keeping weight low is important to you, look for a pair of boots with reinforced mesh construction to get the best balance of weight and durability. If you do a lot of hiking off-trail or you tend to carry a heavier pack, you may be more confident in a more burly and durable boot. The La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II and the Salomon X Ultra Mid 4 are both great, lightweight waterproof options. Editor's Note: This review was updated on May 18, 2022, to add four new boots into our mix from Salomon, La Sportiva, and Altra. That said, this design, while comfortable right out of the box, might also take some getting used to, as the 0mm drop places the forefoot and heel at the same height. Follow CleverHiker on Facebook to catch our latest updates & shares. If youre looking for maximum ankle support, you should go with a boot that sits higher up on the ankle and make sure to tie the laces tightly. Itching to get out on the trails? COMFORT AND FIT - Fit is very personal, so what works for some people may not be the best option for others. No sponsored content. Our Editors independently research, test, and rate the best products. TRACTION - Traction is one of the most important aspects of backpacking and hiking footwear. The Altra Lone Peak ALL-WTHR Mid is an excellent choice for those with a wider foot and those who prefer the agility of a trail running shoe with the support of a hiking boot. 360-degree stability is the name of the game with the Bridger Mid. ALSO AVAILABLE IN: Breeze LT Mid GTX (lightweight version), PROS: Durable, supportive, breathable, out-of-the-box comfort, stable, CONS: Tall cuff can restrict movement, a little bulky. Keep up with our latest tutorials and gear reviews on YouTube. The Renegade is one of the more substantial and long-lasting boots we've tested. Best hiking boots overall for ankle support, durability & traction: Salomon Quest 4 GTX, Best lightweight hiking boots: Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX, Best boots for backpacking with a heavy load: Lowa Renegade GTX Mid, Best budget hiking boots: Merrell Moab 2 Mid WP, Sturdy, lightweight hiking boots with exceptional traction: La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX, Best hiking boots with a wide fit: Keen Targhee III Mid WP, Durable hiking boots with premium supportive insoles: Oboz Bridger Mid BDry, Highly breathable waterproof hiking boots: Vasque Breeze AT Mid GTX, Best ultralight hiking boots: Altra Lone Peak ALL-WTHR Mid, Stylish & lightweight hiking boots: Merrell Ontario Mid WP, We own and use all of the hiking boots we recommend. We love that the Ontarios feel very stable without restricting movement, but the ankle support isnt as solid when compared to boots like the Lowa Renegades. SIZING: True to size; wide sizes available, PROS: Excellent traction, durable, supportive, stable. In general the most comfortable boots give your toes some room to spread, have cushioning that supports your foot shape, and have some flex in the upper so it moves with your foot. 3.9 oz. MEASURED WEIGHT PER PAIR (SIZE 9): 2 lbs. These boots are excellent for the local trails or extended backpacking trips in wet conditions. In the past decade, we've tested nearly 50 different pairs of women's hiking boots. Your shoes will take you over narrow and rocky ridgelines, through slippery water crossings, and across loose scree fields. The upper is constructed with a combination of mesh and nubuck leather making them lighter and more suitable for warm weather than many other rugged boots. A variety of tread patterns is shown here. Insoles can also help take up a little extra space in footwear for a customized fit if youre between sizes. CleverHiker.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. We constantly update our guides when new products launch. PROS: Excellent traction, good value, out-of-the-box comfort, solid toe protection, affordable, secure fit, CONS: Wide fit isnt for everyone, less supportive than other boots, less durable than others. A slightly less stiff, lighter-duty model is the Oboz Sapphire Mid. SIZING: True to size; the fit runs a little wide/high-volume, and wider sizes are available, PROS: Affordable, out-of-the-box comfort, durable, breathable, CONS: High heel-to-toe drop isnt for everyone, wide fit isnt for everyone, bulky. While we don't expect synthetic uppers to last as long as leather ones in general, we've seen these boots time and time again last several hundreds of miles. All trademarks property of their respective owners We often wonder if something is "worth" what we are paying and if a larger price tag equals better quality. 15.4 oz. Whether you hike in waterproof boots or non-waterproof trail runners, be sure to check out our post on How to Prevent and Treat Blisters for more info on moisture and blister management. This creates better alignment for your body, but it's also very normal to feel some soreness in the calves while getting used to this profile. All leather boots, such as the Lowa Renegade GTX and the La Sportiva Nucleo stand up to wear quite well. Act Blue - Bail Funds And while our feet stayed dry, even when fully submerged, and we noticed no rips or tears in the synthetic upper, it is thin. 10.3 oz. The durable build and aggressive traction make them great for the most rugged terrain. Comfort is typically the most important consideration for boots. ALSO AVAILABLE IN: Prime GTX (mesh/synthetic upper, lighter), PROS: Excellent ankle support, durable, stable, excellent traction, CONS: Heavier than some, expensive, cuff height can be restrictive, stiff sole. This adds no cost to our readers and helps us keep our site up and running. The real caveats worth mentioning are the lack of traction even with 5mm lug depths, we weren't confident enough to trust our feet on all types of terrain. After growing up in Oklahoma, Trish has spent the last fifteen years of her life primarily in the wilderness, traveling to many of the same locations as Jane. As an organization, we feel this issue is too important to remain silent and do nothing. Hiking socks should be comfortable, durable, and made with materials that wick moisture away from your skin. Thats not to say that heavier boots are bad though. The Bridger Mid is a great example of an aggressive tread pattern. Some brands use proprietary rubber compounds, while others use products like Contragrip and Vibram.