10 Best Hiking Boots in 2026, According to Outdoor Gear Editors

ProsRecraftable sole is eco-friendly and cheaper in the long termUpgraded Gore-Tex waterproofing is even better than its predecessorGreat combination of support and giveUltra-grippy Vibram outsoleTimeless good looksConsCould be a little more supportiveThe Mountain 600 is arguably Danner’s most iconic hiking boot, and with good reason. This updated version takes everything we love about the original and makes it better in every way. It’s just as rugged and rigid, with the perfect combination of support and flex. The high cut design makes for maximum foot protection and solid ankle support, even while packing moderate to heavy loads.Just like my OG 600’s that I’ve had for years, I’ve found the 600 Leaf GTX to be surprisingly comfortable right out of the box, with almost zero break-in required. Basically, once the fit is dialed in, they're extremely comfy. I also love the vintage aesthetic, especially in the old-school brown colorway with red laces—a look that feels perfectly at home now or 50 years ago. But the handful of available colorways all strike a good balance of classic and modern.Read More: Best Hiking ShoesAvailable HeightsMid (4.5-inch ankle height)Weight (per Pair)2 lbs 4 ozWaterproofingGore-Tex 2-layer waterproof/breathable laminateProsIncredible value at under $100Proprietary Omni-Tech membrane offers solid waterproofingComfy, well-cushioned, sneaker-like fitDurable upper with a blend of leather and synthetic meshConsOmni-Grip outsole isn't quite as good as more premium (and pricey) VibramColumbia has been a longtime favorite value brand for the Men’s Health team. Its Transverse Waterproof Hiking Boot is a good testament to that. Swapping pricey Gore-Tex for its own Omni-Tech technology with full seam-sealing allows for true waterproofing at a discount. In moderate (and even some heavy) wet-weather conditions this spring, I found these kept my feet surprisingly dry. The lightweight construction, heavier-than-average cushioning, and cushioned collar mean they fit more like a sneaker. But the grippy proprietary Omni-Grip outsole is the closest thing you’ll find to true Vibram at this price point. In short, you won’t find a better truly waterproof hiking boot that’s this affordable. For a lighter and slightly more affordable alternative, check out Columbia’s Transverse Hike Low WP hiking shoe.Read More: Best Trail Running ShoesAvailable HeightsLow, MidWeight (per Pair)1 lb 10.2 ozWaterproofingOmni-Tech (proprietary)Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowPros200-gram warmth keeps your feet warm and breathableTall, supportive upperExtremely durable constructionAggressive lugs easily tackle wet and dry conditionsVery comfortable, especially for a stiff winter bootConsOnly two available colorwaysBig, chunky, and built like a tank, this is a serious, all-business cold-weather hiking boot that offers tons of protection. The full-height cut and stiff, Nubuck leather upper combine for maximum support and superb waterproofing to boot (pun intended), as I discovered on a long triple-peak hike in the White Mountains earlier this year. I love the aggressive lug pattern designed to handle sloppy conditions, and the triple-density EVA foam midsole is a nice touch. At just over three pounds for the pair, it’s a deceptively light construction for a tall boot with the chops to punch well above its weight class. For even more cold-weather coverage, check out the Bridger 10” Insulated Waterproof.Available HeightsLow, Mid, FullWeight (per Pair)3 lbs 1.4 ozWaterproofingB-Dry membrane (proprietary)ProsGenuine Gore-Tex with a bellows tongue to keep out debrisUltra-tacky Vibram outsoleLightweight for a full-featured, waterproof bootRemovable contoured insoles with reinforced heel cushioningDurable, breathable pigskin leather and mesh upperConsCut of the upper can rub some ankles the wrong wayThe Moab has been a longtime favorite in the hiking community for years, and with good reason. It's a trail-tested design that's ultra-durable and supportive with just enough flex to deliver exceptional comfort out of the box with minimal break-in. The Gore-Tex model adds bulletproof waterproofing (while maintaining durability), and a bellows tongue helps keep out dirt and other trail debris. If you’re an avid wet-weather hiker, this is the hiking boot to keep your feet dry. With a true Vibram TC5+ outsole, it sticks to anything—wet or dry. Bonus: It's made with partially recycled materials, making it one of the more eco-friendly men's hiking boots we tested this year. For a lighter, nimbler alternative, opt for the lower-cut Moab 3 hiking shoe.Available HeightsLow, Mid (4.5")Weight (per Pair)2 lbs 2.5 ozWaterproofingGore-TexAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsFull-height design is durable, protective, and supportiveTrue Gore-Tex waterproofingVery lightweightGenerous toe box and very comfortable after break-in periodReliable all-terrain tractionConsAmong the priciest options in our guideFor serious on- and off-trail exploration, the Quest 5 Gore-Tex excels (even over its already great predecessor). The combination of over-ankle height (6") and a true Gore-Tex membrane makes this one of the most capable hiking boots on the market. At just 2 pounds 10 ounces for the pair, it's very light for a full-height boot, making it great even for day hikes. But it truly shines in bushwhacking and trailblazing scenarios—especially for hikers under heavy load—with its rugged, ultra-supportive design. The downside? You'll pay for the privilege, as this is one of the most expensive premium hiking boots in our guide.Available HeightsFullWeight (per Pair)2 lbs 10 ozWaterproofingGore-TexProsTechnical design tackles off-trail exploration with easeSupportive nubuck leather upperClever, hybrid design mixes a trail runner and a hiking bootUpgraded Gore-Tex is better and more eco-friendly that its predecessorConsLimited color optionsTrailblazing (i.e., off-trail exploration) demands a different kind of boot, and La Sportiva's latest Ultra Raptor 3 Mid GTX fits the bill. Like its predecessor, the hybrid design blends the agility of a trail runner with the durability and ankle support of an old-school hiking boot. At less than two pounds for the pair, it is surprisingly light on the foot, while the nubuck leather upper offers plenty of support (even while lugging a heavy pack on multiday expedition hikes). It's all wrapped in true Gore-Tex ePE that's breathable and more waterproof and eco-friendly than the outgoing model. The 3 also fixes the ultra-narrow design of the Ultra Raptor II with a roomier and more comfortable footbox.Available HeightsLow, MidWeight (Per Pair)1 lb 14 ozWaterproofingGore-Tex ePEAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsOn's legendary comfortFlexible, sneaker-like fit feels more like a trail runnerReal waterproof membraneFeatherweight construction feels light on the footGrippy outsole works great in wet and dry terrainConsAmong the priciest boots we testedOn brings its legendary sneaker design chops to bear on its best hiking boot yet. The Cloudrock Mid Waterproof looks and acts like a street shoe in many respects: The everyday aesthetic, the agile design, the cushy, all-day comfort thanks to the brand’s own Plush Helion superfoam midsole. But the mid-cut height adds plenty of ankle support and a proprietary Missiongrip outsole makes quick work of varied terrain—both of which ensure this a capable hiking boot. What’s more: A true waterproof membrane means the Cloudrock is just as at home in fair or wet weather. Despite the premium price, it’s a near-perfect town-to-trail boot.Available HeightsMidWeight (per Pair)1 lb 15 ouncesWaterproofingProprietary three-layer membraneProsGreat balance of comfort, support, and stabilityFeatherweight designSolid traction thanks to a one-piece Vibram Megagrip outsole with deep lugsRugged, breathable mesh upperTrail-runner-inspired technical featuresHoka brings the same ultra-cushioned design of its well-known street footwear to its hiking boots. The Mafate is downright plush with breathable ARIAPRENE collars, a flexible Achilles design, and a dual-density sugarcane EVA midsole for serious all-day—and multiday—comfort. The rugged but featherweight Matryx mesh upper breathes easy while offering plenty of ankle support for more technical backcountry trails (like the 10-plus-mile hike we did in Patagonia in these). Plus, the one-piece Vibram Megagrip outsole keeps you surefooted on any terrain. All of which is the reason we awarded it Best New Hiking Boot in this year’s Men’s Health Outdoor Awards.Available HeightsMidWeight (per Pair)1 lb 10.2 ozWaterproofingNoneAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsExtremely breathable Gore-Tex upper with reliable temperature regulationGrippy Vibram Megagrip outsoleCompressed EVA midsole balances comfort with stability over mixed terrainFeatherweight constructionProduced in a Fair Trade Certified facilityConsPremium price tagStiffer than some other mid-cut alpine bootsThe Konseal is a true approach boot. It takes everything we love about Arc’teryx’s Konseal Shoe—a streamlined design with a light-on-the-foot construction (just over 2.5 pounds for the pair!), a breathable, temperature-regulating upper, and a mountain-goat-like Vibram Megagrip outsole—and adds a boatload more ankle support for maximum stability over uneven technical terrain. This is a boot that’s purpose-built for moving quickly with a heavy pack up steep slopes. It’s all wrapped in a true Gore-Tex upper that’s both breathable and 100% waterproof. The only downside? As with most Arc’teryx-branded gear, you’ll pay handsomely for the privilege of wearing these.Read more: Best Hiking SandalsAvailable HeightsLow, MidWeight (per Pair)2 lbs 9.6 ozWaterproofingGore-TexProsAgile, lightweight designComfy with no break-in period and a wide toe boxFast-drying XeroTex membranePFAS-free vegan friendly designGreat price plus a 5,000-mile sole warrantyConsBest for well-maintained trails"Barefoot" design isn't for everyoneXero upends the chunky design of traditional hiking boots with this minimalist alternative. The Scrambler Trail Mid WP is a unique boot that offers a supportive, waterproof upper similar to most others on this list, but a minimal EVA midsole to cut weight and provide a "barely there" feel on the foot. At under 1.5 pounds for the pair, they're about as light as hiking boots get. They're not quite as supportive as the taller, thicker options in our roundup, so are best suited for maintained trails. But, given the midrange price tag, it's hard to find much to complain about, especially with the brand's 5,000-mile sole warranty.Available HeightsLow, MidWeight (per Pair)1 lb 7.2 ozWaterproofingProprietary XeroTex waterproofing membraneMike Richard has traveled the world since 2008. He's kayaked in Antarctica, tracked endangered African wild dogs in South Africa, and survived a near-miss great white shark attack in Mexico. His travel advice has appeared on the websites for Forbes, Travel + Leisure, CNET, and National Geographic. He loves the great outdoors and good bourbon, and (usually) calls Tulsa, Oklahoma home. Mike also enjoys speaking in the third person. Ryan Brower is the Senior Gear and Reviews Editor at Men’s Health, where he tests the best products in outdoor gear, tech, running shoes, and more. He has written about the outdoors for nearly two decades and was previously the Managing Editor, Content Performance at Gear Patrol. He holds a B.A. in Sport Management and is a Certified Beer Server, having previously covered the craft beer industry. Ryan currently lives on the water in New Jersey with his wife and their dog.