If you are a beginner hiker and plan on exploring well-maintained dirt or only semi-rocky trails, we suggest the Altra Lone Peak ALL WTHR Mid 2 or the Merrell Moab 3 Mid. To complete the experience; the Vibram® Faster outsole with EVA midsole and MEGAGRIP® compound gives the shoe extreme lightness and perfect grip even on wet and slippery terrain. Also, of the boots we’ve tried in the past three years, the Trail Code boots have the best lacing system—with ideally placed hooks, flexible laces, and a high enough ankle to keep your foot locked in (even when you’re carrying a heavy pack).

This lacing system allows you to customize the fit (which is already quite comfortable) right out of the box. Merrell’s Moab 3 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boots (in men’s and women’s) are a no-frills, trustworthy option for hikers on a budget. Gear Junkie adds, “They are solid all-around hikers for almost all conditions with an adaptable outsole and a new kind of Gore-Tex technology that keeps water out. Consider a waterproof hiking shoe if you'd like something lighter but still want waterproof footwear.The upper of the 320 NEW TRAIL LITE hiking shoes is made from a single piece of tumbled Nubuck leather; which has been Hydrobloc® treated to optimize the water repellence of these hiking shoes. Finance is provided by PayPal Credit (a trading name of PayPal UK Ltd, Whittaker House, Whittaker Avenue, Richmond-Upon-Thames, Surrey, United Kingdom, TW9 1EH). Whether you’re just starting your hiking journey with local day hikes, or you’re planning a one-month thru-hike on the Appalachian Trail, you need a pair of good hiking boots that provide over-the-ankle support. Although I didn’t notice a problem with heel slippage, several reviewers had noted that as a problem. Wider-footed humans would better opt for a wider boot like the Salomon X Ultra Mid 3 GTX, Hoka Kaha 2 GTX, or the Merrell Moab 3 Mid Wide.

You’ll inevitably encounter mud and water on the trail at some point, and hiking boots are made to be outside in it all. They offer superior underfoot support while still maintaining a trail feel, so you’re less likely to roll your ankle when you come across roots.

The Anacapa uppers and midsoles combine waterproof nubuck leather with recycled polyester materials in the collar, mesh, and laces.

The narrowed toe box improves upon the bulkier profile from the previous model, making these boots look sleeker. Keens are famous for fitting wide feet, which I was initially concerned about because I have narrow feet. If a pair of boots is intended for rocky terrain, the design should have a rock shield in the sole, too. Versatile and flexible hiking shoes for men and women; suitable for mixed terrains and changeable weather conditions.We ranked the criteria from the most important features to ones that would be nice to have but not a deal-breaker if they were missing. Another trick we recommend for folks with wider feet is if you normally wear women’s shoes, you can opt for a men’s version of the same model to get wider hiking shoes. a full mountaineering boot because they are a great introduction for beginner or day hikers who don’t want a lot of extra weight on their feet and want to start using them right out of the box with little or no break-in period. If your foot is on the narrow side, the La Sportiva Nucleo II won our award for Best for Narrow Feet.

These are lightweight hiking shoes; which also boast excellent cushioning properties; thanks to the EVA wedge. You can also opt not to lace your ankles, if you have a lighter pack or you’re hiking on flat terrain. If you know that you need such a feature either due to injury, muscle imbalance, or performance recommendations, the only booton our list that offers this is the Altra Lone Peak ALL-WTHR Mid 2. I am a hike leader for Black Girls Trekkin, which focuses on Diversity, Inclusion, Conservation, and Education.But even after 14 days of backpacking, we did not get any blisters or have any uncomfortable rubbing. Expert and everyday reviewers agree with me that these are comfortable right out of the box, stable, and have excellent waterproofing and traction. We interviewed experts, including a Canadian Mountain Guide, to determine when boots work best and when you can get away with shoes in our hiking shoe story: Hiking Boots vs Shoes vs Trail Runners.