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Enjoy the great outdoors in a trusty pair that’ll go the extra mile (or five)
Each of these covered many miles, as we stomped our way along trails, up mountains, through peaty bogs and across muddy fields
If you’re looking for an all-rounder boot that will carry you from season to season in the UK and further afield, the Scarpa rush TRK GTX should be on your radar. It’s pretty hard to fault. The ankle is wrapped in Scarpa’s padded autofit collar, so the entire foot is supported and protected, making this boot a good option if you’re carrying a pack or tackling rocky terrain.
We’ve worn these hiking shoes pretty much everywhere and they haven’t let us down yet. Although there is zero wearing-in period and trainer-like comfort from toe to ankle, these boots feel sturdier than other training shoe/hiking boot hybrids, and provide superior ankle support. The Gore-Tex membrane provides complete waterproofing, while also letting feet breathe.
It’s not the lightest boot we’ve tried, but given the level of support and technical features it boasts, we were impressed at how little the Arc’teryx acrux TR GTX weighs. This is thanks to the micro-plated technology of the SuperFabric upper that is superlight and flexible yet incredibly durable. These boots are suitable for technical trails, and we found they could handle pretty much anything we threw at them, including icy ascents and even snowy mountain terrain.
We wouldn’t usually recommend hiking with a boot that’s not fully waterproof (the exohike W is water-repellent), but this pair has a lot going for it. It’s rare to find a leather boot that’s this comfortable right out of the box and is still comfortable after the first 10 miles. There’s none of the pinching, rubbing and chafing you’d expect from a fresh pair of leather boots.
Salomon is always a reliable choice when it comes to hiking boots, and we’ve been particularly impressed with this sturdy mid-cut outpulse option. It’s incredibly lightweight yet retains many of the features we’d want when tackling more-challenging terrain. This makes it an excellent choice for travel, as it will add only minimal weight to your suitcase or backpack and yet can handle almost anything you throw at it on your adventures, from sandy trails to rocky scrambles.
These Lowa mid boots have become our go-to for everything from dog walking and day hikes to overnight camping trips. They’re light and comfortable, and there’s little to no breaking-in period – you can take these boots straight out of the box onto the trail. We were particularly impressed by the fact these boots are 100 per cent vegan – it can be pretty tough to find vegan hiking boots, as, even if not made from leather, boots often contain animal-derived components. The upper is fully synthetic, which makes it both lightweight and breathable, and the boot is Gore-Tex lined, so you don’t need to worry about soggy feet.
Comfortable, grippy and very lightweight – there’s a lot to love about this pair of boots from Merrell. They fit snugly on the foot (we’d recommend sizing up if you’re between sizes) but without rubbing or pinching. In fact, these boots took no wearing in at all, and instantly felt flexible on our feet. They were some of the lightest boots we’ve tried, yet retain plenty of technical features that make them suitable for various terrains – they coped well with wet, slippery surfaces (even when scrambling up rocks), thanks to the Vibram sole, and the Gore-Tex lining did its job, keeping our feet dry in wet and muddy conditions. We also love the choice of colours.
If you’re going to be scrambling up mountains, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better boot than the roclite G345 GTX. It features Inov8’s world-first graphene grip (graphene is the strongest material on the planet) and 6mm lugs for unparalleled grip on all terrains. We really noticed just how superior the grip is on slippery climbs and rocky descents, and, with Gore-Tex waterproofing, the boots kept our feet completely dry in all conditions, including rain, mud, slush and even snow.
When it comes to cushioning, it’s not surprising Hoka’s boots are a cut above the rest. The brand is known for the supremely cushioned soles on its running shoes that help prevent injury and soften impact, and the brand has applied this technology to its hiking boots.
These boots have the feel of an old-school style hiking boot, but that’s the charm of them. Sure, they’re heavy, but they’re also beautifully made in a classic style with full-grain leather and high-quality stitching.
Berghaus has created a simple, sturdy and reliable boot in the explorer trek. It’s a little heavier than some of the other entry-level boots on our list, but it also feels a little sturdier, and the ankle is well-supported. Thanks to the Gore-Tex lining, the boots are completely waterproof – our feet stayed dry even when sloshing through creeks and plodding through thick mud.
You’d be hard-pressed to find a better hiking boot for this price. Columbia tends to be a solid option when it comes to affordable, reliable hiking shoes and boots, and the peakfreak II is no exception. The mesh upper makes it soft and breathable, while the OutDry lining keeps your feet warm and dry even in wet and muddy conditions. It’s nicely cushioned and moulds well to the foot, making it suitable for long-distance hikes, as well as dog walks and shorter strolls. We’re also fans of the shoe version of the peakfreak II, which is lower cut and lighter, yet enjoys all the same technical features as the boot.
The sneaker-style hiking boot is really having a moment right now, and the vectiv exploris futurelight encompasses this beautifully. It feels like a trainer/hiking boot hybrid with the comfort of the former and the technical features of the latter.
The best hiking boots will take you a long way. Hiking, walking, rambling, trekking – whatever you call it – is brilliant for both your physical and mental health.
It’s great cardio, builds muscle and burns a ton of calories, as well as helping to ease stress and anxiety. Combine those exercise endorphins with the exhilaration of the outdoors and some beautiful scenery (and possibly a cosy country pub), and you’ll feel the emotional benefits.
Whether you’re going for a gentle countryside stroll or scrambling up mountains, the right hiking gear is essential – and a good pair of boots should be at the top of your list. Some hikers prefer the lighter, lower cut of a walking shoe, but for the best support, protection and durability you can’t beat a classic boot.
The decision to opt for leather or fabric boots is largely down to personal preference. Fabric boots often have the upper hand as they tend to be lighter, breathable, cheaper and the more ethical choice (although it’s worth noting that fabric boots aren’t always vegan boots).
Yet gone are the days when leather meant heavy, clunky boots that took an age to break in, as there are now some excellent leather women’s hiking boots that are low-maintenance and surprisingly lightweight.
The women’s hiking boots tested for this review
Each of these boots has covered many miles, as we stomped our way along trails, up mountains, through peaty bogs and across muddy fields. We judged the boots on how comfortable they were (as much on mile 25 as on mile five), how long they took to break in, and the level of support, as well as technical features such as waterproofing, traction, cushioning, weight and breathability.
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If you’re looking for an all-rounder boot that will carry you from season to season in the UK and further afield, the Scarpa rush TRK GTX should be on your radar. It’s pretty hard to fault. The ankle is wrapped in Scarpa’s padded autofit collar, so the entire foot is supported and protected, making this boot a good option if you’re carrying a pack or tackling rocky terrain.
The rush TRK GTX is also surprisingly lightweight, given how sturdy it feels, and is both breathable and flexible, while also being an incredibly tough boot. We’ve taken ours on several long day-hikes, including steep climbs and splashing through streams (the Gore-Tex lining means the boot is completely waterproof), and it has been able to tackle all the terrains we’ve thrown at it.
We’ve worn these hiking shoes pretty much everywhere and they haven’t let us down yet. Although there is zero wearing-in period and trainer-like comfort from toe to ankle, these boots feel sturdier than other training shoe/hiking boot hybrids, and provide superior ankle support. The Gore-Tex membrane provides complete waterproofing, while also letting feet breathe.
Dewy fields, heavy rainfall, muddy puddles and ankle-deep creeks – we took these shoes through the lot and our feet stayed warm and dry. Throw in the Continental compound rubber outsole that offers impressive traction on all terrains, and you’ll find these boots are perfect for all-weather hiking.
It’s not the lightest boot we’ve tried, but given the level of support and technical features it boasts, we were impressed at how little the Arc’teryx acrux TR GTX weighs. This is thanks to the micro-plated technology of the SuperFabric upper that is superlight and flexible yet incredibly durable. These boots are suitable for technical trails, and we found they could handle pretty much anything we threw at them, including icy ascents and even snowy mountain terrain.
The lug pattern combined with Arc’teryx’s Vibram Megagrip outsole means they’re incredibly grippy, with impressive traction, and the Gore-Tex insert keeps feet dry, while allowing them to breathe during warmer weather.
We wouldn’t usually recommend hiking with a boot that’s not fully waterproof (the exohike W is water-repellent), but this pair has a lot going for it. It’s rare to find a leather boot that’s this comfortable right out of the box and is still comfortable after the first 10 miles. There’s none of the pinching, rubbing and chafing you’d expect from a fresh pair of leather boots.
It’s a snug and supportive fit and features Ecco’s phorene midsole that is designed to rebound energy, to create a cushioned and almost bouncy feel when hiking. We also love the style of this boot and wear it out and about in the city just as often as on the trails. It’s not a boot you’ll want to take on serious treks but, for light hikes, walks in the countryside and strolling around town, the exohike W is a top choice.
Salomon is always a reliable choice when it comes to hiking boots, and we’ve been particularly impressed with this sturdy mid-cut outpulse option. It’s incredibly lightweight yet retains many of the features we’d want when tackling more-challenging terrain. This makes it an excellent choice for travel, as it will add only minimal weight to your suitcase or backpack and yet can handle almost anything you throw at it on your adventures, from sandy trails to rocky scrambles.
For more-technical trails or harsh elements, you may want to opt for Salomon’s popular crosshike, but the outpulse hits a sweet spot between walking shoe and hiking boot. Your foot feels better protected and supported than it would in a walking shoe, but the outpulse is still agile and flexible with almost trainer-like comfort.
These Lowa mid boots have become our go-to for everything from dog walking and day hikes to overnight camping trips. They’re light and comfortable, and there’s little to no breaking-in period – you can take these boots straight out of the box onto the trail. We were particularly impressed by the fact these boots are 100 per cent vegan – it can be pretty tough to find vegan hiking boots, as, even if not made from leather, boots often contain animal-derived components. The upper is fully synthetic, which makes it both lightweight and breathable, and the boot is Gore-Tex lined, so you don’t need to worry about soggy feet.
Comfortable, grippy and very lightweight – there’s a lot to love about this pair of boots from Merrell. They fit snugly on the foot (we’d recommend sizing up if you’re between sizes) but without rubbing or pinching. In fact, these boots took no wearing in at all, and instantly felt flexible on our feet. They were some of the lightest boots we’ve tried, yet retain plenty of technical features that make them suitable for various terrains – they coped well with wet, slippery surfaces (even when scrambling up rocks), thanks to the Vibram sole, and the Gore-Tex lining did its job, keeping our feet dry in wet and muddy conditions. We also love the choice of colours.
If you’re going to be scrambling up mountains, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better boot than the roclite G345 GTX. It features Inov8’s world-first graphene grip (graphene is the strongest material on the planet) and 6mm lugs for unparalleled grip on all terrains. We really noticed just how superior the grip is on slippery climbs and rocky descents, and, with Gore-Tex waterproofing, the boots kept our feet completely dry in all conditions, including rain, mud, slush and even snow.
We were also impressed by the comfort of the Roclite G345 GTX. It’s incredibly light and the midsole is well cushioned, making it a great choice for fast hiking, as well as more gentle countryside rambles. This is a brilliant boot with some impressive technology at a really reasonable price.
When it comes to cushioning, it’s not surprising Hoka’s boots are a cut above the rest. The brand is known for the supremely cushioned soles on its running shoes that help prevent injury and soften impact, and the brand has applied this technology to its hiking boots.
The Anacapa boot is not quite as striking as the Hoka TenNine hike Gore-Tex, with its oversized sole, so it will likely appeal to a wider range of hikers, yet it still felt incredibly ‘springy’ and has the sense of propelling you forward.
Thanks to a Vibram Megagrip sole with 5mm lugs, this boot is grippy even on very slippery surfaces, and we found it allowed us to keep up a fast hiking pace along very muddy tracks and wet trails.
These boots have the feel of an old-school style hiking boot, but that’s the charm of them. Sure, they’re heavy, but they’re also beautifully made in a classic style with full-grain leather and high-quality stitching.
They’re a very sturdy pair, but the payoff here is that the boots did take a little wearing in (we wouldn’t want to do a long hike in these straight out of the box) and they’re not as flexible as other leather options.
After several short walks and one long hike, they’ve started to mould to the shape of our feet and we only expect this to get better mile after mile. They’re an investment, but these Danner boots will likely last you forever.
Berghaus has created a simple, sturdy and reliable boot in the explorer trek. It’s a little heavier than some of the other entry-level boots on our list, but it also feels a little sturdier, and the ankle is well-supported. Thanks to the Gore-Tex lining, the boots are completely waterproof – our feet stayed dry even when sloshing through creeks and plodding through thick mud.
As always, the grip of the Berghaus opti-stud sole didn’t let us down even on slippery descents and the OrthoLite hike footbeds kept our feet comfortable as we racked up the miles. The lightweight suede construction also means there’s nothing to break in here – you’ll be ready to hit the trails as soon as you put the explorer treks on your feet.
You’d be hard-pressed to find a better hiking boot for this price. Columbia tends to be a solid option when it comes to affordable, reliable hiking shoes and boots, and the peakfreak II is no exception. The mesh upper makes it soft and breathable, while the OutDry lining keeps your feet warm and dry even in wet and muddy conditions. It’s nicely cushioned and moulds well to the foot, making it suitable for long-distance hikes, as well as dog walks and shorter strolls. We’re also fans of the shoe version of the peakfreak II, which is lower cut and lighter, yet enjoys all the same technical features as the boot.
The sneaker-style hiking boot is really having a moment right now, and the vectiv exploris futurelight encompasses this beautifully. It feels like a trainer/hiking boot hybrid with the comfort of the former and the technical features of the latter.
The vectiv technology combines a 3D plate with a rocker midsole for forward propulsion, which feels a little strange at first, with each step almost taking on a rolling motion, but helps power you along the trail.
The futurelight membrane is waterproof yet breathable, and North Face’s grippy and high-traction SurfaceCTRL outsole along with a protective toe cap make the boot suitable for rocky lowland trails and slippery or muddy terrain.
“A well-made leather boot has spent a long time (upwards of 24 hours) being moulded on a unique foot shape known as a ‘last’. A well-lasted boot will provide a long-term sculpted fit that provides support and function. Leather is a fantastically durable material and easy to care for.
“Fabric boots are usually derived from a hybrid of modern fabrics that are lightweight, instantly comfortable and quick-drying. Fabric boots usually require an added waterproof membrane such as Gore-Tex to provide water resistance. They can be more challenging in terms of maintaining performance than an all-leather boot.”
“A modern, well-made boot will provide ‘out of the box comfort’. The more supportive the internal midsole and the more supportive the upper will dictate the amount of time the materials will take to optimally mould around your foot. A modern lightweight fabric boot will feel optimum on day one, in contrast, leather will feel comfortable out of the box but will get better and better with more miles.”
“All boots will benefit from regular cleaning and application of care products, these vary from waxes and creams for leather and paint-on applications for fabric boots. On wet days, endeavour to dry your boots as naturally as possible. Removing the footbed will aid drying, and these can be replaced periodically, to reinstate shock absorption.”
Steve recommends matching the style of boot you buy to the terrain on which you plan to walk. A mid-cut boot will do for flat trails or coastal paths, but a supportive boot is best for steep hills (particularly when carrying a pack).
The further off the beaten track you are, the more likely you are to encounter wet, muddy, boggy terrain – so look for a boot with protection and waterproofing/repellency.
Soles tend to match the style of the upper, so a higher-cut, more supportive boot will also have a more aggressive sole with multidirectional cleats for propulsion and grip.
You will also need to consider which shape is right for you. “Once you have narrowed your choice on an appropriate style, the most crucial selection comes down to the best fit for your foot shape. The best way to do this is to try multiple pairs on at an outdoor specialist store, where you will usually find both a broad selection of styles and expert advice.”
If you’re buying in-store, there may also be artificial slopes and terrain samples, so you can get a sense of how your boot feels going up or downhill.
If you buy online, however, consider buying a size larger than your usual shoe. You will want to wear thick hiking socks in your boots, as your feet will expand as the day goes on, and the added weight of a pack increases your toe spread (how much room you need in the toe of the boot). “If you have to buy online, we would recommend trying a number of pairs and wearing them around the home to ensure you feel entirely happy with your selection before venturing out on that first walk.”
It’s really important to get the fit right, because blisters can ruin even the most glorious walk.
Whether you’re on a country stroll or climbing fells, the Scarpa rush TRK GTX will take excellent care of your feet, no matter the weather. We’re also completely sold on Inov-8’s roclite G345 GTX for its technical features, while the price of Merrell’s MQM 3 fast hike boots, along with the comfort and performance, make them a great-value buy.
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