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The Best Hiking Boots of 2025: Hoka, Merrell, The North Face and More

When the trails call, answer with one of these first-rate hiking boots.

A close-up of a person wearing black and beige Salomon trail running shoes with black socks, stepping on a rocky, uneven outdoor trail. The shoes appear sturdy and designed for rugged terrain.Salomon
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By Hayley Helms

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What makes a good hiking boot? Rugged outsoles are a must. Ankle support, too. Waterproofing is optional, but as they say on the trail, better safe than sorry.

Ultimately, different terrain calls for different boots. However, any of the following options would make an excellent candidate for your next trek, as each brings its own unique set of features for a safe and comfortable hike.

Gear Patrol Outdoor Awards 2025 text overlay on a background split between an orange surface with black threaded inserts and a blurred dark area. The word "Outdoor" features a stylized tree inside the letter "O.
This story is part of the 2025 Gear Patrol Outdoor Awards, which collects our top recommendations across more than 80 categories. See the full list.
Gear Patrol

So whether you’re going out for the day or embarking on a multi-day adventure, you’ll find a capable contender below.

Why You Should Trust Us: Covering products is our core mission, not a side hustle. And we use real-world testing to inform our recommendations. Learn more about our methodology.

Best Overall Hiking Boot

Brown high-top hiking shoe with beige laces, a thick beige and brown sole, and a blue pull tab at the back. The shoe features embossed branding on the side and a Vibram logo on the sole.Hoka

Hoka Kaha 3 GTX

Specs

Weight 1 pound, 4 ounces
Upper Leather Working Group Gold-Rated waterproof nubuck leather
Outsole One-piece Vibram Megagrip with Traction Lug and 4mm lugs

Pros

  • No break-in period
  • Excellent waterproofing and breathability
  • Improved design = cushier, more durable feel

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Not the most rugged boot on the block

The best overall hiking boot should be a well-rounded, balanced boot that appeals to experienced hikers as well as beginners. That’s why we’ve chosen the Hoka Kaha 3 GTX as our best overall pick.

The Hoka Kaha 3 GTX is at once accessible and capable, comfortable and rugged. Built with Hoka’s signature max-cushion design, the Kaha 3 GTX features two inches of EVA cushioning (double the industry standard), meaning it can handle everything from technical singletrack to groomed fire roads with ease.

Light olive green hiking boots with tan laces and a rugged orange-brown sole, featuring Gore-Tex branding, shown both in a close-up and worn by a man hiking outdoors in a mountainous area. The man is dressed in a light blue jacket, dark pants, and carrying a backpack.
Waterproof nubuck leather, a plush new sugarcane EVA midsole and molded TPU heel counter/toe caps make the Kaha 3 GTX better than ever.
Hoka

Beyond its cloud-like cushioning, the Kaha 3 GTX has a few other upgrades and features worth calling out.

These include the slightly rockered profile delivers a springy, balanced ride without compromising stability; the Gore-Tex Invisible Fit footwear fabric improves the fit over previous versions (and provides excellent waterproofing); and the streamlined heel design is durable while still slimmed down. 

Brown high-top hiking boot with a beige and brown Vibram sole, yellow laces, and a blue pull tab at the back. The boot features Gore-Tex Invisible Fit technology and has the brand name embossed on the side.
The extended, forked design of the heel allows for increased stability and smoother toe-to-heel transitions.
Hoka

For hikers familiar with the Kaha, the newest version improves the overall design and performance of the popular hiking boot, without sacrificing durability or performance.

For Hoka newbies, this boot will stand out from the competition you’re familiar with, thanks to its top-tier comfort and wearability.

Best Budget Hiking Boot

Pair of olive green Merrell hiking boots with rugged soles, mesh panels, and brown laces, designed for outdoor use.Merrell

Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof

Specs

Weight 2 pounds, 2.9 ounces
Waterproofing Merrell DRY waterproof membrane
Upper Pig suede leather/mesh
Outsole Vibram TC5+

Pros

  • Budget-friendly
  • Durable
  • Waterproof

Cons

  • Too roomy for narrow feet
  • Heavy

Hikers looking for a supportive and affordable hiking boot will be hard-pressed for options, but the Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof proves comfort and a fair price can coexist together.

Of course, there are some sacrifices: these are not the lightest or most streamlined boots available, and the fit can be a little wonky for narrower feet.

However, despite a few drawbacks, overall Merrell’s boot is a dependable, comfortable hiker that will hold its own against tough trails.

Sole of a dark green hiking shoe with deep, multi-directional treads for traction. The sole features a yellow Vibram logo near the center. The tread pattern includes oval and rectangular shapes with grooves for grip.
The updated Vibram TC5 outsole is known for its ability to perform well in different environments, including snow.
Merrell

Updated in 2025, the Moab 3 Mid Waterproof includes a more supportive insole, cushier midsole and retooled Vibram outsole which delivers enhanced traction and grip.

While the upper is breathable mesh, these hiking boots still hold their own when it comes to waterproofing, delivering the best of both worlds.

Merrell even included sustainable materials like recycled mesh in the lining in this reboot of a boot, upping lightening its environmental footprint. Hikers looking for a no-frills, dependable and affordable hiking boot will find just what they’re looking for in this option from Merrell.

The Wildcard Pick

Beige high-top hiking boot with brown sole and accents, featuring The North Face logo on the side near the sole, GORE-TEX branding on the heel, and rugged tread for outdoor use.The North Face

The North Face Offtrail Hike LT Mid GORE-TEX Boots

Specs

Weight 15.94 ounces
Waterproofing PFAS-free Gore-Tex waterproof membrane
Upper Synthetic
Outsole Surface Ctrl rubber

Pros

  • True to size
  • Rugged and protective
  • Super supportive

Cons

  • Stiff out of the box

Built specifically for technical terrain, the Offtrail Hike LT Mid GTX Boots continue The North Face legacy of producing rugged, capable gear meant for the most extreme environments.

Pair of beige hiking boots shown from the back, featuring brown padded collars, pink pull tabs with a small logo, and rugged brown soles. The boots have Gore-Tex branding on the sides and reflective details near the heel.
Heel and forefoot rubber wraps increase lateral stability and protection.
The North Face

While this boot is a bit stiff straight out of the box, a rich set of features more than makes up for a brief break-in period.

Its proprietary rubber outsole optimizes for weight and versatility; its hardwearing ballistic-rubber toe cap, nubuck-leather reinforcements and TPU overlays protect against trail hazards; and its 5mm high-traction lugs grip harsh terrain as well as Alex Honnold grips rock.

Brown rugged outsole of a shoe with deep treads for traction, featuring "THE NORTH FACE" logo in the center and "SURFACE CTRL" text near the heel.
The proprietary TNF rubber outsole delivers grip, traction and durability on both wet and dry surfaces.
The North Face

Our editor was impressed with this boot’s reinforced heel cup and comfort-padded collar combo, which kept her feet locked in and steady over long miles.

She also appreciated the breathability of this hiker, even with its Gore-Tex three-layer, PFAS-free waterproof membrane.

And while some synthetic materials can lose their shape and structure over time (and miles), these boots have held up, and stayed supportive through each step.

Other Great Options

Black and dark gray Salomon hiking boot with a high ankle collar, lace-up closure, and rugged sole. The boot features Gore-Tex waterproof material, reinforced toe, and textured grip outsole designed for outdoor terrain. The Salomon logo is visible on the side, along with "ADV/C" and "Contagrip" branding on the sole.Salomon

Salomon X Ultra 5 Mid GTX

The previous version of this boot won the hearts (and feet) of our editors thanks to its lightweight feel and unparalleled comfort, and the latest version goes a step further. Thoughtful updates include a more durable woven upper, as well as deeper, grippier lugs on the outsole and a wider forefoot.
Black high-top athletic shoe with a white sole, featuring a textured upper, gray laces, and a white logo on the side. The shoe has a pull tab at the heel and the text "ALL-WTHR 2" near the ankle area. The sole has a rugged tread pattern for traction.Altra

Altra Lone Peak ALL-WTHR Mid 2

Designed to accommodate wide feet and overall foot health, this zero-drop hiking boot prioritizes a responsive, flexible fit over enhanced stability and durability. This boot will thrive as a comfort-forward option for casual day hikes, rather than multi-day backpacking trips.
Brown leather hiking boot with red mesh accents, black metal eyelets, and red and white laces. The sole is off-white with black speckles and a black tread. The brand name "Danner" is embossed on the side near the heel.Danner

Danner Mountain 600 EVO

Classic design: check. Tons of cushioning: check. A grippy Vibram outsole: check. These recraftable hikers check all the boxes and then some, including a TPU shank designed for heavier loads and a supportive ankle design, and are a great option for backpacking trips.
Salomon

Salomon Quest 4 GTX

The Quest is the ultimate backpacking boot, thanks to its incredible balance between agility and support. The tall ankle height is protective, the initially-stiff fit softens quickly and the roomy toebox maintains comfort over the long haul.
Dark gray and black La Sportiva hiking boot with a high ankle collar, lace-up front with metal eyelets, padded tongue, and a rugged, textured sole for traction. The boot features a Gore-Tex label near the ankle and the La Sportiva logo on the side.La Sportiva

La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX

Water crossings don’t stand a chance against this capable hiker, which employs a Gore-Tex Surround lining and nubuck leather upper to combat any moisture entering your boot on trail. La Sportiva even threw in a gusseted tongue, for good measure. Keep in mind the lace hooks can take some getting used to.
Gray and black hiking boot with orange and yellow accents, featuring a high ankle design, metal eyelets for laces, and a reinforced toe cap. The boot has a rugged sole for traction and the brand name "Scarpa" visible on the side.Scarpa

Scarpa Zodiac Plus GTX

Those who love to explore above the tree line will flock to the Zodiac Plus GTX, designed for rocky alpine conditions and snow travel. This capable hiking boot is agile, stable enough to handle treacherous and steep terrain and can handle heavy loads with ease.
Brown and black mid-height hiking boot with a rugged black sole, black toe cap, and black mesh accents. The boot features brown leather panels with detailed stitching, black laces threaded through metal eyelets, and a pull tab at the heel. The side displays the "KEEN" logo and a small tag indicating "KEEN.DRY Waterproof" technology.Keen

Keen Targhee IV

Keen is a legacy in the hiking space, and the latest version of the Targhee is a dependable, good value hiker without unnecessary bells and whistles. Proprietary components keep the price down, while the rugged build keeps protection and comfort up.
About the Author: Hayley Helms is an associate editor at Gear Patrol specializing in outdoor gear. Once upon a time, she wrote for Men’s Journal, Gearjunkie and Shape. Whether it’s testing a new rain shell or putting a pair of hiking boots through its paces, she leaves no stone unturned (however, she always Leaves No Trace).
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