What are the best hiking boots for mountain trails?

If you are reading this, you probably know what it’s like to be trekking on gravel mountain trails with comfortable and high-quality boots. Not all boots go the “extra mile” to counter the mud, jagged rocks, streams, and dirt. Want to know what are some best boots that you can wear on your next mountain hike? Read on. 

Anyone can go for hiking; you just need a will to do it and a pair of shoes that don’t let the earth pinch you in your soles. We have reviewed some of the best hiking boots for mountain trails that will make your hike smooth and enjoyable. 

You can jog, walk, run, or climb on the most difficult terrains with these boots. Take a look at their features and benefits and filter out the one best suited to your requirements. 

Let’s dive into the details of our best picks now. 

Salewa Gore-tex Men’s High Rise Hiking Shoes

One of the most important properties of hiking shoes is their ability to resist water; this Salewa hiking shoe is fully waterproof, so you won’t need to take extra precautions whenever a small water stream comes your way. 

Not only that, but the shoe is also very comfortable; you can put it on for as long as you want without getting any blisters. It comes with two soft-rubber insoles that you can use based on your needs; one full-length and the other half-length. 

You don’t want your shoes weighing you down while you try to climb difficult terrain, right? Impressively, the shoes are pretty lightweight, so you can move without feeling much weight on your feet. 

These boots from Salewa are pretty well made, so they are quite durable too, making them perfect for long-term and rough use. 

The laces allow you to tighten the shoes more effectively onto your feet, and you can customize them too. Plus, the pair offers good versatility, so you can use it with or without a crampon. 

But, the shoes are not very stable on wet grass and basalt and may cause a slip, so it would be a good idea to avoid such surfaces. 

All in all, it’s supremely comfortable, customizable, durable, waterproof, and offers a good bang for the buck. 

Pros

• Durable 
• Waterproof
• Crampon compatible
• Versatile
• Supreme comfort

Cons

• May slip on wet grass and basalt

Dolomite Unisex Multifunctional HIGH FG GTX Boot

You can rely on these Dolomite walking boots if you intend to walk for longer periods of time; they are supremely comfortable and won’t cause blisters, which makes them ideal for long city walks. 

Plus, the pair is well-made and has a pretty strong build material, meaning you can use them on difficult terrains or for mountain hikes without fretting about the endurance. 

However, if you are not looking for a high-end shoe that costs accordingly, this won’t be an ideal option for you. It’s a great product but understandably is a little pricey too. 

That said, if you want a pair of shoes that you can wear anywhere in multiple attires, these would be perfect. Not only they are versatile and pleasantly-designed for maximum usability, but they are also pretty lightweight, which makes them great for those who don’t want to carry any weight on their feet. 

Plus, for those of us who love their feet warm in the winter, this shoe offers exactly that; it keeps your feet warm and cosy in winters and also supremely comfortable, a feature none of us would ever want to decline. 

The shoes come with two laces; one is white and the other is black, allowing you to customize the overall look of your footwear. 

Overall, the boot pair is excellent for long city walks as well as for mountain hikes because of its durability, water-resistance, and extreme comfort. 

Pros

• Very comfortable
• Highly durable 
• Come in white and black laces
• Cosy and warm
• Versatile usability

Cons

• A little pricey 

Merrell Low Rise Moab 2 Vent Hiking Boots

If you encounter rain, snow, or mud often, these hiking boots will interest you. The boots are highly resistant to water and can endure long rough use without making your feet wet and getting damaged.  

They are extremely comfortable and offer great durability too; you can use them for long mountain hiking tours or trekking without fretting. You won’t ever feel any toe swelling while using them and there is an air cushion also that absorbs the impacts. 

The shoe pair is great if you are conscious about your foot health and want very comfortable casual footwear. Plus, the laces let you tighten the shoes according to your need. 

However, they don’t seem 100% waterproof, so it will be a good idea to avoid too much water. But, the outer sole is slightly raised, providing enough barrier to water to use them on a damp surface. 

In addition, the soles are pretty resistant to rocky surfaces, so you can easily wear the shoes on rocky terrains. This also allows you to run, walk, or jog on difficult surfaces fairly comfortably as much as you want. 

Overall, these shoes are perfect for dry summer wear as they don’t have an extra cover to protect them from water. As a result, they give your feet more breathing space, making them good for hot weather. That said, you will, of course, have to prevent water from entering the shoe as they will get wet from the inside if they are exposed to water. 

Pros

• Sturdy and durable
• Very comfortable
• Great for rocky surfaces
• Excellent for long usage 

Cons

• Not waterproof
• The grip is not perfect

Columbia Omni-Heat High Rise Hiking Shoes for Men

These high rise hiking shoes can provide great warmth to your feet and make you extremely comfortable. The comfort level is second to none and they are really lightweight too, so you won’t feel much weight on your feet while hiking.

You can walk across creeks or rocky mountains without feeling much weight and without feeling humidity inside your shoes. If you like long walks, these shoes will be a perfect fit for your expeditions. 

However, although they keep water out, they don’t seem to provide your feet with enough breathing space. So, wearing them in summers will be a little sweaty for you. 

Also, the laces may get undone quite often as they don’t seem to retain the tightness very well. But, you can replace them easily or double-knot the laces for better hold. 

These walking boots are made up of leather, which makes them pretty durable. Plus, leather is a wear-resistant and very easy-to-clean material. They are reinforced with rubber wherever needed, making them perfect for difficult terrains as well. 

All in all, a great choice for those longing for supreme comfort and waterproofness. Their less weight, leather material, and comfortable rubber material make them very comfortable and desirable for Hiking enthusiasts of all ages. But, the boots are not ideal for very rough use and will probably make you sweat in hot weather. 

Pros

• Waterproof 
• Highly comfortable
• Great for long walks and jogs
• Durable and easy-to-clean leather material
• Very lightweight

Cons

• Not ideal for summers; 
• Not ideal for very rough terrains

Salewa High Rise Hiking Boots for Men

This pair has a really good grip on almost all surfaces including rocky terrains. It fits really well in the feet as well. Importantly, these hiking boots are waterproof, so even if you step into the water or a creek along your way, you won’t feel the humidity on your feet. 

Also, the hiking boots are pretty easy to clean; you can wash them in a sink and they will be clean as new. 

These are very comfortable even on hard uneven terrains. This makes them an ideal choice for hiking lovers. 

The pair is perfect for those who like to quickly put on their boots, which means they would be ideal for children. 

In addition, if you like aesthetics as well as comfort, these boots will do for you. In addition to being extremely comfortable, they are quite pleasant to the eyes as well. 

Plus, the sole is non-slip, so your foot will be pretty stable throughout. You can use it in the rain, mud, water, or extreme weather with peace of mind as it’s pretty durable and won’t let water in. 

However, the sole might be a little too hard for a child, but you can use a soft sock to counter that. 

All in all, the boot pair is one of the best hiking boots for you or your children. 

Pros

• Very good grip
• Quick and easy to wear
• Pleasant design
• Ideal for children and hiking lovers
• Waterproof
• Non-slip sole

Cons

• Sole is unusually hard

Hi-Tec Waterproof High Rise Men’s Walking Boots

These are one of the best walking shoes out there. They are waterproof, which means you can hike on your favourite spot without having to dodge water creeks or even mud. 

The pair comes with an extra pair of laces, so even if you accidentally break one, you have a spare pair. Plus, you can incorporate them in everyday use as they offer great comfort as well. 

Aside from being comfortable, the pair has very little weight, which means you won’t have to carry extra weight while hiking or walking. So, it’s for you if you are on your feet all day. 

If you like a little style, this one provides that in abundance. Given the look, comfort, and make, these walking boots provide great bang for the buck. 

Your feet will most probably remain warm and dry in them, providing you with the two essential features for a comfortable winter hike. 

Plus, the soles are pretty firm and durable, so you can use them on rough terrains and for running. 

However, make sure you confirm the size of the boots before placing your order as there seems to be a confusion with the actual size. 

Plus, the boots do not provide your feet with good breathing space, so if you wore them in summer for a long time, you might feel sweaty and hot. 

Pros

• Extremely comfortable
• Waterproof
• Ideal for all-day comfort-use
• Comes with an extra pair of laces
• Stylish
• Firm soles
• Cost-effective
• Highly water-resistant

Cons

• Not very breathable

Non-Slip High Rise Walking Shoes for Men

These men’s walking boots offer supreme comfort in addition to being pretty durable. The material quality is great and the boots feel strong and enduring to harsh weather as well. 

The look of these boots is also pleasant, which means you can use them for various occasions. Plus, the weight is on the lower side considering the material quality and durability. 

The internal structure of the boots enables them to grab your feet for a comfortable fit. Also, the padding offered around the ankle provides your foot effective support, allowing you to climb or walk on uneven surfaces without losing stability. 

The sole has a pretty strong grip courtesy of a grippy material used. Thus, you can walk on almost any surface, including the after-rain slippery roads, without slipping. It’s fairly durable too, so you can run or jog without fretting. 

They are also very effective if you wear them in winter; the warmth they provide will really add to your overall comfort during chilly weather. 

Apart from being effective, these walking boots have a pleasant look and are offered at a fairly reasonable price point as well. So, you won’t have to break the bank to get them. 

However, if you are looking for a fully waterproof boot pair and often encounter heavy rain, this pair won’t be the best option for you. Otherwise, thanks to the high-quality soles and overall durable build, they can take a long hard beating from trekking and hiking easily. 

Pros

• Durable and flexible
• Non-slip soles
• Great for hiking and trekking
• Supremely comfortable
• Water-resistant
• Excellent value for money

Cons

• Not 100% waterproof

Ingleborough Waterproof  Women Hiking Boots

If you are a woman or want the most comfortable, waterproof, and stylish shoes in the market for a female relative of yours, this one will highly interest you. 

This pair is one of the best women hiking boots out there. Normally, waterproof boots don’t provide enough breathing space for your feet due to the protection they have to prevent water from entering. In doing so, the breathability of the shoes also gets compromised. 

However, this pair has a waterproof membrane that won’t prevent air from coming in, making the shoes breathable, and in turn, more suitable for wearing in the summer season.

Women hiking boots that are waterproof, comfortable, breathable, durable, and stylish, are difficult to find. This pair has all those qualities that you would want as an enthusiastic hiker. 

The soft and comfortable cushion offers extreme comfort to your feet and the EVA moulded footbed provides you with extra support and control while also absorbing any shock during your hiking expeditions. 

The outer material is made of leather, so you won’t have to put virtually any effort in cleaning the shoes as well. The material is very easy to clean. Plus, the leather build makes the shoe ideal for hiking as it makes them very durable and enduring to weather. 

In addition, the closure of the boots is lase-up, so it will hold your feet effectively. Vibram rubber is highly water-resistant, which means the Vibram-rubber soles will remain dry and will also provide you with an extra layer of comfort. 

Lastly, the heel height is 1 centimetre, which means you can take them into shallow water, wet road, and grass with peace of mind. 

Pros

• Very sturdy 
• Waterproof 
• Breathable 
• Non-slip soles
• Shock-absorbing soles
• Durable and water-resistant
• Supremely comfortable 

Cons

• A little pricey

Conclusion 

Hiking has a minimum barrier to entry; anyone with the will and a pair of good hiking boots can do it. Whether you are a man or a woman, a child, or a senior citizen, hiking can freshen-up your mind and make you more effective in routine tasks. 

So, while there are a lot of great hiking boots for men and women, choosing the one that best suits your needs can be a tricky task. Worry not. We have reviewed the best hiking boots for men and for women so that you get the full and right information all from one place.

These boots are durable, waterproof, comfortable, and lightweight, allowing you to enjoy and focus on your hiking expeditions. Not only that, but they are pretty pleasant-looking, so you can use them in your daily life with peace of mind.