Best Hiking Boots for 2025: The Top Trail-Tested Picks
Why the Right Hiking Boots Matter
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Two women are hiking with their dog through rolling green hills and low mountains on a spring trail. Photo by Holly Mandarich
The right pair of hiking boots can make or break your time on the trail. For 2025, we’ve researched and compared the best options out there—focusing on durability, comfort, waterproofing, and traction. From lightweight boots built for speed to high-support designs made for alpine terrain, these are the trail-ready picks we recommend for the year ahead.
Table of Contents
How to Choose the Best Hiking Boots
Best Hiking Boots for 2025
Best Overall
Best Lightweight Boot
Best for Rugged Terrain
Best Budget-Friendly Option
Best for Winter Hiking
Hiking Boot Care and Maintenance
Final Thoughts
How to Pick the Right Hiking Boots for Your Adventures
Not all boots are created equal. Before you lace up, here’s what you need to know:
Fit & Comfort
A snug fit without pressure points is crucial. Your toes should have room to wiggle but not slide forward on descents.
Try boots on with hiking socks in the afternoon when your feet are naturally more swollen.
Support & Stability
Opt for high-cut boots with reinforced ankle support for rugged terrain and backpacking.
Go for a mid-cut, lightweight model with flex and agility for fastpacking and day hikes.
Waterproofing & Breathability
GORE-TEX and similar membranes keep your feet dry in wet conditions but can trap heat in summer.
Non-waterproof boots breathe better and are ideal for desert or dry climate hikes.
Traction & Outsole Grip
A Vibram sole or a deep lug pattern is key for grip on loose, rocky, or muddy trails.
Like those in approach shoes, sticky rubber compounds help on steep rock scrambles.
Weight & Flexibility
Heavy boots offer protection but can be tiring on long treks.
Lightweight boots reduce fatigue but might lack ankle support for heavy loads.
Here Are the Best Hiking Boots of 2025—Trail-Ready and Worth the Hype
If you're gearing up for spring trails, alpine climbs, or just breaking in your first real pair of boots, we've got you covered. We've rounded up trail-ready options that bring comfort, support, and reliability to every kind of adventure in 2025.
🏆 Best Overall: Lowa Renegade EVO GTX Mid
The Lowa Renegade EVO GTX Mid is a go-to hiking boot for those who want a balance of durability, comfort, and support. This boot is designed for versatility, making it ideal for everything from weekend hikes to multi-day backpacking trips. Its GORE-TEX waterproof lining keeps your feet dry, while the Vibram Evo outsole grips confidently on rocky and muddy terrain. If you're looking for one boot to handle it all, this is the one. The do-it-all boot that balances comfort, support, and durability.
Women’s Lowa Renegade EVO GTX Mid in Black/Blue
Men’s Lowa Renegade EVO GTX Mid in Espresso/Seaweed
Waterproofing: GORE-TEX membrane keeps feet dry in wet conditions.
Traction: Vibram Evo outsole grips confidently on rocks and mud.
Best For: Day hikes, backpacking, and multi-day treks.
Why We Love It: It’s the boot you can trust on every adventure.
🥾 Best Lightweight Boot: Altra Lone Peak 9 Waterproof Mid
For hikers who prioritize agility and natural movement, the Altra Lone Peak 9 Waterproof Mid is an easy choice. Its zero-drop design promotes a more natural stride, while the wide toe box ensures long-lasting comfort. Despite being lightweight, it still offers solid protection from the elements with an eVent waterproof membrane and a grippy MaxTrac outsole. This boot is perfect for fastpacking and ultralight backpacking adventures.
Altra Lone Peak 9 Waterproof Mid Women
Altra Lone Peak 9 Waterproof Mid Men
Waterproofing: eVent membrane for breathability without overheating.
Traction: MaxTrac outsole provides strong grip.
Best For: Fastpacking and lightweight hiking.
Why We Love It: Wide toe box for comfort, zero-drop for natural movement.
⛰️ Best for Rugged Terrain: Mammut Kento Guide II High GTX (coming soon)
If you're heading into alpine or rocky terrain, the Mammut Kento Guide II High GTX is built to handle serious elevation and unpredictable weather. This updated version delivers premium support with a high-cut ankle, a Vibram Hexa Tech sole for confidence on uneven ground, and GORE-TEX waterproofing to keep your feet dry in all conditions. Designed for demanding hikes and mountaineering, it’s a dependable boot when the trail turns technical.
We’re also big fans of Mammut’s gear—if you want to learn more about the brand behind our favorite rugged boot, check out our article: Outdoor Brands You Might Not Know, But You Should — Unveiling Mammut.
Waterproofing: GORE-TEX membrane for all-weather protection.
Traction: Vibram Hexa Tech outsole with aggressive grip.
Best For: Steep, rocky, and alpine terrain.
Why We Love It: Serious grip and ankle support for the most rugged trails.
💰 Best Budget-Friendly Option: Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof
The Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof is a long-time favorite for hikers who want comfort, reliability, and affordability. It’s available at REI, fits well right out of the box, and holds up to miles of trail time. While it may not have the cutting-edge design of higher-end boots, it absolutely delivers for weekend hikes and moderate terrain.
Women’s Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof
Men’s Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof
Waterproofing: M Select™ Dry barrier for water resistance in damp conditions.
Traction: Vibram TC5+ outsole for solid grip.
Best For: Day hikes, casual backpacking, and beginner-friendly terrain.
Why We Love It: Affordable, trail-proven, and surprisingly comfortable from the first mile.
❄️ Best for Winter Hiking: Salomon Quest 4 GTX
Built for serious cold-weather trekking, the Salomon Quest 4 GTX is a warm, supportive, and weatherproof boot designed for harsh winter conditions. The GORE-TEX waterproof membrane keeps out snow and slush, while the deep-lugged outsole provides excellent traction on icy and snowy surfaces. With added ankle support and insulation, this boot is a great choice for winter backpacking, snowshoeing, or high-altitude adventures.
Women’s Salomon Quest 4 GTX
Men’s Salomon Quest 4 GTX
Waterproofing: GORE-TEX keeps snow and slush out.
Traction: Deep lugs for snowy and icy terrain.
Best For: Winter backpacking and alpine routes.
Why We Love It: It holds up in the worst winter conditions.
How to Keep Your Hiking Boots in Peak Condition
Cleaning & Storage
Remove dirt and debris after every hike.
Use mild soap and a soft brush to clean the uppers.
Store boots in a dry, cool place to prevent cracking and mildew.
Waterproofing Treatment
Reapply waterproofing spray every few months to maintain protection.
Never dry boots with direct heat—let them air dry naturally.
Pro Tip: Plan Your Hikes with Trailforks
Once you’ve got the right hiking boots, the next step is choosing the right trails—this is where Trailforks comes in. This trail navigation app is one of the best tools for hikers looking to discover new routes and stay on track. We use Trailforks for mountain biking, fat biking, hiking, and skiing. It’s reliable, accurate, and easy to use—your trail-ready companion.
With Trailforks, you can:
Find the best trails with difficulty ratings, conditions, and reviews.
Download offline maps for backcountry adventures.
Plan custom routes based on elevation, distance, and terrain.
Check real-time trail reports from other hikers and riders.
Pairing great boots with Trailforks' trail data means you're prepared for whatever adventure comes next.
Extra Pro Tip: Why You Should Get the Trailforks Subscription
The free version is great for planning, but you won’t have access to maps when you lose cell service. If you’re out in the mountains, that can quickly become a problem. The paid version gives you full offline access, which makes it a smart—and safe—upgrade for backcountry use.
The Right Boots Make the Adventure
The best hiking boots for 2025 are all about fit, function, and where you plan to hike. Whether you need a lightweight option for fastpacking, a technical boot for alpine climbs, or just a solid all-arounder, there’s a boot on this list to keep you moving comfortably on the trail.
Happy hiking! 🏔️
