When purchasing new hiking boots, “fit is the number one most important thing,” says Taryn Eyton, founder of Happiest Outdoors. “Hikers with weak ankles or carrying heavier loads will want beefier boots with more ankle support and foot stability,” says Eyton, author of “Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia.” “Hikers who stick to groomed trails can get away with lightweight boots that are less durable, while hikers who hike off trail or in lots of rocky terrain will want more durable boots, which usually means leather,” she notes.
To find the best hiking boots for every climate and terrain, we spoke with six experts — including hiking guides, boot fitters and outdoor gear testers — about which boots they use and love. (As an outdoor writer and gear tester, I’ve personally worn more than half the boots on this list and tested hiking footwear from nearly all of these brands.) Here are the hiking boots outdoor experts trust on their own adventures so you can step into the wild with confidence. Also see our list of the best running shoes for trail runners and other athletic sneakers.
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