Lifestyle
Footwear Hiking
NextJourney is reader-supported. We may earn a small commission from affiliate links in this article.
Hiking Boots
Today’s hiking boots trend is leaning more towards lightweight models that provide excellent support. Unfortunately, hiking boots do not all fall into this one model since they come in three categories: lightweight for day hikes, midweight for backpacking trips, and heavyweights for large-loaded treks.
In addition to the type of hikes, the components that make up a good hiking boot should be considered; these are uppers, midsoles, outsoles, and internal support. We researched and found these to be top sellers as well as having all the components.
Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX
A lightweight durable, flexible, and secure, and they’re an excellent design for backpacking. The soles are polyurethane, the uppers are synthetic, and have Gore-Tex waterproof. The only drawback is they do not provide much ankle support so they’re not ideal for rough terrain. An overall excellent boot designed with comfort for lightweight hiking and long distance.
Merrell Men's Moab 2 Mid Waterproof
A tough durable boot designed mainly for day hikes. Despite their rugged build, these have been a long-time favorite among hikers due to their upper cushioning, ankle support, solid toe cap, and Vibram sole that’s designed for wet surfaces. The Merrell Moab 2 Mid boots are a bit bulkier than other lightweight models but they are time-tested and an excellent choice for weekend day hikes.
Salomon Quest 4 Gore-TEX
The unique features of Salomon’s fourth-generation boot are ankle support and stability. These boots are a bit on the heavy side due to their design for long treks and rugged terrains but are very well-balanced. The uppers have been modernized with durability, the eyelet lacing is located at the base of the ankle to lock down the heel, and the cushioning and underfoot are well protected on rocky climbs. These boots are expensive but worth the cost.
La Sportiva Mens Nucleo High II GTX
These hiking boots are very supportive over rough trails yet lightweight for their rugged design. La Sportiva designed these boots for hiking and backpacking in areas where sticky traction and foot protection are required. The outsoles are sticky Vibram that includes cleat-like lugs that make great traction on loose surfaces. The drawbacks are stiff uppers and soles, as well as pricey. The positive is good balance and lightweight for a rugged boot.