12 Best Walking Boots in 2021

Walking can be a great hobby for a range of different people. Not only is walking and hiking a great form of exercise, but it can also be incredibly enjoyable to get outside and explore the land around you. Walking in the great outdoors is something that requires little preparation, but that doesn’t mean that it is an activity that you can just throw yourself in without consideration. To get the most out of your hikes, you need to make sure you are wearing quality boots for walking.

Walking boots are designed to protect your feet, as well as to keep you comfortable and supported when exploring the great outdoors. You need to find quality boots that are going to offer all-weather protection, as well as specific support to certain areas of your feet. There is no point in trying to go on a hike without the correct footwear, as you will be forced to pay for it later. There are a lot of great walking boots out there that can provide everything you need.

View the Best Walking Boots, Below.

• Timberland Men’s White Ledge Mid Ankle Boot
• Salomon Quest 4D 3 GORE-TEX Backpacking Boots
• Hi-Tec Women’s Bandera Mid-Rise Hiking Boot
• Merrell Men’s Moab 2 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot
• Columbia Women’s Newton Ridge Plus Waterproof Hiking Boot
• Danner Men’s Mountain 600 4.5″ Hiking Boot
• KEEN Women’s Targhee Ii Mid Wp-w Hiking Boot
• Ariat Men’s Terrain H2O Hiking Boot
• adidas outdoor Terrex Free Hiker Boot
• HOKA ONE ONE Women’s Mid Waterproof Hiking Shoe
• Merrell Zion Mid Waterproof Hiking Shoe
• La Sportiva TX4 MID GTX Hiking Shoe

1. Timberland Men’s White Ledge Mid Ankle Boot

These walking boots for men are some of the best as they are made from high-quality leather. Not only does this ensure that the boot will last a long time and withstand repeated use, but it also makes them waterproof ensuring that they can be worn during all weather conditions. These leather boots also have a rubber sole that offers great grip and traction to keep you balanced on uneven or slippery surfaces.

These hiking shoes offer a lot of ankle support as they cut quite high on the leg. This will help keep your legs and feet in the correct position, even during movement, to prevent damage and injury. The metal hardware on these boots is rust-resistant, making them incredibly high quality and suitable to wear even during a downpour or in damp locations. These boots are protective and sturdy while also having a fashionable design making them versatile.

These walking boots are high-quality as they are made from waterproof leather, with rust-resistant hardware, and provide a good grip.

2. Salomon Quest 4D 3 GORE-TEX Backpacking Boots

This hiking boot is highly durable as it is made for backpacking in outdoor landscapes. Sometimes, when hiking, you may choose to go off-trail, and these boots can support that decision. They have a rugged rubber sole that offers a lot of traction and grip to keep you balanced, as well as an abrasion-resistant gore-tex membrane outsole to protect toes from falling rocks or debris. These boots offer forefront flexibility so you will feel secure and safe when wearing them, as well as being able to have a natural balance.

As well as being protective, these Quest 4D hiking shoes are very comfortable. They feature unique cushioning in the gore-tex membrane that is designed to guide the foot into the right position, making every step more comfortable and injury-free. This will also reduce fatigue, making it easy to keep walking through outdoor spaces for longer. These hiking boots also feature an updated lug pattern on the outsole to provide a better grip for more stability and balance, making them very safe to wear in various locations.

These are durable hiking boots that are specially designed for going off-track with their improved lug pattern and water-resistant layers.

3. Hi-Tec Women’s Bandera Mid-Rise Hiking Boot

This hiking boot offers a lot of ankle support with the mid-rise cut. This encourages the leg to remain straight and the foot to be in the correct position when walking, which will reduce fatigue and injury. These are high-quality hiking boots that are made from a combination of leather and textile. Not only does this make them attractive, with a range of colors to choose from, but it also ensures they are waterproof. This makes these hike boots versatile as they can be worn in all weather conditions and various locations, even around water.

This walking boot has an adjustable lace-up closure that allows for the most accurate fit to your feet. The rubber sole is rugged to offer excellent grip, even on slippery surfaces or when going uphill. Despite the fact these boots are heavy-duty and high quality, they are still lightweight enough to be comfortable, which is great news as you will be wearing them for a long period of time. These hiking boots are made for comfort and feature a waterproof membrane to keep all moisture out, which will prevent chafing and blisters.

This walking boot is made for comfort and is high quality with the waterproof membrane, leather upper and rugged outsole for protection.

4. Merrell Men’s Moab 2 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot

This waterproof hiking boot is high quality and versatile as it can be worn in all seasons, as well as in various locations. They feature a unique water-resistant membrane that is designed to seal out water, keeping the feet dry, while also letting moisture escape to keep the feet dry and cool. The pig-skin leather and mesh uppers are breathable and high quality, ensuring these boots can be worn repeatedly without wearing out. The rubber outsole is rugged to offer a great grip, even on slippery surfaces, as well as smooth traction.

These hiking boots are very comfortable while also offering a lot of protection as they feature a rubber toe cap. This will protect your feet from debris like falling rocks and uneven surfaces without weighing you down. These hiking boots are very comfortable as they feature a contoured and cushioned footbed, which can be removed based on your needs. This contoured insole offers medium support to the arch of your feet by encouraging the correct position during movement, which will reduce pain and fatigue when being on your feet for a long time.

These waterproof hiking boots are versatile and comfortable as they have a contoured footbed for arch support when walking.

5. Columbia Women’s Newton Ridge Plus Waterproof Hiking Boot

This walking boot for women is incredibly comfortable to wear, even for an extended time, as they are lightweight. They remain durable and offer waterproof protection without weighing your feet down and increasing fatigue, making them some of the best available. The sole offers good traction and grip on even slippery surfaces, making them versatile enough to be worn in all seasons. This walking boot has a cushioned midsole that molds to the shape of your feet to offer targeted support to the pressure points.

This walking boot is designed to take the pressure off so you can enjoy your outdoor hike and immerse yourself in nature. The full-grain leather outer is waterproof to keep your feet dry and comfortable no matter the weather, and the mesh bootie construction will keep your feet cool. The lace-up closure on these leather boots is designed to be adjustable to offer the most accurate and snug fit to all foot sizes to make you feel secure and protected at all times.

These hiking boots are made for comfort with the cushioned insole and are waterproof so they can be worn no matter the weather.

6. Danner Men’s Mountain 600 4.5″ Hiking Boot

This walking boot is incredibly high quality and is very fashionable. These hiking boots are made from full-grain nubuck leather as well as waterproof suede to make them durable and suitable for hiking in various locations, as well as being attractive enough to wear off the trail. These hiking boots have a TPU heel frame that is designed to provide enhanced support and stability to the feet when walking. The outsole is durable and offers a superior grip on both wet and dry surfaces.

These nubuck leather boots have a Vibram SPE midsole that is designed to be responsive and comfortable, by providing direct support to the pressure points of the feet. The ortholite footbed is lightweight and breathable while also being incredibly comfortable. This reduces injury and fatigue when hiking, allowing you to walk for longer. These boots are available in a variety of colors to suit all styles and tastes, making them versatile or a great gift for a walker in your life.

These hiking boots are high quality and fashionable, as well as offering a lot of protection when walking as they are waterproof with a great grip.

7. KEEN Women’s Targhee Ii Mid Wp-w Hiking Boot

These mid-length hiking boots are versatile as they can be worn in all weather conditions, as well as in wet or dry locations due to the aggressive traction provided. The leather upper of these boots offers waterproof protection, as well as the KEEN. DRY membrane that is designed to keep moisture out of the shoe. Even though this boot is made from leather, which is one heavy-duty material, they remain breathable to keep the feet cool and dry during a long walk outdoors. The sole is designed to offer a good grip, as well as stability on uneven surfaces with the lugged pattern.

These hiking boots have an EVA footbed that is designed to contour to the shape of your feet to offer targeted support to the pressure points of your feet, like the heel and ball. The rubber outsole of these boots is non-marking, which means that not only does it protect from damages like falling rocks, but it also keeps the shoes in good condition for longer. As well as being waterproof, this boot is also anti-odor, ensuring they can be worn repeatedly without bacteria build-up, which is great news when hiking outdoors in various weather conditions.

These hiking boots are versatile as they are made from breathable leather, making them water-resistant and suitable for all seasons.

8. Ariat Men’s Terrain H2O Hiking Boot

These walking boots are made from a full-grain, oiled, and waterproof leather, making them high quality and durable. As they are waterproof, these boots can be worn in all weather conditions as well as in various locations when hiking. The rubber sole is rugged to offer good grip and stability even on slippery surfaces, as well as to provide balance when walking uphill. These hiking boots are comfortable to wear as they have a padded collar that provides support to the ankle as well as being structured to support the correct foot position during movement.

These hiking boots have an adjustable lace-up closure to provide the most accurate fit and stability to your feet. As they are made from leather, these hiking boots are easy to clean as dirt and mud can be wiped away after your hike. This makes them suitable to wear repeatedly, and they are even heavy-duty enough to wear during construction work. This boot has an accurate fit to various feet due to the wide size range, and the neutral brown leather is suitable for work, hiking, and other occasions where protection footwear is needed.

These boots are high quality and durable as they are made from full-grain leather, which also makes them easy to clean.

9. adidas outdoor Terrex Free Hiker Boot

These boots are great for those who are wanting to add some more outdoor walking into their routine but will not be exploring rocky or uneven terrains. They are made from synthetic materials like mesh, which makes them lightweight and breathable, so they are perfect to wear during the warmer seasons. They have a rubber sole that offers a good grip and smooth traction to provide stability when walking outdoors.

The upper of these walking boots are waterproof, making them suitable to wear in all weather conditions. They have a unique sporty style that is suitable for running or jogging outdoors as well. The sock-liner construction of these walking boots comfortably holds the foot in place to prevent injury and fatigue during movement. This pair of boots is also easy to wear as it is flexible and comes with a heel loop for an assisted entry. They feature an EVA midsole that offers lightweight cushioning to provide comfort and support.

These hiking shoes are lightweight and flexible, while also being waterproof to provide all-weather protection.

10. HOKA ONE ONE Women’s Mid Waterproof Hiking Shoe

These hiking boots are made from a durable textile upper that is breathable and flexible to offer comfort when walking. They also feature a lightweight midsole that provides cushioning to more place than one, protecting all pressure points of the feet like the heel and ball. This will reduce injury and fatigue when hiking so you can keep exploring for longer. This boot has a waterproof membrane on the upper to keep the feet dry in all seasons.

These hiking shoes have a durable Vibram outsole that features the Dynamic Midfoot Transition Zone that provides a smooth transition, making every step more comfortable. The upper of these shoes have breathable panels to improve air ventilation and keep the feet cool, even when you are working up a sweat. This will prevent sweating, chafing, and damage like blisters so you can keep enjoying your hike and continue into the next day without pain.

These are lightweight walking boots that are waterproof and breathable to keep the feet cool and dry when outdoors.

11. Merrell Zion Mid Waterproof Hiking Shoe

These hiking boots feature a full-grain leather and mesh upper that offers waterproof protection as well as being breathable. The mesh panels offer good air ventilation, which will prevent you from sweating and dry out the feet, as well as being able to protect your feet from the elements due to the leather. These hiking boots come with metal eyelets and webbing loops to keep the laces in place, even with repeated wear. The laces are durable and easily adjusted for an accurate fit to your feet.

These hiking boots have a protective rubber toe cap that will prevent damage from falling debris and rocks when walking, as well as avoiding pain should you trip on uneven surfaces. The bellowed tongue of these boots is designed to keep debris out of the shoe, ensuring that your feet are protected, and the boots will feel comfortable every step of the way.

These hiking boots are protective as they are water-resistant, with breathable mesh linings and a rubber cap for the toes.

12. La Sportiva TX4 MID GTX Hiking Shoe

This hiking shoe features a mid gore-tex lining to enhance breathability to ensure the feet are cool in all weather conditions and even on the longest hikes. This lining can offer a lot of protection, including being water-resistant and offer comfort by being soft against the skin. These hiking boots are some of the best for stability due to the fact they feature a unique STB control system, which is designed to wrap around the foot to increase stability.

This boot has a unique design as the upper wraps around the midsole, specifically in the medial zone, to enhance stability on uneven terrains as well as providing additional comfort by having an accurate fit. This hiking boot has a Vibram outsole that provides an incredible grip on both wet and dry surfaces. It also features an Impact Brake System to keep you safe at all times. This is a heavy-duty hiking boot that is designed for technical terrains up mountains and other hikes that require a heavy-load.

These are heavy-duty hiking boots with the Vibram sole that offers a great grip and the water-resistant lining.

Walking Boots Buyer’s Guide

What Brand of Boots is Most Comfortable?

When it comes to comfort in hiking boots, there are a few things you will want to look for before you buy. Hiking boots are designed to last years, and you will want to wear them many times within this period, so ensuring they are comfortable is vital.

Durability is something you will also want to consider, which typically leads people to heavy-weight shoes. However, you might benefit from looking into shoes that weigh less. Shoes that are light in weight are often more comfortable to wear for long periods, as well as being more flexible, so your feet have room to move comfortably inside them.

In terms of comfort, you will want to check the kind of fabric that is used on the upper and insole, as well. You will want to make sure that these materials will keep your feet warm when you need them to be, and cool when you are working up a sweat. They also need to be protective to prevent damage when walking outdoors.

With this in mind, the best brand overall for comfort is Merrell. We have covered two of their boots in this review, both of which are made to a high quality while remaining lightweight. If you are looking for just one brand to consider, then Merrell will be your best option for comfort.

What are the Best Lightweight Walking Boots?

In this review, the best lightweight walking shoes are the Adidas outdoor Terrex Free Hiker Boot. These boots are made from a type of synthetic material, like mesh, that makes them breathable while being suitable for waterproofing. This is one of the most lightweight shoes in this review due to the fact it is made from materials like this.

These shoes are ideal for those who want to start walking more, but will not be exploring tough terrains like mountains and rocky locations. The rubber sole on this shoe does provide a good grip, but the smooth traction is the main attraction here as they are suitable to run and jog in as well as hiking.

One of the best things about a lightweight boot like these is the fact they are flexible, allowing your feet to move naturally when wearing them, as well as being easy to wear. These shoes are great for those who do not like to spend a lot of time trying on shoes and adjusting them, as they are easy to wear and flexible enough to just pull onto your feet in one motion.

Who Makes the Best Hiking Boots?

It can be quite difficult to determine which one brand is the best for hiking shoes, as each has its own pros and cons. In this review, a product has been highlighted due to its quality and price, which means that all of the brands on this site could be considered to be the best.

If you have read this full review, then you will be close to finding the best shoes for hiking, due to the information we have provided. However, if you are looking for another option, then you should pay attention to what each customer review says.

We all have our ideas of what the best brand is, and this is something that we can try to agree on, but as we have different requirements, standards, and needs, it can be quite difficult. To find the best brand of hiking shoes, you will want to consider several factors of their products, including quality, the prices, protection provided, and materials for the soles and uppers.

Thanks to modern technology, we no longer have to guess when it comes to shopping for new hiking shoes. We can rely on other people’s opinions, like fellow customers or experts in the field, to see which is the best option and who is the best brand. Those mentioned in this review, from Merrell to Salomon, to Adidas are some of the best in the business, so you can’t go wrong with choosing their products.

Conclusion

Going outdoors for a hike can be such a great activity for your physical and mental health. Taking time to explore the nature around you can be such a fun and calming experience, as well as being a good way to work out your body by walking.

However, this is an activity that requires specialist footwear, so you need to make sure that you have quality hiking shoes on hand. The highest-quality shoes will protect your feet and ensure that you feel safe when hiking outdoors on a variety of nature trails.

This shoe review has covered some of the most-loved brands based on customer reviews and miles walked in their shoes. If you are going to get outside, make sure you are prepared first!

Did You Know?

Hiking is an activity that can benefit your physical health by working out the body, as well as your mental health and heart health to prevent diseases.

Expert Tip

Consider shoes that have some form of waterproofing on them as they will be more versatile and suitable to wear during all weather conditions without issue.