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Buy Side from WSJ is a reviews and recommendations team, independent of The Wall Street Journal newsroom. We might earn a commission from links in this content. Learn more. Outdoor Men's Lightweight Boots
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 myself, I’ve personally worn more than half the boots on this list and tested hiking footwear from nearly all of these brands.) Here the 10 hiking boots outdoor experts trust on their own adventures so you can step into the wild with confidence.
For backpacking and rugged day hiking, the Salomon Quest 4 hiking boots in men’s and women’s fits were recommended by experts we spoke with. “They are a high top boot with good ankle support, which is helpful when I’m carrying 25 to 40 pounds of backpacking gear,” says Eyton. “Since I hike in the wet weather of British Columbia’s mountains, I also like that they have a Gore-Tex waterproof breathable liner to keep my feet dry.” They’re also quite lightweight for backpacking boots, which Eyton attributes to their mix of leather and synthetic materials “instead of the bulky and heavy full leather upper you’ll find in other boots.”
Beth Henkes, who has fit over 35,000 people with technical footwear over the years as a former sales lead for footwear at REI, calls the Quest 4 her “go-to” hiking boot. “Surprisingly, it fits many shapes and types of feet, which is a rare statement for this type of boot, and it has plenty of options for customizing lacing for the best fit if needed.”
The Mountain 600 Leaf hiking boots, in men’s and women’s sizes , are a modern take on the classic Danner Mountain Light , beloved by outdoor enthusiasts and style-conscious urbanites for nearly 50 years. “These boots look ready for town but also hold their own on long traverses and multiday wear,” says Maggie Slepian , an outdoor writer who has reviewed hiking gear for over a decade. “These are excellent all-around hiking boots for anyone on a casual trail, but they also have enough support and traction for more technical all-day hikes.” Slepian also likes their classic look and that they don’t feel as stiff as other hiking boots. The boots are durably constructed with full-grain leather, reliable Gore-Tex waterproofing and grippy Vibram outsoles. They’re also the brand’s first lightweight hiker designed for repairability, meaning you can send them to Danner to be resoled and reconditioned when needed.
For day hikes, Eyton’s choice is the lightweight and supportive Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid Gore-Tex hiking boots for men and women . “Wearing these boots feels like wearing running shoes, which I love,” she says. “The Gore-Tex liners are also great for keeping water out.” Since they are mid-height, they provide more ankle support than shoes without the heavy feeling of full-height boots. Unlike most female-fitting hiking boots that are shrunk-down versions of men’s boots, the women’s X Ultra 4 Mids are designed for a woman’s body, with softer materials around the collars and heels and a women-specific last (the foot-shaped mold used to shape the hiking boot) to accommodate female foot anatomy better.
As an Association of Icelandic Mountain Guides-certified mountain guide who leads multiday hiking tours in Iceland, the Arctic and beyond, Alberto Ojembarrena needs serious backpacking boots he can trust in unforgiving climates. “It’s imperative that the boots I rely upon be completely impermeable. Equally crucial is a sole that can stand up to the harshest conditions,” he says. The burly Scarpa Kinesis Pro fit the bill with their full-grain leather upper, Gore-Tex waterproofing and full perimeter rubber rand. “These boots have consistently showcased unparalleled traction, ensuring that each step I take is met with unwavering stability and firm assurance.” The durably constructed Kinesis Pro will withstand years of heavy use, keeping you protected and secure while trekking just about anywhere in the world. These boots are only available in a men’s version but they follow European sizing, so anyone within the size range may find the fit perfectly suitable.
“The Oboz Sapphire Mid Waterproof is a lightweight boot for day hiking on terrain that’s not too rugged,” says Henkes. It’s a women’s specific hiking boot because it has a lower-volume fit, sculpted heel, roomier forefoot and adjustments in arch support that better suit the female foot shape. The mid-height and waterproofing allow it to handle wet, muddy conditions, and “they have enough flex for comfort during an all-day outing, but also enough sole to protect feet from rocks and other stuff.” The boot is also outfitted with Oboz’s proprietary insole, the “O Fit,” which Henkes says is “built to fit this exact boot and is supportive enough to take the place of off-the-shelf insoles.”
Hoka’s visual aesthetic may not be for everyone, but once you experience how comfortable its footwear is, you’ll understand why it’s so widely worn. One of the most agile boots in Hoka’s trail lineup is the Hoka Speedgoat 5 Mid in men’s and women’s variants , a versatile hiking boot designed for moving swiftly. It’s slightly taller and offers more ankle support than the popular Speedgoat 5 GTX hiking shoe we recommend in our guide to running shoes but shares the same phenomenal cushioning and traction, says former Outside Magazinegear editor Jeremey Rellosa, who turns to this hiker because “it’s lightweight, waterproof and just such a nimble shoe that allows me to hike or run fast on the trail.”
The La Sportiva TX hiking boots for men and for women are “a sleek, ultra-fitted boot for technical trails with off-trail scrambling,” says Slepian, who recommends them for steep sidehills and challenging trails with lots of shale or insecure footing. These fully synthetic waterproof boots have a reinforced seamless upper that makes them both lightweight and durable. The lacing system is inspired by mountaineering boots and will keep feet snug and secure while hiking. “The upper wraps your foot like a glove, and the deeply lugged outsoles have some of the best wet and dry traction on tricky footing.” Henkes advises to buy a size larger than you normally wear because La Sportiva’s boots tend to run slightly narrow and short. “But their builds are very solid and fit the feet they are meant for.”
After switching to the Vivobarefoot Tracker FG II hiking boots (available in men’s and women’s sizes ), “my feet underwent an immediate transformation,” says Monica Fuentes, a Union of International Mountain Leader Associations mountain guide and co-founder of Amarok Adventures . Much like barefoot shoes, these barefoot hiking boots are meant to encourage more natural foot movement. They offer less cushioning and arch support than typical hiking boots and have a thin, flexible sole that allows you to feel the terrain better underfoot. “Walking in these boots was akin to undergoing a subtle evolution in gait,” says Fuentes. “It wasn’t long before I noticed a distinct improvement in my overall balance, a testament to the enhanced agility these boots provided.” The thoughtful inclusion of both summer and winter insoles makes them an ideal choice for year-round adventures, “even above 18,000 feet in the Nepalese mountain ranges.”
$325 at Dick's Sporting Goods
The Asolo Drifter I Evo GV hiking boots for men and women are sturdy and comfortable, offering a tremendous amount of stability when trekking long miles. “I’m a big fan of the brand for their sticky soles and durable uppers,” says Henkes, who’s trusted Asolo boots to carry her through rugged Cascades terrain. The molded EVA foamlike midsole provides both cushion and support for long grueling treks, but they’re also light enough that they won’t weigh you down. They’re durably made, with a mix of tough nylon and suede, and have a Gore-Tex liner that keeps feet dry on creek crossings or hiking in the rain. The Drifter Evo GVs have the details to look for in a serious hiking boot, including a heel brake and rubber toe cap, and a lacing system locks the heel down to prevent blisters and allows for customization. “I only wish their fit was a bit more universal,” says Hekes, adding that Asolo boots tend to run narrow. Their wide fit might not be wide enough for some feet.
The Vasque Breeze for men and women is “a sturdy, supportive boot that held up well on multiday backpacking trips to Patagonia, Peru and Norway,” says Rellosa. IVasque says the Breeze is its most-beloved of the last two decades, and the latest version stays true to what hikers love about it while incorporating recycled elements, including recycled sugar cane in the midsole and recycled polyester mesh and trim. They’re waterproof, have a durable outsole and protective rubber toe rand (the band that covers where the upper and the sole meet) that can withstand rugged terrain and a well-defined heel brake for better control on steep descents. The Breeze is also offered in medium and wide widths, so most people will find a fit that works.
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