The most important thing to carry along with you during hiking is the best pair of hiking boots.
Choose the one which is light in weight, waterproof as well as breathable to enjoy your hiking. Also make sure that they are having better toe box, meaning it should fit easily in any type of foot.
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Quick Comparison: Top Hiking Boots
- Salomon Men's Quest 4D 2 GTX Hiking Boot (4.7 / 5.0)
- Lowa Renegade GTX Mid Hiking Boots - Men's (4.4 / 5.0)
- Merrell Moab 2 Mid WP Hiking Boots - Women's (4.8 / 5.0)
- Salomon X Ultra 2 Mid GTX Hiking Boots - Women's (4.6 / 5.0)
- KEEN Targhee III Mid WP Hiking Boots - Men's (4.7 / 5.0)
**Below, you'll find our expert's reviews, but you can also click the links above to see current prices or read customer reviews on Amazon.
Different Types of Hiking Boots
There are different categories of hiking boots available in the market and hence be choosy. Make a plan on your hiking needs and then settle on the model.
The low cut hiking boots that have flexible midsoles are a good choice if you plan to hike during day time.
Majority of the ultralight backpackers prefer to pick trail-running models since they are hiking for long distance. The day hiking boots range from mid-to-high cut models.
They are specially designed for hiking during day hours and for short trips with minimal loads. They offer better flexibility and requires only less break-in time.
On the other hand, the backpacking boots models are designed for carrying heavier loads and for long journeys. In such cases, the hikers choose the high cut models which wrap the ankles from above for getting excellent support.
They are really supportive and are durable too. Offering stiffer midsoles, these models are best fit for on- or off-trail trips.
How to Choose the Best Hiking Boots?
There are wide ranges of choices ranging from ultra-light hiking boots to the ones which feature the DURA leather as well as waterproof lining.
Understanding the different models and the components used for its making will help you to refine your selection. Keep in mind that your hiking boots should sync with where and how you would like to hike.
More Insight into the Components Used for the Making Hiking Boots!!!
Uppers of Hiking Boots
The materials used for the making of your boots will influence the durability, breathability, weight of the boot as well as its water resistance factor.
Split grain leather
This is usually clubbed with nylon or nylon mesh for bringing down the weight of the boots. It offers better durability.
Full-grain leather
It offers better abrasion resistance and durability. They are water resistance as well.
Nubuck leather
This is yet another category of full-grain leather which is designed to resemble suede. The material is abrasion resistant, water resistant and durable.
Synthetics
Few common materials used are nylon, polyester, and the so-called synthetic leather. They are light in weight and dries quickly. The cost is comparatively less.
Waterproof membranes
The boots with these materials are designed with uppers made out of breathable or waterproof membranes for maintaining dryness of your feet during wet conditions.
Vegan
These hiking boots are constructed without using any kind of animal ingredients or its byproducts.
Insulation
There are certain boots where synthetic insulation is provided in order to add more warmth when hiking on high peaks, especially on glaciers and snow.
Midsoles of Hiking Boots
The midsoles of the boots will help you prevent your foot from the shock. Midsoles determine the stiffness of any boots.
Polyurethane and Ethylene vinyl acetate EVA are the common midsole materials used for the making of hiking boots.
Outsoles of Hiking Boots
Rubber is one of the most common materials which are used on any hiking boot outsoles. For increasing the hardness of your mountaineering boots, certain additives like carbon are usually included.
Hard outsoles will help to boost up the durability of your footwear.
The Right Fit
Whether you choose high end boots or a low cost one, getting the right fit is of high importance. Else you will end up with painful blisters at the end of the day.
Before you buy any boots, make sure that you try it out after wearing the right hiking socks.
Important elements to check before you make you final move:
- Know your foot size
- Try the boots
- Bring the right orthotics with you
- Wear hiking socks and then try your boots
- Above all, spend quality time is shopping your boots
How to Clean Hiking Boots?
At the end of your day, you will end up with mud, campfire ashes, residual creek water, fall leaves and much other dirt of your boots. Even if your hiking boots are not dirty, it is not a matter at all.
Every step you make while hiking results in dust or sand particles creeping in and so there are high chances that the inside portions of your boots needs a good clean-up. By properly maintaining the boots after each hike, you can extend its life.
Always check the label of the boot’s package for cleaning instructions. The makers of the product will certainly list all the materials used for the making of the product and hence how to wash them.
Steps for Cleaning Your Boots
- After every hike, clean your boots properly. Dislodge majority of the dust and dirt by walking through puddle or any wet grass on your way back. Once you reach home back, rinse your shoes in clear water. Remember not to submerse the footwear in water as this may result in poor performance.
- Remove the foot beds and the laces from the boots. This will help you to reach the tight portions and brush off the dirt inside it. Try to grime the boots with a soft brush using water.
- Keep in mind not to force dry your boots as this may lead to deterioration or even hardening of its outer layer. Let it dry naturally by stuffing newspaper inside the boots. This will help you to pick up all the moisture content.
- Once it is dried, give waterproof treatments as well as conditioning. This will lower the penetration of moisture into the upper materials of the boots. This is more worth for mesh panels as it helps to improve the breathability.
- Based on the rate at which you hike, it is always good to clean the inside area of your boots. The salty and sweaty deposits on your boots will damage the leather and this in turn will prevent the waterproof membranes from the overall breathability. Fill the inside portion with luke warm water and leave it overnight and then dry naturally.
Review of some of the best Hiking Boots
- Salomon Men's Quest 4D 2 GTX Hiking Boot (4.7 / 5.0)
- Lowa Renegade GTX Mid Hiking Boots - Men's (4.4 / 5.0)
- Merrell Moab 2 Mid WP Hiking Boots - Women's (4.8 / 5.0)
- Salomon X Ultra 2 Mid GTX Hiking Boots - Women's (4.6 / 5.0)
- KEEN Targhee III Mid WP Hiking Boots - Men's (4.7 / 5.0)
- Asolo Fugitive GTX Hiking Boots - Men's (3.9 / 5.0)
- Danner Mountain Light Cascade Hiking Boots - Women's (4.1 / 5.0)
- Vasque St. Elias GTX Hiking Boots - Men's (3.9 / 5.0)
- Zamberlan Vioz Lux GTX RR Hiking Boots - Men's (4.8 / 5.0)
- Zamberlan Vioz GT Hiking Boots - Men's (4.4 / 5.0)
Our Recommendation
Salomon Men's Quest 4D 2 GTX Hiking Boot
The Salomon Men’s Quest 4D 2 GTX Hiking boots offers amazing stability with added grip for the mountaineering hikers. It features ergonomic tongue that adds additional comfort. The boots weigh less and offers a high-top cuff with improved waterproof protection.
Major Features:
- 4D Chassis helps in foot control and provides extra protection with active comfort
- Salomon's branded grip technology is used
- Designed for lightweight, protection and stability
- Shaft measures around 6" from arch
- Weight: 640g ; Midsole Height: 10 MM / 22 MM
- Rugged lacing hardware and protective rubber toe cap is provided
- Waterproof protection is another added feature
Lowa Renegade GTX Mid Hiking Boots - Men's
The Lowa Renegade GTX Mid Hiking Boots are of light weight and provides better comfort. The boots suits well for long day hikes and features water-repellent nubuck leather upper. It comes with improved breathability. The waterproof lining helps to lower the hot spots. It has full length nylon shank along with an improved outsole.
It combines all the luxuries of versatility with comfort. It features a moisture-wicking footbed and has got full-length nylon shank. It comes with a shock-absorbent sole which helps to maintain a perfect balance between weight and comfort.
Major Features:
- Waterproof and breathable liners helps to maintain dryness of your feet
- Water-repellent nubuck leather uppers
- Improved flexibility
- Polyester linings are provided and hence dry fast
- Derby-cut lacing are provided
- The padded and gusseted tongues reduces the lace pressure
- Full-length nylon shanks are used
- External polyurethane Monowrap frames are present
- Rubber outsoles deliver excellent traction
Foot Note!!!
Hiking with friends or all alone is really amazing, that too if you are having the right and quality gears with you.
If you are planning to go for an adventure it is better that you take good care of your feet and so investing in some high-quality hiking boots is always a wise choice as you don’t need to end up your day with blisters on your foot.
Don’t wait anymore! Get your favorite piece of footwear today itself and enjoy hiking.
image credit: amazon.com, amazon.in, rei.com