Best of
The Best Hiking Boots (2027)
The best hiking boots for 2027: waterproof mid boots ranked on fit, comfort, grip, and value for day hikes and backpacking.
The short answer
The Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof is the best hiking boot for most people in 2027: comfortable from day one, reliably waterproof, and proven on millions of miles. Technical hikers should choose the Salomon X Ultra 5 Mid GTX; wide feet belong in the KEEN Targhee III.
Our top picks at a glance
- Merrell Moab 3 Mid WaterproofAmerica's best-selling hiking boot, now in its third generation.Best overall
- Salomon X Ultra 5 Mid GTXThe current X Ultra: Matryx upper, All Terrain Contagrip, GORE-TEX.Best for technical trails
- KEEN Targhee III Mid WaterproofThe wide-foot favorite with a roomy toe box.Best for wide feet
- Columbia Newton Ridge Plus IIThe budget boot that keeps up with boots costing twice as much.Best budget
- Oboz Bridger Mid BDryA burly nubuck backpacking boot with a wide, stable platform.Best for rugged backpacking
What owners report
Synthesized from recurring themes in long-term owner feedback.
Most praised
- A boot that fits without pinch or heel lift on the first walk removes the biggest barrier for new hikers
- Deep lugs and tacky rubber give confidence on wet rock and muddy descents where shoes would skate
- Roomy toe boxes let feet swell through a long day without the usual end of hike ache
- Cushioned midsoles make rocky miles kinder on knees, especially for hikers returning after injury
- Leather boots that can be resoled or that age gracefully feel worth the premium over seasons of use
Common complaints
- Waterproof membranes keep feet dry in rain but also hold heat and slow drying after a deep stream crossing
- Sizing up for toe room on descents can leave the heel loose, so fit remains a compromise for many shapes
- Lug wear and midsole fatigue arrive before the uppers look tired, ending boots that still seem sound
- Stiff traditional boots punish anyone who skips short break in walks before a long trip
- Narrow performance lasts and wide comfort lasts rarely overlap, forcing a choice between precision and room
The picks, ranked
| # | Product | Award | Style | Weight (pair, men's 9) | Waterproofing | Outsole | Upper |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof | Best overall | Mid-height waterproof hiker | 2 lb 6 oz (1.08 kg) | M Select DRY membrane, bellows tongue | M Select GRIP, 5mm lugs | Pigskin leather and mesh |
| 2 | Salomon X Ultra 5 Mid GTX | Best for technical trails | Mid-height waterproof hiker | - | GORE-TEX membrane | All Terrain Contagrip | Matryx |
| 3 | KEEN Targhee III Mid Waterproof | Best for wide feet | Mid-height waterproof hiker | 2 lb 4 oz (1.02 kg) | KEEN.DRY membrane | KEEN.ALL-TERRAIN rubber, 4mm lugs | - |
| 4 | Columbia Newton Ridge Plus II | Best budget | Mid-height waterproof hiker | 1 lb 15 oz (0.88 kg) | Seam-sealed waterproof construction | Omni-Grip | - |
| 5 | Oboz Bridger Mid BDry | Best for rugged backpacking | - | - | B-DRY membrane | Granite Peak (maple and brown sugar) | Nubuck leather |
| 6 | Salomon Quest 4 GTX | Best for heavy loads | - | - | GORE-TEX | Contagrip TD | - |
| 7 | HOKA Anacapa 2 Mid GTX | Best cushioning | - | - | GORE-TEX Invisible Fit | Vibram Megagrip | Nubuck leather |
| 8 | KEEN Targhee IV Mid Waterproof | Best all-rounder | - | - | KEEN.DRY membrane | KEEN.RUGGED | Nubuck leather and mesh |
| 9 | Danner Mountain 600 | Best heritage build | - | - | Danner Dry | Vibram Fuga | - |
| 10 | Lowa Renegade GTX Mid | Best classic leather | - | - | GORE-TEX | Vibram Evo | Nubuck leather |
Best overall
Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof
America's best-selling hiking boot, now in its third generation.
The Moab 3 Mid Waterproof is the best-selling hiking boot in America because it removes every beginner obstacle: instant comfort, reliable waterproofing, and grip that handles real trails. At 2 lb 6 oz it is not the lightest, but for day hikers and new backpackers it is the safest recommendation in footwear.
Strengths
- Out-of-the-box comfort is legendary; most wearers skip break-in entirely
- Bellows tongue keeps trail debris out of the boot
- M Select DRY waterproof membrane seals out water in wet conditions
- 5mm lugs with M Select GRIP handle mud and loose trail well
Limitations
- 2 lb 6 oz per pair is not light by modern standards
- Soft midsole lacks support for 40-plus-pound packs
- Waterproof membrane runs warm in summer heat
| Style | Mid-height waterproof hiker |
|---|---|
| Weight (pair, men's 9) | 2 lb 6 oz (1.08 kg) |
| Waterproofing | M Select DRY membrane, bellows tongue |
| Outsole | M Select GRIP, 5mm lugs |
| Upper | Pigskin leather and mesh |
Best for: Day hikers and beginners who want proven comfort with zero break-in drama.
Skip if: You need a stiff boot for heavy packs or technical scrambling; the Moab is a soft, forgiving hiker.
Best for technical trails
Salomon X Ultra 5 Mid GTX
The current X Ultra: Matryx upper, All Terrain Contagrip, GORE-TEX.
The X Ultra 5 Mid GTX is the precision instrument here: All Terrain Contagrip rubber, a Matryx upper built to outlast mesh, and GORE-TEX waterproofing in a nimble package. Fast hikers on rocky, rooty trails will feel the difference immediately. Wide feet need not apply.
Strengths
- All Terrain Contagrip outsole grips wet rock better than most in this class
- Matryx upper is exceptionally durable for a light boot
- GORE-TEX membrane is the waterproofing benchmark
- EnergyCell midsole with a Molded OrthoLite sockliner for all-day cushioning
Limitations
- Narrow last squeezes wide feet; try before buying
- Less cushioned than the Moab for all-day comfort
- Premium pricing for the GORE-TEX version
| Style | Mid-height waterproof hiker |
|---|---|
| Waterproofing | GORE-TEX membrane |
| Upper | Matryx |
| Outsole | All Terrain Contagrip |
| Midsole | EnergyCell with Molded OrthoLite sockliner |
Best for: Fit hikers who want agility and grip on technical terrain.
Skip if: You have wide feet; Salomon's precise last runs narrow.
Best for wide feet
KEEN Targhee III Mid Waterproof
The wide-foot favorite with a roomy toe box.
The Targhee III's generous forefoot is a revelation for hikers who have squeezed into narrow boots for years. KEEN.DRY waterproofing and a sturdy build make it a dependable workhorse, at the cost of 2 lb 4 oz and a break-in period.
Strengths
- Generously wide forefoot fits feet other boots pinch
- KEEN.DRY waterproof membrane keeps water out reliably
- 4mm multi-directional lugs bite on varied terrain
- Sturdy construction handles rocky trails and heavier loads
Limitations
- 2 lb 4 oz per pair feels clunky next to modern light hikers
- Break-in takes longer than the Moab's instant comfort
- Bulky profile looks and feels traditional
| Style | Mid-height waterproof hiker |
|---|---|
| Weight (pair, men's 9) | 2 lb 4 oz (1.02 kg) |
| Waterproofing | KEEN.DRY membrane |
| Outsole | KEEN.ALL-TERRAIN rubber, 4mm lugs |
| Fit | Wide forefoot, generous toe box |
Best for: Hikers with wide feet who have suffered in narrow European lasts.
Skip if: You want a light, fast boot; the Targhee is a sturdy traditional hiker.
Best budget
Columbia Newton Ridge Plus II
The budget boot that keeps up with boots costing twice as much.
The Newton Ridge Plus II delivers seam-sealed waterproofing and respectable trail performance for less than half the price of premium boots. It will not outlast them, but for new hikers testing the waters it is the rational entry point.
Strengths
- Seam-sealed waterproof construction at a budget price
- Techlite midsole gives responsive cushioning on trail
- Omni-Grip outsole performs respectably on wet and dry surfaces
- Under 2 lb per pair keeps it light for the price
Limitations
- Materials and construction will not outlast premium boots
- Ankle support is modest for heavy loads
- Fit runs slightly narrow for a budget boot
| Style | Mid-height waterproof hiker |
|---|---|
| Weight (pair, men's 9) | 1 lb 15 oz (0.88 kg) |
| Waterproofing | Seam-sealed waterproof construction |
| Midsole | Techlite |
| Outsole | Omni-Grip |
Best for: New hikers and occasional trekkers who want waterproof protection cheaply.
Skip if: You hike weekly on rough terrain; the materials will not match premium boots for longevity.
Best for rugged backpacking
Oboz Bridger Mid BDry
A burly nubuck backpacking boot with a wide, stable platform.
The Bridger Mid BDry is built for the rough stuff: nubuck leather, a B-DRY membrane, and a TPU chassis that keeps the boot stable when the pack gets heavy. At 2 lb 6 oz it is no lightweight, but for rocky, load-hauling miles it is the burliest mid in this guide.
Strengths
- Nubuck leather upper is exceptionally durable
- B-DRY waterproofing keeps feet dry in sustained rain
- TPU chassis adds torsional stability under heavy loads
- O-FIT insole is comfortable out of the box
Limitations
- 2 lb 6 oz per pair is heavy for light hikers
- Stiff build needs break-in time
- Premium pricing
| Weight (pair, men's) | 2 lb 6 oz |
|---|---|
| Upper | Nubuck leather |
| Waterproofing | B-DRY membrane |
| Outsole | Granite Peak (maple and brown sugar) |
| Midsole | Dual-density EVA with TPU chassis |
Best for: Backpackers carrying heavy loads on rugged, rocky trails.
Skip if: You hike light and fast; these are overbuilt for day hikes.
Best for heavy loads
Salomon Quest 4 GTX
A supportive backpacking boot built for multi-day mileage.
The Quest 4 GTX is the load-carrier: the ADV-C 4D Advanced Chassis guides the foot on long descents, Contagrip TD holds on wet rock and mud, and the GORE-TEX build seals out weather. At 2 lb 14.2 oz it is the heaviest boot here, and that weight is the price of its support.
Strengths
- ADV-C 4D chassis guides the foot on long descents
- GORE-TEX waterproofing is proven in all conditions
- Contagrip TD grips wet rock and mud reliably
- OrthoLite sockliner adds comfort on multi-day trips
Limitations
- 2 lb 14.2 oz is the heaviest in this guide
- 12 mm drop feels tall for low-drop fans
- Premium pricing
| Weight (pair, men's) | 2 lb 14.2 oz |
|---|---|
| Waterproofing | GORE-TEX |
| Chassis | ADV-C 4D Advanced Chassis |
| Outsole | Contagrip TD |
| Drop | 12 mm |
Best for: Multi-day backpackers who want running-shoe agility with boot support.
Skip if: You have narrow feet; the fit runs generous.
Best cushioning
HOKA Anacapa 2 Mid GTX
Maximum cushioning in a waterproof mid-cut hiker.
The Anacapa 2 Mid GTX brings HOKA's signature cushioning to a waterproof mid, with a sugarcane EVA midsole and Vibram Megagrip rubber for 2 lb 4 oz of knee-friendly comfort. The soft ride trades some precision on technical rock, but for long days on trail nothing here is comfier.
Strengths
- HOKA cushioning is the most comfortable in this guide
- Vibram Megagrip is the best all-around trail rubber
- Nubuck leather looks and wears well over time
- GORE-TEX Invisible Fit reduces bulk around the foot
Limitations
- Soft midsole is less stable on off-camber terrain
- 2 lb 4 oz is not light
- Premium pricing
| Weight (pair, men's) | 2 lb 4 oz |
|---|---|
| Upper | Nubuck leather |
| Waterproofing | GORE-TEX Invisible Fit |
| Outsole | Vibram Megagrip |
| Midsole | Sugarcane EVA |
Best for: Hikers with tired knees who want pillowy cushioning on long days.
Skip if: You scramble on technical rock; the soft ride is less precise.
Best all-rounder
KEEN Targhee IV Mid Waterproof
The wide-fit all-rounder, rebuilt with a glue-free fused construction.
The Targhee IV is the do-everything mid for wide feet: a KEEN.DRY waterproof membrane, a nubuck and mesh upper, and a glue-free KEEN.FUSION construction that bonds the upper to the sole with no adhesive to delaminate. At 2 lb 8.6 oz it sits mid-pack on weight, and the roomy KEEN last delivers exactly what an all-rounder should: a fit that works for the feet medium lasts leave pinched.
Strengths
- KEEN.FUSION glue-free bond cannot delaminate like glued soles
- KEEN.DRY waterproof membrane keeps feet dry
- KEEN.RUGGED outsole is twice as abrasion-resistant as rubber
- Roomy traditional KEEN fit suits wide feet out of the box
Limitations
- 2 lb 8.6 oz is mid-pack, not light
- Wide last can feel loose on narrow feet
- Newer model with a shorter track record than the Targhee III
| Weight (pair) | 2 lb 8.6 oz |
|---|---|
| Upper | Nubuck leather and mesh |
| Waterproofing | KEEN.DRY membrane |
| Outsole | KEEN.RUGGED |
| Construction | KEEN.FUSION direct attach, glue-free |
Best for: All-around hikers, especially wide feet, who want one waterproof boot for most trails.
Skip if: You have narrow, low-volume feet; the Targhee last runs wide.
Best heritage build
Danner Mountain 600
Heritage full-grain leather looks with modern trail comfort.
The Mountain 600 pairs full-grain leather and suede with a modern Vibram Fuga outsole and Danner Dry waterproofing, a boot that looks right on trail and in town. At 37 oz per pair it is unapologetically heavy, but the heritage construction is built to age well.
Strengths
- Full-grain leather and suede upper is beautiful and tough
- Vibram Fuga outsole grips well on trail
- Danner Dry waterproofing handles wet conditions
- OrthoLite footbed adds underfoot comfort
Limitations
- 37 oz per pair is heavy
- 4.5 in height gives less ankle coverage than full mids
- Premium pricing
| Weight (pair) | 37 oz |
|---|---|
| Height | 4.5 in |
| Waterproofing | Danner Dry |
| Outsole | Vibram Fuga |
| Midsole | Vibram SPE with nylon shank |
Best for: Hikers who want a boot that works on trail and in town.
Skip if: You count ounces; 37 oz per pair is heavy.
Best classic leather
Lowa Renegade GTX Mid
The benchmark leather backpacking boot, resoleable for years.
The Renegade GTX Mid is the benchmark traditional backpacking boot: nubuck leather, a DuraPU midsole that resists breakdown, GORE-TEX waterproofing, and resoleable construction that can keep it going for years. At 2 lb 10 oz it is a classic heavyweight that earns its reputation.
Strengths
- Nubuck leather is famously durable
- DuraPU midsole resists breakdown over years
- Resoleable construction extends life well past resoling
- Proven fit works well for wide feet
Limitations
- 2 lb 10 oz is heavy
- Needs break-in before long trips
- Premium pricing
| Weight (pair) | 2 lb 10 oz (1180 g) |
|---|---|
| Upper | Nubuck leather |
| Waterproofing | GORE-TEX |
| Outsole | Vibram Evo |
| Midsole | DuraPU |
Best for: Traditional backpackers who want a boot that lasts a decade.
Skip if: You want a light, fast hiker; this is a classic heavyweight.
How we chose
We compared mid-height waterproof hiking boots, the most versatile trail configuration, on published weight, outsole design, waterproof membrane type, and fit characteristics reported across retailer reviews. We weighted out-of-box comfort and wet-traction highly, and excluded non-waterproof models and heavy mountaineering boots as separate categories.
Questions, answered
Should hiking boots be waterproof?
For three-season hiking in variable weather, yes. Waterproof membranes keep out rain and puddles. In hot, dry climates many hikers prefer breathable non-waterproof boots that dry faster.
How should hiking boots fit?
Snug in the heel with no lift, a thumb's width of space ahead of your toes, and no pressure points on the forefoot. Always try boots with your hiking socks, late in the day when feet are slightly swollen.
How long do hiking boots last?
Typically 500 to 1,000 miles depending on construction, terrain, and hiker weight. When the lugs smooth out or the midsole stops rebounding, it is time.
Do I need to break in hiking boots?
Modern boots like the Moab 3 need little to none. Stiffer traditional boots like the Targhee III benefit from several short walks before a long hike.
Mid or low hiking shoes?
Mids add ankle protection and work better with gaiters; lows are lighter and cooler. For rocky trails and backpacking, mids are the safer default.