For beginners
The Best Hiking Boots for Beginners (2027)
The best hiking boots for beginners in 2027: comfortable, forgiving boots that need no expertise to enjoy.
The short answer
Beginners in 2027 should buy the Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof: comfortable immediately, waterproof, and proven. If you are unsure hiking is for you, the Columbia Newton Ridge Plus II costs far less to find out.
Our top picks at a glance
- Merrell Moab 3 Mid WaterproofAmerica's best-selling hiking boot, now in its third generation.Best overall
- Columbia Newton Ridge Plus IIThe budget boot that keeps up with boots costing twice as much.Best budget
- KEEN Targhee III Mid WaterproofThe wide-foot favorite with a roomy toe box.Best for wide feet
- HOKA Anacapa 2 Mid GTXMaximum cushioning in a waterproof mid-cut hiker.Best cushioning
- KEEN Targhee IV Mid WaterproofThe wide-fit all-rounder, rebuilt with a glue-free fused construction.Best all-rounder
What owners report
Synthesized from recurring themes in long-term owner feedback.
Most praised
- Instant comfort boots let beginners judge trails, not footwear, on their first outings
- A forgiving, light first pair gets replaced for preference reasons rather than blister reasons
Common complaints
- Budget first boots will wear faster if hiking becomes a weekly habit on rough ground
- Max cushion models feel vague when a beginner tries their first rocky scramble
The picks, ranked
Every product in this lineup was picked for this use case, ranked with our strongest choices first. If a product from the wider category does not genuinely fit this scenario, it is not listed here.
| # | 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 | Columbia Newton Ridge Plus II | Best budget | Mid-height waterproof hiker | 1 lb 15 oz (0.88 kg) | Seam-sealed waterproof construction | Omni-Grip | - |
| 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 | HOKA Anacapa 2 Mid GTX | Best cushioning | - | - | GORE-TEX Invisible Fit | Vibram Megagrip | Nubuck leather |
| 5 | KEEN Targhee IV Mid Waterproof | Best all-rounder | - | - | KEEN.DRY membrane | KEEN.RUGGED | Nubuck leather and mesh |
Best overall
Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof
America's best-selling hiking boot, now in its third generation.
Instant comfort, no break-in, reliable waterproofing, and a price that does not punish a beginner. The Moab 3 is the boot the entire category is measured against for a reason.
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 budget
Columbia Newton Ridge Plus II
The budget boot that keeps up with boots costing twice as much.
The cheapest way to get seam-sealed waterproof boots that perform. Ideal for testing whether hiking sticks before spending more.
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 wide feet
KEEN Targhee III Mid Waterproof
The wide-foot favorite with a roomy toe box.
Beginners with wide feet should start here rather than suffering through narrow boots and concluding that hiking hurts.
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 cushioning
HOKA Anacapa 2 Mid GTX
Maximum cushioning in a waterproof mid-cut hiker.
HOKA cushioning is the comfort pitch: tired knees and new hikers get a pillowy ride, Vibram Megagrip traction, and GORE-TEX weatherproofing in a 2 lb 4 oz boot. The premium price buys the easiest long first days here.
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.
A roomy fit, KEEN.DRY waterproofing, and a glue free fused construction that cannot delaminate. Beginners whose feet do not match narrow lasts get an all rounder that works on most trails from the first season onward.
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.
Questions, answered
How much should a beginner spend on hiking boots?
The Moab 3's mid-range price is the sweet spot: enough for real quality, not so much that you regret it if hiking does not stick. The Newton Ridge Plus II is the minimum viable option.
Can beginners wear trail runners instead?
Yes, many do, especially on maintained trails. But boots add ankle protection and work with gaiters, making them the safer default for new hikers on rocky terrain.
What socks should beginners buy?
Merino wool hiking socks, crew height, fitted not cotton. Socks prevent blisters more than any boot feature; never hike in cotton socks.
How do I avoid blisters as a beginner?
Proper fit with hiking socks, laced snugly at the heel, plus a few short break-in walks. Address hot spots immediately with moleskin or tape rather than hoping they pass.