The Best Hiking Boots of 2026
Ten current hiking boots and shoes compared by weight, waterproofing, upper material and sole, covering budget mids, lightweight trail shoes, leather backpacking boots and premium mountain models.
How this guide was built: Guidevio compiled it from manufacturers' official product pages, specifications and warranty terms, plus retailer listings for availability. We did not buy, borrow or test any of these products, and nothing here is a laboratory result, a review score or a sponsored placement. Prices are shown only where we saw them on an official or retailer page and can change at any time. Links marked Amazon are affiliate links: as an Amazon Associate, Guidevio earns from qualifying purchases, and those links are marked sponsored. Other links go straight to the brand or retailer page and earn nothing. Commissions never decide which products are included or how they're ranked.
Hiking footwear splits into rough tiers: low trail shoes built for speed and day hikes, mid-height waterproof boots for general trail use, full-leather backpacking boots meant for multi-day loads, and stiffer mountain boots built for scrambling and rough alpine terrain. This guide pulls together ten current models from those tiers so a reader can see, side by side, what separates a $110 mall-brand boot from a $349 Italian-made mountain boot, in terms of actual published specifications rather than marketing language.
It's written for people replacing worn-out boots or buying their first pair for anything from graded park trails to multi-day backpacking routes. Someone doing occasional weekend day hikes on maintained trails has very different needs from someone carrying a 30-pound pack for a week, and the picks below are organized so both can find a relevant match.
The specifications recorded here — weight, waterproof membrane, upper material, sole unit, drop or stack height, and whether a wide width exists — were taken directly from manufacturer product pages or major retailer listings, and each figure is cited to the page it came from. Where a manufacturer did not publish a figure (for example, some brands omit stack height), that field is left out rather than estimated.
Who this guide is for
- Day hikers who want a mid-height waterproof boot for maintained trails and moderate mileage
- Backpackers who need a stiffer, full-leather boot to support a loaded pack over multiple days
- Trail runners and fastpackers who prefer a low-cut, lightweight shoe over a traditional boot
- Budget-conscious buyers who want a waterproof boot without a premium price tag
- Hikers who need women's-specific or wide-width options for a better fit
- Scramblers and off-trail hikers who need a stiffer mountain boot with a protective rand
How we chose
- Shortlisted current models from the active line-ups of major hiking footwear brands as of September 2026
- Compared published specifications — weight, membrane, upper material, outsole, drop or stack height — directly from manufacturer or major retailer product pages
- Checked official pricing on manufacturer or retailer sites and noted the source domain for every price recorded
- Verified whether wide-width or women's-specific versions are listed on the brand's own site before noting availability
- Selected a spread of categories — lightweight trail shoe, budget waterproof mid, full-leather backpacking boot, women's-specific model, and premium mountain boot — rather than ranking similar models against each other
- Did not conduct hands-on testing, trail trials, or use any proprietary lab data; all claims trace to a page that was directly viewed
- Checked each boot's women's version, width options and stated use on the brand's own site, and only described a women's-specific last where the brand states one.
Top 10 at a glance
Specifications as published by the manufacturer or the listing we consulted. Scroll sideways on a small screen.
| Pick | Best for | Weight | Waterproofing | Upper Material | Price | Official site |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. X Ultra 5 Mid GORE-TEX | Day hikers who want a lightweight, supportive mid boot with reliable waterproofing | Not published by Salomon | GORE-TEX | Synthetic / textile | $190 | Visit |
| 2. Men's Moab 3 Mid Waterproof | Hikers who want a dependable waterproof mid at a mid-range price with wide-width availability | Not published on official page | Waterproof membrane | Pig suede leather / mesh | $175.00 | Visit |
| 3. Renegade GTX Mid | Hikers who want a leather boot for day hikes and light backpacking with a resoleable construction | 555 g / shoe | GORE-TEX | Nubuck leather | $255.00 | Visit |
| 4. Mountain 600 | Backpackers who want a recraftable full-grain leather boot for multi-day trips | 36-39 oz / pair | Danner Dry | Full-grain leather | $230.00 | Visit |
| 5. Nucleo High II GTX | Hikers who want a lightweight leather boot with high breathability for warm-weather backpacking | Not listed on primary page (see manufacturer for current figure) | GORE-TEX Surround | Nubuck leather | $259.00 | Visit |
| 6. Anacapa 2 Mid GTX | Hikers who want a heavily cushioned, running-shoe-like feel in a waterproof mid-height boot | ~16 oz (men's, prior generation) | GORE-TEX | Nubuck leather / recycled textile | $195 | Visit |
| 7. Men's Newton Ridge Plus II Waterproof Hiking Boot | Casual hikers who want an inexpensive waterproof boot for light trail and everyday use | 15.9 oz / shoe | Omni-Tech | PU-coated leather, suede, mesh | $110.00 | Visit |
| 8. Men's Targhee IV Waterproof Hiking Boot | Hikers who want a rugged, glue-free bonded boot built for heavy trail use | 20.11 oz / shoe | PFAS-free waterproof membrane | Leather / textile | $190.00 | Visit |
| 9. Zodiac Plus GTX Men's | Hikers who scramble on rocky, technical terrain and want a low-profile, precise-fitting mountain boot | 545 g / half pair | GORE-TEX Performance Comfort | Suede leather | $349.00 | Visit |
| 10. Mountain Trainer 2 Mid GORE-TEX Boot Men | Hikers heading above the treeline who need a stiffer, protective boot for mixed terrain | 600 g / shoe | GORE-TEX Performance Comfort | Suede leather | $319.95 | Visit |
The ten picks in detail
X Ultra 5 Mid GORE-TEX
Salomon
We only show official or licensed product photography. None is on file for this one yet — see the maker's page for photos.
Open product pageX Ultra 5 Mid GORE-TEX
The X Ultra 5 Mid GORE-TEX is the current mid-height version of Salomon's long-running X Ultra hiking line, pairing a GORE-TEX membrane and a supportive ankle collar with a lightweight, trail-runner-influenced build. It replaces the X Ultra 4 that earlier versions of this guide listed.
Why it is on this list: It covers the lightweight end of the boot spectrum, giving day hikers a supportive mid-height option without the weight or break-in time of the full-leather boots further down this list.
Key features
- GORE-TEX waterproof/breathable membrane
- Mid-height ankle collar for added support over the low-cut X Ultra 5 GTX
- Chevron-lug rubber outsole for trail traction, per Salomon
- Separate women's X Ultra 5 Mid GTX
- Height: Mid
- Membrane: GORE-TEX
- Upper: Synthetic / textile
- Widths: Standard only
- Pros
- Lighter, synthetic build than the leather boots in this guide
- Sold in separate men's and women's versions, plus a low-cut X Ultra 5 GTX
- GORE-TEX membrane confirmed on Salomon's product page
- Cons
- Salomon lists one standard width only, with no wide or narrow option
- Synthetic/textile upper won't match a leather boot's long-term durability or repairability
Who it fits
- Type of hike
- Day hikes
From the manufacturer / retailer listing
- Salomon sells a separate women's X Ultra 5 Mid GTX; it doesn't state a different last on the US pages checked.
- One standard width only on Salomon's US site.
- A low-cut X Ultra 5 GTX is also sold for hikers who prefer a shoe.
Guidevio's read
- Women's version available, but standard width only.
- A lightweight mid for day hikes rather than heavy-pack trips.
Before you buy: Salomon does not publish a weight for this boot on its US page, so none is shown here. If you prefer a low-cut shoe, Salomon also sells the X Ultra 5 GTX (low).
Men's Moab 3 Mid Waterproof
Merrell
We only show official or licensed product photography. None is on file for this one yet — see the maker's page for photos.
Open product pageMen's Moab 3 Mid Waterproof
The Moab 3 Mid Waterproof is Merrell's long-running general-purpose hiking boot, built with a pig suede leather and mesh upper and a waterproof membrane, and sold in men's, women's, and wide-width versions.
Why it is on this list: It's one of the most widely stocked mid-height hiking boots in the US market and is explicitly sold in a wide-width men's version, which most competitors in this price range do not offer.
Key features
- Waterproof membrane bootie construction
- Pig suede leather and breathable mesh upper
- Merrell Air Cushion in the heel for shock absorption
- Molded nylon arch shank
- Available in a men's wide-width version
- Price: $175.00
- Upper: Pig suede leather and mesh
- Midsole: Super Rebound Compound
- Waterproofing: Waterproof membrane (Merrell M Select DRY)
- Wide width: Yes, men's wide-width version listed
- Pros
- Available in men's, women's, and wide-width fits
- Widely stocked with easy access to replacement sizes
- Recycled materials used in laces, webbing and lining per the official listing
- Cons
- Merrell's own page did not display numeric weight, drop or stack figures at the time of research
- Suede upper needs periodic waterproofing treatment as with any non-full-leather boot
Who it fits
- Fit
- Wide widths
- Type of hike
- Easy trailsDay hikes
From the manufacturer / retailer listing
- Women's Moab 3 Mid Waterproof exists, plus a separate Women's Wide Width version (and men's wide).
- Merrell's trail rating: Moderate, 'made for trails with some obstacles and moderate debris'.
- Women's copy matches the men's; no women's-specific last stated.
Guidevio's read
- Wide versions for both men and women at a mid-range price.
- A do-everything boot for moderate trails and everyday use.
Before you buy: If you need precise weight or stack-height numbers before buying, check a third-party retailer listing, since Merrell's own spec fields were blank on the pages reviewed.
Renegade GTX Mid
Lowa
We only show official or licensed product photography. None is on file for this one yet — see the maker's page for photos.
Open product pageRenegade GTX Mid
The Renegade GTX Mid is Lowa's best-selling multifunction boot, built with a nubuck leather upper, GORE-TEX lining, and a DuraPU MONOWRAP frame, and is available in narrow, medium and wide widths.
Why it is on this list: It occupies the middle ground between lightweight trail shoes and heavier backpacking boots, with a nubuck leather upper and documented weight, and it's explicitly sold in three width options.
Key features
- Heinen terracare nubuck leather upper
- GORE-TEX waterproof/breathable lining
- DuraPU MONOWRAP frame for structural support
- VIBRAM EVO outsole for traction
- Sold in narrow, medium and wide widths
- Weight: 555 g / single shoe
- Upper: Nubuck leather
- Lining: GORE-TEX
- Outsole: VIBRAM EVO
- Midsole: Double Injection DuraPU
- Width options: Narrow, Medium, Wide
- Pros
- Leather upper with a GORE-TEX lining for durability and weatherproofing
- Available in three width fits, uncommon for this category
- Recommended by the brand for both day hikes and light backpacking
- Cons
- Heavier than the low-cut trail shoes in this guide
- Nubuck leather requires occasional reproofing to maintain water resistance
Who it fits
- Fit
- Women's-specific fitWide widthsNarrow widths
- Type of hike
- Day hikesBackpacking & trekking
From the manufacturer / retailer listing
- Women's Renegade GTX Mid Ws is 'made on a women's-specific last'.
- Width options Narrow, Medium, Wide on the Renegade family.
- Lowa: 'Recommended For: On-trail day hikes and light backpacking.'
- Women's weight 440 g per shoe.
Guidevio's read
- The widest fit range here: women's-specific last plus narrow and wide options.
- Day hikes and light backpacking, per Lowa.
Before you buy: Confirm width sizing before ordering online, since Lowa offers narrow, medium and wide lasts that fit differently from other brands' standard sizing.
Mountain 600
Danner
We only show official or licensed product photography. None is on file for this one yet — see the maker's page for photos.
Open product pageMountain 600
The Mountain 600 is a full-grain leather boot built with a Danner Dry waterproof liner and a Vibram SPE midsole with a Fuga Megagrip outsole, and it's built to be resoled and recrafted rather than replaced.
Why it is on this list: It represents the classic full-leather backpacking boot category, with a full-grain leather upper, a stated pair weight, and a recraftable construction that the other boots in this guide don't offer.
Key features
- Full-grain leather upper
- Danner Dry 100% waterproof liner
- Vibram SPE midsole with Vibram Fuga Megagrip outsole
- Nylon shank for underfoot support
- Recraftable construction with a removable OrthoLite footbed
- Weight: 39 oz per pair (Saddle Tan colorway) / 36 oz per pair (Rich Brown colorway)
- Height: 4.5 inches
- Upper: Full-grain leather
- Waterproofing: Danner Dry
- Outsole: Vibram Fuga with Megagrip
- Shank: Nylon
- Pros
- Full-grain leather upper built for durability
- Recraftable, so the boot can be resoled rather than discarded
- Vibram Megagrip outsole for wet and dry traction
- Cons
- Pair weight varies by colorway (36 oz to 39 oz across listed colors), so exact weight depends on which version you buy
- At 4.5 inches, offers less ankle coverage than some traditional backpacking boots
Who it fits
- Type of hike
- Day hikesBackpacking & trekking
From the manufacturer / retailer listing
- Women's Mountain 600 exists; Danner states no separate women's last on the pages checked.
- Danner: 'Designed for hiking'; 'Warm to cool weather.'
- No width options listed on the spec table.
Guidevio's read
- Women's sizes are available, but no wide option is listed.
- Danner only says it's 'designed for hiking'. We place it with backpacking boots because of its full-grain leather and recraftable build.
Before you buy: Weight differs slightly between colorways according to Danner's own spec tables, so check the specific colorway page rather than assuming a single number applies across the line.
Nucleo High II GTX
La Sportiva
We only show official or licensed product photography. None is on file for this one yet — see the maker's page for photos.
Open product pageNucleo High II GTX
The Nucleo High II GTX pairs a nubuck leather upper with GORE-TEX Surround technology, which routes breathability through the sides and sole of the boot rather than only the upper.
Why it is on this list: It's La Sportiva's mid-duty waterproof backpacking boot and is also sold in a wide-width version, giving it a premium slot in this guide distinct from the budget and mid-tier picks.
Key features
- Nubuck leather upper with Nano-Cell technology for breathability
- GORE-TEX Surround waterproof membrane
- Compression-molded midsole
- Vibram Nano outsole with Impact Brake System
- Available in wide sizing
- Price: $259.00
- Upper: Nubuck leather
- Membrane: GORE-TEX Surround
- Outsole: Vibram Nano
- Wide width: Available, per official product page
- Pros
- GORE-TEX Surround construction improves breathability compared to standard bootie membranes
- Wide-width version sold directly by the brand
- Nubuck leather upper for durability
- Cons
- Manufactured with PFAS-based waterproofing per the product listing, restricting shipping to some US states
- Premium price relative to mid-tier boots in this guide
Who it fits
- Fit
- Wide widths
- Type of hike
- Day hikesBackpacking & trekking
From the manufacturer / retailer listing
- Nucleo High II GTX Women's exists and is 'also available in WIDE sizes'.
- La Sportiva: 'a mid-duty waterproof hiker/backpacking boot'.
- No women's-specific last stated beyond separate sizing.
Guidevio's read
- One of the few premium leather boots with a women's wide.
- Mid-duty backpacking, especially in warm weather given its breathability focus.
Before you buy: La Sportiva's current US listing ($259) uses PFAS-free ePE GORE-TEX Surround. An older 2023 version is still sold on clearance with a PFAS warning and can't ship to California or New York, so check which version you're buying.
Anacapa 2 Mid GTX
Hoka
We only show official or licensed product photography. None is on file for this one yet — see the maker's page for photos.
Open product pageAnacapa 2 Mid GTX
The Anacapa Mid GTX line applies Hoka's thick midsole cushioning to a waterproof hiking boot, using a GORE-TEX bootie construction with a Leather Working Group-certified nubuck leather upper.
Why it is on this list: It's a distinct design approach among mid-height hiking boots, built on Hoka's oversized EVA midsole rather than a traditional firmer midsole, with a documented low weight for a mid-cut boot.
Key features
- GORE-TEX bootie construction
- Leather Working Group Gold-rated waterproof nubuck leather
- Sugarcane-based EVA midsole
- Vibram Megagrip outsole
- Abrasion-resistant rubber toe cap
- Weight (men's Mid GTX, prior gen): 16 oz
- Weight (women's Mid GTX, prior gen): 13.5 oz
- Drop (prior gen): 6 mm
- Membrane: GORE-TEX
- Outsole: Vibram Megagrip
- Pros
- Thick EVA midsole provides more cushioning than most hiking boots
- Built with recycled and soy-based materials per the official listing
- Vibram Megagrip outsole for grip
- Cons
- Weight and drop figures found are for the original Anacapa Mid GTX; the current Anacapa 2 generation's exact weight was not published on the pages reviewed
- Thick stacked midsole trades some ground feel and stability compared to firmer boots
Who it fits
- Type of hike
- Day hikes
From the manufacturer / retailer listing
- Women's Anacapa 2 Mid GTX exists; spec sheets match the men's.
- No wide option found on the brand spec sheet.
- Hoka's page didn't state a specific use such as day hiking or backpacking.
Guidevio's read
- Women's version available. Check width in person.
- Its heavily cushioned, running-shoe-like feel suits day hikes. Hoka doesn't state a use, so this is our read.
Before you buy: Confirm current pricing and exact weight for the Anacapa 2 generation directly on Hoka's site, since some published specs found during research referred to the original Anacapa Mid GTX rather than the current model.
Men's Newton Ridge Plus II Waterproof Hiking Boot
Columbia
We only show official or licensed product photography. None is on file for this one yet — see the maker's page for photos.
Open product pageMen's Newton Ridge Plus II Waterproof Hiking Boot
The Newton Ridge Plus II is Columbia's long-running budget hiking boot, built with a PU-coated leather, suede and mesh upper and the brand's Omni-Tech waterproof-breathable membrane.
Why it is on this list: It's one of the most affordable waterproof hiking boots from a major brand, with a documented per-shoe weight and lug height, making it a clear budget entry against the pricier leather boots in this guide.
Key features
- Omni-Tech waterproof-breathable seam-sealed construction
- TechLite lightweight cushioned midsole
- Omni-Grip non-marking traction outsole
- PU-coated leather, suede and mesh upper
- Hooked metal eyelets for quick lacing
- Weight: 15.9 oz / 452 g per shoe, men's size 9
- Lug height: 5 mm
- Upper: PU-coated leather, suede, mesh
- Waterproofing: Omni-Tech
- Midsole: TechLite
- Outsole: Omni-Grip non-marking rubber
- Pros
- Lowest price point among the waterproof boots in this guide
- Documented weight and lug height on the official listing
- Available in a wide-width option per Columbia's US site
- Cons
- PU-coated leather and suede upper is less durable long-term than full-grain leather
- Not designed or marketed for heavy backpacking loads
Who it fits
- Type of hike
- Easy trailsDay hikes
From the manufacturer / retailer listing
- Women's Newton Ridge Plus II exists as a warmer Omni-Heat version; women's weight 15.7 oz per shoe (size 7).
- Columbia sells a wide women's version of the related Newton Ridge Plus, not the Plus II.
- Columbia lists 'Uses: Hiking'.
Guidevio's read
- The women's Plus II we found is the insulated Omni-Heat version, which is warmer than the men's pick.
- Budget boot for casual trails and everyday wear.
Before you buy: This model is positioned by Columbia for general hiking use rather than loaded backpacking, so check pack-weight guidance if you plan to carry more than a daypack.
Men's Targhee IV Waterproof Hiking Boot
Keen
We only show official or licensed product photography. None is on file for this one yet — see the maker's page for photos.
Open product pageMen's Targhee IV Waterproof Hiking Boot
The Targhee IV uses Keen's glue-free KEEN.FUSION bonding method between the upper and sole, paired with an air-injected Luftcell midsole and an abrasion-resistant KEEN.RUGGED outsole.
Why it is on this list: It has some of the most detailed published stack-height and drop figures of any boot in this guide, plus a durability-focused construction the brand backs against delamination.
Key features
- KEEN.FUSION glue-free bonded construction
- KEEN.RUGGED abrasion-resistant outsole
- Air-injected Luftcell midsole cushioning
- PFAS-free waterproofing since 2018 per the brand
- Available in a wide-width version
- Weight: 20.11 oz / 570 g
- Stack height: 1.1 in / 28 mm
- Heel-to-toe drop: 0.47 in / 12 mm
- Construction: KEEN.FUSION bonded
- Outsole: KEEN.RUGGED
- Wide width: Available, per official product page
- Pros
- Glue-free bonded construction is guaranteed against delamination by the brand
- PFAS-free waterproofing across Keen's current line
- Wide-width version sold directly on the brand's site
- Cons
- At 20.11 oz per shoe, it's one of the heavier mid-height boots in this guide
- Stiffer, more rugged build trades some agility versus lighter trail shoes
Who it fits
- Fit
- Wide widths
- Type of hike
- Day hikes
From the manufacturer / retailer listing
- Women's Targhee IV Waterproof mid exists; women's weight 470 g.
- Keen: 'Ultra-Durable Comfort Hiker'.
- Wide width available per Keen's official page (men's pick).
Guidevio's read
- A roomy, durable boot with a wide option.
- A tough day-hiking boot for heavy trail use.
Before you buy: If lighter weight matters more than durability, Keen's own comparison chart on this product page lists the lighter Targhee Apex as an alternative within the same line.
Zodiac Plus GTX Men's
Scarpa
We only show official or licensed product photography. None is on file for this one yet — see the maker's page for photos.
Open product pageZodiac Plus GTX Men's
The Zodiac Plus GTX is an Italian-made mountain hiking boot with a suede leather upper, a GORE-TEX Performance Comfort lining, and a Vibram Drumlin/Mont outsole, built with a rubber toe rand for scrambling.
Why it is on this list: It sits at the technical, high-cuff end of the hiking boot spectrum, built for scrambling and via ferrata rather than flat-trail hiking, giving this guide coverage outside standard trail boots.
Key features
- GORE-TEX Performance Comfort waterproof/breathable membrane
- 1.8mm Perwanger suede leather upper
- Vibram Drumlin/Mont outsole
- Rubber toe rand for abrasion resistance
- Sock-Fit DV construction for a snug, low-bulk fit
- Weight: 545 g / half pair, size 42
- Upper: 1.8mm suede leather (Perwanger)
- Midsole: PU + 3D EVA-MP
- Outsole: Vibram Drumlin / Mont
- Cuff height: High
- Country of origin: Italy
- Pros
- Rubber rand and Vibram Drumlin outsole suited to scrambling and rocky terrain
- Made in Italy with a documented weight per half pair
- Sock-Fit DV construction for a snug fit on technical ground
- Cons
- Made with PFAS chemicals per the manufacturer's own technical specs, and cannot ship to some US states
- Highest price point among the boots in this guide
Who it fits
- Type of hike
- Rocky & alpine
From the manufacturer / retailer listing
- Zodiac Plus GTX Women's exists, EU sizes 37–42; women's weight 455 g per half pair (size 38).
- Scarpa: it 'excels on more moderate mountain terrain where the threat of weather still looms'.
- No width options stated.
Guidevio's read
- A precise, close fit, and women's sizes stop at EU 42.
- Rocky trails and scrambling. More boot than casual hikers need.
Before you buy: Check your state's shipping restrictions before ordering directly from Scarpa's US site, since the listing states it cannot ship to New York, California, or Maine.
Mountain Trainer 2 Mid GORE-TEX Boot Men
Salewa
We only show official or licensed product photography. None is on file for this one yet — see the maker's page for photos.
Open product pageMountain Trainer 2 Mid GORE-TEX Boot Men
The Mountain Trainer 2 Mid is Salewa's alpine trekking boot, built with a 1.6mm suede leather upper, a 360-degree rubber rand, GORE-TEX Performance Comfort lining, and the brand's 3F stability system.
Why it is on this list: It's built specifically for alpine trekking above the treeline rather than maintained trails, with a documented drop, weight, and a wide-fit last, rounding out the premium mountain-boot end of this guide.
Key features
- GORE-TEX Performance Comfort waterproof/breathable membrane
- 1.6mm suede leather upper with a 360-degree rubber rand
- SALEWA 3F system for heel stability
- Dual-density expanded PU midsole
- Self-cleaning Vibram WTC 2 outsole
- Weight: 600 g / single shoe
- Drop: 12 mm
- Fit: Wide, per official specification
- Upper: 1.6mm suede leather
- Outsole: Vibram WTC 2
- Lining: GORE-TEX Performance Comfort
- Pros
- 360-degree rubber rand adds protection on rocky, off-trail terrain
- Documented wide fit built into the standard last
- 3F system aimed at heel stability under a loaded pack
- Cons
- At 600 g per shoe, it's among the heaviest boots in this guide
- Stiffer alpine-oriented build is more boot than needed for flat, maintained trails
Who it fits
- Fit
- Women's-specific fitWide widths
- Type of hike
- Backpacking & trekkingRocky & alpine
From the manufacturer / retailer listing
- Mountain Trainer 2 Mid GORE-TEX Women exists; Salewa lists 'Fit: Wide'.
- Salewa describes a 'women's specific fit with contoured heel cups' for the Mountain Trainer 2 women's family.
- Salewa: 'Activities: Trekking'; an 'alpine trekking boot'.
- Women's weight 560 g per shoe.
Guidevio's read
- A women's-specific fit and a wide fit in the same boot.
- Alpine trekking and above-treeline routes.
Before you buy: This boot is built for alpine and off-trail use; for flat maintained trails, a lighter mid-height boot from this guide will likely be more comfortable over long mileage.
How the top picks actually differ
Weight and cushioning trade-offs
The boots in this guide range from lightweight synthetic mids such as Salomon's X Ultra 5 Mid to Salewa's 600-gram (about 21-ounce) Mountain Trainer 2. Lighter boots reduce fatigue over long mileage but generally offer less ankle support and a less protective toe box. Heavier boots such as the Danner Mountain 600 and Salewa Mountain Trainer 2 trade some agility for structure that's useful under a loaded pack or on uneven, off-trail ground.
Waterproofing approaches
Most picks in this guide use a GORE-TEX membrane, though implementations differ: standard GORE-TEX bootie construction (Salomon, Lowa, Hoka, Salewa), GORE-TEX Surround for underfoot breathability (La Sportiva), and brand-proprietary membranes such as Columbia's Omni-Tech and Danner's Danner Dry. Keen's Targhee IV uses a PFAS-free waterproofing system across its current line. No membrane type performed better or worse in this research; the differences are in breathability claims and PFAS content, which some buyers may want to factor in given the shipping restrictions on PFAS-containing footwear in a few US states.
Upper materials: leather versus synthetic
Full-grain and nubuck leather uppers (Danner Mountain 600, Lowa Renegade, La Sportiva Nucleo, Scarpa Zodiac, Salewa Mountain Trainer) tend to be more durable and, in Danner's case, recraftable, but need periodic waterproofing treatment and typically cost more. Synthetic and mixed-material uppers (Salomon X Ultra 5 Mid, Columbia Newton Ridge, parts of the Hoka Anacapa 2 and Merrell Moab 3) are usually lighter and dry faster after a wet crossing, but are less repairable over the boot's lifespan.
Width and fit options
Wide-width or wide-fit versions were confirmed on official pages for the Merrell Moab 3 (men's wide-width), La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX (wide sizing), Keen Targhee IV (wide-width version), Lowa Renegade (narrow/medium/wide lasts), and Salewa Mountain Trainer 2 (wide fit built into the standard last). Women's versions were confirmed for the Salomon X Ultra 5 Mid GORE-TEX, Merrell Moab 3, and the Hoka Anacapa line.
Who should choose what
If you prioritize a lightweight boot for day hikes
the Salomon X Ultra 5 Mid GORE-TEX, a synthetic mid with a separate women's version (or its low-cut sibling, the X Ultra 5 GTX)
If you want the lowest price on a waterproof boot from a major brand
the Columbia Newton Ridge Plus II at $110
If you're carrying a loaded pack over multiple days
the Danner Mountain 600 or the Salewa Mountain Trainer 2, both built with sturdier leather uppers and structural midsoles
If you want a resoleable boot you can keep for years
the Danner Mountain 600, which the brand markets as recraftable
If you need a documented wide-width fit
the Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof or the Keen Targhee IV, both sold in wide-width versions
If you want maximum cushioning underfoot
the Hoka Anacapa 2 Mid GTX, built on Hoka's thicker EVA midsole platform
If you're scrambling on rock or doing via ferrata routes
the Scarpa Zodiac Plus GTX, built with a rubber toe rand and a Vibram Drumlin/Mont outsole for technical terrain
Common questions
- Do I need a waterproof membrane in a hiking boot?
- It depends on climate and trail conditions. A GORE-TEX or brand-proprietary waterproof membrane, as used in every pick in this guide, keeps feet dry in wet grass, light rain, and shallow stream crossings, but it also reduces breathability somewhat compared to a non-waterproof mesh boot. Hikers in consistently hot, dry climates sometimes prefer non-waterproof trail shoes instead.
- What's the difference between a hiking shoe and a hiking boot?
- Low-cut hiking shoes, like Salomon's X Ultra 5 GTX (the low version of this guide's top pick), stop below the ankle and are lighter and more flexible. Mid- and high-cut hiking boots extend above the ankle, offering more support and protection, which matters more with a heavier pack or on uneven ground.
- Are full-leather boots worth the extra weight and cost?
- Full-grain and nubuck leather uppers, as used in the Danner Mountain 600, Lowa Renegade GTX Mid, La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX, Scarpa Zodiac Plus GTX and Salewa Mountain Trainer 2 in this guide, tend to be more durable and, in some cases, resoleable, but they weigh more and typically cost more than synthetic-upper boots.
- Do wide-width hiking boots fit differently from standard sizing?
- Yes. Brands that offer wide-width versions, such as Merrell, Keen and La Sportiva in this guide, generally build a separate last (the foot-shaped mold used to construct the shoe) for wide sizing, rather than simply extending the standard last. Check the brand's own size chart before ordering a wide version online.
- Why do some boots list weight per shoe and others per pair?
- Manufacturers are not consistent about this. In this guide, Danner and Columbia publish pair or per-shoe weights on their own spec sheets, while Lowa, Keen, Scarpa and Salewa publish single-shoe weights and Salomon does not list one for its X Ultra 5 Mid on its US page. Always check which unit a manufacturer is using before comparing two boots' weights directly.
- What is a rubber toe rand and when do I need one?
- A rubber rand is a strip of rubber wrapped around the front and sides of a boot's toe area, added for abrasion resistance on rock. It's featured on the Scarpa Zodiac Plus GTX and Salewa Mountain Trainer 2 in this guide, both built for scrambling and off-trail terrain, and is less necessary for boots meant for maintained trails.
- Is a PFAS-free waterproof membrane less effective?
- Not necessarily. Keen states its footwear has been PFAS-free since 2018 while still offering waterproof performance; the tradeoffs, if any, relate more to long-term durability of the treatment than to initial waterproofness. La Sportiva's current Nucleo High II GTX also uses a PFAS-free ePE GORE-TEX membrane. Some other boots in this guide, including Scarpa's Zodiac Plus GTX, are made with PFAS-based waterproofing per their own technical specs, which restricts shipping to a few US states.
- How often should I reproof a leather hiking boot?
- This guide did not find a universal manufacturer recommendation, since reproofing frequency depends on use and conditions. Check the care instructions on the specific brand's product page or manual, as several leather-upper boots in this guide (Lowa Renegade, Danner Mountain 600, Salewa Mountain Trainer 2) note leather-specific care requirements distinct from synthetic-upper boots.
- What are the best hiking boots for women?
- All ten boots here come in women's versions. If a women's-specific fit matters to you, start with the two where the brand says so: the Lowa Renegade GTX Mid Ws (women's-specific last, plus narrow and wide options), and Salewa Mountain Trainer 2 Mid GTX (women's-specific fit, wide). For a women's wide, the Merrell Moab 3 Mid and La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX also list wide versions.
- Which hiking boots are best for backpacking vs day hikes?
- Lowa pitches the Renegade GTX Mid for day hikes and light backpacking. La Sportiva calls the Nucleo High II GTX a backpacking boot, and Salewa calls the Mountain Trainer 2 an alpine trekking boot. The Salomon X Ultra 5 Mid, Hoka Anacapa 2 and Keen Targhee IV suit day hikes. The Scarpa Zodiac Plus is for rocky, technical terrain.
Sources consulted
Official product pages, specification sheets and retailer listings used to compile this guide.
- https://www.salomon.com/en-us/product/x-ultra-5-mid-gore-tex-li6287
- https://www.merrell.com/US/en/moab-3-mid-waterproof/52470M.html
- https://www.merrell.com/CA/en_CA/moab-3-mid-waterproof/52470M.html
- https://www.merrell.com/US/en/moab-3-mid-waterproof/52451W.html
- https://www.merrell.com/US/en/moab-3-mid-waterproof-wide-width/52496M.html
- https://lowa.com/en/renegade-gtx-mid
- https://www.danner.com/mountain-600-4-5-saddle-tan.html
- https://www.danner.com/mountain-600-4-5-rich-brown.html
- https://www.rei.com/product/119095/danner-mountain-600-full-grain-leather-hiking-boots-mens
- https://www.lasportivausa.com/products/nucleo-high-ii-gtx
- https://www.hoka.com/en/gb/anacapa.html
- https://www.fleetfeet.com/products/mens-hoka-anacapa-mid-gtx
- https://www.columbia.com/p/mens-newton-ridge-hiking-boot-1594731.html
- https://www.keenfootwear.com/products/mens-targhee-iv-mid-waterproof-bison-black
- https://us.scarpa.com/products/zodiac-plus-gtx-f24
- https://www.outside.co.uk/scarpa-zodiac-plus-gtx-hiking-boot-m.html
- https://www.salewa.com/en-us/mountain-trainer-2-mid-gore-tex_-boot-men-00-0000061397
- https://www.campman.com/men/shoes/salewa-mens-mountain-trainer-2-mid-gtx-hiking-boot/
- https://www.merrell.com/US/en/moab-3-mid-waterproof-wide-width/52452W.html
- https://www.lowaboots.com/womens/hiking/renegade-gtx-mid-ws?v=44099
- https://www.danner.com/women-s-mountain-600-4-5-rich-brown.html
- https://www.lasportivausa.com/products/nucleo-high-ii-gtx-womens
- https://www.columbia.com/p/womens-newton-ridge-plus-ii-wp-omni-heat-boot-2100221.html
- https://www.keenfootwear.com/products/womens-targhee-iv-mid-waterproof-brindle-nostalgia-rose
- https://ca.scarpa.com/products/zodiac-plus-gtx-women-s
- https://www.salewa.com/en-us/mountain-trainer-2-mid-gore-tex_-boot-women-00-0000061398
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