Best Men's Hiking Boots of 2026: Top 10 Picks by Fit and Height
Ten currently sold men's hiking boots for 2026 from Salomon, Merrell, Columbia, Danner, KEEN, Scarpa, Lowa, Salewa and Asolo, spanning budget to premium, low to heavy leather, and every published width option.
How this guide was built: Guidevio compiled it from manufacturers' official product pages and named US retailer listings that cite brand spec sheets, plus Amazon where a genuine, matching listing exists. We did not buy or wear any of these boots, and nothing here is a lab result, review score, or sponsored placement. Prices are shown only where seen 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.
This guide rounds up ten men's hiking boots for 2026, from a $110 budget pair to Made-in-USA leather boots built to be resoled, and it's organized around the questions that matter most for men's fit: does this boot come in a wide (or narrow) last, is it a low-cut trail shoe or a supportive mid/high boot, and is the upper synthetic mesh or full-grain leather that needs breaking in. Every model here is a real, currently listed men's product with a working manufacturer or named-retailer page at the time of research.
Several of these boots publish explicit width options for men — Lowa's Renegade line comes in narrow, medium and wide lasts, Merrell sells wide SKUs alongside its standard Moab boots, and Columbia's Newton Ridge Plus II ships in a wide option too. Others, like the Scarpa Zodiac Plus GTX and Danner Mountain Light II, are sold in a single standard width, which matters if a narrower or wider foot needs more room. Heights range from low trail shoes to 5-inch and taller leather boots, and constructions range from lightweight synthetic uppers to a traditional stitchdown leather boot meant to be recrafted rather than replaced.
Guidevio has not worn or tested any of these boots. Recommendations are based on verified manufacturer specifications and named-retailer listings, not hands-on wear-testing. This is desk research only, intended to help buyers compare real, currently sold options before trying boots on or having them fitted at a specialty outdoor retailer.
Who this guide is for
- Hikers who need to know whether a boot comes in a wide or narrow last before ordering online
- Day hikers deciding between a low trail shoe and a supportive mid-height boot
- Buyers comparing a budget boot under $150 against premium leather options over $300
- Hikers who want a traditional leather boot that can be resoled rather than replaced
- Anyone comparing GORE-TEX and brand-proprietary waterproof membranes across models
How we chose
- Only current-generation men's models with a confirmed manufacturer or named-retailer US page were considered
- The list spans budget to premium, low-cut to mid-height to heavier leather boots, rather than defaulting to one style
- Published men's width options (narrow, medium/standard, wide) are stated only where a brand or retailer publishes them
- No boot in this guide has been worn, fitted or evaluated by Guidevio
- Where a brand sells the same silhouette in a women's version, this guide notes it rather than treating the boot as unisex by default
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 | Height | Waterproofing | Weight | Widths | Price | Official site |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. X Ultra 5 Mid GTX | Day hikers wanting a lightweight, supportive mid-height boot without a break-in period | Mid | GORE-TEX | Not published by Salomon | Standard only | $190 MSRP | Visit |
| 2. Moab Speed 2 Mid GTX | Hikers who need a wide-fit lightweight boot without going up to a heavy leather option | Mid | GORE-TEX | Not published by Merrell | Standard, Wide (SKU 59113M) | $185 MSRP | Visit |
| 3. Newton Ridge Plus II Waterproof | Budget-conscious hikers who still want a published wide-width option | Mid | Omni-Tech (Columbia proprietary) | ~15.9oz (size 9, per retailer) | Standard, Wide | $110 MSRP | Visit |
| 4. Mountain Light II 5" | Hikers who want a heavy-duty, resoleable leather boot and are willing to pay a premium for it | 5-inch | GORE-TEX | ~62–63oz/pair | Standard only | $470 at Danner (current listed price) | Visit |
| 5. Targhee IV Mid Waterproof | Hikers wanting a PFAS-free waterproof boot with a published wide-width option | Mid | KEEN.DRY (PFAS-free) | ~20.11oz | Standard, Wide | $190 MSRP | Visit |
| 6. Zodiac Plus GTX | Hikers who want a more technical, precise-fitting boot for rocky or uneven trails | Mid | GORE-TEX | ~545g per half-pair (size 42) | Standard only | $349 MSRP | Visit |
| 7. Renegade GTX Mid | Hikers who know they need a narrow or wide last rather than a standard fit | Mid | GORE-TEX | ~555g | Narrow, Medium, Wide | $255 MSRP | Visit |
| 8. Moab 3 Mid (non-waterproof) | Warm-climate or dry-trail hikers who'd rather have breathability than waterproofing | Mid | None (not waterproof) | Not published by Merrell | Standard, Wide (SKU 52468M) | $155 MSRP | Visit |
| 9. Alp Trainer 2 Mid GTX | Hikers wanting a mid-weight leather/textile hybrid between lightweight and heavy-duty boots | Mid | GORE-TEX | 552g | Not published by Salewa | $249.95 | Visit |
| 10. TPS 520 GV Evo | Hikers wanting a traditional heavier leather boot with a published wide option | Mid/high | GORE-TEX | Not published by Asolo | Standard, Wide | $400 at REI | Visit |
The ten picks in detail
X Ultra 5 Mid GTX
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 GTX
A lightweight, trail-runner-style mid boot from a widely stocked brand
Salomon's Mid GORE-TEX version of its long-running X Ultra hiking line pairs a supportive ankle collar with a lightweight, trail-runner-influenced chassis, aimed at day hikers who want more support than a low shoe without stepping up to a heavier leather boot.
Why it is on this list: It's the mid-height, GORE-TEX version of Salomon's flagship hiking line, giving day hikers a supportive but lightweight option without leather's break-in time.
Key features
- GORE-TEX waterproof membrane
- Mid-height ankle collar for added support over the low X Ultra 5 GTX
- Chevron-lug outsole for trail traction, per Salomon's product page
- Height: Mid
- Waterproofing: GORE-TEX
- Pros
- GORE-TEX membrane for waterproofing, per Salomon
- Mid-height ankle collar adds support over the low X Ultra 5 GTX
- Lighter overall build than the leather boots on this list
- Cons
- Salomon lists this model in a single standard width; no published wide or narrow option
- Synthetic/textile upper rather than leather, so it won't offer the same long-term durability as a leather boot
Before you buy: Salomon's US site lists this boot in one standard width only; no wide or narrow option was published at time of research. Salomon also sells a separate women's X Ultra 5 Mid GTX and a low-cut men's X Ultra 5 GTX.
Moab Speed 2 Mid GTX
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 pageMoab Speed 2 Mid GTX
One of the few lightweight mid boots on this list sold in a wide SKU
Merrell's updated Moab Speed line pairs a GORE-TEX membrane and Vibram TC5+ outsole with a wide men's SKU sold alongside the standard fit, making it one of the few lightweight mid boots on this list with a published wide option.
Why it is on this list: It fills the wide-fit, lightweight-mid slot on this list, using the same FloatPro Foam and Vibram outsole platform as Merrell's popular Moab Speed line.
Key features
- GORE-TEX waterproof membrane
- Vibram TC5+ outsole with rock plate
- FloatPro Foam midsole, per Merrell's product page
- Height: Mid
- Waterproofing: GORE-TEX
- Pros
- Available in a separate wide SKU (59113M) alongside the standard fit
- Vibram TC5+ outsole and a rock plate for underfoot protection, per Merrell
- GORE-TEX waterproofing
- Cons
- Merrell has not published full weight and drop figures for this specific model on its US product page
- Lightweight build trades some of the durability of a heavier leather boot
Before you buy: The wide fit is a separate SKU (52468M for the non-Speed Mid, 59113M for this Speed 2 Mid) from the standard-width listing, so confirm the SKU before buying. Merrell also sells a women's Moab Speed 2 GTX in a low-cut style.
Newton Ridge Plus II Waterproof
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 pageNewton Ridge Plus II Waterproof
The most affordable boot on this list with both standard and wide fits
Columbia's long-running entry-level hiking boot uses the brand's own Omni-Tech waterproofing and is sold in a wide width alongside standard, making it the least expensive boot on this list with a published width option.
Why it is on this list: It's the clear budget entry on this list and one of only a handful of picks here that publishes a wide width, at well under half the price of the premium leather boots.
Key features
- Omni-Tech waterproof, breathable membrane
- Sold in men's standard and wide widths
- Approx. 15.9oz per boot in size 9, per retailer listings
- Height: Mid
- Waterproofing: Omni-Tech
- Pros
- One of the lowest prices on this list at $110
- Sold in a standard and wide width, per Columbia's own listing
- Omni-Tech waterproof membrane, Columbia's proprietary technology
- Cons
- Uses Columbia's proprietary Omni-Tech membrane rather than licensed GORE-TEX
- Positioned as an entry-level boot, not built for heavy multi-day pack loads
Before you buy: This is Columbia's proprietary Omni-Tech membrane, not GORE-TEX; buyers who specifically want a licensed GORE-TEX boot should look elsewhere on this list. Columbia also sells a women's Newton Ridge Plus II.
Mountain Light II 5"
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 Light II 5"
A Made-in-USA stitchdown leather boot built to be recrafted for years of use
Danner's Made-in-USA Mountain Light II uses a traditional stitchdown construction with a full-grain leather upper and a GORE-TEX liner, and Danner markets it as recraftable rather than disposable, positioning it as the heaviest-duty, longest-lived boot on this list.
Why it is on this list: It's the only boot on this list built with a traditional stitchdown leather construction and made in the USA, and Danner explicitly positions it to be resoled rather than replaced, filling the heavy-duty leather slot here.
Key features
- Full-grain leather upper with stitchdown construction
- GORE-TEX waterproof liner
- Vibram Kletterlift outsole
- Approx. 62–63oz per pair, per Danner's product listing
- Height: 5-inch
- Waterproofing: GORE-TEX
- Pros
- Made in the USA, per Danner's product page
- Stitchdown construction is designed to be resoled and recrafted by Danner rather than replaced
- GORE-TEX waterproof liner paired with a Vibram Kletterlift outsole
- Cons
- $470 at Danner (current listed price), by far the most expensive boot on this list
- Sold in a single standard width, per Danner's site, with no published wide or narrow option
- Full-grain leather requires a break-in period before long hikes
Before you buy: Danner's site lists this boot in a single standard width; no wide or narrow option was found. It also requires a longer break-in period than the synthetic boots on this list, per general leather-boot care guidance from Danner.
Targhee IV Mid Waterproof
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 pageTarghee IV Mid Waterproof
A PFAS-free waterproof mid boot with a dedicated wide fit
KEEN's updated Targhee IV pairs the brand's own KEEN.DRY waterproof membrane with a PFAS-free build, and it's one of the few boots on this list sold in a dedicated wide SKU alongside standard.
Why it is on this list: KEEN markets the Targhee IV as PFAS-free with its own KEEN.DRY membrane, and its wide-width availability gives buyers another mid-height option beyond the Merrell and Columbia picks above.
Key features
- PFAS-free KEEN.DRY waterproof, breathable membrane
- Approx. 20.11oz per boot, per KEEN
- 12mm heel-to-toe drop
- Height: Mid
- Waterproofing: KEEN.DRY (PFAS-free)
- Pros
- PFAS-free KEEN.DRY waterproof membrane, per KEEN
- Sold in standard and wide widths
- 12mm heel-to-toe drop published by KEEN
- Cons
- Uses KEEN's proprietary membrane rather than licensed GORE-TEX
- At roughly 20oz per boot it's heavier than the lightest synthetic options on this list
Before you buy: KEEN also sells a women's Targhee IV Mid WP, including a wide version. This is KEEN's proprietary membrane, not GORE-TEX.
Zodiac Plus GTX
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
A technical, approach-shoe-style boot bought directly from Scarpa to avoid mismatched Amazon listings
Scarpa's Zodiac Plus GTX is a technical, approach-shoe-influenced hiking boot built for rugged, uneven terrain, using a GORE-TEX Performance Comfort membrane and Scarpa's own last.
Why it is on this list: It brings a more technical, precision-fit design to this list for hikers on rockier terrain, distinct from the trail-runner-style boots and traditional leather boots elsewhere on this page.
Key features
- GORE-TEX Performance Comfort membrane
- Vibram Drumlin outsole, per Scarpa
- Approx. 545g per half-pair, size 42
- Height: Mid
- Waterproofing: GORE-TEX
- Pros
- GORE-TEX Performance Comfort membrane, per Scarpa
- Approach-shoe-influenced build aimed at technical, uneven terrain
- Published weight of roughly 545g for a half-pair (size 42), per Scarpa
- Cons
- Sold in a single standard width on Scarpa's US site; no published wide option
- Amazon listings for "Zodiac" boots are frequently a different model (Zodiac Mid GTX), so this guide links Scarpa's US site directly rather than Amazon
Before you buy: Buy this model only from Scarpa's own US site or a retailer you can confirm sells the Zodiac Plus GTX specifically — several Amazon listings under the "Zodiac" name are actually the Zodiac Mid GTX, a different boot. Scarpa also sells a women's Zodiac Plus GTX.
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 only boot on this list published in narrow, medium and wide men's lasts
Lowa's Renegade GTX Mid is one of the only boots on this entire list published in three separate men's widths — narrow, medium and wide — making it the strongest pick here for buyers who know their foot runs narrow or wide.
Why it is on this list: Lowa explicitly builds and sells this boot across three width lasts, which no other pick on this page matches, making it the clear choice for buyers with a known narrow or wide foot.
Key features
- GORE-TEX waterproof lining
- Nubuck leather and mesh upper
- Approx. 555g per boot, per Lowa
- Height: Mid
- Waterproofing: GORE-TEX
- Pros
- Published in narrow, medium and wide men's lasts, per Lowa
- GORE-TEX waterproof lining
- Approx. 555g per boot, per Lowa's specifications
- Cons
- At $255 it costs more than the budget and mid-priced picks on this list
- Suede/nubuck leather upper needs some break-in compared with fully synthetic boots
Before you buy: Confirm width (N/M/W) directly on lowaboots.com before ordering, since not every retailer stocks all three. Lowa also sells a women's Renegade GTX Mid Ws with a women's-specific last, per the brand.
Moab 3 Mid (non-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 pageMoab 3 Mid (non-waterproof)
A breathable, non-waterproof mid boot with a published wide SKU
Merrell's non-waterproof Moab 3 Mid drops the waterproof membrane for better breathability on warm-weather trails, and like several other Merrell boots on this list, it's sold in a separate wide SKU.
Why it is on this list: It fills this list's non-waterproof slot for hikers in hot or dry climates who don't need a membrane, while still offering Merrell's wide-fit option.
Key features
- Breathable mesh and leather upper, no waterproof membrane
- Vibram TC5+ outsole, per Merrell
- Available in standard and wide (52468M)
- Height: Mid
- Waterproofing: None
- Pros
- No waterproof membrane means better breathability for hot, dry hikes
- Sold in a wide SKU (52468M) alongside the standard fit
- Lower price than most of the waterproof mid boots on this list
- Cons
- No waterproofing at all, so it's a poor choice for wet trails or stream crossings
- Merrell has not published full weight/drop figures for this SKU on its US product page
Before you buy: This is not a waterproof boot; hikers who need waterproofing should choose the Moab 3 Mid Waterproof or Moab 3 Mid GORE-TEX instead. Merrell also sells a women's Moab 3 in this non-waterproof, low-cut style.
Alp Trainer 2 Mid GTX
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 pageAlp Trainer 2 Mid GTX
A mid-weight suede/textile boot positioned between lightweight and heavy-duty builds
Salewa's Alp Trainer 2 Mid GTX combines a suede and textile upper with GORE-TEX waterproofing at a mid-weight build, sitting between the lightest synthetic mid boots and the heaviest full-leather boots on this list.
Why it is on this list: It fills the mid-weight gap on this list, heavier and more supportive than the trail-runner-style mids but lighter than the full-leather boots, at a published 552g per boot.
Key features
- GORE-TEX waterproof membrane
- Suede and textile upper
- 552g per boot, per Salewa's spec sheet
- Height: Mid
- Waterproofing: GORE-TEX
- Pros
- GORE-TEX waterproof membrane
- Published weight of 552g, per Salewa
- Positioned by Salewa between lightweight hikers and heavier backpacking boots
- Cons
- US pricing was verified at $249.95 but Salewa's US-specific product URL could not be independently confirmed during research
- No published wide or narrow men's width was found
Before you buy: This guide could not independently confirm a live salewa.com US product URL during research, so the price above is sourced from a retailer citing Salewa's own spec sheet rather than salewa.com directly; confirm current price and width before buying. Salewa also sells a women's Alp Trainer 2 Mid GTX at 482g, per the brand.
TPS 520 GV Evo
Asolo
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 pageTPS 520 GV Evo
A full-grain leather boot with a published wide fit, sitting just below full backpacking boots
Asolo's TPS 520 GV Evo is a full-grain leather boot with a GORE-TEX liner, aimed at hikers who want a more traditional, supportive leather build without going all the way to a dedicated backpacking boot.
Why it is on this list: It closes out this list as the heaviest-duty leather boot short of a dedicated backpacking boot, and unlike the Danner and Scarpa picks above, Asolo publishes a wide-fit version of this model.
Key features
- Full-grain leather upper
- GORE-TEX waterproof liner
- Sold in a wide-fit SKU, per Asolo's US site
- Height: Mid/high
- Waterproofing: GORE-TEX
- Pros
- Full-grain leather upper, per Asolo
- GORE-TEX waterproof liner
- Sold in a wide-fit version, per Asolo's US site
- Cons
- Heavier than the synthetic mid boots on this list, adding break-in time
- US price of $400 was seen at REI rather than confirmed directly on Asolo's site at time of research
Before you buy: This guide saw a $400 price at REI but could not independently confirm current pricing on Asolo's site during research; confirm the current price before buying. Asolo also sells a women's TPS 520 GV Evo.
How the top picks actually differ
Width options across this list
The Lowa Renegade GTX Mid stands alone with narrow, medium and wide lasts. Merrell (Moab Speed 2 Mid GTX and Moab 3 Mid non-waterproof), KEEN Targhee IV Mid WP, Columbia Newton Ridge Plus II and Asolo TPS 520 GV Evo each add a wide SKU alongside standard. The Salomon X Ultra 5 Mid GTX, Danner Mountain Light II, Scarpa Zodiac Plus GTX and Salewa Alp Trainer 2 Mid GTX were found only in standard width during research.
Budget vs. premium construction
The Columbia Newton Ridge Plus II ($110) and Merrell Moab 3 Mid ($155) use synthetic and mixed-material builds aimed at value. The Danner Mountain Light II ($470) sits at the opposite end with a Made-in-USA stitchdown leather build meant to be resoled for years. The Scarpa Zodiac Plus GTX ($349), Lowa Renegade GTX Mid ($255), Salewa Alp Trainer 2 Mid GTX (~$250) and Asolo TPS 520 GV Evo (~$400) fall in between, each with a full leather or suede/leather-hybrid upper.
The Scarpa Zodiac Plus GTX Amazon warning
Several Amazon listings under the "Scarpa Zodiac" name are actually the Zodiac Mid GTX, a different boot from the Zodiac Plus GTX featured on this list. This guide links Scarpa's own US product page for the Zodiac Plus GTX instead of an Amazon listing to avoid recommending the wrong model.
Who should choose what
You need a narrow or wide last, not just standard
Lowa Renegade GTX Mid
You want the lowest price with a wide-width option
Columbia Newton Ridge Plus II Waterproof
You want a lightweight mid boot with a wide SKU
Merrell Moab Speed 2 Mid GTX
You want a PFAS-free waterproof membrane with a wide fit
KEEN Targhee IV Mid Waterproof
You want a heavy-duty leather boot built to be resoled
Danner Mountain Light II 5"
You hike hot, dry trails and don't need waterproofing
Merrell Moab 3 Mid (non-waterproof)
You want a technical, precise-fitting boot for rocky terrain
Scarpa Zodiac Plus GTX
You want a heavier leather boot with a wide fit, short of full backpacking
Asolo TPS 520 GV Evo
How to choose
Check for a published wide or narrow width before you buy
Most hiking boots ship in a single standard width, so a published wide or narrow last is a real differentiator. On this list, the Lowa Renegade GTX Mid is the only boot sold in three men's lasts — narrow, medium and wide. Merrell sells wide SKUs of both the Moab Speed 2 Mid GTX and the non-waterproof Moab 3 Mid, KEEN's Targhee IV Mid WP has a wide option, Columbia's Newton Ridge Plus II ships in standard and wide, and Asolo's TPS 520 GV Evo is sold in a wide fit too. The Salomon X Ultra 5 Mid GTX, Danner Mountain Light II, Scarpa Zodiac Plus GTX and Salewa Alp Trainer 2 Mid GTX were found only in a standard width during research.
Low, mid or high: match the height to the terrain and load
Low-cut hiking shoes trade ankle support for weight and breathability; mid-height boots like most picks on this list add ankle coverage and support for uneven trails; taller boots like the Danner Mountain Light II's 5-inch height add more support still, generally for heavier loads or rougher ground. None of the picks here are dedicated backpacking boots built for very heavy multi-day loads — see Guidevio's backpacking boots guide for that category.
Waterproof membranes differ by brand, and none are guaranteed forever
GORE-TEX appears on several picks here (Salomon, Merrell's Speed 2 and GTX models, Scarpa, Lowa, Salewa, Asolo), while KEEN uses its own PFAS-free KEEN.DRY membrane and Columbia uses its own Omni-Tech membrane. Merrell's non-waterproof Moab 3 Mid skips a membrane entirely for better breathability. Any waterproof membrane's performance can decline with age and wear regardless of brand, per general manufacturer care guidance.
Leather takes longer to break in than synthetic uppers
The Danner Mountain Light II and Asolo TPS 520 GV Evo use full-grain leather uppers, which generally need a longer break-in period than the synthetic and mesh uppers on the Salomon, Merrell and Columbia picks. Buyers planning a big trip soon should factor in break-in time before choosing a leather boot.
Price doesn't map cleanly to durability or support
The Columbia Newton Ridge Plus II at $110 and the Danner Mountain Light II at $470 sit at opposite ends of this list's price range, but the price gap mostly reflects construction — Columbia's synthetic, factory-built boot versus Danner's traditional, resoleable stitchdown leather construction made in the USA — rather than one being strictly "better" for every hiker.
Common questions
- Which of these boots come in wide or narrow widths?
- The Lowa Renegade GTX Mid is the only boot on this list published in narrow, medium and wide men's lasts. The Merrell Moab Speed 2 Mid GTX, Merrell Moab 3 Mid (non-waterproof), KEEN Targhee IV Mid WP, Columbia Newton Ridge Plus II and Asolo TPS 520 GV Evo each add a separate wide SKU alongside standard. The Salomon X Ultra 5 Mid GTX, Danner Mountain Light II, Scarpa Zodiac Plus GTX and Salewa Alp Trainer 2 Mid GTX were found only in a standard width during research.
- Should I buy a low, mid or high hiking boot?
- Low-cut shoes are lighter and more breathable but give less ankle support; mid-height boots, which make up most of this list, add ankle support for uneven trails and are the most common category here; taller boots like the Danner Mountain Light II's 5-inch height typically add more support for rougher terrain or heavier loads. None of the boots on this page are dedicated backpacking boots for very heavy multi-day loads.
- Is GORE-TEX better than a brand's own waterproof membrane?
- This guide doesn't make that claim. GORE-TEX appears on several picks (Salomon, both GTX Merrell boots, Scarpa, Lowa, Salewa, Asolo), while KEEN's KEEN.DRY (PFAS-free) and Columbia's Omni-Tech are each the brand's own proprietary membrane. Each brand publishes its own waterproofing claims; this guide reports what's published rather than ranking the technologies against each other.
- Why isn't the Scarpa Zodiac Plus GTX linked to Amazon like the other picks?
- Several Amazon listings under the "Scarpa Zodiac" name are actually a different model, the Zodiac Mid GTX, not the Zodiac Plus GTX featured here. To avoid pointing buyers to the wrong boot, this guide links directly to Scarpa's own US product page for the Zodiac Plus GTX instead.
- Which boot is best for someone on a tight budget?
- The Columbia Newton Ridge Plus II Waterproof, at $110, is the least expensive boot on this list and is one of the few budget options that also publishes a wide width. The non-waterproof Merrell Moab 3 Mid at $155 is a step up in price for hikers who don't need a waterproof membrane.
- Which boot needs the longest break-in period?
- The Danner Mountain Light II and Asolo TPS 520 GV Evo use full-grain leather uppers, which generally require more break-in time than the synthetic and mesh uppers used on the Salomon, Merrell and Columbia picks on this list, based on general leather-footwear care guidance.
- Are any of these boots also sold in a women's version?
- Yes. Salomon, Merrell, Columbia, KEEN, Scarpa, Lowa, Salewa and Asolo all sell women's versions of the models on this list under separate product pages. See Guidevio's dedicated women's hiking boots guide for that lineup.
- Why do some picks say a price is unverified?
- For the Salewa Alp Trainer 2 Mid GTX and the Asolo TPS 520 GV Evo, this guide could not independently confirm a matching price directly on the brand's own US product page during research, so the price shown was seen on a named retailer instead and is marked as unverified on the brand's site. Confirm current pricing before buying either model.
- Has Guidevio tested any of these hiking boots?
- No. This guide is based entirely on manufacturer specifications and named US retailer listings, not on Guidevio staff wearing or hiking in these boots. Fit is highly individual, so trying a boot on — ideally at a specialty outdoor retailer that can check width and volume — before committing to a pair is still the best way to confirm it works for you.
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-speed-2-gore-tex/58707M.html
- https://www.merrell.com/US/en/moab-3-mid/52467M.html
- https://www.columbia.com/p/mens-newton-ridge-hiking-boot-1594731.html
- https://www.danner.com/mountain-light-ii-5-brown.html
- https://www.keenfootwear.com/products/mens-targhee-iv-mid-waterproof-bison-black
- https://us.scarpa.com/products/zodiac-plus-gtx-f24
- https://www.lowaboots.com/mens/hiking/renegade-gtx-mid
- https://www.asolo.com/en/wide-fit/1190-tps-520-gv-evo.html
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Ten currently sold waterproof hiking boots compared on their published membranes — GORE-TEX, PFAS-free ePE versions, and brand membranes like Merrell M Select DRY, KEEN.DRY and Columbia Omni-Tech — plus verified prices, weights and widths.
Best Backpacking Boots of 2026: Top 10 for Loaded Multi-Day Trips
This guide compares 10 currently sold backpacking boots for 2026 from Zamberlan, Lowa, Hanwag, Kenetrek, Salomon, Scarpa, La Sportiva, Asolo, Oboz and Vasque by published stiffness, resoleability, weight and price, for hikers carrying a loaded pack over multiple days, based on verified manufacturer and retailer specs.
Best Men's Running Shoes of 2026: Top 10 Picks for Every Run
Ten currently sold men's running shoes for 2026 from Nike, HOKA, ASICS, PUMA, adidas, Saucony, Mizuno and New Balance, spanning daily trainers, a stability pick, a plated tempo shoe, a carbon racer, a trail option and a budget pair, compared on verified brand specs and prices.
Best Down Jackets of 2026: Top 10 Insulated Jackets for Hiking and Everyday Warmth
Ten currently sold down jackets compared on published fill power, weight and price, from ultralight alpine layers to a budget everyday puffer.
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