Best Waterproof Hiking Boots of 2026: Top 10 Picks
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.
How this guide was built: Guidevio compiled it from manufacturers' official product pages and named US retailer listings that cite brand specifications, plus Amazon where a genuine, matching listing exists. We did not buy, borrow, or hike in any of these products, 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 compares ten currently sold waterproof hiking boots that rely on different waterproof-breathable membrane technologies: licensed GORE-TEX (including newer PFAS-free ePE membranes), GORE-TEX Surround (which vents through the sides and sole for extra breathability), and brands' own in-house membranes such as Merrell's M Select DRY, KEEN.DRY and Columbia's Omni-Tech. Every model here is a real, currently sold product with a working manufacturer or named US retailer page at the time of research; nothing has been invented, and no price, spec or waterproofing claim appears unless a brand publishes it.
"Waterproof" on a hiking boot means the upper and membrane are built to keep external water — puddles, wet grass, light stream crossings — from soaking through the leather, mesh or fabric to your foot. It does not mean water cannot enter the boot at all: water can still get in over the top of a low collar in deep water or snow, and a fully saturated upper can eventually let moisture through given enough time and pressure. This guide notes membrane type and, where a brand publishes it, breathability positioning for each pick, since a more breathable membrane can trade off some of that protection for comfort in hot or humid conditions.
Guidevio has not physically tested any of these boots and makes no claim about how they perform in specific weather, terrain, or over specific mileage. This is desk research compiled from manufacturer and named US retailer pages, intended to help buyers compare real, currently sold waterproof options and understand what their membrane actually does before they buy.
Who this guide is for
- Hikers who want a genuinely waterproof boot for wet trails, stream crossings, or unpredictable weather rather than a water-resistant shoe
- Buyers trying to understand the difference between licensed GORE-TEX, GORE-TEX Surround and a brand's own in-house waterproof membrane
- Shoppers who care about PFAS-free waterproofing and want to know which models use GORE-TEX's newer ePE membrane
- Hikers comparing mid-height waterproof boots across a range of prices, from budget models to premium leather boots
- Buyers who want to know which waterproof boots are also sold in wide widths or as women's-specific builds
How we chose
- Only current, in-production waterproof hiking boots with a confirmed manufacturer or named US retailer page were considered
- Each pick's waterproofing technology is stated using the brand's own name for it — GORE-TEX, GORE-TEX Surround, M Select DRY, KEEN.DRY or Omni-Tech — rather than a single generic "waterproof" label
- Where GORE-TEX's newer PFAS-free ePE membrane is confirmed by the brand, that is noted explicitly
- Prices, weight and width availability are stated only where a brand or named retailer publishes them; unverified figures are marked as such rather than estimated
- Both men's and women's versions are noted with their own model pages and ASINs where available, since men's and women's listings are not interchangeable
- No boot in this guide has been worn, hiked in, or tested by Guidevio
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. Bridger Ridge Mid GTX | Hikers who specifically want a PFAS-free GORE-TEX membrane in a mid-height boot | Mid | GORE-TEX (PFAS-free ePE) | Not published by Oboz | See obozfootwear.com | See current price at Oboz | Visit |
| 2. X Ultra 5 Mid GTX | Hikers who want GORE-TEX waterproofing in a lighter, faster-feeling mid-height boot | Mid | GORE-TEX | Not published by Salomon | See salomon.com | $190 MSRP | Visit |
| 3. Moab 3 Mid GORE-TEX | Buyers who specifically want GORE-TEX rather than Merrell's own membrane in the Moab family | Mid | GORE-TEX | Not published by Merrell | See merrell.com | $195 MSRP | Visit |
| 4. Moab 3 Mid Waterproof | Buyers who want the Moab 3 Mid's fit at a lower price without licensed GORE-TEX | Mid | M Select DRY (Merrell) | Not published by Merrell US | Standard; women's wide SKU 52452W | $175 MSRP | Visit |
| 5. Targhee IV Mid WP | Hikers who want a PFAS-free brand membrane with a roomy toe box and wide-width availability | Mid | KEEN.DRY (PFAS-free) | 20.11 oz | Standard and Wide | $190 MSRP | Visit |
| 6. Newton Ridge Plus II Waterproof | Budget-conscious hikers who still want a named waterproof membrane | Mid | Omni-Tech | 15.9 oz (size 9) | Standard and Wide | $110 MSRP | Visit |
| 7. Renegade EVO GTX Mid | Hikers who want a premium leather-and-GORE-TEX boot from an established mountain-boot brand | Mid | GORE-TEX | Not published by Lowa | See lowaboots.com | $280 MSRP | Visit |
| 8. Katabatic LT Mid GTX | Hikers who want GORE-TEX waterproofing with less weight than a traditional mid-height boot | Mid | GORE-TEX (PFAS-free ePE) | 315 g / 11.1 oz (women's, per Oboz) | See obozfootwear.com | See current price at Oboz | Visit |
| 9. Anacapa 2 Mid GTX | Hikers who like HOKA's maximum-cushion ride and want that comfort in a waterproof boot | Mid | GORE-TEX | Not consistently published by HOKA | See hoka.com | $195 MSRP | Visit |
| 10. Nucleo High II GTX | Hikers who want GORE-TEX waterproofing with more breathability for warm-weather trail use | Mid/High | GORE-TEX Surround | Not published by La Sportiva | See lasportivausa.com | $259 | Visit |
The ten picks in detail
Bridger Ridge Mid GTX
Oboz
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 pageBridger Ridge Mid GTX
PFAS-free GORE-TEX ePE membrane confirmed by Oboz
Oboz builds the Bridger Ridge Mid on a GORE-TEX membrane that the brand confirms is now PFAS-free ePE construction, pairing it with a nubuck leather and mesh upper and Oboz's own O FIT Insole for a mid-height, all-around waterproof hiker.
Why it is on this list: Oboz states this model uses GORE-TEX's newer PFAS-free ePE membrane, making it one of the few boots in this guide with a brand-confirmed PFAS-free waterproof membrane rather than a legacy ePTFE build.
Key features
- GORE-TEX waterproof membrane, PFAS-free ePE construction (per Oboz)
- Nubuck leather and mesh upper
- O FIT Insole System
- Mid-height ankle cuff
- Waterproofing: GORE-TEX, PFAS-free ePE membrane (per Oboz)
- Height: Mid
- Weight: Not published by Oboz
- Pros
- Confirmed PFAS-free GORE-TEX ePE membrane, per Oboz
- Mid-height cuff for ankle support on uneven trail
- Women's version sold under a separate model page and ASIN
- Cons
- US price not published by Oboz or a named retailer at research time
- Fewer width options documented than some competitors
Before you buy: A women's version, the Bridger Ridge Mid GTX (women's), is sold by Oboz under a separate model page, with its own Amazon ASIN (B0DC4XP3C3); confirm you're ordering the correct listing.
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
GORE-TEX waterproofing in Salomon's lightweight, trail-runner-influenced mid-height platform
Salomon's X Ultra 5 Mid pairs a GORE-TEX membrane with the brand's Contragrip outsole and a lightweight synthetic-and-mesh upper, positioning it as a fast, trail-runner-influenced mid-height boot rather than a heavier leather build.
Why it is on this list: Salomon positions the X Ultra 5 Mid as a hiking boot built on trail-running-derived comfort with full GORE-TEX waterproofing, giving buyers a lighter alternative to leather waterproof boots.
Key features
- GORE-TEX waterproof membrane
- Contragrip outsole
- Quicklace lacing system
- Waterproofing: GORE-TEX membrane
- Height: Mid
- Weight: Not published on salomon.com product page
- Pros
- GORE-TEX membrane in a lighter, more flexible mid-height build
- Widely available in current US retail at a verified $190 price
- Women's version sold under a separate ASIN
- Cons
- Synthetic upper is less durable long-term than full-leather boots on this list
- Width options not as broad as some leather boots here
Before you buy: A women's version is sold by Salomon and on Amazon under a separate ASIN (B0D82SBQ9M); confirm the listing matches before ordering.
Moab 3 Mid GORE-TEX
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 GORE-TEX
Licensed GORE-TEX membrane in Merrell's best-known boot platform
Merrell sells two waterproof versions of its long-running Moab 3 Mid: this one uses a licensed GORE-TEX membrane, giving buyers who specifically want the GORE-TEX brand name an option alongside Merrell's own M Select DRY version.
Why it is on this list: Merrell sells this as the GORE-TEX-specific version of its Moab 3 Mid line, letting buyers choose the licensed GORE-TEX membrane over the brand's own M Select DRY waterproofing in an otherwise identical boot.
Key features
- GORE-TEX waterproof membrane
- Vibram TC5+ outsole
- Merrell Air Cushion in the heel
- Waterproofing: GORE-TEX membrane
- Height: Mid
- Weight: Not published by Merrell
- Pros
- Licensed GORE-TEX membrane in one of the most widely stocked boot families in the US
- Verified $195 price directly from Merrell
- Women's version sold under a separate model page
- Cons
- Costs more than the M Select DRY version of the same Moab 3 Mid
- Not the lightest boot in this guide
Before you buy: A women's version is sold by Merrell at merrell.com under model 52979W; check pricing and availability there directly since this listing is a brand link, not an Amazon affiliate link.
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 pageMoab 3 Mid Waterproof
Merrell's own M Select DRY membrane at a lower price than the GORE-TEX version
This version of the Moab 3 Mid uses Merrell's own M Select DRY waterproof membrane instead of licensed GORE-TEX, sold at a lower price than the GORE-TEX version while keeping the same Vibram outsole and cushioning underfoot.
Why it is on this list: Merrell offers this M Select DRY version as a lower-cost alternative to the GORE-TEX Moab 3 Mid, giving buyers a direct, brand-published comparison between a licensed membrane and an in-house one in the same boot.
Key features
- M Select DRY waterproof membrane (Merrell's own)
- Vibram TC5+ outsole
- Merrell Air Cushion in the heel
- Waterproofing: M Select DRY membrane (Merrell)
- Height: Mid
- Weight: 16.36 oz per size-specific listing (Canada retailer); not published by Merrell US
- Pros
- Lower price than the GORE-TEX version of the same boot
- M Select DRY is Merrell's own waterproof-breathable membrane, built into a well-established platform
- Women's version sold under a separate ASIN
- Cons
- M Select DRY breathability specs are not published in the same detail as GORE-TEX's
- Not the lightest mid-height boot on this list
Before you buy: A women's version is sold by Merrell and on Amazon under a separate ASIN (B0DHHFQSVX), with a wide-fit SKU (52452W) also available.
Targhee IV Mid WP
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 WP
PFAS-free KEEN.DRY membrane with standard and wide width options
KEEN's Targhee IV Mid uses the brand's own KEEN.DRY waterproof-breathable membrane, which KEEN states is PFAS-free, built onto a leather-and-mesh upper with the brand's roomy toe box.
Why it is on this list: KEEN states its KEEN.DRY membrane is PFAS-free, and the Targhee IV Mid pairs it with one of the wider published toe boxes and both standard and wide widths in this guide.
Key features
- KEEN.DRY waterproof membrane, PFAS-free (per KEEN)
- 12mm drop (per KEEN)
- 20.11 oz per boot (per KEEN)
- Waterproofing: KEEN.DRY membrane, PFAS-free (per KEEN)
- Height: Mid
- Weight: 20.11 oz per boot (per KEEN)
- Pros
- KEEN.DRY membrane confirmed PFAS-free by KEEN
- Sold in both standard and wide widths
- Verified $190 price from KEEN
- Cons
- Not a licensed GORE-TEX membrane for buyers who specifically want that brand name
- Heavier build (20.11 oz per KEEN) than some lighter mid-height picks here
Before you buy: A women's version is sold by KEEN; the wide-width women's model (B0FLSB8JXH on Amazon) is the version confirmed with an ASIN — check whether you need the standard or wide women's fit before ordering.
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
Columbia's Omni-Tech waterproof membrane at the lowest price in this guide
Columbia's Newton Ridge Plus II uses the brand's own Omni-Tech waterproof-breathable membrane on a suede-and-mesh upper, sold at the lowest verified price in this guide.
Why it is on this list: At $110, this is the most affordable waterproof boot in the guide, using Columbia's own Omni-Tech membrane rather than a licensed one, and it remains available in both standard and wide widths.
Key features
- Omni-Tech waterproof-breathable membrane (Columbia)
- Suede leather and mesh upper
- 15.9 oz per boot, size 9 (per Columbia)
- Waterproofing: Omni-Tech membrane (Columbia)
- Height: Mid
- Weight: 15.9 oz, size 9 (per Columbia)
- Pros
- Lowest verified price in this guide at $110
- Sold in standard and wide widths
- Well-established, widely stocked US model
- Cons
- Omni-Tech breathability specs are not published in the same detail as GORE-TEX's
- Less premium leather and construction than higher-priced picks here
Before you buy: Columbia also sells women's waterproof hiking boots, but this specific model's listings are men's; check columbia.com for a matching women's style before ordering.
Renegade EVO 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 EVO GTX Mid
GORE-TEX membrane in Lowa's updated, premium Renegade EVO build
Lowa's Renegade EVO GTX Mid updates its long-running Renegade line with a GORE-TEX membrane on a leather-and-textile upper, sold at a premium price alongside a women's-specific version.
Why it is on this list: Lowa's Renegade line has a long US track record, and the EVO GTX Mid pairs that platform with GORE-TEX waterproofing at a premium price point that differentiates it from the budget and mid-range picks here.
Key features
- GORE-TEX waterproof membrane
- Leather and textile upper
- Mid-height ankle cuff
- Waterproofing: GORE-TEX membrane
- Height: Mid
- Weight: Not published by Lowa for this model
- Pros
- GORE-TEX membrane in Lowa's established Renegade platform
- Verified $280 price directly from Lowa
- Women's-specific version sold under its own model page and ASIN
- Cons
- Among the pricier picks in this guide
- Weight not published by Lowa for this specific EVO update
Before you buy: A women's-specific version, the Renegade EVO GTX Mid Ws, is sold by Lowa at us.lowa.com for $280, with its own Amazon ASIN (B0FBFH7FW2); the women's version uses a women's-specific last per Lowa's other Renegade listings.
Katabatic LT Mid GTX
Oboz
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 pageKatabatic LT Mid GTX
PFAS-free GORE-TEX ePE membrane in a lighter-weight Oboz build
Oboz's Katabatic LT Mid GTX is built as a lighter-weight waterproof hiker than the Bridger Ridge, using the same PFAS-free GORE-TEX ePE membrane and Oboz's Invisible Fit lacing construction in a lower-weight package.
Why it is on this list: Oboz positions the Katabatic LT as a lighter-weight companion to the Bridger Ridge, keeping the same PFAS-free GORE-TEX ePE membrane while publishing a lower women's weight figure than most other picks in this guide.
Key features
- GORE-TEX waterproof membrane, PFAS-free ePE construction (per Oboz)
- Invisible Fit lacing construction
- Women's weight: 315 g / 11.1 oz (per Oboz)
- Waterproofing: GORE-TEX, PFAS-free ePE membrane (per Oboz)
- Height: Mid
- Weight: 315 g / 11.1 oz, women's (per Oboz); men's not published
- Pros
- Confirmed PFAS-free GORE-TEX ePE membrane, per Oboz
- Published women's weight of 315 g (11.1 oz), among the lighter waterproof boots in this guide
- Invisible Fit construction is a distinct, brand-documented lacing/upper design
- Cons
- US price not published by Oboz or a named retailer at research time
- No women's-specific ASIN confirmed at research time; check obozfootwear.com directly
Before you buy: Oboz sells a women's Katabatic LT Mid GTX, but no matching Amazon ASIN could be confirmed at research time; check obozfootwear.com directly for the women's listing and current price.
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
GORE-TEX waterproofing on HOKA's maximum-cushion midsole stack
HOKA's Anacapa 2 Mid GTX pairs a GORE-TEX membrane with the brand's tall, cushioned midsole stack, giving hikers who like HOKA's road and trail running shoes a waterproof boot built on similar cushioning.
Why it is on this list: HOKA brings its signature tall-stack cushioning to a GORE-TEX waterproof boot, giving fans of the brand's running shoes a waterproof hiking option built on a similar ride.
Key features
- GORE-TEX waterproof membrane
- HOKA's tall, cushioned midsole stack
- Early-stage Meta-Rocker geometry
- Waterproofing: GORE-TEX membrane
- Height: Mid
- Weight: Not consistently published by HOKA; retailer figures conflict
- Pros
- GORE-TEX membrane on HOKA's signature tall, cushioned midsole
- Verified $195 price
- Women's version sold under a separate ASIN
- Cons
- Weight and drop figures conflict between retailers and are not confirmed directly by HOKA for this exact spec
- Tall stack height feels less stable underfoot on technical terrain than a lower-profile boot
Before you buy: A women's version is sold by HOKA and on Amazon under a separate ASIN (B0DN5THYVG); weight and drop specs vary by retailer listing, so confirm exact figures on hoka.com before comparing to other boots.
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
GORE-TEX Surround technology for added breathability
La Sportiva builds the Nucleo High II around GORE-TEX Surround, a version of GORE-TEX designed by Gore to vent moisture through the sides and sole of the boot rather than only through the upper, aimed at hikers who run hot in a fully waterproof boot.
Why it is on this list: GORE-TEX Surround is a genuinely different ventilation design from the standard GORE-TEX membrane used elsewhere in this guide, and it's the only pick here built specifically around it, giving buyers who prioritize breathability over deep-water immersion a distinct option.
Key features
- GORE-TEX Surround waterproof-breathable membrane
- Vibram outsole
- Waterproofing: GORE-TEX Surround membrane
- Height: Mid/High
- Weight: Not published by La Sportiva
- Pros
- GORE-TEX Surround is a distinct, brand-documented ventilation approach within the GORE-TEX family
- Positioned for warmer-weather waterproof hiking where standard GORE-TEX can feel too hot
- Cons
- Pricier than the synthetic waterproof mids in this guide
- GORE-TEX Surround boots should not be worn in standing water or deep puddles, per Gore's own guidance on Surround technology, since the sole-level venting can let water in from below
Before you buy: Because GORE-TEX Surround vents through the sole, it is not designed for wading through standing water or deep puddles the way a standard GORE-TEX boot is; check La Sportiva's own care and use guidance before buying if you expect deep water crossings.
How the top picks actually differ
Licensed GORE-TEX vs. brand-owned membranes
Most boots in this guide use licensed GORE-TEX, a membrane Gore manufactures and licenses to footwear brands under its own testing and warranty standards. A smaller group — Merrell's M Select DRY, KEEN.DRY and Columbia's Omni-Tech — use a membrane the brand designs and manufactures itself rather than licensing from Gore. Brands rarely publish head-to-head breathability or durability data comparing their own membrane against GORE-TEX, so this guide states which type each boot uses without claiming one category is categorically better; the Merrell Moab 3 Mid is sold in both a GORE-TEX and an M Select DRY version at different prices, which is the closest direct brand comparison available.
PFAS-free membranes
Gore has been transitioning GORE-TEX products to a PFAS-free ePE (expanded polyethylene) membrane, replacing the older ePTFE membrane that used PFAS-based chemistry. Oboz confirms both its Bridger Ridge Mid GTX and Katabatic LT Mid GTX use this PFAS-free ePE membrane. KEEN separately states its own KEEN.DRY membrane is PFAS-free. Not every GORE-TEX boot on the market has switched to ePE yet, so buyers who specifically want PFAS-free waterproofing should check a model's current listing rather than assume all GORE-TEX products qualify.
GORE-TEX Surround and breathability trade-offs
Standard GORE-TEX membranes vent moisture vapor outward through the upper. GORE-TEX Surround, used on the La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX in this guide, is designed by Gore to also vent through the sides and sole of the boot for additional airflow, which the brand positions as a comfort benefit in warm conditions. The trade-off is that Surround boots are not designed for standing water or deep crossings the way a standard GORE-TEX sole is, since the venting is at foot level rather than sealed underfoot. Buyers choosing between a standard GORE-TEX boot and a Surround model should weigh warm-weather breathability against deep-water protection based on where they actually hike.
Why "waterproof" doesn't mean water can't get in
Every membrane in this guide is designed to stop water from soaking through the upper material to your foot, not to make the boot fully submersible. Water can still enter over the top of a mid-height collar in deep puddles, snow, or a stream crossing above ankle height, regardless of which membrane is used. A saturated upper — mud- or water-logged leather or fabric left wet for extended periods — can also eventually let moisture through even with an intact membrane. None of the brands in this guide claim their boots are submersible, and this guide does not represent any pick here as suitable for wading through deep water.
Who should choose what
You want a confirmed PFAS-free GORE-TEX membrane
Oboz Bridger Ridge Mid GTX or Oboz Katabatic LT Mid GTX
You want the lightest waterproof boot here
Oboz Katabatic LT Mid GTX or Salomon X Ultra 5 Mid GTX
You're on a tight budget but still want a named membrane
Columbia Newton Ridge Plus II Waterproof
You want to compare GORE-TEX against a brand's own membrane in the same boot
Merrell Moab 3 Mid GORE-TEX vs. Moab 3 Mid Waterproof
You run hot and want more breathability from your waterproof boot
La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX with GORE-TEX Surround
You want a premium leather build with GORE-TEX
Lowa Renegade EVO GTX Mid
Common questions
- Does "waterproof" mean my feet will never get wet in these boots?
- No. A waterproof membrane is designed to stop external water from soaking through the upper material, but it doesn't seal the top of the boot. Water can still get in over a mid-height collar in a deep puddle, snow, or a stream crossing above ankle height, and a fully saturated upper can eventually let moisture through given enough time. No brand in this guide claims its boots are submersible.
- What's the difference between GORE-TEX and a brand's own waterproof membrane?
- Licensed GORE-TEX is manufactured and tested by Gore and licensed to footwear brands under Gore's own standards. Brand-owned membranes — Merrell's M Select DRY, KEEN's KEEN.DRY, Columbia's Omni-Tech — are designed and made by the brand itself rather than licensed from Gore. Brands don't typically publish direct comparative breathability or durability data between the two, so this guide states which type each boot uses rather than ranking one category above the other.
- What is a PFAS-free GORE-TEX membrane?
- Gore has introduced an ePE (expanded polyethylene) membrane that does not use PFAS-based chemistry, replacing the older ePTFE membrane in some GORE-TEX products. Oboz confirms its Bridger Ridge Mid GTX and Katabatic LT Mid GTX use this PFAS-free ePE membrane. Not all current GORE-TEX footwear has switched over yet, so check a specific model's listing if PFAS-free construction matters to you.
- What is GORE-TEX Surround, and is it right for wet trails?
- GORE-TEX Surround is a version of the membrane that Gore designs to vent moisture through the sides and sole of the boot, not just the upper, aimed at improving breathability in warm conditions. Because that venting sits at foot level, Surround boots are not designed for standing water or deep crossings the way a standard GORE-TEX sole is. If you regularly cross streams or hike in consistently wet, muddy conditions, a standard GORE-TEX or brand-membrane boot may suit you better than a Surround model.
- Do waterproof boots need special care?
- Brands generally recommend cleaning mud and dirt off after hikes and periodically reapplying a waterproofing treatment made for the specific upper material — leather, nubuck, or synthetic/mesh — since dirt and oils can reduce a treated upper's water repellency over time even when the internal membrane is intact. Check the specific care instructions published by each brand for its upper material rather than using a generic treatment on all boots.
- Are these boots available in wide widths or women's versions?
- Some are. The KEEN Targhee IV Mid WP and Columbia Newton Ridge Plus II are confirmed in standard and wide widths. Most picks in this guide have a separate women's version sold by the brand and, in several cases, its own Amazon ASIN — the Oboz Bridger Ridge Mid GTX, Salomon X Ultra 5 Mid GTX, Merrell Moab 3 Mid GORE-TEX and Waterproof, KEEN Targhee IV Mid WP, Lowa Renegade EVO GTX Mid, and HOKA Anacapa 2 Mid GTX all have confirmed women's listings. Always check the specific model page or ASIN since men's and women's versions are not interchangeable.
- Why do two boots on this list use GORE-TEX but have very different prices?
- The membrane is only one part of the cost. Upper material (leather versus synthetic and mesh), outsole, midsole construction and brand positioning all affect price even when two boots share the same GORE-TEX membrane — the Salomon X Ultra 5 Mid GTX at $190 and the Lowa Renegade EVO GTX Mid at $280 both use GORE-TEX but differ substantially in upper material and overall construction.
- Did Guidevio test any of these boots for waterproofing?
- No. This guide is compiled entirely from information published by the brands themselves and named US retailers. Guidevio has not hiked in, worn, or wet-tested any boot listed here, and nothing in this guide is a review score or an independent waterproofing test result. Where we link to Amazon, those are affiliate links and Guidevio earns a commission from qualifying purchases as an Amazon Associate; that never affects which products are included or how they're ranked.
Sources consulted
Official product pages, specification sheets and retailer listings used to compile this guide.
- https://www.obozfootwear.com/products/mens-bridger-ridge-mid-gtx-waterproof
- https://www.obozfootwear.com/products/mens-katabatic-lt-mid-gtx-waterproof
- https://www.salomon.com/en-us/product/x-ultra-5-mid-gore-tex-li6287
- https://www.merrell.com/US/en/moab-3-mid-gore-tex/52469M.html
- https://www.merrell.com/US/en/moab-3-mid-waterproof/52470M.html
- https://www.keenfootwear.com/products/mens-targhee-iv-mid-waterproof-bison-black
- https://www.columbia.com/p/mens-newton-ridge-hiking-boot-1594731.html
- https://www.lowaboots.com/products/renegade-evo-gtx-mid-olive-navy
- https://www.hoka.com/en/us/mens-hiking/anacapa-2-mid-gtx/1141633.html
- https://www.lasportivausa.com/products/nucleo-high-ii-gtx
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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.
Best Women's Hiking Boots of 2026: Top 10 Picks
Ten currently sold women's hiking boots and shoes — low-cut trail shoes, waterproof mids, a wide-width option and a budget non-waterproof pick — compared on published weight, drop, waterproofing and widths from Salomon, Merrell, Lowa, KEEN, Scarpa, Vasque, HOKA and Oboz.
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.
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 Trail Running Shoes of 2026: Top 10 for Every Kind of Trail
This guide compares 10 currently sold trail running shoes for 2026 from HOKA, Saucony, Brooks, La Sportiva, Salomon, Altra, New Balance and Nike by published drop, lug depth, protection and price, from an everyday all-rounder to a dedicated waterproof pick, based on verified manufacturer and retailer specs.
Best Hiking Day Packs 2026
Ten currently sold hiking day packs compared on published capacity, weight, price and features, from ultralight minimalist packs to fully suspended all-day haulers.
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