10 Best Hiking Boots For Men, Women & Children

10 Best hiking boots for men, women and children

Has Covid Lockdown made you yearn to get out in to nature more? Are you looking forward to spending time with family and friends? Why not do both by going for a hike and a picnic with family and friends (and get rid of any covid rolls at the same time!).

 
As a family, we love to walk for the health and happiness benefits. A regular walk can lower stress, cholesterol, and blood pressure levels. So thats a win for your mood and heart health. It can also help you build stronger muscles and bones so drag out those grandparents too! No wonder it’s one of the best whole-body workouts we can do and its FREE.
 
Every time we hit the trails, we ensure to wear suitable hiking boots. That means we want them to be comfy, weatherproof and have loads of grip for safety.
 
My hubby loves his Salomon Quest Prime GTX Men’s Hiking Boots. I swear by the North Face Storm Strike High Rise Women’s Hiking Boots. For our children, the Timberland Big Kid Field Boot 6-inch Hiking Boot, works well. I review each of these star buy hiking boots in depth later on.
 
Don’t want to browse through several products to choose your hiker boots? Have no time to read reviews? We’re here to help. Check these quick links featuring our best picks to buy your hiking boots right now! 
Timberland Big Kid Field Boot 6-inch Hiking Boot (Toddler/Little Kid/Big...
  • Rustproof hardware for durability and authenticity
  • Durable laces with Taslan fibers
  • EVA footbed for lightweight cushioning
adidas Terrex Swift R2 Mid, Men's Low Rise Hiking Boots, Black (Black 000),...
  • Hiking Shoes
  • Waterproof Gore-Tex lining
  • Lightweight and breathable
Karrimor Unisex Kids Bodmin Mid Kids Weathertite High Rise Hiking Boots,...
  • Boys' Suede and Mesh Hiking Boots
  • Karrimor Boys Walking Shoes Black/Red
  • Karrimor Bodmin Mid
adidas outdoor Terrex Swift R2 GTX Hiking Shoe - Men's Night...
  • Fear no forecast
  • Go all out in all weather
  • Tackle the tricky terrain and wet weather with ease in the Terrex Swift R2 GTX® trail shoe from adidas® Outdoor.
Sale
Scarpa Women's Cyrus GTX Low Rise Hiking Boots, Brown, 5 UK
  • Nubuck Upper - Water resistant, comfortable and breathable.
  • GORE-TEX - Highly breathable and protects against the elements.
  • Lightweight PU Midsole - Low weight and underfoot comfort.
Regatta Kids Holcombe Low Rise Walking Trainers - Lime Punch - 6 UK
  • Isotex waterproof footwear - seam sealed with internal membrane bootee liner
  • Enclosed hardwear for reduced trip hazard
  • Abrasion resistant toe and heel bumpers
Dirt Boots Neoprene Waterproof Equestrian Slip On Stable Muck Yard Chelsea...
  • Generous fitting Original natural rubber Chelsea Dirt Boots.
  • Additional Achilles reinforcement for added protection.
  • Double over-layed toe and heel reinforcement resists scuffs and scratches.

To jump to our hiking boots review section click here.

The Best Hiking Boots - Whats on the market?

There is a huge choice of walking footwear on the market – from hiking boots of all shapes and sizes to walking shoes and even sandals.  From leather to vegan walking boots and with all levels of price, comfort and grip.  There are four main things to consider when buying a hiking boot – 

  1. Material of the Hiker Boot/Shoe
  2. Flexability/Comfort 
  3. Waterproofing
  4. Type/Cut of the boot

If you want to sort by material, you can choose from leather, fabric, and waterproof hiking boots. If you plan to go to rugged terrains or wetter climates, full-grain leather hiking boots are a great choice. They’re durable and tough with great breathability. They’re also resistant to water and abrasion. But they’re heavier, expensive, and take time to break-in.

Split-grain leather walking boots are a low-cost alternative. Though they offer excellent breathability, they’re less abrasion- and water-resistant.

Fabric Hiking boots are cheaper option to leather walking boots. In addition, they’re lightweight and need less breaking in. Looking to buy cheap walking boots? You can choose from canvas hiker boots or those made of synthetic materials like nylon, polyester, etc. But they don’t give as much protection against the elements as leather and need frequent reproofing.

Those looking for 100% eco-friendly options can check out vegan hiking boots. Some of these are made of recyclable EVA foams and recycled PET plastic. Wearing them will make your hike all the more fun and environment-friendly.

Want to choose your hiking boots on flexibility instead? You can go a step down from full-grain leather and choose nubuck leather boots. Made of buffed down full-grain leather, these hiking boots aren’t as tough. Yet, they offer good breathability and are water- and abrasion-resistant.

Leather hiking boots offer resistance to water to protect your feet against the elements. But they aren’t 100% waterproof. If you’re looking for waterproof hiking boots, you can select Gore Tex walking boots. They have Gore-Tex membranes that let moisture escape. This helps them ventilate from the inside out. As a result, these hiking boots work quite well in cold and mild temperatures.

Hiking boots typically have two types of cuts – mid and high. There’s nothing called a low-cut walking boot though. Instead, this would be a walking shoe, which is suitable for flat surfaces. Such shoes offer your feet more flexibility than boots. But they don’t give you the same level of protection and support especially around the ankles.

Mid-cut Hiking boots are ideal for shorter day walks and give good ankle support. For rougher terrains, you need higher cut hiking boots that provide you with more ankle support. 

Guide to Buying the Best Hiking Boots

So now you know that when it comes to finding the right boots for hiking there is a bewildering amount of walking boots & shoes to choose from. 

Think about these following questions and read our buyers guide to finding the best hiking boots before you buy.  If you are still struggling then you cant go wrong with our top picks. 

  1. What terrain will I be hiking in – easy, uneven or mountainous off trails? ?
  2. What distance will I be hiking – is it a short walk, day hike or several days on foot?
  3. Will it be wet during my hike?
  4. What are the top features to look for in a good hiking boot?

Things to Consider When Buying Your Hiking Boots

To find the most suitable hiking boots, you should consider the following factors:

Type of hiking terrain: Usually, you’ll come across three types of hiking terrains, namely easy trails, uneven trails, and mountainous off-trails. 

  • Easy trails have stable surfaces with a few small hills, such as those found in valley bottoms, or just walking round the local countryside etc. Hiking sandals or lightweight walking shoes that offer flexible feet movement/ reduce foot fatigue, are ideal choices for such terrains. 
  • Uneven trails have slanted and steep surfaces, where you have to look out for roots, rock, and mud. For these types of hike both a mid rise walking boot or high top waterproof hiking boot is recommended.  Look for good grip with these.
  • Mountainous Trials and Off-trails are more challenging as they aren’t typically marked on maps. They have uneven terrain with lots of obstacles and loose rocks that demand a lot of concentration. Here its a high top Waterproof Hiking boot you need.  These walking boots should give you stability and grip while supporting and protecting your ankles.  They should also be waterproof as it’s likely you will encounter snow at higher altitudes.

Grip, safety, and comfort: Your chosen hiker boots should have deep grooves to provide you with a good grip. Additionally, they should be comfortable to wear for your specific types of hiking and offer adequate safety.

Finding the right fit: You can use online sizing charts to find the right size. Since your boots should give you a snug fit, you need to ensure they fit your feet in length. Most people have different-sized feet. That’s why you should put the longer foot in your boot and stand up straight.

Slide your foot forward until your toes touch the end of the boot. Check if there’s room behind your heel. Since your feet will swell after a day of hiking, your hiking boots should have adequate room to accommodate them.

Durability: When your hike takes you to challenging terrains, the durability of your hiking boots will matter. You should choose shoes with thicker outsoles and use reinforcements like heel protector, rubber toe, insoles, etc., to enhance the durability. But remember that they’ll make your shoes heavier.

Breathability and waterproofing: Gore Tex walking boots are waterproof and protect your feet from dampness. But they make the shoes less breathable. This can be a serious issue when you hike in dry weather and high temperatures, which will make your feet too sweaty and hot. You can try leather hiking boots as an alternative. Despite being heavier, they’re breathable and offer good protection as well.

Companies to choose from: Need premium hiking boots? hiking boots by Salomon, Bergahaus Walking Boots. Scarpa hiking boots or the North Face are my ones to look for.  For the best budget walking boots look for Adidas hiking shoes, Nike hiking boots or high tec hiking gear.  

Before we go into the in-depth reviews of our best hiking boots, here are the quick links to our other picnic and hiking essentials on the site.  If you have all these, you are sure to have the perfect time when you go outdoors!

Can you think of another essential outdoor or picnic items I need to include? If so, drop me a line in the comments.

leather hiking boots g919a79610 1920 2025

In-depth Hiking Boots Reviews

Best Men's Hiking Boot (High Top/Waterproof)

Salomon Men's Quest Prime Gore Tex High Hiking Shoes, Phantom Black Quiet Shade, 10 UK
OVERALL BEST Men's Hiking Boot - These comfortable Salomon hiking boots are ideal for challenging and wet terrains. Wear these waterproof hiking boots to hike with no foot pain or blisters.

Pros

Cons

Best Women's Hiking Boot (High Top)

The North Face W Storm Strike 2 WP, Women’s High Rise Hiking Boots, Grey (Ebony Grey/Griffin Grey Gu8), 7 (40 EU)
OVERALL BEST Women's Hiking Boot - The North Face hiking boots that are supportive, comfortable, sturdy, and look smart are ideal for women hiking enthusiasts. Ensure to order the right size though, or you may get boots that are too small to fit your feet.

Pros

Cons

Best Kid's Hiking Boot (High Top)

Timberland Big Kid Field Boot 6-inch Hiking Boot (Toddler/Little Kid/Big Kid) brown Size: 6 Infant
OVERALL BEST Kids Hiking Boot - These sturdy kid’s hiking shoes are ideal for hikes, bird watching, and strolls on the sidewalks or for adventures in slushy snow. Made of leather, these durable kid’s hiking trainers provide the little feet with adequate support without restricting their mobility.

Pros

Cons

Best Men's Mid Rise Hiking Boot

adidas Terrex Swift R2 Mid, Men's Low Rise Hiking Boots, Black (Black 000), 9 UK (43 1/3 EU)
OVERALL BEST Men's Mid Boot Hiking Boot - If you need men’s waterproof boots, these Adidas hiking shoes are your ideal buy. They offer you a superb grip, together with nice padding and support for your feet and ankles.

Pros

Cons

Best Women’s Mid Rise Hiking Boot

Merrell Women's Moab 2 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot, Olive, 9 M US
OVERALL BEST Women’s Mid Boot Hiking Boot - These ladies hiking boots are wide enough to make your feet comfortable. They offer great support for trails and even work well as waterproof dog walking boots. They may need a little bit of breaking in though.

Pros

Cons

Best Kid's Mid Rise Hiking Boot

Karrimor Unisex Kids Bodmin Mid Kids Weathertite High Rise Hiking Boots, Black Red, C13 UK
OVERALL BEST Kid's Mid Boot Hiking Boot - If you're searching for the best budget walking boots for your kids, these are what you need. These hiking boots are comfortable, durable, lightweight, and offer adequate support and a sturdy grip.

Pros

Cons

Best Men’s Hiking Shoe/Trainer

adidas outdoor Terrex Swift R2 GTX Hiking Shoe - Men's Night Cargo/Black/Base Green, 14.0
OVERALL BEST Men’s Hiking Shoe/Trainer - These lightweight men’s hiking trainers are ideal for backpackers. They are durable, offer good stability and traction even on ice/snow, and have a wide foot box to accommodate swollen feet.

Pros

Cons

Best Women’s Hiking Shoe/Trainer

Sale
Scarpa Women's Cyrus GTX Low Rise Hiking Boots, Brown, 5 UK
OVERALL BEST Women’s Hiking Shoe/Trainer - If you need comfortable women’s hiking trainers, you have found your answer. These lightweight and waterproof ladies hiking boots are comfortable to wear, but you’ll have to break them in.

Pros

Cons

Best Kid’s Hiking Shoe/Trainer

Regatta Kids Holcombe Low Rise Walking Trainers - Lime Punch - 6 UK
OVERALL Best Kid’s Hiking Shoe/Trainer - Though slightly heavier than standard kid’s hiking trainers, these hiking boots are well built and waterproof. They’re comfortable to wear too. Since they offer an excellent grip on all surfaces, your kid can now enjoy adventurous activities to the fullest.

Pros

Cons

Best Waterproof Dog Walking Boots

Dirt Boots Neoprene Waterproof Equestrian Slip On Stable Muck Yard Chelsea Boots (Black, 8)
OVERALL BEST Best Waterproof Dog Walking Boots - These versatile dog walking boots are suitable for everyday use. You can put them on and off quickly and easily. They are comfortable to wear on soft and hard surfaces and don’t cause any foot or leg fatigue.

Pros

Cons

Extras for Hiking & Walking

Are you set for your hike? Don’t forget to pack these extras before heading out on your hike or family walk:

Walking Boot Laces: Just imagine what happens when your hiking boot laces break mid hike, get lost, or are too worn to be used. To avoid those ‘oh no’ moments when hiking, you should invest in sturdy and durable laces for your walking boots. My favourite is these high-quality Tobby boot laces that you can get in different colour combinations and multiple lengths.

Hiking Socks: To enjoy a comfortable hike, hiking socks are essential. They’ll keep your feet cushioned, dry, and less sweaty. I swear by these FEIDEER multi-pack socks that go well with my women’s hiking trainers. My hubby’s choice is the Darn Tough hiker socks that fit his men’s hiking trainers to a T. For my Children, these soft and highly stretchable athletic socks from OLCHEE win hands down.

Hiking Boot Bag: After an enjoyable hike, you need to get out of your muddy and messy hiking boots. Hiking boot bags can be the ideal way to keep your muddy and wet boots stowed away from your other belongings. You should ideally buy a waterproof boot bag as it’ll improve your boot’s drying time and even prevent leakage and further dampening of your boots. I’m a bit partial to this Lakeland Active Mosedale waterproof boot bag that my hubby and I just love to use.

Hiking Rucksack: For a stress-free hike, you should have a sturdy hiking rucksack of the right size that has enough space to pack the essentials. For one-day hikes, rucksacks with a capacity of 20 to 40 litres are good. You should choose one with a 50-60 litre capacity for 2-3 days’ hike. Rucksack capacity of 60+ litres would do well when your hike is likely to stretch for 5+ days. Since my hikes with my hubby often tend to extend beyond five days, I rely on this Kelty Coyote backpack.

For kids, hiking rucksacks with a capacity of less than 25 litres is ideal for day hikes. For 2-3 days’ hike, rucksacks with a volume of up to 40 litres are suitable. For hikes that will last for more than 3 days, rucksack capacity of over 40 litres is the best. To date, my kid’s choice has been the Osprey Jet 18 hiking rucksack.

Picnic/ Drinking Extras: If you want to enjoy a picnic when hiking, one of these picnic rucksacks can be the perfect accessory to carry. Some other additional items to buy are the water bottles and thermos flasks, which will keep you adequately hydrated.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hiking Boots

Are hiking and walking boots different?

Hiking boots are usually sturdier and made of hardwearing materials. They are designed for rocky, rough, challenging, or uneven terrains. They offer better cushioning and support, along with protection from the elements.

In contrast, walking boots don’t offer too much support and can show wear and tear more easily. They’re typically crafted for flat or gentle distances with limited climbing or rocks.

What are the three common types of hiking boots?

There are three cuts of walking boot and they are high cut hiking boot, mid rise hiking boot and a low rise hiking shoe or hiking trainer.  You can also now buy hiking sandals.

Based on the materials they are made of, hiking boots are available in leather, fabric, and waterproof varieties.

 

Why should you wear hiking boots, not trainers?

Your typical trainer is simply a lightweight sports shoe offering no real grip, little protection from ankle roll and zero waterproofing.  

If you want to enjoy the maximum protection and have a shoe that will potentially last for thousands of miles of the hike, hiking boots are your best bets.  

That said hiking boots have come on heaps in the last few years so we can now buy Hiking Trainers and I LOVE THEM!

Several leading brands now make great walking shoes/ trainers.  They offer adequate support, last long, and are lightweight, breathable, and waterproof. 

Choosing a hiking boot or trainer all comes down to the terrain you’ll be hiking – more hilly means a higher topped boot.  Walks, strolls and flat hiking are fine for the hiking trainer.

What are the top brands of hiking boots?

Adidas, Nike, Salomon, Scarpa, and the North Face are some of the top brands of hiking boots.

For the budget end of walking boots look for High Tec, Jack Walker and Champion Hiking boots.

Can you wear hiking boots every day?

Yes. They offer excellent ankle support, traction, breathability, and several other great features. 

Have you used any of these Hiking Boots or Walking Shoes? Then please leave your review in the comments box below. Is your favourite beach cart not on the list? Be sure to let me know in the comments below so I can review it.

0bad4a8bd0ac799ae7d617dff57a26e8?s=250&d=mm&r=g 2025

Last update on 2025-04-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

This product presentation was made with AAWP plugin.