Getting Off On The Right Foot

 
Gone are the days when there was only one type of footwear to take on your outdoor adventures. Today, there’s a dizzying array of choices, from lightweight trail runners and “five-fingered” shoes to hiking sandals and high-ankle boots, with various hybrid shoes bridging the gaps. There are so many that it’s an almost Herculean task to sort through them all, so we here at Gear Hacker have done you the favor of detailing several of our favorites. Since there’s simply no way for us to cover every type of hiking shoe in just one article, we’ve narrowed down our list to one of the most popular and versatile footwear styles for day hikers and backpackers: the mid-height hiking boot. Mid boots extend high enough to offer sufficient protection from twisted ankles. They’re also much more stable than a low-cut trail runner or hiking shoe, but they’re also typically a bit heavier as well.

Mid-Height Boot Types

 There are three main styles of boot featured in our 2021 review. These designations are by no means restrictions, and indeed many hikers have found that a boot’s versatility will extend well beyond its perceived limitations.

 

• Lightweight/Day Hiker

  As implied by the name, these boots are typically intended for day hikes and short backpacking trips, perhaps with a light day bag rather than a heavy backpack. These will often boast excellent flex easily and out-of-the-box comfort, but they don’t necessarily offer the same support and durability as backpacking boots.
   
  

• Midweight Hiker/Backpacking Boot

  These are stable and durable enough to take on heavy loads and multi-day hikes. They boast additional support around the ankles and a stiffer midsole.
  

 

• Heavyweight Boots

  These boots go above and beyond when it comes to support and durability, so expect a heavyweight boot to be essentially “bombproof.” This more classic approach is becoming a less common sight as footwear manufacturers develop new technology to improve stability and durability without resorting to heavy materials.
  
  

Anatomy Of A Boot

A staggering number of components make up a hiking boot, and the combination of these features plays a deciding role in its comfort, stability, traction, and more. Here’s a breakdown of some of the more essential elements of the modern hiking boot.

• Upper

  This makes up most of the boot’s exterior—all the way to the ankle—and contributes to its overall stability. It can be constructed from synthetic materials like nylon or polyester, various types of leather, or simply the waterproof membrane.
  

• Midsole

  This is located between the upper and the outsole and makes up much of the cushioning and support. The midsole is typically made of either EVA foam for extra cushion or polyurethane for firmer support.

• Outsole

  Often simply called the sole, the outsole is responsible for traction. This is determined not only by the rubber compound used, which can vary in stickiness and ruggedness, but also the depth and placement of the lugs, which are the bumps on the shoe’s bottom.
  

• Shank

  Also known as the last board, optional inserts are located between the midsole and outsole. They contribute to the boot’s overall stiffness and load-bearing support.

• Laces

  The lacing system on the boot plays a vital role in its comfort and adjustability. Most boots use a combination of eyelet types, from fabric eyelets (often found at the bottom) to closed and open-hook metal eyelets at the top, as well as wider-set eyelets near the middle of the boot to lock in the fit.

• Tongue

  This padded strip of fabric runs under the laces to relieve lace pressure and keep out trail debris and moisture.
  

How We Judged

 
To best determine the individual strengths and weaknesses of the 16 boots in our review, we have judged them based on six different categories:
 

• Comfort

  Several factors play a role in determining comfort. The flexibility of the upper can impact the comfort around your ankles, then there’s the cushioning and arch support in the midsole and insole. The width of the footbed is also essential. Here’s why. You don’t want your foot to be constricted by a narrow footbed, but by the same token, a footbed that’s too wide can create comfort issues as well. It’s also vital to have a toe box that provides a bit of wiggle room. Finally, there’s the lacing system. Ideally, you want them to be simple to adjust on the trail with the ability to cinch them down easily around your foot and ankle without feeling too snug.
   
  

• Weight

  The weight of all the boots in our review are based on a men’s size 11, since this is around the average shoe size for men. Although there’s no ideal weight for a hiking boot, it should be proportional to the comfort, durability, and stability it provides. A lightweight boot may not have the stiff, burly upper and well-cushioned midsole of a heavier boot, so the priority should be to ensure that every additional ounce is being put toward the features you value most.
   
  

• Stability

  The boot’s upper and shank play an integral role in its stability. A stiff upper improves the boot’s torsional rigidity. It reduces the chance of a rolled ankle, an experience that no hiker wants to endure in the middle of a lengthy excursion. Stability is achieved at the base of the boot as well; having sufficient forefoot width makes the boot feel less like a bicycle and more like a four-wheeler that’s unlikely to flip with too tight of a turn.
   
  

• Traction

  Traction and stability work hand in hand to foster confidence in every step. Two main factors determine the quality of a boot’s traction—the material used for a boot’s outsole as well as the size and layout of its lugs. All hiking boots use some form of rubber compound for their sole. However, several different mixtures vary in stiffness and stickiness. Ideally, the sole should provide adequate grip on all sorts of terrain, from sand and scree to mud and snow. The flexibility of this material will also determine its effectiveness at scrambling over boulders. The spacing and depth of the lugs play a factor as well. If a shoe is advertised as having “self-cleaning” lugs, this means that mud and other debris are less likely to cling and build up, which can render a good boot useless. Finally, a solid heel brake can be a much-needed feature on downhill descents.
   
  

• Water Resistance

  All but one of the hiking boots in our review features some type of waterproof lining. If you’re planning to traverse streams or even hike in a climate that’s prone to precipitation, this particular form of protection can be of vital importance. A wet boot means a heavy boot, as well as wet socks, and anyone who has experienced this predicament can attest to its inconvenience. Many footwear manufacturers have turned to Gore-Tex for their waterproofing. These boots are typically designated with “GTX” in the name—which is a reliable brand and adds to the shoe’s cost. Some brands have engineered their own waterproofing technology with varying degrees of success. Others have reinforced the waterproof lining with exterior materials like nubuck leather. Regardless of the waterproofing type, it’s also important to consider flood height—the height at which water can flood in over the top of the boot.
   

  Frequently, the downside to a waterproof boot is its breathability. Although a boot can repel a torrent of water on the outside, it can also trap sweat inside in warmer temperatures, which can lead to blistering. This problem is often resolved with breathable liners like mesh nylon that wick away moisture. Some shoemakers have even integrated air channels in the midsole to keep your feet from getting stifled. Even still, some hikers instead opt for a non-waterproof boot that can quickly dry itself over time.
   
  

• Durability

  No matter how you plan to use your hiking boots, you’ll undoubtedly want them to last you at least a few seasons. Unfortunately, there are several different areas where a boot can be vulnerable to disrepair. Seams can come undone, waterproofing can degrade, and lugs can chip away, among other issues. Although you should treat your boots with a relative degree of care, you don’t want to be so concerned about damaging them that your eyes are constantly pointed at the ground rather than enjoying the sights in front of you. A durable boot should have uppers that can brush against briars or knock into a rock without scuffing or scraping. Besides, the lace eyelets and inner lining should be sturdy enough that they won’t degrade after being pulled on and off one too many times. Finally, the outsole should have rugged lugs and offer ample protection at the toe to protect the rest of the boot (and your toes) from Mother Nature’s landmines, a.k.a. rocks and roots.

Choosing The Right Hiking Boot

 
There’s really no be-all and end-all when it comes to hiking boots. The ideal hiking boot for one person may not be the best one for you. In the end, your choice in hiking boots will come down to which qualities you deem most important and how the price of the boot factors into its overall value. Comfort will most certainly play a significant role, but perhaps you’d prefer a boot that’s light or grippy over one that’s more stable or even durable. Many hikers couldn’t care less about waterproofing. Our hope is that we can help you sort out some of the best mid-height hiking boots on the market and find one that jives with your hiking style and budget with this review. The most important thing is that you get out there on the trail and experience the great outdoors!

Best of the Rest

Scarpa Zodiac Plus GTX

Asolo Falcon GV

Salomon X Ultra Mid 3 GTX

La Sportiva Pyramid GTX

Merrell Moab 2 Mid Ventilator

Keen Targhee II Mid

Merrell Moab 2 Mid WP

Keen Venture Mid WP

Zamberlan 996 Vioz GTX

Oboz Bridger Mid B-DRY

Asolo Fugitive GTX

Salomon Quest 4D 3 GTX

Best Overall Hiking Boot

Salomon’s Quest 4D 3 GTXs are a prime example of why Salomon has become a go-to purchase for many hikers; these midweight hiker/backpacking boots can do almost anything with ease, boasting decent durability without sacrificing comfort. Although these burly boots will set you back around $230, there’s a reasonable amount of value to go along with that purchase. They should have little to no issue standing up to any terrain that you throw at them and should be your trusty companion for years of outdoor adventures. In fact, some might even consider these boots a bit of overkill compared to some of the lighter and more flexible boots on the market. These factors add up to a winning combination that earned the Quest 4D 3 GTX the title of Best Overall Hiking Boot.

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Lowa Renegade GTX Mid

(Runner-Up) Best Overall Hiking Boot

In 2018 the Renegade GTX Mid was inducted into Backpacker Magazine’s Hall of Fame, which should come as no surprise to anyone who has worn them. These midweight hiker/backpacking boots are an excellent choice for multi-day and extended backpacking, and they’re proof positive of the old adage that “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” As the Renegade GTX Mids approach their 24th birthday, it’s clear that these iconic boots still haven’t aged a day. At $240, they certainly aren’t the cheapest boots you can buy, but they are an excellent value all the same. It’s no surprise that Lowa’s top-selling boot has developed a dedicated fanbase of repeat customers. They came in at a close second to the Salomon Quest 4D 3 GTX for Best Overall Hiking Boot.

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Altra Lone Peak 4 Mid RSM

Best Lightweight Hiking Boot

Altra has set a new standard for lightweight hiking boots with the Lone Peak 4 Mid RSM. These $160 lightweight/day hiker boots work more like high-ankle trail runners and are jam-packed with proprietary technology for extra comfort. They’re comfortable right out of the box as well as both waterproof and breathable, but their durability and stability are less than ideal. If you’re looking for a light and well-cushioned boot but don’t need it to last for more than a few seasons, this might just be a top contender. At less than 2 pounds per pair, they easily earned the title of Best Lightweight Hiking Boot.

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Keen Targhee III Mid

Best Budget Hiking Boot

Keen once again appeals to the financially focused hiker with the Keen Targhee III Mid. These $150 lightweight hiking boots are supremely comfortable and highly durable, with excellent traction. The waterproofing is sufficient but could benefit from a bit more breathability. All in all, these boots are an excellent choice for short backpacking trips and day hikes. We found this boot to be a great bang for your buck, and we named it our Best Budget Hiking Boot.

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HOKA ONE ONE Kaha GTX

Most Comfortable Hiking Boot

HOKA embraces the “maximalist” approach to footwear with the Kaha GTX (also called the Sky Kaha GTX), named for the Māori word for strength and support. This midweight hiker/backpacking boot packs in a plethora of comfort without going overboard on weight. For hikers with knee or hip problems, choosing the Kaha GTX is a no-brainer, and it’s an excellent choice for anyone who appreciates a comfy foot, whether you’re going on a short hike or a long one. For $220, they are a decent investment, but it’s a worthwhile one for those who will benefit from its unique design. There was simply no competition when it came to our choice for winner of Most Comfortable Hiking Boot.

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Best of the Rest

Scarpa Zodiac Plus GTX

The Zodiac Plus GTXs balance a low-profile fit with waterproof and breathable protection that makes them excellent for moderate terrain. At a price of approximately $269, these are one of the most expensive boots in our review. That being said, you get a fair amount of versatility from these boots—they can easily function as a midweight hiker/backpacking boot or a lightweight/day hiker boot. They’ll also excel both on the trail and out on the town with a style that transcends both. However, they are rather stiff and require a wearing-in period to optimize comfort, so it may not be the best choice for those hikers who prefer more flex in their footwear.

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Asolo Falcon GV

Incredibly stylish and state-of-the-art, the Asolo Falcon GVs offer a glimpse into the future of hiking boots. These $235 lightweight/day hiker boots provide some excellent features to promote comfort and unmatched waterproofing, along with a decent splash of style. However, there are lighter and more stable boots available for even lower prices, so at the end of the day, you’ll want to prioritize which qualities in a hiking boot you value most.

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Salomon X Ultra Mid 3 GTX

Salomon has blurred the line between a day-hiking and backpacking boot with the midweight X Ultra Mid 3 GTX, which retains a decent degree of durability without adding extra weight—while also managing to provide a great deal of comfort. This boot is ideal for trail runners looking to transition to a more heavy-duty boot or backpackers interested in shedding a few extra ounces. A price tag of $165 makes the Salomon X Ultra Mid 3 GTXs one of the more inexpensive hiking boots on our list, which is especially impressive as Salomon is not typically known for producing especially economical products. Although they could benefit from slightly more stability, these boots are among the best values of all the shoes in our review.

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La Sportiva Pyramid GTX

One of Italian footwear company La Sportiva’s latest offerings is the Pyramid GTX, a lightweight/day hiker that packs several features into a very light shoe. At $189, it has everything we’ve come to expect from a lightweight/day hiker boot: it’s light, comfortable, and well-constructed without compromising durability. La Sportiva has gone above and beyond on breathability for this waterproof boot and has proven themselves innovators in hiking-boot design. Although we wish they’d accommodate a wider foot, we were overall quite pleased with what they’ve come up with and look forward to reviewing their next line of footwear.

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Merrell Moab 2 Mid Ventilator

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Keen Targhee II Mid

If you’re looking to break into the hiking game without breaking the bank, the Keen Targhee II Waterproof Mids are a very economical choice. This $140 lightweight/day hiking boot does an excellent job illustrating Keen’s ability to craft a high-quality hiking boot without outsourcing features to companies like Vibram and Gore-Tex. It includes some unique features like a secure-fit lace capture system, but these boots are not without their flaws, including several vulnerable seams on the upper.

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Merrell Moab 2 Mid WP

If you’re on a tight budget but refuse to go without waterproofing, the Merrell Moab 2 Mid WP may just be a very viable option. At only $135, it’s tough to find a better deal on a high-quality waterproof boot without sorting through the selection at REI’s Garage Sale aisle. However, although these economical boots are pretty comfortable with excellent heel support, we found them lacking in durability, waterproofing, and stability. Although they are advertised as a midweight hiker/backpacking boot, it might be more appropriate to list them as a lightweight/day hiking boot.

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Keen Venture Mid WP

For their Venture Mid WP, Keen has eschewed several traditional hiking boot features, opting for a more futuristic look and integrating next-gen technology. These $180 lightweight/day hiking boots are packed with style and comfort, as well as features you won’t find anywhere else. Keen has managed to produce a relatively budget-friendly boot without sacrificing creature comforts. Because they’ve opted for proprietary materials in the outsole and waterproof lining, they’ve managed to keep the price down to only $180, with a build quality that guarantees they’ll be on your feet for many years.

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Zamberlan 996 Vioz GTX

Zamberlan’s footwear has developed renown for its comfort, quality construction, and elegant design, and you’ll find all of these qualities with Zamberlan’s 996 Vioz GTX, a heavyweight backpacking boot with Italian style and all-day comfort. At $310, they’re the most expensive boots in our review, but they’re also built to withstand whatever you throw at them. While other footwear companies are constantly introducing new technology to make their boots as modern as possible, Zamberlan has taken a more traditional approach that honors its roots. We loved the style (even without multiple color options) but found that some design elements were just a bit dated. There’s a reason that full-grain leather hiking boots are becoming a less common sight, and there are several other boots in our review that deal out a better value for your money.

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Oboz Bridger Mid B-DRY

An excellent balance of ruggedness and lightweight construction, the Oboz Bridger Mid B-DRY has a lot to like about it. This midweight hiker/backpacking boot boasts spectacular support and waterproofing, with a burly build that feels surprisingly light. It offers excellent traction and stability and doesn’t rely upon weight-saving materials but relatively high-quality craftsmanship. However, the classic design is beginning to feel a bit outdated as many footwear companies move toward lighter materials.

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Asolo Fugitive GTX

The Fugitive GTX has been a staple of the Asolo footwear line for more than a decade. This $275 lightweight/day hiker combines a flexible upper with a firm outsole and midsole to create a unique feel that you’re unlikely to find in any other hiking boot. It’s an expensive boot as well as a hefty one. It has a comfort and stability profile that you won’t find in any other boot, making it very popular amongst some hikers, but it’s not for everyone. We loved how durable and waterproof they were, but we also expected slightly more ankle support in a boot this heavy.

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