Aside from the water bottle, there’s nothing more essential for exploring the great outdoors than a pair of excellent hiking boots. And if you are looking for such, make sure that it is tough enough to protect against rocks, dirt, rain, and snow you are bound to encounter during your trip to wilderness. After all, the right pair of boots and the right fit determines whether you are going to have a life-affirming experience or a never-ending day of arch sores and heel blisters.
Salomon Quest 4D 3 GTX
In this category, the Quest 4D is the benchmark on our list. While some models come and go, this boot has been around for years. With generous comfort and support, the Salomon Quest 4D 3 GTX is every backpacker’s dream. It also allows you to carry heavyweight with confidence, which makes your venturing off the trail a great one. With the Quest’s durability and traction, and even in wet weather, this boot was almost without peer. What’s more, about it is, it is built for hardcore hiking as well as built to last.
Keen Targhee II Mid
Great boots do not have to be expensive, and the best example of this is the Keen Targhee II Mid. It features excellent construction with a rock-solid sole and quality leather material that chew up the trail miles; any hikers will love these pairs of boots. Furthermore, the Keen Targhee II Mid does not compromise anything when it comes to fit and is a great option for those hikers with wider feet.
Salomon X Ultra Mid 3 GTX
You do not need big, beefy boots to take out on a hike. For day hikes where added support is beneficial yet not as critical as weight and comfort, then look no further! The X Ultra Mid 3 boot is a taller version of the hiking shoe that maintains its trail-ready performance with some added extra ankle protection. Plus, it has better traction, more supportive, as well as more durable.
HOKA ONE ONE Kaha GORE-TEX
Best known for its running shoes, HOKA ONE ONE has quickly become one of the favorite brands for hiking shoes and boots. And one of the brand’s high-top boots is the Sky Kaha GTX that feels much lighter than its looks. HOKA ONE ONE Kaha GORE-TEX is the most comfortable underfoot that you can try. Plus, it has high ankle coverage to protect against accidentally rolled ankles while the inner Gore-Tex membrane makes these fully waterproof boots.
Scarpa Zodiac Plus GTX
The Scarpa Zodiac Plus GTX is the ultimate go-to boot for both technical scrambling and off-trail travel. This lightweight mountain boot does so well that even the average hiker can benefit from its superior performance. It has a full-leather upper that offers excellent durability, while its supportive Vibram sole provides a stable platform. What’s more about this boot is that it is waterproof and can withstand even the most challenging terrain you might encounter.
