Top 11 Best Hiking Boot Brands On The Market For Hikers
Proper footwear is critical when hiking, and for many people, hiking boots are the preferred choice thanks to the additional protection, ankle support, grip, and durability. Whether it’s a short walk in the park or a multi-day affair through the backcountry, a properly fitted pair of hiking boots is essential (for those who choose to wear them).
When it comes to choosing the best hiking boots for your feet, there are plenty of factors to consider: price, fit, comfort, weight, material, design, grip, break-in period, and durability. Though the brand name is far from the most important factor, knowing the top hiking boot brands will surely help you in your search for your first or next pair.
With so many options to choose from, it can be difficult to find precisely what would work best for your needs and wants. In this article, we’ll share our take on the top hiking boot brands to look out for.
Though obviously subjective and prone to biases, we’ve done our best to list out these brands based on the following metrics (in no particular order):
- Company reputation
- Variety of hiking boots
- Performance of the hiking boots (in all climates)
- Longevity of the hiking boots
- Company must currently be in operation
With all that being said, let’s list out the brands.
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The top 11 best hiking boot brands on the market
Let’s get into each of these brands in greater detail and explain why they belong in the top 11 best hiking boot brands. I’ll share their country of origin, a bit of history, examples of high-end, popular and/or budget-friendly hiking boot options, and a link to their official website.
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Salomon
If you are a frequent trekker or mountain-goer, regardless of the destination you choose in the world, you will likely come across a plethora of Salomon boots. These work to keep your feet safe, warm, and dry and add extra grip support while on the trails.
Salomon is a go-to option for many hikers and adventurers. This is, by no means, an overnight phenomenon, but the outcome of decades of hard work that resulted in an outstanding line of boots and shoes to meet every demand the trail might have.
If you want a great pair of boots designed with the leverage of over three-quarters of a century of non-stop innovation and hard work, then Salomon is for you.
Top-of-the-line hiking boot option: X Ultra 4 Mid Winter Thinsulate Climasalomon Waterproof
Agile as a trail-running shoe, powerful enough to conquer any ascend and descend, and made of a cozy 3M Thinsulate insulation, this is the ultimate pair of boots to hit the trails with.
Most popular hiking boot option: X Ultra Trek Gore-Tex
This lightweight, speed-hiking boot design by Salomon bears enough grip for any terrain. In addition, it provides waterproof protection to move quickly through any weather and/or terrain.
Budget-friendly hiking boot option: Utility Winter Climasalomon Waterproof
Winter temperatures and terrain difficulties are something from the past with this pair of boots on your feet.
The Salomon Group was founded by François Salomon in 1947. Its current headquarters are in Épagny-Metz-Tessy, France.
Official website: salomon.com
Lowa
Lowa is the market leader in Austria, Germany, and Switzerland, manufacturing close to 3 million pairs of boots a year. These countries share the same passion for the outdoors and mountains as part of their population DNA. They also share know-how that has been passed from generation to generation, making some of the world’s best, most innovative mountain gear.
Lowa is not an overnight success story. On the contrary, the brand has been innovating non-stop for over nine decades. Moreover, Lowa is one of the few companies that source and handcraft all footwear in European factories. Far from being a detail, this grants them ISO9001 certification for the highest quality and construction standards.
They are market leaders because they have been helping mountain lovers conquer their dreams for a century. Isn’t it about time they help you, too?
Top-of-the-line hiking boot option: Tibet Superwarm GTX
With Lowa’s most advanced traction system to this day, the Vibram grip outsole, and a fully insulated interior, this pair of boots are ready for all terrains.
Most popular hiking boot option: Renegade GTX Mid
A Hall of Fame inductee, this is, perhaps, Lowa’s most famous design and has been going strong for over 20 years.
Budget-friendly hiking boot option: Zephyr GTX Mid WS
This weatherproof yet breathable pair of boots is the ultimate model to tackle the most difficult trails at ease due to its lightweight and durable construction.
Lowa was founded by Lorenz Wagner in 1923. Its current headquarters are in Jetzendorf, Germany.
Official website: lowaboots.com
Zamberlan
Zamberlan is more than just a boots brand. It represents the history of a family that has devoted generations to making some of the best hiking boots. They achieved international transcendence and have been making boots for some of the top athletes in the world to tackle their most difficult goals. Although that is the case, this company maintains its headquarters right where it started, with the same philosophy towards obsessive attention to detail and handmade passion.
The true Italian couture legacy lives on in each boot, leaving the Zamberlan factory. This is also a bold company that takes risks and embraces the future by adding cutting-edge technology to its footwear in the production line.
Top-of-the-line hiking boot option: 1111 Cresta GTX RR
The lightest on the market within its category, Zamberlan 1111 Cresta Gore-Tex RR boots are the best option for hiking challenging trails while also providing comfort and stability.
Most popular hiking boot option: 333 Frida GTX WNS
The extreme breathability of 333 Frida GTX WNS boots matches their durability, making them a superb option for any kind of trail and surface. In addition, it features Gore-Tex technology that is applied to the lining, guaranteeing waterproof performance.
Budget-friendly hiking boot option: 1103 Storm GTX
Originally conceived to be hunting boots, this flexible, lightweight pair is made of leather, Cordura, and Perwanger. It is finished with Hydrobloc, making it water-resistant and road-ready for any weather and soil conditions.
Giuseppe Zamberlan founded Zamberlan in 1929. The company’s headquarters are in Pieve di Torrebelvicino, Italy.
Official website: zamberlanusa.com
La Sportiva
Over its ninety years of existence, La Sportiva has seen every fashion trend come and go, as well as every technology upgrade made to mountain footwear. Yet, they came out victorious in each decade, overcoming countless obstacles and providing the right tools for mountain lovers to spend their time in nature safe, warm, and dry. Furthermore, they made the grip that took them to the summit time after time.
What you can expect from a brand like this is the leverage of almost a century devoted to making the best mountain gear in the world. On top of that, the innovation and the constant market changes allowed them to build a new concept of mountain footwear over past tested-and-true recipes; thus, every piece of gear bearing their logo is not only a legacy but also the future.
Top-of-the-line hiking boot option: Stream GTX
This pair of boots represents the pinnacle of La Sportiva’s technology and also its bare DNA. As a result, they are fast, lightweight, versatile, waterproof, and breathable.
Most popular hiking boot option: TXS GTX Womens
Hiking on rough terrains with a heavy backpack? No problem. These comfortable, breathable, lightweight, and waterproof boots have enough grip and support to keep you going no matter the terrain.
Budget-friendly hiking boot option: Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX
Fast hiking and light-load excursions benefit largely from this pair of fast, Gore-Tex-equipped, waterproof boots.
Narciso Delladio founded La Sportiva in 1928. Its current headquarters are located at Ziano di Fiemme, Italy.
Official website: lasportiva.com
Asolo
Some major innovations make this not only a fantastic footwear company but also a leading innovator in terms of fabric and technologies for mountain conquering. A great example is that they made the first pair of boots that featured a combination of leather and Cordura. In addition, Asolo was the pioneer in the use of Gore-Tex technology in the lining of footwear.
As you might know, this innovation caused a revolution and is now widely used by every major brand in the industry. This is, by no means, a minor detail. On the contrary, it is proof of the boldness that gave this company its legendary status for generations of mountain-goers and hikers.
Top-of-the-line hiking boot option: Fugitive GTX
When the situation demands lightweight, comfort, and design, your best bet in the Asolo line is the Fugitive GTX boots.
Most popular hiking boot option: Stynger GTX Woman
This pair of waterproof, breathable Gore-Tex boots is a lightweight option that can withstand the hardships of any trail.
Budget-friendly hiking boot option: Nucleon Mid GV
If you are walking in the winter or trekking in the summer, this pair of lightweight, budget-friendly boots is a superb option.
Asolo was founded by Giancarlo Tanzi in 1975. The company’s headquarters are currently located at Nervesa Della Battaglia, Italy.
Official website: asolo.com
Scarpa
Scarpa is a family-owned company that has continued to create world-renowned outdoor gear since 1938. In the beginning, Scarpa had the idea of bringing together the best shoemakers in the area to create superlative footwear that outdid all of its competition. That same spirit of chasing excellence through a joint effort of notable creators fuels every decision made by Scarpa.
The company’s name is an acronym that stands for Societá Calzaturiera Asolana Riunita Pedemontana Anonima, meaning Associated Shoe Manufacturing Company of the Asolo Mountain Area. The cascading knowledge and know-how of the best craftsmen and women and their combined effort took this company to a different plateau and continues to be a competitive advantage.
Top-of-the-line hiking boot option: Kinesis Pro GTX
Made of full-grain leather, featuring a multi-density midsole and Gore-Tex weather protection, this pair of boots is the pinnacle of the Scapa line.
Most popular hiking boot option: Zodiac Plus GTX
This is the softest, most flexible, low-profile, performance-oriented pair of boots made by Scarpa, perfect for moderate mountain terrain.
Budget-friendly hiking boot option: Maverick Mid GTX
This mid-cut trail boot is your lightest, freshest choice that still includes Gore-Tex and HDR rubber to make it weatherproof and utterly durable.
Scarpa is a company founded by Rupert Guinness in 1938. Its headquarters are currently in Asolo, Italy.
Official website: scarpa.com
Merrell
Since day one, Merrell has been a company conceived for the high-end mountaineering market. Their products were created to outdo all competition and be the go-to option for the most demanding athletes in the world. The outcome of this strategy was non-stop growth, taking its products to the windows of shops in over 150 countries around the world.
If you are an avid mountain-goer, hiker, or trekker, you must have come across a plethora of Merrell models dressing the feet of your fellow adventurers.
Today, the Merrell logo is synonymous with reliable, durable, high-tech footwear ready to face any terrain.
Top-of-the-line hiking boot option: Thermo Glacier Mid Waterproof
This is the pinnacle of Merrell’s technology applied to footwear. The unparalleled grip meets state-of-the-art technology, and the thermochromatic lugs under your feet will tell you if the temperature drops.
Most popular hiking boot option: Moab 2 Mid Waterproof
These are Merrell’s most popular waterproof hiking boots that have sold over 20 million units since first introduced. They are made with Vibram traction, durable leather, and a comfortable and supportive footbed.
Budget-friendly hiking boot option: Accentor 2 Mid Ventilator
The Accentor 2 Mid Ventilator is the best budget-friendly boot to keep your feet comfortable and warm no matter the terrain.
Merrell was founded in 1981 by Clark Matis, Randy Merrell, and John Schweizer. Its headquarters are in Rockford, Michigan, USA.
Official website: merrell.com
Hoka
Originally, this company gained momentum against the current trend of making minimalist shoes with their “maximalist” designs featuring oversized outsoles that served as an extra cushion.
This idea of making the most comfortable shoes in the world for those about to hit the trail started a joyride of innovation. As a result, this took the brand from unknown status to being a synonym with the best weight-to-cushion ratio in the world. Their exclusive outsole geometry makes them utterly stable and efficient.
Although it is a relatively new brand, Hoka managed to position itself as the go-to option for many hikers and adventurers around the globe. This company is, perhaps, France’s best-kept mountaineering secret.
Top-of-the-line hiking boot option: TenNine Hike Gore-Tex
The HUBBLE heel geometry, together with the most cutting-edge design and materials, make this futuristic-looking pair of boots the pinnacle of Hoka’s line.
Most popular hiking boot option: Anacapa Mid Gore-Tex
Recycled materials, Gore-Tex, a PFC water-repellent treatment, mega grip, and an exclusive hiking-oriented design make this Hoka’s best-seller.
Budget-friendly hiking boot option: Challenger Mid Gore-Tex
Gore-Tex technology will keep your feet dry while the exclusive design keeps grip and comfort at its best in all terrains.
Nicolas Mermoud and Jean-Luc Diard founded Hoka in 2009. The current headquarters are in Goleta, California, USA.
Official website: hokaoneone.com
Keen
This company, the inventors of the famous Keen Newport Shoes, was destined for greatness from the beginning. Despite being relatively new (compared to other brands), they have earned a reputation for creating innovative solutions to real-life hiker problems and producing durable, state-of-the-art footwear for any adventure.
Furthermore, for those who love to hike and protect their environment simultaneously, this is an eco-conscious company that works the extra mile to minimize its carbon footprint and make the world a better place besides helping you reach every hiking goal.
If you want top-notch footwear and care about the environment as much as you do about the trail, you have to check this company out.
Top-of-the-line hiking boot option: Mt Vernon 6″ Waterproof Boot
Water and slip-proof boots, this pair represents the top-of-the-line for Keen built in the Portland facility and shipped around the world for discerning hikers.
Most popular hiking boot option: Targhee III Waterproof Mid
The Targhee III Waterproof Mid is a quintessential, iconic hiking boot made by Keen, a classic amongst hikers. This has been a top seller since the company’s early days.
Budget-friendly hiking boot option: Tempo Flex Waterproof Boot
This is Keen’s highest-performing mid-hiker sneaker featuring the company’s Flex technology for improved performance.
Keen was founded by Martin Keen and Rory Fuerst in 2003. Currently, the company’s headquarters are in Portland, Oregon, USA.
Official website: keenfootwear.com
Altra
Altra is a groundbreaking company that was ranked among the best ten trail footwear companies in the world within its first decade of existence. But what separates Altra from the rest? Their footwear features a Balanced Cushioning™ platform, ensuring equal distance from the ground to the heel and forefoot to reduce the impact when hiking and running.
This revolutionary approach took the market like a storm, and soon after, their sales skyrocketed.
Nowadays, Altra is a synonym with state-of-the-art footwear sought-after by some of the world’s most demanding athletes and adventure-goers. If you want to see it for yourself, try on a pair of Altra hiking boots; chances are you’ll never look back.
Top-of-the-line hiking boot option: Lone Peak ALL-WTHR Mid
The Lone Peak ALL-WTHR Midi Boots represent the pinnacle of the Altra line and might very well be the most comfortable and durable pair of trekking boots available on the market today.
Most popular hiking boot option: Lone Peak Hiker
All-day versatility, matched with all-terrain capabilities, makes this the ultimate pair of boots to wear at home and on the trail.
Altra was founded by Golden Harper, Brian Beckstead, Jeremy Howlett, and Quirl Jacob Hansen in 2009. The company’s headquarters are currently in Denver, Colorado, USA.
Official website: altrarunning.com
Vasque
Vasque’s history is based on the dream of a man, William D. Sweezy. He travelled to Europe in the bustling mid-0s and discovered a love for the outdoors in that continent. On his return, he was determined to get people in his own country, the USA, out of their couches and into the wild.
He not only succeeded at his goal, but he created one of the most sought-after outdoor brands in the market. As a result, Vasque boots are one go-to among fellow trail-goers for being durable, comfortable, and, overall, capable of conquering any terrain without breaking the bank.
Top-of-the-line hiking boot option: St. Elias FG Gore-Tex
I may be a bit biased on these ones, as I own a pair, but these beauties are incredible hiking boots! They are made for the trails with their full-grain leather suppers and gore-tex membrane. They can handle whatever the trails and weather throw at them.
Most popular hiking boot option: Clarion ’88 GTX
Launched in 1988, the Clarion ’88 was redesigned to meet the highest hiking technologies of the 21st century. So it is no wonder these are Vasque’s best-sellers.
Budget-friendly hiking boot option: Coldspark Ultradry
The Coldspark Ultradry are high-performance boots that keep your feet warm, safe, and dry without any of the bulk associated with winter footwear.
Vasque was founded by William D. Sweezy in 1964. The company’s current headquarters are in Red Wing, Minnesota, USA.
Official website: vasque.com
