Best hiking boots for 2026
Updated June 2026Independently researchedNo paid placement.
The Merrell Moab 3 is the best hiking boot for most people, offering unmatched comfort and value straight out of the box.
The Keen Targhee III is the runner-up for those who need a roomier toe box, and the Columbia Newton Ridge Plus is a fantastic budget-friendly alternative.
A good hiking boot can make the difference between a blissful day on the trail and a painful, blistered slog. The right boot supports your ankles, grips slippery terrain, and keeps your feet dry when the weather turns. But with dozens of models on the market, choosing one can feel overwhelming. You need to consider fit, terrain, weather, and how much weight you’re carrying. We’ve researched owner feedback, long-term reviews from trusted outdoor publications, and hiker forums to identify the five most reliable hiking boots for 2026. Each pick here has a proven track record for durability, comfort, and traction. We’ve focused on boots that perform well across a range of conditions, from day hikes to weekend backpacking trips, and we’ve noted where each shoe excels and where it falls short. No hype, just honest, experience-backed advice.
Merrell Men's Moab 3 Hiking Boot
the do-it-all default
4.7out of 5The Moab 3 is the gold standard for a reason: it’s comfortable right out of the box, offers reliable traction on most surfaces, and holds up well over hundreds of miles. It’s not the lightest boot and the waterproofing isn’t invincible, but for the price it’s an outstanding all-rounder.
Price range: $$
Check price on Amazon →Keen Men's Targhee III Mid Height Waterproof Hiking Boot
the wide-foot hero
4.5out of 5The Keen Targhee III is the best choice for hikers with wide feet or bunions. Its signature roomy toe box and sturdy build inspire confidence on uneven trails, and the waterproofing is excellent. The trade-off is a slightly clunky feel and less agility on rocky scrambles.
Price range: $$
Check price on Amazon →Columbia Men's Newton Ridge Plus II Waterproof Hiking Boot
the budget standout
4.3out of 5The Newton Ridge Plus offers surprising quality at a low price. It’s comfortable for moderate day hikes, handles wet grass and light rain well, and looks classic. But the build quality is not as robust as pricier boots, and the outsole wears faster on rocky trails.
Price range: $
Check price on Amazon →| Award | Model | Our score | Price | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best overall | Merrell Men's Moab 3 Hiking Boot | 4.7 / 5 | $$ | Day hikers, weekend backpackers, and anyone who wants a reliable, comfortable boot without | Check price → |
| Runner-up | Keen Men's Targhee III Mid Height Waterproof Hiking Boot | 4.5 / 5 | $$ | Hikers with wide feet, flat feet requiring more room, or anyone who prioritises waterproof | Check price → |
| Best value | Columbia Men's Newton Ridge Plus II Waterproof Hiking Boot | 4.3 / 5 | $ | Budget-conscious beginners, occasional day hikers, or anyone needing a spare pair for ligh | Check price → |
| Best for trails | Salomon Men's X Ultra 4 Mid GTX Hiking Boot | 4.6 / 5 | $$$ | Fast hikers, trail runners transitioning to boots, and anyone who values a light, connecte | Check price → |
| Editor's pick | Timberland Men's Mt. Maddsen Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot | 4.4 / 5 | $$ | Weekend hikers who want a boot that doubles as a casual wear shoe, or those on well-mainta | Check price → |
The picks in detail
1. Merrell Men's Moab 3 Hiking Boot: the do-it-all default
Best overallThe Moab 3 is the gold standard for a reason: it’s comfortable right out of the box, offers reliable traction on most surfaces, and holds up well over hundreds of miles. It’s not the lightest boot and the waterproofing isn’t invincible, but for the price it’s an outstanding all-rounder.
Pros
- Excellent out-of-box comfort with minimal break-in
- Trusted Vibram outsole grips well on rock and dirt
- Good ankle support without feeling too stiff
- Generous toe box for natural foot splay
Cons
- Heavier than some competitors like the Salomon X Ultra 4
- Waterproof membrane can become less effective over time
- Not ideal for technical alpine terrain
Who it’s for
Day hikers, weekend backpackers, and anyone who wants a reliable, comfortable boot without spending a fortune.Who should skip it
You prioritise a very lightweight boot for fast-paced trail running or need maximum waterproofing for extended wet weather.2. Keen Men's Targhee III Mid Height Waterproof Hiking Boot: the wide-foot hero
Runner-upThe Keen Targhee III is the best choice for hikers with wide feet or bunions. Its signature roomy toe box and sturdy build inspire confidence on uneven trails, and the waterproofing is excellent. The trade-off is a slightly clunky feel and less agility on rocky scrambles.
Pros
- Very generous toe box width, great for wide feet
- Excellent waterproof protection from the Keen.Dry membrane
- Durable leather-and-mesh upper resists abrasion
- Good arch support for all-day comfort
Cons
- Heavier and less nimble than narrower boots
- Can feel overly stiff for lightweight day hikes
- Taller profile may feel unstable for some users on steep side slopes
Who it’s for
Hikers with wide feet, flat feet requiring more room, or anyone who prioritises waterproofing over speed.Who should skip it
You prefer a lighter, more agile boot for fast-moving days or have narrow feet that might slide around inside.3. Columbia Men's Newton Ridge Plus II Waterproof Hiking Boot: the budget standout
Best valueThe Newton Ridge Plus offers surprising quality at a low price. It’s comfortable for moderate day hikes, handles wet grass and light rain well, and looks classic. But the build quality is not as robust as pricier boots, and the outsole wears faster on rocky trails.
Pros
- Very affordable without feeling cheap
- Lightweight and easy to break in
- Decent grip from the Omni-Grip outsole on packed dirt and gravel
- Classic hiking boot style that dresses up fine
Cons
- Less durable than higher-end boots; sole can delaminate earlier
- Limited ankle support for heavy packs or uneven terrain
- Waterproofing is adequate for light rain but not submersion
Who it’s for
Budget-conscious beginners, occasional day hikers, or anyone needing a spare pair for light duty.Who should skip it
You tackle rough, rocky trails week after week or carry a heavy backpack that demands more support.4. Salomon Men's X Ultra 4 Mid GTX Hiking Boot: the trail chaser
Best for trailsThe Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX is a lightweight, agile boot that feels more like a hiking shoe with ankle support. It excels on fast-moving day hikes and technical trails where precision matters. The fit is narrow, though, and the grip on wet rock could be better.
Pros
- Very lightweight and responsive, great for moving quickly
- Excellent ground feel and precision on uneven trails
- Salomon’s Quicklace system makes adjusting fit easy
- Gore-Tex lining keeps feet dry in most conditions
Cons
- Narrow fit may not suit wide feet or those who prefer a roomy toe box
- Contagrip outsole can feel slippery on wet polished rock
- Less durable than full-leather boots for heavy use
Who it’s for
Fast hikers, trail runners transitioning to boots, and anyone who values a light, connected feel on technical terrain.Who should skip it
You have wide feet, need maximum ankle support for heavy loads, or hike frequently on wet, slick rock.5. Timberland Men's Mt. Maddsen Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot: the rugged classic
Editor's pickThe Timberland Mt. Maddsen is a stylish, leather-heavy boot that offers good support for moderate hiking. It holds up well to abrasion and handles light rain. It’s not as breathable as mesh alternatives and the sole is less aggressive than dedicated trail boots.
Pros
- Premium leather upper looks great and offers good abrasion resistance
- Good ankle support for medium-weight packs
- Comfortable for all-day wear once broken in
- Eco-friendly materials appeal to conscious buyers
Cons
- Less breathable; feet can get sweaty on warmer days
- Outsole is fine for gentle trails but lacks grip on steep, loose terrain
- Needs a longer break-in period than synthetic competitors
Who it’s for
Weekend hikers who want a boot that doubles as a casual wear shoe, or those on well-maintained trails.Who should skip it
You hike aggressively on technical terrain, need maximum traction, or hike in hot, dry climates where breathability is key.Best for specific needs
Best for long-distance day hikes
When you’re covering 10 to 15 miles in a single push, you need a boot that strikes a perfect balance of support, comfort, and weight. The Merrell Moab 3’s plush cushioning and proven traction make it the top choice for all-day adventures. It won’t weigh you down too much, yet it provides enough ankle support to keep you feeling stable on uneven terrain. Our pick: Merrell Men’s Moab 3 Hiking Boot.
Best for wet conditions
Trails that stay muddy or involve stream crossings demand a boot that won’t let water in. The Keen Targhee III excels here, with its tall collar and robust Keen.Dry membrane that keeps feet dry through puddles and light creek wading. The roomy toe box also reduces the pressure points that can lead to blisters when feet swell in damp socks. Our pick: Keen Men’s Targhee III Mid Height Waterproof Hiking Boot.
Best for budget-conscious hikers
You don’t have to spend a lot to get a hiking boot that works for moderate terrain. The Columbia Newton Ridge Plus offers solid performance at a fraction of the cost of premium options. It’s light enough for short hikes and handles well-groomed trails just fine, making it an ideal first boot for new hikers or for folks who only hike a few times a year. Our pick: Columbia Men’s Newton Ridge Plus II Waterproof Hiking Boot.
Our verdict
There’s no one perfect boot for everyone, but the Merrell Moab 3 comes closest for general use: it’s comfortable, durable, and reasonably priced. If you have wide feet, the Keen Targhee III is a better fit. For fast-and-light hikers, the Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX offers unmatched agility. And if you’re on a tight budget, the Columbia Newton Ridge Plus will serve you well on easy to moderate trails. Whichever you choose, make sure it fits well with a thumb’s width of space in the toe and a snug heel – that’s worth more than any feature list.