Best Hiking Boot Brands: Which Brand should YOU buy?

ADIDAS TERREX

Best Hiking Boot Brand for Urban Hikers  

adidas TERREX gets my vote as the best hiking boot brand for hikers who mostly hike urban trails—and for men and women who want a "hiking boot that doesn't look like a hiking boot." I've personally tested and reviewed EVERY TERREX model. I recommend the TERREX Free Hiker 3 for comfort-oriented hikers, the Skychaser for more technical trails, and the Skychaser AX5 as a budget buy. adidas TERREX isn't the best brand for hikers with wide feet or for hardcore hikers. However, Terrex hiking boots (and shoes) are better than most people realize. 

See my full adidas TERREX brand review

ASOLO  

Best Brand for Stiff & Narrow Hiking Boots  

Based in Italy, Asolo is one of the best hiking boot brands for stiff hiking and backpacking boots with narrow fits. I've owned two pairs and hiked more than 1000 miles in Asolos. This brand is built for those who need burly hiking boots—trail crews, wildland fire fighters, and backpackers with heavy packs. The average day hiker, casual hiker, or ultralight backpacker probably wants lighter, more flexible footwear. Most Asolo hiking boots are brutes designed for tough trails, 14ers, off trail hikes, and summer treks to Alpine summits.

HOKA

Best Hiking Boot Brand for Max Cushion 

HOKA specializes in running shoes, not hiking boots. But it's the best brand of hiking boots for hikers who crave cushioning. I've tested and reviewed several HOKA hiking boots and have more than 1000 miles of personal experience with the brand. Each HOKA features a massive mound of EVA foam under your feet for comfort and shock absorption. Choose the HOKA Anacapa 2 Mid for day hikes and the HOKA Kaha 3 for backpacking. If you prefer max cushion hiking boots, HOKA is probably your best hiking boot brand. 

See my full HOKA brand review

KEEN 

Best Hiking Boot Brand for Wide Feet 

Based in Portland, Oregon, KEEN is one of the best hiking boot brands for day hikers and hikers with wide feet. Hikers like KEEN's comfort and its roomy fit with wide toe boxes. I've personally tested all but one of KEEN's hiking boots. They're generally good for the average day hiker, but tough trails and heavy packs may expose the brand's average support and durability. I recommend the KEEN Targhee IV for traditional day hikers and the Targhee Apex for fast & light hikers.

See my full KEEN brand review

LA SPORTIVA

Best Brand for Narrow Feet & Rock Traction 

La Sportiva is another Italian brand with a primo line up of hiking boots (as well as hiking shoes and trail running shoes). I've personally tested most of La Sportiva's hiking collection. There are two main reasons to choose La Sportiva: (1) It's one of the best brands for hikers with narrow feet and (2) one of the best brands for rock traction. That’s what happens when a climbing shoe company branches out to hiking footwear. For hiking boots, I recommend the Prodigio Hike LT as a lightweight hiking boot and the Nucleo High II GTX for day hiking and light backpacking.

See my full La Sportiva brand review

LOWA

Best Traditional Hiking Boot Brand

LOWA is a German brand known for classic, leather hiking boots like the best-selling Renegade. I've owned 7 LOWA hiking boots over the years. LOWA hiking boots generally feel firm underfoot with plenty of lateral support and above average ankle support. Beginners may find this brand too firm and supportive for comfort. However, LOWA is one of the best hiking boot brands for serious hikers who want stable, supportive, and durable hiking boots. 

See my full LOWA brand review

OBOZ

Best US Hiking Boot Brand

Montana-based Oboz is one of the best brands for mid-duty hiking boots. I've hiked 3000-4000 miles in Oboz hiking boots, especially in the Oboz Bridger (the brand's flagship hiking boot). Oboz stands out for its expensive O Fit insoles, which add cushioning and almost orthotic support for better comfort than most brands. The brand's fit also works for many hikers because it's snug in the heel with more room in the forefoot. In addition to the Bridger, I recommend the Oboz Sawtooth for the average hiker. The Oboz Katabatic LT is the brand's lightweight hiking boot. Overall, Oboz ranks as one of the best hiking boot brands for hikers who value comfort, durability, and fit.

See my full Oboz brand review

SALOMON

Best Hiking Boot Brand for Lightweight Support

If forced to choose the best brand of hiking boots, Salomon would get my vote. Salomons stand out for offering better support at lighter weights than other brands. This means their boots can work for fast hikers, average hikers, and serious hikers. The brand even fits a range of feet with its regular sizes running slightly narrow and wides available in their best-sellers. I've hiked 2000 miles in Salomon hiking boots and highly recommend the X Ultra 5 for day hikers and the Quest 5 for backpackers. Salomon is the best hiking boot brand for hikers who want better support at lighter weights than other brands. 

See my full Salomon brand review

SCARPA

Good Overall Hiking Boot Brand

Scarpa is another Italian brand that makes world-class climbing shoes, mountaineering boots, and hiking footwear. For hikers, Scarpa's strongest niche is probably Alpine trekking and backpacking boots, such as the Kinesis Pro. However, recreational hikers and backpackers might like the Moraine, a midweight hiking boot I've tested and reviewed. Scarpa has discontinued the Rush series—my favorite Scarpa hiking boots. But it's hiking boots have great grip on rocky terrain, great support, and overall quality.

SALEWA

Best Hiking Boot Brand for Mountains

Salewa is yet another Italian brand that slays mountainous terrain. I've tested several Salewas, which feature premium materials, a snug fit (best for narrow feet), and good mountain traction. The brand has discontined my favorite Salewa hiking boot. However, the burly Mountain Trainer GTX is classic hiking boot for alpine treks. Try the lighter Puez Mid for more average trails. If you have narrow feet and mostly hike hard mountain trails, Salewa may be your best brand of hiking boots.