Best Leather Hiking Boots for 2026

I'm an outdoor industry professional who's personally hiked thousands of miles in leather hiking boots from quality brands like Oboz, Asolo, HOKA, LOWA, KEEN, La Sportiva, Salomon, and Scarpa. Thanks to all this personal hiking experience—and my professional training in hiking footwear—I understand the best fits and recommended uses for most hiking boots. My short list showcases the best leather hiking boots that I've worn while hiking 17,000 miles the past 15 years. 

Best Leather Hiking Boots

Based on my extensive hiking experience and my experience managing footwear at Appalachian Outdoors, the best leather hiking boots are the Scarpa Rush 2 Pro GTX, KEEN Targhee IV, Oboz Bridger, Danner Mountain 600, La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX, HOKA Kaha 3, LOWA Renegade EVO, and Asolo TPS 520. Scroll through the mini-reviews below to figure out which boots are most likely to fit your feet, your budget, and your hiking style.

SCARPA RUSH 2 PRO GTX

Best Lightweight Leather Hiking Boot

New in 2025, the Scarpa Rush 2 Pro is the lightest, most athletic leather hiking boot that I've tested and reviewed. The Rush is much lighter than most Scarpa hiking boots but has plenty of support and traction for tougher trails. The Rush Pro features nubuck leather. This adds a couple ounces—and adds foot protection, which I appreciate while hiking through rough rocks and stabbing cacti in New Mexico. I have more than 700 miles of personal exerience with the Rush series and especially like their rock traction on moderate to difficult trails. If you're looking for a leather hiking boot that's both lightweight yet supportive, it's tough to beat the Scarpa Rush 2 Pro Mid GTX. 

For more, see my full Scarpa Rush 2 Pro review. 

KEEN TARGHEE IV

Leather Hiking Boot with Wide Toe Box

I sold a ton of Targhees when I managed footwear at Appalachian Outdoors. KEEN's most popular hiking boot features lots of leather and all-day comfort, thanks to its cushioned midsoles and thick outsoles. The wide toe boxes with protective toe bumpers not only can save your toes from stubs, jams, and broken nails. They also accommodate wide feet and swollen feet as the miles pile up. Targhees aren't the best choice for people (like me) who hike hard trails and high miles, but they're solid leather hiking boots for the average day hiker. 

OBOZ BRIDGER

Best Midweight Leather Hiking Boot

The Oboz Bridger is a comfortable leather hiking boot that's sturdy enough for backpacking yet flexible enough for day hiking. I should know—I've hiked more than 2,000 miles in Oboz's flagship hiking boot. Thanks to Oboz's expensive, O-Fit insoles, it has one of most comfortable footbeds I've tested and reviewed. It's not the tallest boot and features Oboz's proprietary BDry waterproofing instead of GORE-TEX. Still, it's the most durable hiking boot that I've owned— my first pair lasted more than 1200 miles! It's hard to beat the Bridger for comfort, durability, and value. 

For more, see my full Oboz Bridger review. 

DANNER MOUNTAIN 600

Best Casual Leather Hiking Boot

The Danner Mountain 600 is the quintessential brown leather hiking boot with red laces. It may look like a heavy-duty leather hiking boot, but its light-duty build is better for occasional hikes and everyday comfort. It features Danner's proprietary waterproofing, Vibram rubber outsoles, and suede leather for a look that's at home at the cabin, in the woods, or at the brew pub. If you want a leather hiking boot that looks like a traditional hiking boot but doesn't feel like one, give the Danner Mountain 600 a good luck. 

LA SPORTIVA NUCLEO HIGH GTX

Best Lightweight Leather Backpacking Boot

I've personally hiked about 500 miles in the La Sportiva Nucleo II—a good-looking leather hiking boot that straddles the border between a dayhiking and backpacking boot. The Nucleo has the highest ankle collars of any lightweight hiking boot I've tested and reviewed, making it a great pick for hikers who want a lighter boot without losing the ankle support of a mid-duty hiking boot. Plus, the Nucleo has two premium features: (1) GORE-TEX Surround (Gore's most breathable waterproofing) and (2) Vibram Megagrip outsoles (known for its industry-leading traction on dry and wet surfaces). 

Fitting tip: Sportivas run small and narrow, so size up. Wide sizes accommodate wide feet or hikers with standard feet who want a roomier fit. For more, see my full Nucleo High review. 

Check size and color options:

HOKA KAHA 3

Cushiest Leather Hiking Boot

Mostly leather, the HOKA Kaha 3 lets backpackers enjoy plusher cushioning than you'll normally find in hiking boots. This boot's thick, cushy midsoles are its claim to fame. But that extra cushioning also makes the Kaha more supportive than you think. Plus, it features GORE-TEX Invisible Fit (less bulky, more breathable waterproofing) and Vibram Megagrip outsoles (famous for wet/dry traction). I've day hiked in the KAHA, but it's better for backpackers who want an extra-cushy hiking boot. Mine felt more like basketball high tops than backpacking boots when I backpacked the Allegheny Front Trail and Black Forest Trail in Pennsylvania. 

LOWA RENEGADE EVO GTX

Best Leather Backpacking Boot

In 2025, LOWA updated the Renegade GTX to the Renegade EVO GTX. Even though its EVOlved, the Renegade EVO remains a classic leather backpacking boot with premium leather uppers, waterproof-breathable GORE-TEX, and Vibram outsoles. I've personally owned four pairs of Renegades over the years and personally tested and reviewed the Renegade EVO. I agree with Backpacker Magazine's assessment that this classic leather hiking boot for backpackers belongs in the outdoor gear Hall of Fame. It's best for backpacking and beastly day hiking. 

For more, see my full LOWA Renegade EVO review. 

Check men's size and color options:

ASOLO TPS 520

Full-Grain Leather Trekking Boot

Most hikers don't need a heavy-duty, full-grain leather backpacking boot. The Asolo TPS 520 is for the few who do. Asolos are too narrow for my hiking feet, but I sold several of these leather hiking boots when I managed footwear at Appalachian Outdoors. Thw TPS 520 is rigid from heel to toe, giving hikers considerable foot and ankle protection and extra support for heavy packs on harsh terrain. The full grain leather stands out, too, offering premium durability, foot protection, and badass looks. This classic leather backpacking boot is overkill for the average hiker. But it's rock solid for those hardcore backpackers, trail crews, and off trail hikers who need a bomb-proof leather hiking boot.

finding the best leather hiking boots for YOU

Leather hiking boots may be the traditional choice, but they're still a great choice for hikers and backpackers—and always will be. Leather is durable, protective, naturally water resistant and breathable, and conforms to your feet over time. So ignore all the boot shamers online who believe everyone should hike in trail runners. Leather hiking boots may be the best option for many hikers and backpackers who need more ankle support, foot protection, and durability.

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