Having lived in Arizona, Australia, and New Mexico, I have solid recommendations for the best desert hiking boots. On one hand, I like some non-waterproof hiking boots for desert hiking. After all, desert hikers rarely need waterproofing, and waterproof hiking boots run hotter—a negative for hot desert hikes. On the other hand, I recommend some leather hiking boots for desert hikers who want more protection from cactus and criters. My list of the best desert hiking boots is much different for 2026 due to discontinued models and steep price increases:
Backpacking the Grand Canyon
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Desert Hiking Boots: Non-Waterproof
Most people hunting for desert hiking boots are looking for non-waterproof hiking boots. Non-waterproof hiking boots generally cost $20-25 less than waterproof options and wear cooler than their waterproof counterparts. However, non-waterproof hiking boots can be hard to find.
Here are my favorite non-waterproof hiking boots that I've personally worn extensively for desert hiking.
TOPO ATHLETIC TRAILVENTURE 2
Best Lightweight Desert Hiking Boot
Main Benefits:
Now that I live in New Mexico, the non-waterproof Topo Athletic Trailventure 2 is my go-to desert hiking boot for day hikes. I buy this boot for its wide toe box and versatile traction. But its non-waterproof construction maintains a moderate microclimate around my hiking feet when I'm hiking the desert trails and canyons outside of Albuquerque. Plus, this boot's tread handles sand, scree, and slickrock well. Just be mindful of cactus: I've had a few spines poke through the Trailventure's lightweight, ventilating mesh. If you're a desert hiker looking for a lightweight hiking boot with a wide toe box, I recommend the Topo Trailventure 2.
See my full Trailventure 2 Review
Best Fit
wide feet
Best Match
fast packing, day hiking
Men's Topo Trailventure 2
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Women's Topo Trailventure 2
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OBOZ KATABATIC LT MID
Lightweight Desert Hiking Boot
Main Benefits:
New for 2025, the Oboz Katabatic LT is a lightweight hiking boot that's worked well for me in the New Mexico high desert. Available in regular and wide sizes, this lightweight is made for moving fast over mountainous terrain. I've worn mine to tear through the desert wash behind my house and knock out five-mile fitness hikes in less than two hours in the Sandia Mountains. Lighter than the typical Oboz hiking boot, it's available in a non-waterproof style that wears cooler.
See my full Katabatic Mid
Best Fit
standard feet,
available in wide
Best Match
light hiking
Men's Katabatic Mid LT
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Women's Katabatic Mid LT
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SALOMON X ULTRA FORCES Mid
Desert Hiking Boot for Harder Day Hikes
Main Benefits:
The Salomon X Ultra Forces is the military version of Salomon's best selling day hiking boot. For 2026, it's the only non-waterproof version of the X Ultra, which makes it a good choice for desert day hikers. The X Ultra stands out for providing good foot support and light ankle stability in a relatively lightweight and athletic package. It's also runs wider in the toes than most Salomons, making it a safer fit for many men and women. The X Ultra Forces is a little sturdier than the lightweights above while providing hikers a good mix of foot protection and ventilation for harsh and hot desert environments.
Best Fit
standard to wide feet
Best Match
moderate-difficult day hikes
Salomon X Ultra Forces (Unisex)
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Desert Hiking Boots: Leather
I also like leather hiking boots for desert hiking. Leather provides much more foot protection—which I appreciate in the desert, where many plants are made to maim or kill. Plus, leather is naturally breathable—and actually breathes better in the desert than in other environments (which many people don't realize). My favorite leather hiking boots for desert hiking are the Oboz Sawtooth and La Sportiva Nucleo GTX.
OBOZ SAWTOOTH X MID
Durable Desert Hiking Boot
Main Benefits:
The Oboz Sawtooth hiking boot has saw me through several desert hikes in Arizona and Australia. Sturdier than the lightweights above, the Sawtooth is a supportive and durable hiking boot that provides plenty of foot protection, too. I've personally hiked more than 1,000 miles in Sawtooths—a solid, midweight hiking boot for the average hiker. If you want a more protective hiking boot for sharp and snakey terrain, the Sawtooth X is a good bet. While most hikers buy waterproof Sawtooths, it's the rare leather hiking boot that's actually available in non-waterproof—which lets it wear cooler while protecting your feet from the desert's dangers.
Best Fit
standard feet,
wides available
Best Match
moderate-difficult day hikes
Men's Oboz Sawtooth X Mid
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Women's Oboz Sawtooth X Mid
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LA SPORTIVA NUCLEO HIGH II GTX
Lightweight Backpacking Boot for the Desert
Main Benefits:
The average hiker wouldn't think of the La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX as a desert hiking boot. After all, it's leather and waterproof. But I like the protectiveness of leather in deserts filled with plants that maim. Contrary to popular belief, leather is breathable, and so is GORE-TEX. The Nucleo is more desert-friendly that most waterproof hiking boots because it features GORE-TEX Surround—Gore's most breathable waterproofing. This maintains a microclimate inside the boot that works for desert hikes. Having hiked more than 500 miles in Nucleos, I also like their high-cut ankle support and grippy Vibram Megatrip outsoles. The Nucleo High II GTX can handle both dayhiking and backpacking, making it the most versatile desert hiking boot on this list.
See my full Nucleo High review
Best Fit
narrow feet,
wides available (size up)
Best Match
day hiking,
backpacking
Men's La Sportiva Nucleo High
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Women's La Sportiva Nucleo High
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What's the best desert hiking boot?
The best desert hiking boot for you is one that best fits your feet and best matches where you hike and how you hike. My product descriptions above should help you narrow down your choices to find your best fit and best match.
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