Best Hiking Boots of 2022

As the weather gets better with each passing day, many of us want to get out and explore the great outdoors. Hiking offers a chance to both reconnect with nature and get in a great workout. When navigating the backcountry, it’s important to have a technically sound pair of hiking boots that will keep you comfortable, but also safe, as you navigate uneven terrain.

With this in mind, our editors have come up with a selection of great hiking boots that offer superior traction and support to keep you stable when on or off the trail. We take into account not only traction and support but also comfort and durability – all important factors when choosing just the right shoe for your hiking adventures.

Salewa Alp Trainer 2 Mid GTX

If you’re looking for a reliable hiking boot specifically designed to handle variable terrain and diverse conditions, look no further than Salewa’s Alp Trainer 2 Mid GTX. This is a mid-cut boot with a hard-wearing, high-quality suede and stretch fabric upper and a waterproof, breathable GORE-TEX® Extended Comfort lining. Salewa’s proprietary, trademarked 3F System with a steel cable ensures firm ankle support and side stability, while the Flex Collar increases the ankle’s rear range of motion and comfort during descents.

$200

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The North Face Men’s VECTIV Exploris FUTURELIGHT™

The North Face Men’s VECTIV Exploris FUTURELIGHT™ is a waterproof, breathable hiking shoe that is designed with innovative features that maximize stability and minimize fatigue. Providing superior comfort with its OrthoLite® X55™ footbed, this hiking shoe delivers excellent rebound and energy return, leading to less foot fatigue. What’s more, the rocker midsole geometry is engineered to create long-lasting forward propulsion.

$159

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Merrell Moab Speed GORE-TEX

One of the bestsellers among hikers for over a decade, the Merrell Moab Speed shoe is a great all-around choice for hiking in a range of conditions and environments. The combination of the Vibram Traction Lug outsole, Gore-Tex waterproof membrane, plus an abundance of other features, makes this shoe an appealing prospect for your next hiking shoe investment. In addition, Merrell has considered the environmental impacts of its products, and the Moab Speed includes a proportion of recycled material in its construction; it’s also entirely synthetic, making it vegan-friendly.

$160

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Salomon PREDICT HIKE MID GORE-TEX

The Salomon Predict Hike boot utilizes Energy Surge technology for long-lasting cushioning. Salomon’s Anatomic Decoupling tech enables the boot to flex with your foot, allowing independent platforms to adapt to your stride and the terrain. Its OrthoLite® insole provides superior cushioning, breathability, and durability. The boot also features GORE-TEX to keep the weather out along with a mid-cut collar to hug your feet in.

$180

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Tecnica Plasma S GTX Hiking Shoes

The Tecnica Plasma S GTX Hiking Shoes are built to handle the most technical trails. Lightweight and ultra-comfortable, the Plasma offers impressive traction and support. Perhaps the most intriguing feature of the Plasma is its heat-moldable build; in only 20 minutes, you can have the shoes customized to best fit your foot at your local REI location. The shoes are lined with waterproof and breathable Gore-Tex® Extended Comfort for the maximum level of comfort while out on the trails.

$180

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La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX Hiking Boots

These ankle-high hiking boots, with durable nubuck leather uppers, are relatively lightweight compared to many mid hiking boots. The Nucleo High II GTX uses Nano-Cell™ technology that delivers maximum breathability to keep your feet cool. The compression-molded midsoles provide impressive cushion and support for all-day comfort. The Vibram® Nano outsoles with Impact Brake System™ provide maximum traction and grip on trails.

$209

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adidas TERREX AX4 Mid GORE-TEX Hiking Shoes

The adidas TERREX AX4 Mid GORE-TEX Hiking Shoes are made with Primegreen, a series of high-performance recycled materials. The GORE-TEX waterproof and breathable membranes, in combination with the Continental™ rubber outsoles, make these shoes more than capable of handling any and all conditions you may encounter out on the trail. What’s more, the lightweight EVA midsoles provide long-term cushioning while the shoe’s molded sock liners enhance comfort and fit.

$140

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Naglev Unico Hiker

Made by premier Italian outdoor footwear company, Naglev, the Unico Hikers are constructed with a one-piece, ultra-tough Kevlar® upper that results in a seamless construction leaving no weak points in the upper. Crafted atop a special rubber compound with a maximum grip lug pattern, this hiker is suitable for any condition or terrain. In addition, the shoe’s interior wool sock liner wicks moisture away from your foot for comfortable, dry all-day wear.

$230

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Merrell Chameleon 8 Stretch

The Merrell Chameleon 8 Stretch tactical shoes feature nubuck leather and mesh uppers with an elastic cord and lock lacing system for a quick, secure fit, while the bellows tongue keeps bothersome debris out. The shoe’s Kinetic Fit BASE removable contoured insole offers flexible support for all types of conditions encountered. The Vibram outsole allows for traction and the EVA foam midsole provides stability and comfort after hours out on the trail.

$130

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