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After hiking thousands of miles, from the Smoky Mountains, to the Rocky Mountains, the Pacific Northwest, and Hawaii, Ashley and I know a thing or two about picking the proper footwear for an enjoyable trek.
We know the decision is cumbersome, so we’ve researched hundreds of different pairs to help bring you this list of the best hiking boots for beginners.
The following six choices for women and five for men will have you hitting the trails in comfort, so the last thing you worry about is dealing with pesky blisters at the end of your journey.
Women’s Beginner Hiking Boots
- Best Lightweight Women’s Hiking Boot: Vasque Breeze LT NTX
- Ready for Rough Terrain: Keen Women’s Targhee III Mid Waterproof
- Best Traction: Merrell Women’s Ontario 85 Mid Waterproof
- Best for Narrow Feet: Merrell Women’s Moab 2 Mid WP
- Best for Wide Feet: Lowa Renegade GTX Mid
- Best for Cold Weather Hiking: Danner Women’s Inquire Mid Insulated
Men’s Beginner Hiking Boots
- Best Overall with Options for Wide AND Narrow Feet: Merrell Men’s Moab 2 Mid WP
- Best Lightweight Men’s Hiking Boot: Danner Mountain 600 Mid
- Most Rugged: Keen Men’s Targhee III Mid Waterproof
- Great Traction: Columbia Newton Ridge Plus II Waterproof
- Best for Winter Hiking: Keen Men’s Revel IV High Polar
Since styles and availability change throughout the year, we try to update this article frequently. Ashley and I appreciate the trust you put in us to bring you the most current hiking boot options so you can enjoy the trails as much as we do!
If you think a pair of hiking boots is going to be too bulky for your personal preference, hop over to our picks of the best hiking shoes for beginners.
Before diving deeper into the features of these good beginner hiking boots, we want to point out WHY we predominately direct you to purchase from respected outdoor retailers like Backcountry and REI whenever possible. They provide funds to support nature conservation so that you and I can continue enjoying the outdoors for years to come – it’s as simple as that!
Ok, now let’s learn more about the boots that will help power you up mountains…
Ashley’s Favorite…
Vasque Breeze LT GTX
I couldn’t be happier with the performance of my Vasque Breeze LT GTX. Unfortunately this specific model is no longer available. The good news is the only major change Vasque is making is to focus more on sustainability.
The new Vasque Breeze LT NTX is made with 50% recycled material using their Nature-Tex waterproof technology.
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Andrew’s Favorite…
Merrell Moab 2
I’ve had my Moab 2’s for years now and they are still going strong. Typically I prefer a trail shoe over a boot but if we are heading out on some rougher terrain then there’s no question that the Moabs are going on my feet!
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Women’s Hiking Boot Reviews
Vasque Breeze LT GTX (Best Lightweight Hiking Boot for Women)
The Women’s Vasque Breeze LT GTX is extremely lightweight and waterproof, scoring high marks in every category.
The over-the-ankle design provides for moderate support and GORE-TEX waterproof synthetic microfiber upper boasts flexibility and durability.
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The Vasque exclusive Vibram Litebase outsole helps reduce the weight of the sole by 25% and offers superior traction on rocky, slippery slopes.
A molded, reinforced toe ensures you won’t stub your toes on the trail and the moisture-wicking lining keeps your feet cool and dry even in the VERY hot months.
Although not recommended, Ashley’s first adventure in her Vasque Breeze LT GTX was an 11-mile hike in (and out) of the Grand Canyon, proving they are ready to go right out of the box.
One thing to keep in mind is that these are narrow-fitting shoes. She ordered her regular shoe size – 10 – but if she was wearing thicker socks a 10.5 would be better.
Besides looking good, they are even an ounce lighter than her previous favorite hiking boot the Teva Ahnu Sugarpine II.
Pros
– Fits true to size
– Very Lightweight
– Good color options
Cons
– Can run narrow for some
KEEN Women’s Targhee III Mid Waterproof (Most Rugged)
These are built tough — but they are not going to be a good fit for narrow feet.
In addition, KEEN recommends that you order them a half size bigger than your normal shoe size.
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These are a great choice for the new hiker, featuring an over-the-ankle height, nubuck leather combined with nylon mesh, and a proprietary KEEN.DRY waterproof breathable membrane.
The Targhee III is designed with an EVA midsole and nylon shank for support and comfort so that you can take to the trail with ease.
Pros
– 4mm lugs to grip any terrain
– Rugged toe cap to protect you from those unexpected rock hits
– Great first boot for beginning hikers
Cons
– Runs 1/2 Size Small
– Not ideal for narrow feet
Merrell Women’s Ontario 85 Mid Waterproof (Best Traction)
Excellent traction means you don’t have to worry about what awaits you down the trail and instead, keeping your eyes on the natural beauty of your surroundings.
The Merrell Ontario 85 Mid WP hiking boot is meant to keep you dry and provide traction in slippery, muddy conditions.
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These durable, waterproof boots are designed with an upper that provides for a combination of breathability and durability while an EVA foam offers stability and comfort.
The sticky Vibram rubber outsoles have a 3mm lug depth designed to give you excellent traction on all types of terrain.
Pros
– Good on slippery surfaces
– Comfortable out of the box
Cons
– If you have high arches you may need to purchase an insert
Merrell Women’s Moab 2 Mid WP (Best Women’s Hiking Boots for Narrow Feet)
For those with a narrower foot, the Merrell Moab 2 Mids boast a narrow toe box and are an excellent option, especially in wet climates.
A combination of waterproof leather and synthetic leather upper means excellent water resistance — and these boots don’t compromise their breathability.
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Nylon ventilator mesh ensures your feet won’t get too sweaty, however long the trail.
It is recommended you order these boots a half to a whole size bigger than your normal shoe size.
Pros
– Perfect for narrow feet
– Great grip on different surfaces
– Terrific for day hikes
Cons
– Stock laces tend to come untied if not double knotted
– If you wear a heavier sock order 1/2 – 1 size bigger
Lowa Renegade GTX Mid (Best Women’s Hiking Boots for Wide Feet)
If you have a wider foot or like a roomier fit, the Lowa Women’s Renegade GTX Mid is a great waterproof hiking boot.
GORE-TEX liners keep you dry through stream crossings and puddles.
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Nubuck uppers and a polyurethane midsole paired with nylon shank, offering superior support in this over-the-ankle design.
The most impressive characteristic is that all of these solid features are provided at a weight just exceeding two pounds.
Pros
– GORE-TEX keeps your feet dry
– Removeable insoles
– Fits true to size
Cons
– No special toe reinforcement
– Need a break-in period
Danner Women’s Inquire Mid Insulated Boots (Perfect for Chilly Climates)
When the temperatures drop, you want your toes to stay toasty. The Danner Women’s Inquire Mid boot is ideal for hiking in cold weather.
The over-the-ankle boot includes 200 grams of PrimaLoft insulation will keep your feet warm as you explore the great outdoors.
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Danner offers a 100% waterproof barrier that will keep your feet dry from the elements, but allows moisture to escape… now that sounds pretty comfortable to me!
The outsoles have multi-directional lugs for incredible grip on both wet and dry surfaces.
All of this in ONLY two pounds? Yes, please!
If you’re hiking in colder climates, these boots make for an ideal trail companion.
Pros
– 200g of insulation equals warm toes
– Comfortable out of the box
– True to size
Cons
– Not intended for summer use unless you like hot tootsies
Men’s Hiking Boot Reviews
Merrell Men’s Moab 2 Mid WP (Best Hiking Boots for Wide or Narrow Feet)
Sometimes your feet fall to one end of the fit spectrum or the other (narrow or wide) and it can be extremely challenging to find a pair that actually fit.
Merrell has done a fantastic job of developing boots just for you given that you can order these in either narrow or wide versions.
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The Moab 2 Mid WP hikers boast performance suede leather and mesh uppers in addition to the M-Select Dry proprietary membrane to keep the water out while allowing moisture to escape.
These boots have contoured footbeds that provide for arch and heel support in exactly the right places.
In addition, the 5mm Vibram outsoles ensure you won’t lose your footing.
Pros
– Sizing options for both narrow and wide feet make this a good all around choice for most
– Good in both warm and cold climates or year round use
– Comfortable out of the box
Cons
– Uses Merrell’s M-Select Dry not GORE-TEX in case you are a GT fanatic
– Not as much stability as some of the other options mentioned
Danner Mountain 600 Mid (Best Lightweight Hiking Boots for Men)
If you’re looking for lightweight, high performance, and something equally stylish, the Danner Mountain 600s are the perfect fit.
The company partnered with Vibram to implement a durable boot with an SPE (specialized performance elastomer) midsole in conjunction with a Fuga outsole with Megagrip (ensuring you won’t slip).
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This rubberized EVA midsole is unique, offering traditional EVA cushioning properties with added durability. The Fuga outsole offers incredible grip on all surfaces, whether you’re trudging through the mud or scrambling across rocky terrain.
The suede upper is stylish and includes a Danner Dry proprietary membrane for water resistance.
This is one tough boot — in a lightweight package.
Pros
– A great summer hiking boot option
– Nice old school look pairs well with jeans to get use off the trail as well
– Lightweight, Waterproof & Grippy
Cons
– Not recommended for backpacking
– Very minimal toe guard
KEEN Men’s Targhee III Mid WP (Most Rugged)
Touted as “four wheel drive performance for your foot” on the company’s website, the KEEN Targhee III Mids are the boots you need when the going gets rough.
The mid-cut height offers plenty of ankle support while rubber outsoles boasting seriously aggressive 4mm multidirectional lugs will cut deep and maintain traction across a variety of terrain.
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The KEEN.Dry proprietary membrane keeps you dry when splashing through puddles or sloshing through snow.
Patented rubber toe guards protect toes from impact with trail objects and abrasion.
One thing to keep in mind is that these boots tend to run about a half size small.
Pros
– Feel free to kick rocks with this massive toe guard, although not recommended
– Beefy 4mm lugs that grip all kinds of terrain
– Very comfortable for such a rugged design
Cons
– Tends to run a 1/2 size small, may need to order a 1/2 size larger than usual
– Big footed folks, KEEN does not have 1/2 sizes above size 12
Columbia Newton Ridge Plus II Waterproof (Amazing Traction)
Sometimes you need an option that is all encompassing — and Columbia’s Newton Ridge delivers in a big way.
The Newton Ridge offers durability, waterproofing, light weight, and the ultimate level of traction a pair of boots could have.
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The Newton Ridge Plus II are crafted with PU coated leather, suede, and mesh to effectively seal out the elements while allowing your foot to breathe.
The Techlite midsole provides for cushioning across long distances and in addition, is extremely light weight.
Waterproof and seam sealed, wet conditions are no match for these boots out on the trail.
The Omni-Grip rubber compound outsole is the boot’s stand-out feature, ensuring you’ll keep your footing wherever the trail may lead you.
*Unfortunately the Columbia Newton Ridge Plus II is currently not available at REI but we love Backcountry.com just as much where you still get 30 days to try out your boots and receive store credit.*
Pros
– If you’re looking for grip then this is the hiking boot for you
– Metal lacing hardware to help ensure a snug fit
– Fits true to size
Cons
– Not ideal for wider feet
– Plan for a break-in period before your hike
KEEN Men’s Durand Polar (A Cold Climate King)
Extreme weather requires extreme measures, and your typical three-season hiking boot won’t always do the trick.
If you’re going to be hiking in winter or wading through snow mounds, the KEEN Durand Polar will protect you from the elements.
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400 grams of insulation provide for toasty toes while waterproof leathers and textile uppers rise high up above your ankles, ideal for use in areas with a lot of snow.
Dual-compound snow and ice rubber outsoles ensure you won’t miss a step — even in slippery places.
Pros
– Highest coverage of any option on this list
– Lightweight is a pleasant surprise
– 400g of insulation and a foil heat shield footbed keep the warmth inside the boot
Cons
– For winter or cold climate use only
– Do not have a removable liner
– Runs a 1/2 size small – may need to order 1/2 size larger than normal
How to Choose the Right Hiking Boots
I decided to include this great video from the experts at REI if you are more of a visual person but of course keep reading to learn how to choose your first pair of hiking footwear.
Are Hiking Boots Necessary
The short answer is NO, hiking boots are not necessary to enjoy a good hike. Any athletic type of shoe will work BUT a well fitting boot will take your experience to a new level.
If you’re a new hiker make sure to check out our guide to hiking for beginners…
To determine what type of footwear will suit you best take the following questions into consideration:
There are a variety of different hiking shoes to meet your needs — once you’ve determined your primary hiking purpose that is.
Hiking Boots vs Shoes vs Trail Runners
I already alluded to the fact that there is no right or wrong answer when choosing what to put on your feet when you go hiking.
As a hiking beginner though it’s essential to understand the differences and names of the different styles of footwear…
Hiking Boots: A true hiking boot is designed to handle the most challenging terrain.
They provide superior ankle support and are ideal for those who have concerns in that department, or perhaps a previous injury.
Some styles are available in mid-cut designs while others rise high up on the ankle.
They provide outstanding protection in areas of deep mud, snow, or water. The boots in this article fall primarily under this category.
Mountaineering Boots: Designed for use with crampons, which are necessary during glacial travel in high alpine areas.
Some make for great hiking options, so it’s meaningful to identify them on this list.
They typically have full-length shanks and high ankle collars and are intended to keep your feet warm in cold conditions.
If you’re traveling through extremely rugged terrain or in the most inclement of weather conditions, some hikers opt for mountaineering boots.
Hiking Shoe: Hiking shoes are designed for day hikes, short expeditions, or for those who prefer to move light and fast.
Many are waterproof and practical for any type of terrain. They provide less ankle support than the more burly boots covered in this article.
Plus some hiking shoes can double as trail runners. I like getting the most bang for my buck so I do own a pair of Adidas Terrex Swift R GTX shoes that are both rugged and nimble – just like me!
Trail Runners: As implied by the name, these are designed for running through the backcountry.
They are the most low cut and lightweight type of hiking shoe and are much less durable than the sturdy options selected for this article.
For experienced hikers who want to move extremely light and fast, trail runners are an ideal option.
Stiffness and Stability
When picking out a hiking boot, you need to determine how much stiffness and stability you’re going to want.
They are comprised of layers sandwiched around a stiff plastic piece in the center, known as the shank.
The length of the shank determines how stiff the hiking boot is. It varies from full-length to just under the arch.
Full length shanks are found in stiffer boots, such as more heavyweight options and those intended for mountaineering.
For day hiking and gentler terrain, more flexible and lightweight hiking boots are recommended.
Waterproofing
While the integration of a waterproof, breathable membrane is standard on most hiking boots, it’s not necessarily needed.
What kind of climate will you be hiking in?
Do you avoid bad weather days and typically stick to dry terrain? Well, then you could probably go without waterproofing — saving yourself some weight.
More likely than not, however, you’ll be splashing through puddles and occasionally getting caught in the rain, so if you’re on the fence about waterproofing, I would opt in.
It’s important to note that you can still get wet — if you step into a puddle deeper than the top of your boot, water is going to seep in.
Likewise if it’s raining, water can dribble down from your rain pants into your boot.
GTX (Gore-Tex) is the most common waterproof membrane you’ll see, but some companies have their own proprietary membranes.
These membranes are inserted between the outer fabric and interior materials of the shoe.
In addition, many versions are coated with a durable water-repellent that is often applied to the outside of the shoe in order to help bead up and shed water droplets before they have the opportunity to soak through the outer fabric of the shoe.
Weight
The weight of your hiking footwear is a crucial consideration out on the trail and will affect how fast and nimbly you move across terrain.
Heavier boots usually equate to greater stability and durability, which might be desirable when you’re a newbie hiker.
On the other hand, you’ll start to feel the weight of your heavy footwear after a few miles on the trail.
If you have adequate hiking experience and would like to move fast, lighter weight gear is recommended.
They’re less durable and it’s easier to sustain a stubbed toe or sprained ankle but if your body is adjusted to the rigors of hiking, you’ll perform fine and the miles will feel like they’re floating by.
Should hiking boots be tight or loose?
Technically your hiking boots should be neither tight or loose. You want them to be snug but also have enough room in the toe area to account for swelling. Also make sure there is not much heel movement as this can lead to rubbing and worse yet, blisters.
Fit is the most critical consideration on this list. If you don’t wear a boot that properly fits your foot, more than likely you’ll end up miserable.
Some brands typically serve a wider foot whereas others have a more narrow fit, and for some models you will have both width options to choose from.
Also, even if they’re ready to be worn right out of the box, spend some time breaking them in (trust me).
In order to fine-tune your boots’ fit, you can purchase after-market insoles or play around with different sock thicknesses.
Speaking of socks…
I would be missing a prime fit element if I didn’t mention that you should invest in a pair of socks for hiking.
Companies like Smartwool and Darn Tough have put a lot of effort into making socks that will compliment your hiking shoes to ensure you end the day blister free.
What are Hiking Boots Made of?
It’s necessary to understand what goes into creating a hiking boot so that you can evaluate what you like and don’t like.
These materials determine the boot’s weight, breathability, and water resistance.
Uppers: Uppers comprise the part of boot from the rubber outsole up to the top of the shoe. They provide for durability, breathability, and water resistance.
Most boots are designed with synthetic materials, including nylon, mesh, and leather.
Synthetic nylon and mesh uppers are commonly found on lighter weight boots, providing for fantastic breathability but not as much durability.
Nubuck or suede leather is durable, water resistant, and holds up against abrasion, but does require some breaking in.
Some high-end options are designed with full-grain leather or nubuck leather, buffed to resemble suede.
Full-grain leather is found most commonly on heavyweight boots and is typically the toughest, most durable, and most water resistant.
They require ample break-in time and is not as breathable as other materials.
Midsoles: Midsoles are tasked with two purposes: shock absorption and stiffness. There are two different primary midsoles:
EVA: The most common midsoles are comprised of EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) foam or polyurethane, often varying in thickness depending on how much support the specific boot provides.
EVA is often more comfortable, lighter weight, and less costly while polyurethane is found in higher-end heavy versions.
Manufacturers can integrate varying densities in order to allocate extra support to the more sensitive areas of the foot.
Polyurethane: This is the more durable of the two materials and can also provide for the most shock absorption.
It is generally less comfortable and used to support heavy loads (such as in backpacking), but also has a longer lifespan than EVA due to its lack of compressibility.
Internal Materials: These are the secret ingredients of a good hiking boot that can make a huge difference in comfort and support.
Shanks measure between 3-5 mm in width and are integrated between the midsole and the outsole, either extending from the toe to the heel or only extending halfway.
They have essential load-bearing properties. Plates are positioned between the midsole and outsole, providing for solid protection from bruising.
Outsoles: Your outsole determines your traction and is especially important when hiking in winter across possibly slippery, icy conditions.
Vibram rubber is a quality name you’ll encounter frequently as you shop for outdoor gear, but not all Vibram is created equal, as manufacturers tailor the lug pattern to suit the primary purpose of the boot.
It’s ideal to look at lug depth, compound, and tread pattern as a whole.
FAQ
Can you wear hiking boots everyday?
Yes, you can wear hiking boots everyday but keep in mind this will reduce how long they last. Many people that are on their feet all day find hiking footwear very comfortable since they are designed to be worn in rough terrain and on the trails.
How long should a pair of hiking boots last?
A good pair of hiking boots should last between 500-1000 miles. The actual timeframe will depend on how many miles you hike at a time, as well as the terrain you are hiking on. If you are a frequent hiker then you may go through a couple pairs a year.
Wrapping It Up…
There you have it, the best beginner hiking boots for women and men as well as how to buy your first pair! No doubt by this point, you’re probably itching to hit the trail.
The woods are calling — but remember, your footwear will be your closest companion when the going gets rough.
Do your research and select a model that matches your unique footprint and of course compliments the appropriate hiking clothes you’ll be wearing.
Remember to go on short hikes to break in a new pair and soon you’ll be hitting the backcountry with ease — and returning home without a blister to show!