Explore’s Best Of: Summer’s Best Hiking Boots
Ready to hit the trails this season? You’ll need snacks, a backpack, weatherproof clothing, the 10 essentials—and the best footwear.
Good hiking boots matter. In fact, alongside the necessary safety gear, footwear might be the absolute most important element to your hiking kit. After all—if you’re slipping in the mud, lamenting wet toes or crying in pain… well, the rest of the hike isn’t going to get better.
This is where we come in. We’ve scoured the shelves to find the best buys in footwear for your next hiking adventure. Read on—then hit the trails in comfort and style!
Best Overall:
Zamberlan 960 Guide GTX RR
Like a Land Rover, the fancy exterior hides a go-anywhere beast. The buttery smooth Nubuck leather is treated with a rubber compound that resists nicks, scratches, dirt and water. A high rubber rand offers further protection around the sole. And Zamberlan’s attention to detail means despite their heft (1.7 kg), they feel comfy out of the box. Inside is all the support and cushioning you could want for heavy loads and rough terrain. On a smooth trail, these big boots feel a little clunky, but as the terrain got rougher they started to feel smoother. Hiking off-trail, we felt totally stable with an aggressive tread pattern on the Vibram soles keeping us on our feet and a plastic shank providing a supportive platform.
Price: $300
Shop now: Zamberlan.com
For Rainy Days:
Columbia Facet 75 Alpha OutDry Shoe
Built with waterproof-breathable OutDry, the all-new Facet 75 may be the best wet-weather shoes we’ve tested this year. Along with the waterproof construction, a mesh and knit collar seals-out dirt and mud. Elasticized laces lock quickly and snug tight and a rear grab-strap means they pull-on easy. Columbia’s Techlite PLUSH offers the highest level of cushioning in their footwear lines—you’ll glide over rocks and uneven terrain in comfort. They’re built with trail-running DNA to make easy work of non-technical hiking trails. But they’re comfortable and stylish enough for everyday winter wear—from dog walks to park days, to rainy commutes and more.
Price: $220
Shop now: columbiasportswear.ca
For Ultra Comfort:
Merrell Moab III
These are some of the best-selling hiking boots out there. Combine the excellent reviews on both SAIL and Merrell’s website with the reasonable price, and this is a no-brainer. Featuring ultimate comfort, good grip, traction, stability and lightweight design, the Merrell Moab 3 is perfect for walking, hiking, biking and more. Plus, thanks to the waterproof but breathable membrane and medium cushioning, you can wear these in any season. They are also available in wide.
Price: $140
Shop now: Merrell.com
For Difficult Terrain:
LOWA Renegade
Good tread is essential for many of the hikes I do, especially when I’m carrying my baby and a pack, and these boots deliver. With Gore-Tex waterproofing, temperature regulation, stability thanks to a nylon joint stabilization element, good cushioning and durability, the LOWA Renegade is perfect for a variety of terrains and weather conditions. Unsurprisingly, these boots have garnered perfect reviews on SAIL’s website and on our own, so we’re convinced. If you wear the sole down on rugged hikes, you can send them to LOWA’s handy resoling service. These boots are also available in wide.
Price: $380
Shop now: lowaboots.com
For a Cinderella Fit:
KEEN Pyrenees
When I imagine a pair of leather hiking boots, I picture sweaty, hot, itchy feet. However, though KEEN’s Pyrenees are completely waterproofed and made of leather, they are still breathable thanks to KEEN’s signature KEEN.DRY membrane. If you’re looking for a durable boot with good arch support, this European style boot delivers. I like the minimal seams, which is where a lot of boots end up breaking. They have good reviews on the website as well and are worth checking out.
Price: $220
Shop now: keenfootwear.com
For Extra Support:
KEEN Targhee III
Great traction, support and stability while being lightweight and waterproof make this boot a definite contender. The KEEN Targhee III looks like a rugged boot built for both rugged and tame places, which is the perfect mix for the type of outdoor adventures many of us do. It also features that KEEN.DRY membrane that’ll keep your feet dry and allow them to breathe like the boots listed above. If you struggle with taking your boots off in the tent or vehicle after a long slog because you dread the feet stink, these boots have odour control that are a game-changer for feel confident enough to relax barefoot post-hike. These boots are also available in wide.
Price:$220
Shop now: keenfootwear.com
For a Lifelong Pair:
Zamberland Vioz
These boots don’t only look tough, they are super durable and will last for a long time. Downhill treks are not an issue in the Vioz, with superior grip and a fit that helps keep your toes from getting smashed in the front of the boot while braking on your way down. They’re waterproof yet breathable, designed to wick moisture from around the ankle and are flexible but supportive laterally. These might be a little over the top for a regular walk, but are perfect for steep rugged trails, allowing you to cut into scree and dirt slopes with ease. These boots are also available in wide.
Price: $380
Shop now: zamberlancanada.com
For Trail Runners:
Oxeye Tech Shoes
These technical shoes from The North Face blend style, comfort and performance. The trail-capable 2.5-millilimetre lugs on the outsoles provide sturdy traction across a range of terrain and the breathable uppers on both help keep your feet cool and comfortable on warm-weather hikes. With elevated webbing details and custom speed laces, modern bootie construction and a ripstop outer shell, these versatile kicks will take you up dusty trails and over rocky outcrops in no time.
Price: $180
Shop now: thenorthface.com
For Flexibility:
KEEN Ridge Flex Waterproof Boot
Feel ultra-prepared for fall hiking with the right pair of boots. Our managing editor received her Ridge Flex back in 2021, and they are still a go-to for cool-weather treks. The flexibility of these otherwise sturdy hiking boots with mid-cut ankle support makes days on the trail three times easier. By creating accordion-like flexion in places where other boots wear out over time, the KEEN.BELLOWS FLEX technology helps you go steeper, farther, longer… and happier. Built for multiday adventures with a little extra cushion and support, these boots feature environmentally preferred leather, PFAS-free water repellency, pesticide-free odor control and KEEN ALL TERRAIN higher traction tread.
Price: $180
Shop now: keenfootwear.com
For Spring Adventures:
Hi-Tec Altitude V WPi
We love the classic look of the all-leather upper—but the Hi-Tec Altitude V WPi has beauty that’s more than just skin deep. Suited for spring conditions, this fully-waterproof light hiker delivers effective wet-weather protection and combines an EVA midsole with an aggressive rubber outsole for comfy steps and sturdy footing. We love the ample toe box and classic style—but these boots back-up comfort and looks with serious trail performance.
Price: $150
Shop now: hi-tecstore.ca
