As the weather cools off, it’s the perfect time to hike. You can follow the trail without melting under the summer sun. Before you hit the trail, ensure you have the proper boots for the job. When buying the best comfortable hiking boots, the brand of the boot should be the last thing on your mind.

“Fitting a boot to your foot is key,” executive director of the Outdoor Writers Association of America, Chez Chesak, told 21Ninety. Each brand uniquely designs its hiking boots to its particular brand. So, the fit between brands will vary. 

How to buy the best comfortable hiking boot

“What makes a hiking boot good is not the brand, but the internal support, weight, and durability,” operations director at Ultimate Kilimanjaro, Michael Sawyer, told 21Ninety. You’ll also want to consider what the weather will be like on the terrain of your hike. If you’re hiking in a colder environment, consider grabbing a pair of leather-rich boots. “Full-grain leather is very durable and water resistant, making them a great choice for rougher terrains,” Sawyer explained. 

As for weight and support, you’ll want a shoe that feels lightweight yet stable under your foot. The best comfortable hiking boot should “offer load-bearing support and stability, so you could hike up steep hills, climb, or jump, and be less likely to hurt your feet and ankles,” according to Sawyer.

According to Chez, the only downside to hiking boot shopping is that it takes time to find the perfect boot fit. But, the hiking specialist said that the trial-and-error process is worth it. “The good news is that once you’ve found that brand [that works for you], you should be good to stick with it going forward.” The remainder of that brand’s boot selection will likely fit your foot, too.

Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boots

Merrell’s Moab 3 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boots are top-rated shoes made for a wide range of hikes. These lace-up boots are made of durable pig leather and mesh upper. They have rubber toe caps and bellow tongues to keep moisture and debris outside the shoe. The supportive shock-absorbing insoles are made of a molded nylon shank. There is extra cushioning in the midsoles and heels for added comfort. Additionally, the grippy outsoles offer ample stability on the trail. These features come together in this stabilizing shoe for smooth and rough ground hikes.

Each boot is just under a pound at 14.5 ounces. It comes in four colors in US women’s sizes 5 to 12 in medium and wide widths.

Hoka Trail Code GTX

$185
Photo Courtesy of Hoka

Hoka’s Trail Code GTX features a layered cushioning system and traction for a smoother hike. These water-repellent boots stack a lightweight EVA midsole, a forked heel, and grippy traction. The bottom of the boot is curved to support your steps. That way, you’re doing less of the work.

Each boot is 12.7 ounces and available in US women’s sizes 5 to 11 – including whole and half sizes. Shop one of the six available colors.

Salomon X ULTRA 4 MID GORE-TEX

$175
Photo Courtesy of Salomon

Salomon X ULTRA 4 MID GORE-TEX is designed to support you on a mixed trail hike. These comfortable hiking boots are made with a PU coated leather, textile upper and rubber outsole. Additionally, each shoe has a soft cuff for comfort around the ankles. They also feature an anatomically designed low-density insole for stable cushioning. Best of all, they’re waterproof.

Each boot is about 13.1 ounces and is available in US women’s sizes 5 to 11 – including whole and half sizes. Shop one of the four available colors.

Adidas Terrex Free Hiker GORE-TEX 2.0 Hiking Shoes

The Terrex Free Hiker GORE-TEX 2.0 Hiking Shoes by Adidas offer serious cushioning you can see and feel. The midsole is made with the brand’s signature BOOST technology, adding a literal pep to your step.

The mixed man-made material upper is waterproof. The double pull tabs make this boot easy to put on and take off. Also, the outsole can get a grip on a wet or dry trail.

Explore the three available color options. Each boot weighs about 13.7 ounces and is available in US women’s sizes 5 to 11 – including whole and half sizes.

Nike ACG Air Zoom Gaiadome GORE-TEX

Nike’s ACG Air Zoom Gaiadome GORE-TEX delivers in the comfort department in more ways than one. These boots boast durability, propulsion, and cushioning underneath your foot. There’s also additional cushioning and support around the ankles. Plus, the outsole offers grip on smooth and rough ground. 

These waterproof boots don’t disclose their weight, but reviewers claim they are lightweight. Shop these unisex shoes in US women’s sizes 5 to 16.5 – including whole and half sizes.

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