Whether you’re searching for a walking boots for weekend walks, easy rambles or more challenging multi-day hikes, our team of walking experts have put a selection of the best hiking boots available to the test.
For lighter summer options, head across to our list of the best walking shoes could have just what you're looking for, and for non-leather options see our vegan hiking boots review.
We’ve concentrated on mid-height boots. These all feature a cuff to support the ankle, but are cut lower than full-height hiking boots.
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Edited 31/10/24 to refine product selection, check availability and add testing process details.
Best walking boots tested in 2024
Hoka Anacapa Mid Gore-Tex
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- Uppers: Partially recycled polyester fabric; waterproof nubuck leather
- Outsole: Vibram Megagrip rubber with 5mm lug
- Waterproofing: Gore-Tex membrane
- RRP: £160
In the market for a pair of trainer walking boots for 2024? The Anacapa includes Hoka's trademark cushioned mid-sole, designed to reduce footfall impact for trail runners, while the Nubuck leather around the ankle and midfoot provide support without bulkiness. A superb boot.
Pros: Comfortable, grippy, supportive
Cons: Possibly, durability – time will tell. Tests continue...
Want more info? Then read our full-length review of the Hoka Anacapa Mid Gore-Tex
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Keen NXIS Explorer Waterproof Boots
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- Uppers: Premium nubuck leather upper
- Outsole: Rubber outsole
- Waterproofing: Keen.Dry waterproof, breathable membrane
- RRP: €170
Keen's NXIS Explorer Waterproof Boots are an excellent choice for three-season walking in the UK, particularly if you’re someone who likes to move quickly and nimbly.
On test, the boots were comfortable straight out of the box, and we like the boot's natural appearance. The rubber outsole has 4mm multi-directional lugs, which offers decent traction, making these boots a solid go-to for steep inclines and wet conditions. DG
Pros: Good traction, light, well cushioned and spacious
Cons: May not suit tough winter conditions
Read our full review of the Keen NXIS Explorer Waterproof Boots.
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Hanwag Makra Trek GTX boot
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- Upper: Suede leather and synthetic mesh textile.
- Outsole: Vibram Integral Light – resoleable.
- Waterproofing: Gore-Tex membrane.
- RRP: £265.00
If you enjoy hiking in varied terrain, the Hanwag Makra Trek GTX boot will see you through both tough treks and unchallenging walks thanks to a tough, comfortable and balanced design. We found the Vibram Integral Light outsole fared well on mud on review, gripping well on wet rock too, plus we were impressed with the scratch-resistant suede used in the uppers which seems of very good quality.
This isn’t necessarily a lightweight walking boot, with a size 8 coming in at 1270g, but the boot didn’t feel bulky at all.
Pros: Stable, grippy, tough, waterproof and beautifully made
Cons: If you like a lot of cushioning underfoot, you might consider buying a more heavily cushioned insole
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Scarpa Mescalito TRK GTX
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- Uppers: Suede
- Outsole: Vibram XS Trek Evo
- Waterproofing: Gore-Tex membrane
- RRP: £235
Lightweight, comfortable and sturdy, Scarpa Mescalito TRK GTX boots offer good protection for long hikes in wet conditions — a great investment for 2024. A suede upper and Gore-Tex lining offer excellent waterproofing, while Vibram's new XS Trek Evo outsole offers solid grip, if a little stiff.
Pros: Lightweight, waterproof, grippy
Cons: Cost, weight
Read more in our full-length review of the Scarpa Mescalito TRK GTX.
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Helly Hansen Traverse Hiking Boots
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- Uppers: Synthetic fabric, 60% recycled materials
- Outsole: HH Max Grip
- Waterproofing: HellyTech (including waterproof membrane)
- RRP: £180
Stable, secure, grippy, robust, lightweight and waterproof – this is a high-performance hiking boot for all terrains from the Norwegian gear brand.
They'll keep your feet dry in all conditions with the 'Helly Tech' waterproofing, and feel lightweight – hence their confusing description among some retailers as a 'sneaker'. Rest assured, these are robust hiking boots. A dry-feel lining wicks moisture away from the inside of the foot, which prevents that sweaty feeling in hot weather. Its grip in slimy mud was impressive.
Pros: Lightweight, waterproof and grippy
Cons: Rubbery appearance of uppers
If you want to know more, read our full-length review of the Helly Hansen Traverse Boot.
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Columbia Peakfreak II Mid Outdry
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- Uppers: Polyester mesh
- Outsole: Adapt Trax, rubber
- Waterproofing: OutDry
- RRP: £125
Perfect for year-round walks in moderate conditions, the Columbia PeakFreak II Mid Outdry offers good grip, excellent stability, responsive cushioning and bone-dry waterproofing – as long you don't submerge them in deep muddy puddles. The breathability is good in hot weather, making these hiking trainer boots a great choice for most seasons on light trails.
Pros: Waterproof; excellent lacing system for a good fit
Cons: In deep puddles water may leak over the relatively low tongue bellows.
Interested? Then read our full-length review of the Columbia Peakfreak II Mid Outdry.
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Salomon Cross Hike 2 Mid Gore-Tex
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- Uppers: Textile/synthetic upper
- Outsole: Rubber Mud Contagrip
- Waterproofing: Gore-Tex
- RRP: £165
Grippy, lightweight and sporty, Salomon's latest mid-height hiking boot is built for pace over easy to moderate terrain. Fit doesn't suit everyone – it's narrow and the lacing system might need some fiddling. A Gore-Tex lining is very waterproof, and the styling sporty.
Pros: Grippy, waterproof
Cons: Narrow fit
Read our full-length review for more details
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inov-8 Roclite Pro G 400 GTX V2
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- Uppers: Synthetic Ripstop textile
- Midsole: Powerflow Max EVA foam
- Waterproofing: Gore-Tex XCR membrane
- RRP: £210
These handsome boots are waterproof and grippy, with chunky 6mm lugs. The outsoles contain graphene, which should make them more hard-wearing than most. The lacing system is simple and effective, helping to achieve a close fit.
They are comfortable, too, with a foam midsole designed for ‘energy return’ – or ‘bounce’ to the layperson. This is the boot’s key feature – do you enjoy the tiny spring the midsole provides with each step, or would you prefer more ‘trail feel’? Our reviewer marked the G 400 down for this, but it's a matter of taste, and you might feel differently.
Pros: Grippy and durable outsoles, good lacing system, secure fit, waterproof
Cons: Foam midsole removes 'trail feel'
Intrigued? Then check out our full-length review of the inov-8 Roclite G 400 V2.
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Xero Xcursion Fusion
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- Uppers: Vegan-friendly materials — no animal products are used
- Outsole: Rubber outsole
- Waterproofing: water-resistant in light rain, not 100% waterproof in heavy rain
- RRP: £160.00
The Xcursion Fusion is a great minimalist walking boot for fair-weather walking, and it's one of the lightest hiking boots you’re likely to come across.
We found the boot was comfortable on test, and it's sure to suit those who like to move quickly and freely in the hills. Due to its minimalistic design, you may find it doesn't offer the same waterproofing and protection that a more traditional design can offer.
As for fit, we liked the wide toe box which gives a spacious feel, and the zero-drop heel was a particular highlight.
Pros: Lightweight, comfortable, breathable, good traction
Cons: Not 100% waterproof in heavy rain, protection limited due to minimalist design
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Sprayway women's Iona Mid HydroDRY
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- Uppers: Suede and mesh
- Outsole: Sprayway's own SW055 rubber compound
- Waterproofing: Sprayway's down HydroDRY breathable membrane
- RRP: £90
Comfortable, lightweight and responsive, the Iona Mid HydroDRY boot are a fantastic option for beginner hikers. Priced at less than £100, they'll appeal to those on a budget, and offered comfort straight out of the box.
Beneath the suede and synthetic mesh uppers, the HydroDRY lining stands up to moderate rain, but not prolonged soaking. Perfect for light hikes.
Pros: Affordable, lightweight, comfortable
Cons: Not waterproof in heavy rain; durability
For more info, read our full-length review of the Sprayway Iona Mid HydroDRY boots.
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Haglöfs Duality AT1 GT
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- Uppers: Leather approved by Leather Working Group
- Outsole: Includes abrasion-resistant rubber on the outsole heel for durability
- Waterproofing: GORE-TEX Extended Comfort
- RRP: £240
The Duality’s contemporary looks belie their performance level. An apparently thin outsole features grippy lugs. The boots come with a double set of removable midsoles – one that supplies extra support on hard and rocky trails, especially when carrying a backpack, and another and lighter pair for more casual outings, when you want a relaxed fit.
Other features include a high-quality leather upper with an integrated Gore-Tex membrane. Made from responsibly-sourced materials, the Duality is expensive, but offers the functionality of two pairs of boots, and the midsoles can be replaced.
Pros: Comfortable, versatile, waterproof, lightweight
Cons: Price
Find out more in our full-length review of the Haglöfs Duality AT1 GT hiking boot.
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Scarpa Rush TRK GTX
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- Uppers: 1.6mm–1.8 mm suede and fabric
- Outsole: Presa
- Waterproofing: Gore-Tex membrane
- RRP: £185
In the Rush boot, mountain-savvy brand Scarpa has used lightweight materials and technical innovations to make a boot that makes long hikes as comfortable as short strolls. The Presa outsole has high-performance grip thanks to its chunky lugs and the sole boasts five shock-absorbing areas and domes for additional support.
The boot is reliably rigid, with good toe protection for rocky terrain. The upper is made from abrasion-resistant leather, lined with a Gore-Tex membrane for waterproofing and breathability. And at 555g, it's nice and light. PK
Pros: Grippy, comfortable, lightweight
Cons: Some might find them bulky
Read our full review of the Scarpa Rush TRK GTX.
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Keen Men’s Pyrenees walking boot
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- Uppers: Waterproof, premium leather upper
- Outsole: Rubber outsole
- Waterproofing: Keen.Dry waterproof, breathable membrane
- RRP: £160.00
The all-leather Keen Pyrenees walking boot performed well in our 2024 test, providing good protection and support around the ankle and toe on a range of terrains. They're a bit on the boxy side, and they could benefit from some additional cushioning, but these boots will suit anyone looking for a strong yet light (ish) boot for both day walks and multi-day walks. DG
Pros: Good ankle support, sound protection around the toes, light for its size and good traction
Cons: Feel a bit boxy, not as much cushioning as other boots on the market
Read the full review of the Keen Men’s Pyrenees walking boot.
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Keen Targhee iii Mid WP
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- Uppers: Leather and mesh
- Outsole: Keen All-Terrain rubber, with 4mm lugs
- Waterproofing: Keen.Dry breathable membrane
- RRP: £140
If you're looking for an affordable fair-weather walking boot that's extremely comfortable, the Targhee iii might be for you. When tested in the Swiss Alps on a two-week hike, its All-Terrain rubber outsole offered excellent grip on wet paths, grass and scree slopes. Its dry breathable membrane allows vapour to leave the boot – welcome in hot weather, but not brilliant in the rain. The Targhee iii's comfort levels are thanks to its Metatomical Footbed, which supports the arches, and dual-density EVA insoles that soften the impact of the trail. PK
Pros: Competitive price, comfortable
Cons: Not fully waterproof
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Berghaus Fellmaster Ridge GTX
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- Uppers: Nubuck
- Outsole: Anti-clogging Vibram
- Waterproofing: Gore-Tex membrane
- RRP: £170
These smart walking boots are crafted with nubuck uppers, combined with a Gore-Tex lining for a 100% waterproof finish. They have a high collar for extra support at the ankle and while they have a bulkier sole than other boots we’ve tested, they feel pretty light and have a super soft footbed.
We found these boots to be fairly spacious, so they’d suit those with regular or wide feet.
Pros: Waterproof, lightweight, supportive
Cons: High collar may be uncomfortable
We've written more in our full-length review of the Berghaus Fellmaster Ridge GTX boots.
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Keen Circadia Waterproof
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- Uppers: leather
- Outsole: Keen.Fusion rubber, 5mm multi-directional lugs
- Waterproofing: Keen.Dry membrane
- RRP: £114.99
Made with durable leather uppers and reinforced toe caps, Keen’s Circadia boots should stand the test of time - and as you can usually find them on sale for under £100, they offer good value for money when it comes to cost per wear.
Having tested the Keen Circadia in a range of different conditions, we were impressed with their highly waterproof membrane and the soft cushioning, which envelopes the foot when you first put the boots on. The substantial 5mm rubber lugs provide ample grip, but the chunky design does compromise the feel of the boot. It’s bulky and heavy, so can feel a little awkward on the move.
Pros: Substantial protection, well cushioned, spacious, competitive price
Cons: Bulky, heavier than average
Find out more in our full review of Keen's Circadia boots.
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Reviews by Fergus Collins (FC), Daniel Graham (DG), Patrick Kinsella (PK), Carys Matthews (CM), Joe Pontin (JP)
How to choose the right walking boot for you
A good pair of mid-height boots should be more than adequate for most walks in most conditions. They offer some clear advantages. Mid-height boots tend to be lighter, less restrictive, and cooler in hot weather than full-height boots.
And mid-height boots trump hiking shoes by offering ankle protection, and better overspilling water.
If you plan to walk regularly in harsh weather or in tricky conditions – such as boggy, steep or rocky ground – full-height boots might offer more protection from ankle twists. This is also an advantage if you plan to carry heavy loads. The high cuffs also offer more protection from water ingress when you have to cross deep puddles or shallow streams. Look out for our review of full-height hiking boots later in the year.
How we tested
Our experts put each pair of walking boots through rigorous testing, evaluating key performance factors in real-world conditions. We assessed their fit and grip on various terrains, their durability, and waterproofing. We also considered each boot’s sustainability, style, and overall value for money
Find more great footwear for hiking in our guide to the best walking shoes to buy right now.
