Last Updated on 13/02/2024
Looking for the Best Hiking Boots For Long-Distance Walking?
Comfortable footwear is arguably the most important piece of gear you need for long-distance walking. Finding the right pair of hiking boots for your feet can be difficult and time-consuming. That’s why we’ve simplified things with a list of the best hiking boots for long-distance trails available today.
The 10 Best Hiking Boots long-distance hiking we recommend are built like lightweight tanks for your feet and will take you as far as your legs can carry you.
When it comes to buying outdoor gear, walking boots are one of the few pieces of kit you don’t want to be cheap with. With so many choices on the market and new technology advancing every year, knowing which specifications to look for can be a little bit overwhelming. When it comes to protecting your feet in rugged environments for prolonged periods of time, you really need something that fits well, is comfortable, and is durable.
There have been a lot of discussions recently about whether lightweight trail shoes are the better option for long-distance hiking. Everyone has their own opinion, but mine is that the protection a lightweight hiking boot provides is well worth the extra weight. I might be a little old-school, but I like a full leather upper with Gore-Tex lining and a rugged sole. Yes, they do feel heavy at the end of the day, but my feet stay dry and comfortable, which is more important to me.
Best Long-Distance Hiking Boots
Have you ever been hiking in shoes that rubbed or gave you blisters?
Some outdoor shoes may look and feel great for day-to-day activities, but once you put your backpack on and start walking over miles of beautiful yet rough terrain, your feet start to complain. When planning a long-distance hiking trip, you can be as fit as you like, but nothing can quite prepare your feet for the intense stress they will endure after 4 – 5 hours of walking in unsuitable or poorly fitting boots.
Your choice of footwear is of paramount importance, and your typical shoe just isn’t going to handle hard impact or protect your ankles like a proper hiking boot. It is worth noting that choosing a good pair of hiking socks can also have a significant impact on blister reduction.
Are your old hiking boots on their last legs?
If this sounds like you, you can’t deny that a replacement pair of boots would be money well spent. Over time, boot soles wear down and lose their grip; leather gets scuffed, stitches break, glue comes unglued, lace hoops break, and even the smallest hole will compromise the waterproofing. Having cold, wet feet is no fun at all and, over extended periods of time, can cause serious damage to your feet.
If you wear your gear hard all the time, a quality pair of hiking boots will last about 4,000 – 6,000 miles before the soles wear through. For me, this means I have to buy replacements roughly every 2 – 3 years, but for you, 6,000 miles might see you through the next 20 years!
10 Best Walking Boots for Long-Distance
Meindl Vakuum GTX – Best Long-Distance Hiking Boot
Read our review of the similar Meindl Burma Pro Boots here
- WOMEN’S: no
- MATERIALS: Waxed 2.8mm Nubuck Leather, MFS Memory Foam, Gore-Tex Lining, Meindl Multigriff 2 by Vibram sole, AIR-ACTIVE Vakuum footbed, and Digafix lacing system
- WEIGHT: 1,600 g (per pair average size 10)
Meindl Vakuum GTX Mountaineering & Hiking Boots are handcrafted from the finest Nubuck Leather, and the quality really shines through. The Vakuum’s offer an amazingly comfortable fit straight from the box, which only gets better over time.
As well as the high-performance upper, the Vibram Multigriff sole provides exceptional grip over a wide range of terrains while absorbing shocks very well. The midsole has a cork mid-layer which provides premium cushioning that molds to the shape of your feet and holds antibacterial properties. The Gore-Tex performance lining combined with an Air-Active footbed provides the most waterproof and breathable boot we have ever tried.
- PROS: Highest Quality Materials and Craftsmanship, Excellent comfort, Wide foot options (not many brands do this), Waterproof to the Max, Well Designed Tread, and Extremely Hard Wearing for Long Distance Walking
- CONS: Expensive and not the lightest
VERDICT: If going the distance is something you look for in a hiking boot, then the Meindl Vakuum is your obvious choice for comfort, stability, and durability. Improving with age and an impeccable track record is why so many experienced hikers and outdoors people choose Meindl as their boot of choice. A boot to be proud of and an investment that you will look back on as a good one in many years’ time.
Salomon Quest 4D – Best Boot For Technical Hiking
- WOMEN’S: View on Amazon
- MATERIALS: Split Nubuck Leather exterior, Gore-Tex Performance Comfort Lining, ContraGrip Gum Rubber Soles, and Speed-Laces closure.
- WEIGHT: 1,280 g (per pair average size 10)
A great Lightweight Walking Boot with stability and comfort, ideal for Heavy Terrain and Long Distance Hiking. A firm favorite in the hiking community for many years, the Salomon Quest 4D ticks all the boxes in style and outperforms the competition.
Completely waterproof and very breathable, the 4D’s come with an abrasive-resistant lining which allows excellent airflow and quick drying if submerged. Not only are these boots lightweight, but they are also highly supportive as well, with great stability and protection on the toes and heel. If you are planning a thru-hike, then you can’t go wrong with a pair of these walking boots!
- PROS: Lightweight, 3+ Season, Out of box Comfort, Waterproof and Breathable, Great Tread and Protection, Fast Drying, Tough
- CONS: Lots of stitches and seams that are susceptible to abrasions
VERDICT: A Workhorse of a boot that you can feel confident lacing up and taking anywhere without a second thought. Even though these boots are much lighter than the Meindl Vakuum GTX boots above, they are still very sturdy underfoot and can handle the roughest terrain.
Lowa Renegade GTX – Best Hiking Boot for Rough Terrain
- WOMEN’S: View on Amazon
- MATERIALS: Split Nubuck Leather exterior, Gore-Tex Performance Comfort Lining, ContraGrip Gum Rubber Soles, and Speed-Laces closure.
- WEIGHT: 1,110 g (per pair average size 10)
Tackle any terrain in the roughest weather in the Lowa Renegade GTX Mid. This Nubuck leather hiking boot features a water-repellent upper with a seamless Gore-Tex lining, making them incredibly waterproof and hard-wearing.
The moisture-wicking climate control footbed allows your feet to breathe as well as keeps your feet warm in cold temperatures. The Lowa Renegade also has a full-length nylon shank and a Vibram Evo outsole, making walking in thick mud look easy. Take the Lowa Renegade GTX Mid on your next adventure for one of the best hiking boots to wear on muddy slopes!
- PROS: Comfortable collar and footbed, great muddy traction, seamless Gore-Tex liner, Waterproof
- CONS: Fitting is slightly small, with less support for heavy pack loads
VERDICT: Ideal for day hikes and short-haul trips without an overly heavy rucksack, the LOWA Renegade GTX Hiking Boot combines versatility with comfort. A favorite choice of outdoor boots for European Hikers and Backpackers, they are lightweight, comfortable, and excel in poor conditions. What more could you ask for?
Another great boot from Lowa we have reviewed is the Tibet GTX hiking boot which is seriously tough.
La Sportiva Trango TECH GTX Boots – Best Technical Hiking Boot
- WOMEN’S: no
- MATERIALS: QB3 waterproof fabric with Thermo-Tech injection coating, GORE-TEX Performance Comfort Lining, Vibram La Sportiva “Cube” sole with Impact Brake System
- WEIGHT: 1,240 g (per pair average size 10)
The La Sportiva Trango TECH GTX are a midweight technical hiking boot that is ideal for more challenging long-distance trails. One thing we like about these boots is that they are very low profile and non-bulky, which makes scrambling in them much easier. Another interesting fact about these is that the fabric is completely seamless, so there is nothing to snag or come loose – they are solid in construction.
Durable uppers and robust cushioning provide an excellent support-to-flex ratio, making them excellent for bouldering and rambling. They are semi-automatic crampon compatible and designed to be used for serious mountaineering as well as backpacking. Another European favorite finds its way into the top 10 long-distance walking boots list because, well, they have some serious terrain over there!
- PROS: Compatible with semiautomatic crampons, flexible footbed, grippy traction on wet surfaces, cushioned heel and ankle support
- CONS: Meshing and lace loops may be easily scuffed, boot profile may be slim for wide feet
VERDICT: The colors are a bit bright, but fundamentally, these are about as protective as they come and designed to be high-performance when you need them most. These are some serious Hiking Boots with great comfort and flexibility, and you can definitely feel the benefits on the steeper sections of a trail.
KEEN Targhee III – Most Comfortable Hiking Boot
- WOMEN’S: View on AMAZON
- MATERIALS: Waterproof nubuck leather upper, KEEN DRY waterproof breathable membrane, Non-marking rubber outsole
- WEIGHT: 986 g (per pair average size 10)
With deep lugs and comfy suspension, the Targhee III Mid Hiking Boot from KEEN offers four-wheel-drive performance for your feet. Revamped with the KEEN Dry waterproof and breathable membrane, your feet stay dry in the driving rain. This is the updated version of the classic Targhee III, which we also highly rate, and these boots just keep getting better and better.
The aggressive outsole has 4mm lugs to bite into loose terrain, providing excellent traction in mud and scree. ESS shanks provide torsional stability, while the mid-cut ankle support allows maximum freedom of movement for balance and agility. The added toe protection gives you the confidence to take on challenging descents and new terrain without feeling chunky. These boots dry fast when submerged and grip well on slick rock, making them the choice boots to wear for river crossings.
- PROS: Extra toe protection, deep traction, out-of-the-box comfort, Quick-drying
- CONS: Individual lugs and fabric lace hoops are more prone to damage
VERDICT: As far as comfort goes, these are as good as they get! Straight out of the box, they fit like a glove, making you want to push your boundaries and really test what they can really do. Great value for money and an everyday trooper, the Targhee’s are a mid-range boot is ideal for thru-hiking on a tight budget.
Asolo Fugitive GTX – Best Walking Boot For Heavy Packs
- WOMEN’S: View on Amazon
- MATERIALS: Suede Leather and Cordura Uppers, Gore-Tex Membrane Lining, Asolo Syncro Sole
- WEIGHT: 1,587 g (per pair average size 10)
The Asolo Fugitive GTX is a solid performer with heavy packs. The rigid sole rocks the foot from the heel to toe in a smooth motion, making long-distance walking over flat terrain more bearable. The uppers are fairly lightweight in contrast to the footbed but provide ample support for most hikes.
The high floodgate and Gore-Tex lining make these boots very waterproof, and the Suede uppers repel water like water off a duck’s back. The lacing system is better than most, and they close up neatly around the tongue; however, they do seem to lack rigidity above the ankle slightly.
- PROS: Very waterproof, solid underfoot protection, an effective lacing system
- CONS: Less ankle support, relatively heavy
VERDICT: This is a great boot for backpacking around the world and is more suited to roads and trails than steep and rocky terrain. Because it is phenomenally waterproof, it works great for wet-weather activities with lots of mud and for winter-day hiking.
Vasque St. Elias – Good Looking Walking Boots
- WOMEN’S: View on Amazon
- MATERIALS: 2.3mm Waterproof Nubuck Leather Upper, Gore-Tex Lining and Vasque Exclusive Vibram Frontier with XSTrek Compound Sole
- Weight: 1,378 g (per pair average size 10)
The St. Elias GTX from Vasque is built to take on tough trails from the Alaskan wilderness to the rugged terrain of the Appalachian Trail. The excellent arch support and high-rising laces help with foot fatigue over miles with a heavy backpack.
The oiled nubuck leather uppers and Gore-Tex lining offer great waterproofing and breathability. Vasque’s exclusive Vibram Frontier sole is the cherry on top of the cake, and the toe-off pad offers unbeatable traction and durability. Combo lugs with 90-degree edges deliver superior traction whether you’re hiking uphill or downhill, and there are inset spikes that prevent mud and debris from building up on your sole.
- PROS: Comfortable out of the box and for years to come, stable, great traction, available wide and narrow
- CONS: Requires regular leather maintenance
VERDICT: Vasque has built an outstanding boot that is light and responsive enough to be super comfortable and has enough support for backpacking trips with moderate loads and strenuous day hikes. An all-around gladiator of a walking boot that only gets positive reviews from the outdoor community, if you want a boot that does it all then get a pair ordered.
Scarpa Kinesis Pro – 3+ Season Hiking Boots
- WOMEN’S: No
- MATERIALS: Water-Resistant Full Grain Leather Uppers, Gore-Tex Performance Comfort Lining, Vibram Biometric Sole
- WEIGHT: 1,600 g (per pair average size 10)
The Scarpa Kinesis Pro is a tough yet comfortable boot with a high scuff band. The full-grain calf leather upper is tough yet supple and built to last a long time with repetitive use a given. With a little bit of wax on the end of your finger, you can bring these boots back to their former glory after a week of constant walking, and they only improve with age.
Along with the waterproof uppers, the GORE-TEX lined inners are waterproofed and climate-controlled for consistent comfort. Hidden within the sole is a multi-layered system that offers a solid foundation but plenty of shock absorption and grip as well. Often used as a 4 season boot, this isn’t lightweight by any means but also offers the best durability and support.
- PROS: Super durable, excellent ankle stability, super waterproofing, and improves with age
- CONS: Fairly heavy and takes a while to break-in
VERDICT: Ruggedly handsome and performance-ready, Scarpa’s Kinesis Pro GTX hiking boot has everything you need to take you from coast to coast. The weatherproof leather upper and all-terrain sole provides all the grip and dryness you need for a demanding trek as well as everyday comfort after the break-in period.
Merrell Moab 2 Vent Mid – Best Hiking Boots For Hot Climates
- WOMEN’S: View on Amazon
- MATERIALS: Waterproof Dura Leather and Mesh Upper, Vibram TC5+ sole with 5 mm lugs, Merrell M Select FIT.ECO+ blended EVA footbed
- WEIGHT: 964 g (per pair average size 10)
The Merrell Moab 2 Vent Mid is the most lightweight walking boot on this list and offers out-of-the-box comfort. The hyperventilating mesh upper really allows the feet to breathe on hot and dry trails, making it the choice boot for humid climates.
They don’t have any waterproof lining which means that your feet will get wet if it rains or you walk through shallow streams. But this also means that they will dry out much faster than a waterproof boot if they get wet. Their traction on dry rock and gravel is excellent, and the wide upper footbed provides a stable platform much like the KEEN Targhee III we tested above.
- PROS: Cool, lightweight, breathable, great value, great traction on dry trails
- CONS: Uppers and inners wear quickly, thin sole, not waterproof
VERDICT: These hiking boots fall into a category of their own as the GO-TO choice for hot climate trekking and trails where getting wet on river crossings is unavoidable. Great value for money and perfect for taking on holiday, these are great entry-level boots that can be bought for the whole family.
Hi-Tec Altitude V – Great Value for Money Hiking Boots
- WOMEN’S: View on Amazon
- MATERIALS: Full Grain Leather Uppers, Dri-Tec Membrane Liners, Multi-Directional Traction (MDT) Rugged Rubber Sole
- WEIGHT: 1,315 g (per pair average size 10)
The Hi-Tec Altitude V is a low cost, lightweight Hiking Boot that works great in all conditions and stands up to tough terrain. The full-grain leather is coated with Hi-Tec i-shield technology, which beads water off it, as well as resisting stains and oil. Sealed with a Dri-Tec membrane to ensure breathable waterproof protection and treated with anti-odor and anti-microbial properties to ensure the boot stays fresh. The Multi-Directional Traction (MDT) rugged rubber outsole gives you a great grip without feeling too heavy.
- PROS: Great value, low cost, comfortable and rugged
- CONS: May need replacing after intensive use. Lacing could be improved
VERDICT: These are perhaps the best value-for-money boots in the list of the Best Hiking Boots for long-distance walking, and for the price, there really isn’t anything to complain about. Lightweight, robust, and well put together, these boots are great for the casual hiker or budget traveler, requiring next to no maintenance thanks to the Hi-Tec technology. If you are planning a long-distance hike, make sure they are a good fit and be prepared to replace them if they don’t hold up.
Guide to Long-Distance Walking Boots
Leather Hiking Boots Vs. Synthetic Hiking Boots for long-distance?
Depending on the tasks you have in mind for your new boots, both natural and man-made materials have their pros and cons.
Synthetic long-distance hiking boots are often quick-drying and breathable, with highly efficient designs to support the varied foot movements you will make. Synthetic Boots are generally lighter, require less maintenance, and claim better out-the-box comfort but have a shorter lifespan on the uppers.
It is widely accepted that leather long-distance hiking boots take a bit of wearing in, but with the addition of MFS (memory foam system) to many of today’s best hiking boots for long distances, this may no longer be true. Leather Hiking Boots are easy to maintain and very hard-wearing, typically lasting a lot longer than a pair of synthetic hiking boots with minimal care and attention.
Leather Boots will only improve with age if properly cared for and can last a lifetime, whereas Synthetic Boots will feel much comfier at first but may lose quality over time. Well-cared-for leather boots will outlast the tread on most soles which means you can choose to have them resoled by the manufacturer or expert cobbler.
Low-Cut vs Ankle Hiking Boots
Low-cut hiking shoes like trail runners are becoming more popular with lightweight thru-hikers because they are almost half the weight of most boots. Another benefit (or downside, depending on how you see it) is that your feet have no waterproof protection, which means your feet get wet instantly. Still, you benefit from breathability and drying out in a few hours. Compared with the drying time of a full leather ankle boot, it is significantly better, and the weight is minimal in contrast to heavy leather boots.
The main drawback for me at least is that they provide zero ankle support which for me is a priority, as is keeping my feet as dry as possible to avoid blisters. Do your research, but ultimately, you should try both and see which you prefer instead of relying on other people’s experiences.
Mid-Cut vs. Ankle Hiking Boots
Mid-cut hiking boots are a good compromise between low-cut and ankle boots, which may even be the best choice for summer hikes. Mid-cut boots do offer some ankle support, with the lacing system typically providing some compression at the sides. You save some weight on your feet and have better breathability, but you are more prone to getting wet feet. Hi-cut boots offer better ankle support and are more appropriate for winter hiking trails but will be hotter in summer and heavier all year round.
Waterproof vs. Breathability
The decision of choosing waterproof boots vs breathable shoes crosses over into the trail running shoes vs hiking boot debate. Again, only you will know what your feet like best, and everyone is different. Try going hiking in trainers with a heavy backpack and getting your feet wet. This will give you an idea of how it will feel on a long-distance hike. I personally prefer waterproofing and durability over breathability and weight, but I like to think there is a happy medium. I currently use the Meindl Meran boots; however, after a year of use, I am beginning to question their longevity (mostly on the soles).
What Makes the Best Hiking Boots for Long Distance Walking?
Getting a Good Fit Before Starting Your Long-Distance Hike
Getting the best-fitting hiking boot is at the very top of the list. Above brand, material, or style of boot, getting a good fit for your foot will make all other problems seem superficial. Go into your hiking store, try on as many pairs as you can, find a boot or brand that fits well, look online for the best price, and if the store won’t price match, then order online. I really can’t stress this enough, GET THE FIT RIGHT!
Keeping Your Feet Comfortable All Day Long
Comfort often follows from getting a good fit, and the two are synchronous in a way. Sufficient padding and support will complement a well-fitted hiking boot very nicely but one aspect to seriously consider is the flexibility of the sole. Whether you are on a long-distance hiking trip or are backpacking around the world, traveling with a full backpack puts added pressure on your feet. Depending on the terrain, a thin and moderately flexible sole will often leave the soles of your feet bruised and tender. A more rigid sole will offer much more underfoot protection and support when walking long distances or carrying a heavy load and is the comfier option of the two.
Proper Foot and Ankle Support for Rough Terrain
As mentioned above, support does not just come from the upper boot but equally from the sole, ankle, heel, and toe. A well-fitted and comfortable trekking boot must have adequate support in all these places for it to be suitable for long-distance walking. A quality lacing system can add a lot to a boot by pulling it in and around your foot which adds a lot of support around the ankle. I always recommend regular height cuts above mid-cut boots or hiking trainers because a well-tied and supportive fit around the ankle will prevent many injuries and increase overall comfort.
Reliable Grip and Traction on Loose Ground and Slippery Rocks
The grip is decided mainly by the lug design on the tread but also by the quality of materials. Vibram is one of the best hiking boot manufacturers to look for and has been tested and tweaked over the years to become the most trusted brand for hiking boot soles. From my personal experience, Vibram soles last at least twice as long as regular rubber and tend to have more refined grip styles. A deep lug with a fairly classic layout of lugs is my personal recommendation, as deep lugs last longer, and the standard layout offers the most durable type of grip (see our Meindl review for an example).
Waterproof to Keep Your Feet Dry
While synthetic hiking boots rely almost entirely on the waterproof membrane, leather boots have the added benefit of being naturally waterproof and treatable. Leather boots should be treated regularly with something like Nikwax or Meindl SportWax to maintain optimum waterproofing, which is very easy to do. As far as waterproof lining goes, Gore-Tex has long been considered the best option, and for me, it still is. Many brands have developed their own version of a waterproof membrane that offers identical hydrostatic heads but, in my experience, are not as long-lasting or durable.
Breathable Enough, so Your Feet Don’t Sweat
Breathability is a tricky one because waterproof materials tend not to be the most breathable because their emphasis is often on keeping water out instead of letting it out. In terms of breathability, I would have to say that the best synthetic hiking boots tend to be more breathable than leather boots on long-distance hikes. Gore-Tex and other waterproof breathable membranes do all they can to keep your boot breathable but at the end of the day, I would say keeping your feet dry from outside moisture is more desirable than having an ultra-breathable boot (in most cases).
Choosing Your Hiking Boot Material
As already mentioned multiple times in this guide, the choice between leather and synthetic materials is entirely personal. Synthetic boots are better suited to river crossings if your boots are likely to get wet more than once or if the climate is really hot. Leather boots are more rugged and durable for sustained and continuous use as well as getting comfier with age which lends well to a long-distance hike. I have always been a fan of leather boots but do also carry a pair of Sanuks or wetsuit boots for river crossings.
Frequently Asked Questions
These are the questions that people want to know when they are ready to invest in a new pair of hiking boots, and they will all be answered in the reviews above as well as the faqs below. When it comes to ordering a new pair of long-distance hiking boots, your personal needs are the only thing that matter; use the information we provide in this guide to the best hiking boots for long-distance to make a fully informed decision.
Do You Need Waterproof Boots for Thru-Hiking?
Many thru-hikers choose to not use waterproof hiking boots and instead use trail running shoes to keep the weight down. You can either try and keep your feet dry with waterproof boots or accept that your feet will get wet and get some fast-drying/breathable hiking footwear. The main thing is that you keep your feet comfortable and in good condition after days of trekking.
Which Long-Distance Hiking Boots Are the Most Waterproof?
In my experience of testing dozens of brown hiking boots, the Meindl Vakuum GTX boots are by far the most waterproof. I have stood ankle-deep in the ocean for 4 hours while fishing, and they were as good as gumboots. Not a drop got through, and my feet stayed completely dry. I would say that lots of other boots may be able to do this, but I have used several that leaked from the get-go. Anything with a Goretex liner should be 100% waterproof and can be trusted.
Which Long-Distance Hiking Boots Are the Comfiest?
The comfiest hiking boots I have ever tried were the Keen Targhee’s, which fit like a glove and felt like a slipper. I wore them for a 16-mile hike straight out of the box without issue and have continued to wear them for day-to-day use and dog walking. For me, Meindl fit my feet perfectly, and for anything over 100+ miles, I would revert back to them.
Which Long-Distance Hiking Boots Are the Most Lightweight?
You can get trail running shoes under 500g if that is the way you want to go, but for a solid pair of ankle-height walking boots, you will be looking at around 1,000+ grams per pair. The Merrel Moab 2’s are a good value option that is lightweight and flexible, available in waterproof and non-waterproof options.
Do Ankle Support Boots Make a Difference for Hiking?
Hiking long distances with a heavy backpack can put your ankles under a lot of strain and pressure which is why I prefer using ankle-high boots for extra support. There have been too many times that I have nearly rolled my ankle when wearing low-cut shoes while mountain climbing that now I just play it safe. The negative impact they have is that they typically weigh more than mid or low-cut hiking boots for long distances.
Can You Wear Sneakers for Long-Distance Hiking?
Yes, you can wear whatever you feel most comfortable in, including sneakers, but I personally wouldn’t advise it. Firstly, the soles are not designed for rugged terrain, which isn’t always safe on loose or slippery surfaces. Secondly, the uppers provide little protection from rocks and scuffs, which leaves them vulnerable to wear and tear. Thirdly, they provide no ankle support, which is a consideration when carrying a heavy pack for miles and miles. And finally, they are just not durable enough to last through any serious long-distance hike.
Thanks for reading our list of the 10 Best Hiking Boots For Long-Distance Walking, and stay tuned for our next post.
