My misgivings about their robustness on rocky trails were put to bed after several hikes in the Peak District - they were fine and show no damage from sharp rocks. The Salomon X Ultra Mid 4 Gore-Tex scores well for support because it has a sleek but still cushioned ankle and a very supportive sole. Good support and stability are important considerations, especially for long days or with a lot of weight on your back.

If a pair of boots is intended for rocky terrain, the design should have a rock shield in the sole, too. Remember, feet can expand over a quarter size during a full day's walk so ensure you get the right fit. Take your actual body measurements as they are more accurate than measuring over your clothes or shoes.

Whether you’re going on a day hike with friends or tackling an ambitious backpacking route, you need a good pair of hiking boots to protect your feet and stabilize your ankles. From lightweight hikers to burly beasts, our experts test the top boots year-round and compare them based on their trail comfort, weight, traction, support, and ability to keep your feet dry. Whether it’s finding great products or discovering helpful advice, we’ll help you get it right (the first time). Though this plays more into the support metric, it is worth noting that lugs and tread patterns have a large impact on the overall performance of a boot. Comfortable, yes; however, if you are new to Altras, you may want to allow for some time to adjust to the zero drop, which places the heel and forefoot at the same height.

Keeping your feet dry is aided by choosing the best boots for your intended uses, as well as noticing when your feet become wet and attending to them. In other words, both the Gore-Tex and eVent liners are impressively waterproof but can often be too hot during the summer months. Hoka Anacapa 2 Mid GTX Boots ( men’s and women’s): These polarizing boots have an unusual build that makes them feel more like a moon boot than a traditional hiking boot; our testers compared hiking in them to walking on a Tempur-Pedic mattress. We continue to put miles on our favorite models after formal testing ends to see how they hold up long-term, too.Boots with tall shaft heights, like the La Sportiva Nucleo High and the Salomon Quest 4 Gore-Tex, easily withstood deeper creek crossings. bought these to replace Brasher Country Master boots which were comfortable but heavy making long walks a bit of an endurance slog. In addition to all of our testing criteria, most of us factor a product's cost into our purchase decisions. Minor signs of wear-and-tear include wear marks on the widest part of the toe box, failures or weaknesses in the lacing system, and subtle delamination issues on the upper or sole.

Protection: Toe, ankle, and underfoot reinforcements are essential elements because they protect your feet from trail obstacles. One tester who had plantar fasciitis even found that he could comfortably wear the Quest boots without his usual insoles.

The height of the boot also lends support to the ankles and feet — the higher the ankle shaft, the more stable and supported the ankles will feel. Breathability: An all-around good boot should remain breathable and allow your feet to stay cool during summer hiking. For our favorite models, we continue wearing them for years to report back on their long-term durability. Like the Vasque Breeze boots, the Trail Code boots are also flexible, so they’re easy to throw on for a drive to the trail, and they allow you to move quickly as you hike.