Trekking News
5 years, Australia
5 years ago
7 Hiking Boots for All Kinds of Travelers
Depending on who you ask, hiking can mean anything from a 20-minute walk in the woods to a weeks-long trek through the Alps, which is why there's no such thing as the best hiking boot. Some boots look and feel like sneakers, others are made of fine leather and have enough traction to take on the wettest, muddiest trails. Below, we've found seven hiking boots that should appeal to all sorts of travelers—the light-packers, the intense backpackers, and even the indoor people who might not consider hiking a vacation. Keep reading for the best hiking boots to buy right now.
Courtesy Danner
All products featured in this story are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
The Best Budget Hiking Boot: Columbia Newton Ridge Plus
These hiking boots are for all the indoor kids—those of us who don't love the great outdoors but are willing to take a day hike (or two) for the sake of vacation. You need a pair of hiking boots, but you don't want to spend a ton of money, and since you have no plans of tackling any intense terrain, you don't need anything too high tech. The Columbia Newton Ridge is easy to break in, comfortable to wear, lightweight, and at $80, one of the most affordable options out there.
The Best Waterproof Hiking Boots: Merrell Moab 2
According to Traveler's photo editor and resident outdoor adventurer, Meg Reinhardt, the Merrell Moab 2 Waterproof hiking boots saved her feet in the wet Alaskan forest. Merrell's proprietary M Select Dry material seals out water and lets moisture escape, while a protective rubber toe cap adds extra defense and a high-traction sole gives you more control on wet hiking paths. Other perks of the Moab: They have great arch support—a huge benefit for people with flat feet—and are relatively affordable.
The Best-Looking Hiking Boots: Eddie Bauer K-6
The Eddie Bauer K-6, first released in 1964, are a great-looking pair of hiking boots—they have a classic, high-quality feel and are made of waterproof full-grain leather (and their heel lift will add two inches to your height). As for function, they have good traction, don't take too long to break in, and while waterproof, are best for relatively dry hikes—think Colorado in the summer, not winter.
The Best Backpacking Boot: La Sportiva Trango TRK GTX
If you're looking for a pair of hiking boots that has the support of the Merrell Moab but more coverage, La Sportiva's Trango boots are your best bet. They're easy to break in; have a waterproof, breathable Gore-Tex lining, and though they have the support and ankle coverage of a robust hiking boot, offer the comfort of a running shoe. Wear them for long walking trips on established trails, like the Camino de Santiago.
The Best Boots for Casual Hikes: L.L. Bean Katahdin Boots
Okay, so you want a pair of well-made, good-looking hiking boots for weekend hikes—you don't expect to do anything too rocky or strenuous but you still want to get a rush from being in the woods (and if we're being vain, look the part). That's where the L.L. Bean Katahdin boots come in. They have a classic look like the Eddie Bauer K-6 boots but are lighter-weight and offer a bit more coverage. They're also comfortable enough to wear every day and are waterproof, meaning you can wear them to work when it's snowing and not feel weird keeping them on all day.
The Best Versatile Hiking Boot: Teva Arrowood WP
If you want a hiking boot that can be worn in non-hiking situations, consider the Teva Arrowood shoes. Traveler's Articles Director Stephanie Wu likes the lightweight but grippy shoes for less-strenuous hikes and when she just needs a solid walking shoe. They look like sneakers so you can easily wear them on the plane, but they aren't too clunky if you have to pack them in your bag.
The Best Classic Hiking Boots: Danner Mountain
We're not saying we saved the best for last, but if you're looking for a pair of hiking boots that'll last forever, you can't go wrong with a pair of Danners. The Light Cascade boots are extremely durable and versatile, and with a price tag of $360, are best suited for people with an active, outdoor lifestyle. If you want something a bit more affordable, go with the Danner Mountain 600 ($200), which Traveler's Director of Operations Paulie Dibner wore for a week of hiking in Africa and to work. They're more lightweight and take a shorter amount of time to break in than the Light Cascade, making them ideal for vacation.
This article first appeared on http://www.cntraveler.com. The original can be read here.
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