A decent pair of hiking boots is a must if you’re planning to venture into the hills. Sure, you might get away with trainers for a quick stroll, but waterproof boots designed specifically to deal with the elements are a lifesaver in bad weather and on longer treks, and will have you hiking happily in rain or shine, blister free. Well-made hiking boots don’t tend to come cheap, but it’s worth investing in one quality pair and looking after them as you’ll get years of wear out of them if you do.
Here you’ll find our five favourite pairs of hiking boots all of which are guaranteed to perform in the most horrible weather. The selection here come at a range of prices to suit any budget, but although we’ve also got a great cheaper option on our list, we’d recommend paying around the £100 mark if you can afford to – your feet may end up thanking you for it.
How to buy the right walking boots for you
Should I buy leather or fabric walking boots?
First up, you’ll need to choose between leather and fabric models. Traditional leather boots are heavier and stiffer, but will last you for years if you care for them properly. They also mold to your feet over time – they require breaking in, but you’ll end up with very comfortable boots. The thicker material also makes them warmer, and ideal for winter wear. Fabric boots are lighter but less hardy, and tend to offer less warmth but more breathability, making them best suited to spring and summer rambles and for international travel. They also feel much comfier straight out of the box. Suede boots look great but do require more care to keep clean.
What features should I look for?
Most decent hiking boots on the market are waterproof, and use treatments like Gore-Tex or an own-brand waterproofing system to fend off rain. Make sure the boots you buy are listed as fully waterproof and not just water resistant – the latter can deal with a light shower but is pretty much useless in bad weather. Hiking boots are usually designed with rugged rubber soles, and some use specific technology here, too – Vibram is the last word in toughness. Look for bouncy soles with deep lugs – these offer good grip. If in doubt, boots packing both Gore-Tex and Vibram tech are bound to be pretty decent (but can be expensive).
How do I get the right fit?
When trying on hiking boots look for shoes with plenty of wiggle room for your toes and make sure that don’t feel tight anywhere around your heels. If you’re planning on hiking over rocky or uneven ground, boots with higher ankle support are a good choice. Boots designed for wide feet and for bunions are also available. The more pairs you can try on the better – you might find that a specific brand designs shoes that suit your feet’s shape the best. Wear hiking socks when testing boots and try lacing the boots up tight and checking they don’t rub around your ankles. If you’re buying leather, expect a bit of stiffness on the first few hikes until they adapt to your feet.
The best walking boots for men and women
1. Scarpa Peak Gore-Tex boots: The best mountain hiking boots for men and women
Price:£160
The Scarpa Peak means business. This good-looking, no-nonsense boot is waterproofed with Gore-Tex, natch, and we also love the bouncy, cushiony insoles, which were the comfiest ones we tried, and the tough reinforced rubber toes. The hefty sole offers great grip but does make the boot on the heavy side. The laces take a bit of time to hook up, but once done up the shoe feels really safe and secure even on uneven ground, with a snug, comfortable fit and a higher cut ankle for extra support. A fantastic choice for hiking, fell walking and backpacking. Worth the investment.
Key specs – Sizes available: 36-50; Weight: 606g; Waterproofing: Gore-Tex; Material: Cordura and suede; Sole: Biometric trek
2. Brasher Country Master walking boots: The best country walking boots for men and women
Price:£120
A classic, and for a good reason. Brasher’s Country Master has the kind of looks that might spring to mind when you hear the words ‘hiking boot’ – it’s a simple, sturdy, heritage-inspired leather boot, and proud of it. The soft, sumptuous leather outer is fully waterproof and is paired with tough-as-nails Vibram soles that are happy striding over any terrain. The Country Master is warm in cold climates yet breathable in warmer weather, so your feet won’t overheat. A good choice for a walking holiday, and if hiking boots tend to rub your ankles and heels try these – the excellent fit and soft suede cuffs might solve that.
Buy the Men's Brasher Country Master from Blacks
Buy the Women's Brasher Country Master from Blacks
Key specs – Sizes available: UK 4 - 11; Weight: N/A; Waterproofing: eVent; Material: Leather; Sole: Vibram
3. Lowa Renegade GTX Mid boots: The best all-round walking boots
Price:£150
Lowa’s Renegade is a long-standing best seller, and we’re guessing it’s because they have the heavy-duty qualities of leather boots yet feel soft and flexible to wear, so there’s no breaking in period needed. We like the stay-put lacing system and higher ankle support, perfect if you’re planning on hiking steep hillsides, and the chunky soles have deep lugs for serious grip. The Renegade packs the double whammy of Gore-Tex waterproofing and Vibram soles, and is still light enough not to feel too chunky on easy walks in the country. If you can only afford one pair of outdoor boots these are a no-brainer.
Buy the Women's Lowa Renegade GTX from Cotswold Outdoor
Key specs – Sizes available: UK 3 - 15; Weight: 555g; Waterproofing: Gore-Tex; Material: Leather; Sole: Vibram
4. Karrimor Munro walking boots: The best budget walking boots for men
Price:£38
Simply the best boot on the market for under £50. Karrimor’s Munro is a gem of a boot best suited to autumn and winter hikes and adventures. It uses the Weathertite waterproof system, which clearly knows its job – you can hike in a torrential downpour and still come home with bone-dry socks. Inside the boots are bouncy, cushiony inner soles and the Munros sport a lower-cut yet supportive ankle. Any downsides for the cheaper price? It’s not the lightest boot on the market, and the laces aren’t the sturdiest we tried (but you could always replace them).
Key specs – Sizes available: UK 7 - 12; Weight: n/a; Waterproofing: Weathertite; Material: Leather; Sole: Dynagrip
5. Keen Terradora Mid boots: The best women’s boots for summer
Price:£110
These funky-coloured, female-specific boots are eye-catching and fun, but don’t be fooled - they still pack all the technical features you need, and are fully waterproof and designed with lightweight yet durable soles. They’re as comfortable to wear as your favourite trainers, and are and easy to sling in your bag for round-the-world walking adventures or for wearing on spring and summer hikes. If you like your boots bright and beautiful, the Terradoras are for you – they come in various bright hues. They fit a little large, so you may want to order a half size below your normal size.
Buy the Keen Terradora from Cotswold Outdoor
Key specs – Sizes available: UK 3.5 - 8.5 (including half sizes); Weight: 363g; Waterproofing: KEEN.DRY; Material: Synthetic; Sole: Rubber