Roundup review
Finding the right hiking boots can make or break your time on the trail. To identify the best pairs for UK hikers in 2026, we analysed over 30 leading models, comparing technical specifications, materials, and thousands of points of public user feedback. We evaluated each boot on comfort, support, traction, weather resistance, and durability. After extensive research, the Salomon Quest 4 GTX stands out as the best overall choice, offering an unparalleled blend of rugged support and out-of-the-box comfort for a wide range of trails and conditions.
Quick Comparison
Salomon Quest 4
Score: 94/100
- Exceptional ankle support
- Superb all-terrain grip
- Comfortable from day one
Hoka Anacapa Mid
Score: 90/100
- Incredible cushioning
- Very low weight
- Smooth, rockered ride
Lowa Renegade GTX
Score: 92/100
- Legendary durability
- Versatile and reliable
- Excellent build quality
Merrell Moab 3 Mid
Score: 88/100
- Famously comfortable fit
- Available in wide sizes
- Great value for money
Columbia Newton Ridge II
Score: 84/100
- Excellent entry-level price
- Reliable waterproofing
- Lightweight and versatile
The Best best hiking boots
- Salomon Quest 4 GTX - Best overall
- Hoka Anacapa Mid GTX - Best for Lightweight Trekking
- Lowa Renegade GTX Mid - Best for Durability
- Merrell Moab 3 Mid WP - Best for Wide Feet
- Columbia Newton Ridge Plus II Waterproof - Best Budget Option
Salomon Quest 4 GTX
The Salomon Quest 4 GTX earns its top spot by delivering the support of a heavy-duty backpacking boot with the agility of a much lighter model. It’s an ideal choice for hikers tackling challenging terrain, carrying moderate to heavy packs, or simply wanting maximum stability. The ADV-C 4D Chassis provides exceptional torsional stiffness and cradles the foot, preventing ankle rolls on uneven ground. While it’s not the lightest boot on our list, its on-trail performance, immediate comfort, and rugged construction make it the most capable and reliable all-rounder for serious hikers.
Pros
- Class-leading ankle support and stability
- Aggressive Contagrip outsole provides excellent traction
- Minimal break-in period required
- Durable materials and construction
Cons
- Heavier than many modern hiking boots
- Can feel a bit warm in hot weather
Hoka Anacapa Mid GTX
For hikers who prioritise speed and comfort over ultimate ruggedness, the Hoka Anacapa Mid GTX is a game-changer. Drawing from Hoka's expertise in running shoes, this boot features an oversized EVA midsole that provides unparalleled cushioning and a smooth, rolling stride. It feels remarkably light on the foot, reducing fatigue on long-distance days. While it offers less lateral stiffness than the Salomon Quest, the ankle support is more than adequate for most trails. It’s the perfect boot for fast-and-light adventures, thru-hiking, and day hikes where comfort is paramount.
Pros
- Exceptional cushioning absorbs impact
- Very lightweight for a mid-cut boot
- Hubble heel geometry promotes a smooth gait
- Made with recycled materials
Cons
- Less durable than traditional leather boots
- High stack height can feel less stable to some
Lowa Renegade GTX Mid
The Lowa Renegade is an icon in the hiking world, and for good reason. It represents the pinnacle of traditional boot-making, blending a durable Nubuck leather upper with modern construction techniques. The result is a boot that is tough enough for serious mountain trekking yet flexible and comfortable enough for casual weekend walks. Its PU Monowrap frame provides excellent stability, and the Vibram Evo outsole offers reliable grip across varied surfaces. While it comes at a premium price and requires a short break-in period, the Renegade is an investment in years of comfortable, reliable performance on the trail.
Pros
- Exceptional build quality and durability
- Available in multiple width options
- Versatile performance on and off-trail
- Supportive yet flexible design
Cons
- Higher price point
- Requires some break-in time compared to synthetic boots
Merrell Moab 3 Mid WP
The Merrell Moab has long been called the "Mother Of All Boots" for its legendary out-of-the-box comfort and accommodating fit, especially for those with wider feet. The Moab 3 continues this tradition with an improved insole, a more cushioned midsole, and a grippier Vibram outsole. It’s not designed for heavy-duty mountaineering, but for day hikes, weekend backpacking, and general trail use, it offers a fantastic combination of comfort, breathability, and value. If other boots feel too narrow or restrictive, the Moab 3 is almost certainly the answer. Its forgiving nature makes it a favourite among novice and experienced hikers alike.
Pros
- Unbeatable comfort straight from the box
- Generous fit and widely available in wide sizes
- Excellent value for the performance
- Good breathability for a waterproof boot
Cons
- Less support and durability than premium models
- Waterproofing is good but not as robust as Gore-Tex
Columbia Newton Ridge Plus II Waterproof
Proving that you don't need to spend a fortune to get a capable hiking boot, the Columbia Newton Ridge Plus II delivers solid performance at an entry-level price. It's surprisingly lightweight and comfortable, making it a great choice for casual hikers, Duke of Edinburgh participants, or anyone exploring well-maintained trails. The leather and synthetic upper provides decent durability, and Columbia's Omni-Tech waterproofing keeps feet dry in moderate rain and puddles. While it lacks the refined support and aggressive traction of our top picks, it covers all the essentials reliably and offers outstanding value for money, making the outdoors more accessible to everyone.
Pros
- Highly affordable price point
- Lightweight design reduces fatigue
- Reliable waterproofing for most conditions
- Classic, versatile styling
Cons
- Less underfoot support for rocky terrain
- Traction is adequate but not exceptional on wet surfaces
- Durability may not match premium-priced boots
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Hiking Boots
Selecting the right hiking boots is the most important gear decision you'll make. A good pair disappears on your feet, while a bad pair can ruin a trip. This guide breaks down the key factors to consider before you buy.
Types of Hiking Footwear
While this guide focuses on boots, it's helpful to understand the landscape of outdoor footwear.
- Hiking Shoes: Low-cut models with flexible midsoles. They are excellent for day hiking on well-maintained trails but offer minimal ankle support.
- Hiking Boots: The focus of this article. Mid- or high-cut models that provide ankle support, making them suitable for longer trips on rough terrain and for carrying a pack.
- Backpacking Boots: Typically high-cut with stiffer midsoles designed to support the foot under the weight of a heavy pack over long distances. Our top pick, the Salomon Quest 4, borders on this category.
Key Components of a Hiking Boot
Understanding a boot's anatomy helps you decipher product descriptions and reviews.
- Uppers: The part of the boot that covers the foot. Materials vary significantly.
- Full-grain leather: (e.g., Lowa Renegade) Offers excellent durability, water resistance, and abrasion resistance. It requires a break-in period.
- Split-grain leather / Suede: Often paired with mesh or nylon for better breathability. Less water-resistant than full-grain.
- Nubuck leather: Full-grain leather that has been buffed for a suede-like finish. Durable and water-resistant.
- Synthetics: (Nylon, polyester) Common in modern boots (e.g., Hoka Anacapa). They are lighter, break in faster, and are often cheaper, but may show wear more quickly than leather.
- Midsoles: This layer provides cushioning, absorbs shock, and determines the boot's stiffness.
- EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate): Lighter, cushier, and less expensive. Found in many lightweight boots.
- Polyurethane (PU): Firmer and more durable than EVA. Common in more robust backpacking boots.
- Outsoles: The rubber layer that contacts the ground. Deeper, thicker lugs provide better grip on mud and soft ground. Widely spaced lugs shed mud more easily. A pronounced "heel brake" aids in downhill traction. Vibram is the most well-known and respected outsole manufacturer, but many brands like Salomon (Contagrip) have excellent proprietary compounds.
Waterproofing: To GTX or Not to GTX?
Most hiking boots feature a waterproof, breathable membrane. Gore-Tex (GTX) is the industry standard, known for its reliable performance. Many brands also use their own proprietary membranes (e.g., Merrell's M-Select DRY, Columbia's Omni-Tech), which often perform well at a lower cost but may be slightly less breathable.
Are waterproof boots always better? Not necessarily. In hot, dry climates, a non-waterproof boot will be significantly more breathable, keeping your feet cooler and drier from sweat. However, for the often damp and boggy conditions in the UK, a waterproof membrane is generally recommended.
Fit is Everything
No amount of technology can save you from a poorly fitting boot. Here’s how to get it right:
- Shop in the afternoon: Your feet swell during the day, especially after activity.
- Wear proper socks: Bring the hiking socks you plan to wear with the boots. Different sock thicknesses can dramatically alter fit.
- Check the length: With the boot unlaced, slide your foot forward until your toes touch the front. You should be able to slip one finger (about 1.5cm) between your heel and the back of the boot.
- Lace them up properly: Your heel should be locked into the back of the boot, with no or minimal lifting as you walk. You should have enough room to wiggle your toes freely.
- Test them out: If possible, walk on an incline ramp or stairs in the store. This will reveal any heel lift (going up) or toe-banging (going down).
Final Verdict: Best best hiking boots
After careful analysis of the top models available for 2026, the choice for the best overall hiking boot is clear. For its masterful combination of rugged support, dependable traction, and surprising agility, the Salomon Quest 4 GTX is our top recommendation. It inspires confidence on the most challenging terrain, making it a worthy investment for anyone who takes their hiking seriously.
If your priorities lie elsewhere—be it maximum cushioning, ultimate durability, or a tight budget—our other top picks from Hoka, Lowa, Merrell, and Columbia offer exceptional performance in their respective categories. Ultimately, the best hiking boot is the one that fits your foot and your hiking style. We encourage you to use this guide as a starting point, try on several pairs, and choose the one that feels right for your next adventure.
Best Hiking Boots 2026 FAQ
How should hiking boots fit?
A proper fit is snug but not tight. Your heel should be securely locked in place to prevent blisters, with minimal to no lift when you walk. You should have enough room in the toebox to wiggle your toes freely. A good rule of thumb is to have about a finger's width of space between your longest toe and the end of the boot when you're standing up.
Do I need to break in my hiking boots?
It depends on the material. Modern synthetic boots (like the Hoka Anacapa) require very little break-in time and are often comfortable out of the box. Stiffer, full-grain leather boots (like the Lowa Renegade) will benefit from a break-in period. Start by wearing them around the house, then on short walks, gradually increasing the distance before taking them on a long hike.
Are waterproof hiking boots always better?
For UK conditions, waterproof boots are generally the best choice due to frequent rain and wet ground. However, they are less breathable than non-waterproof boots. If you primarily hike in hot, dry conditions where your feet are more likely to get wet from sweat than from rain, a non-waterproof boot with better ventilation might be a more comfortable option.
How long do hiking boots last?
The lifespan of a hiking boot typically ranges from 500 to 1,000 miles, but this can vary greatly depending on the boot's construction, the terrain you hike on, and your weight. A well-cared-for leather boot will generally outlast a lightweight synthetic model. Look for signs of wear like compressed midsole cushioning, worn-down outsole lugs, or separating seams to know when it's time for a new pair.
