The Best Hiking Boots Review

Because of the wide variety of models we tested, we divide each category into heavy and light.

Comfort
When buying hiking boots, comfort is often the most heavily considered factor. It's also the most difficult to evaluate within the store. Luckily, we've done the work for you.

Light
The Keen Targhee was by far the most comfortable of the light models tested. It has a wide, well-padded toe box and a great tightening system that makes your feet feel as snug as a bug in a rug. The heel cup is extremely secure and keeps blisters at bay. While we were impressed by many of the hikers we tested, the Keen Targhee was truly remarkable. We felt like we were walking on clouds. Very small, EVA compression-molded clouds.

Heavy
In terms of all-around comfort, no heavy hiking boot performed better than the Asolo Power Matic 200. In snow, in water, and on the trail, the Power Matic cradled testers feet and kept them cozy and secure. The Gore-tex interior is soft and friendly, and tiny pulleys in the lacing system provided the snuggest fit of any contenders tested. While we clearly loved the Asolo Power Matic, they were miserable in hot weather. We also loved the La Sportiva Eco, which breathed much better than the Asolo Power Matic. The La Sportiva Eco shared the soft, comfortable Gore-tex interior, but lacked the sense of security that the all-leather exterior of the Power Matic provided. The Salomon Quest was almost as secure as the Power Matic, better in heat, and significantly lighter. The footbed is at a bit of an odd angle, so they are not very comfortable to stand around in. On the move, however, this isn't noticeable.

Traction

Light
The Scarpa Zen is a hybrid between a light hiking shoe and an approach shoe, (which itself is a hybrid between a climbing shoe and a light hiking shoe; see attached punnett square,) which gives it the benefit of a hard, climbing rubber toe and rand. It easily outperformed every other light hiker tested.

Heavy
All the boots tested had Vibram soles, so traction was pretty consistent across the board. However, the lug pattern on the La Sportiva Eco stuck to wet rock a little better than the rest.


Support
Light
Because of the Keen Targhee's great tensioning system, heel cup, and interior molding, we found it provided almost as much support as some of the heavy models. It kept our ankles safe backpacking, rock hopping, pogo-sticking, high-altitude tapioca-making, and more!

Heavy
Most of the hiking boots with synthetic uppers could not hold a candle to their leather counterparts. One tester sprained an ankle while testing the Scarpa Kailash. (The Asolo Power-Matic was used as a splint.) The exception, however, was the Salomon Quest. It had an exceptional lacing system that made it easy to get a perfect fit, and kept our ankles safe on the gnarliest terrain.
An interesting contender in this category was the Oboz Beartooth. It's a synthetic boot designed like an old-school leather boot, with some fancy new twists. It wasn't one of our all-around top performers, but in this respect, it's comparable to the all-leather boots.


Impermeability
Light
Most of the light hikers tested had little or no waterproofing. The Moab Ventilator is literally filled with holes. The Keen Targhee claims to have waterproofing, but we found that it wasn't very reliable above about an inch from the sole. If you want something legitimately waterproof, get one of the heavy boots.

Heavy
With the exception of the Oboz Beartooth and the all-leather Alico Summit, all of those tested had Gore-tex waterproofing. The main differences in effectiveness were in the construction. In all cases, the tongue was connected to the body, but the connection went significantly higher in some than in others. Poor seam sealing was another major cause of leaking. Specifically, the Scarpa Kailash and La Sportiva Eco had this issue. The Asolo Fugitive was another top performer in this category. It was the only boot that, weeks into testing, still had water beading off. Another worth mentioning is the Oboz Beartooth, which, because of three layers of material between you and the elements, will keep you dry even if there are holes in the exterior.

Durability
This review is still growing and changing. We're still abusing these boots to answer the ultimate question of durability, but in the meantime here are the finalists for the title of most durable:

Light:
Scarpa Zen
Keen Targhee

Heavy:
Alico Summit
Asolo Power Matic

Weight
Weight is a major factor for many people, but it's a factor that should be considered in context. Find the lightest hiking boot perfectly suited for your intended activity not just the lightest overall.

For your reference, we've listed the three lightest in each category.

Light
Scarpa Zen: 1.94 lbs
Merrel Moab Ventilator: 2.123 lbs
Keen Targhee: 2.123 lbs

Heavy
La Sportiva Eco: 2.325 lbs
Vasque Breeze: 2.5625 lbs
Salomon Quest: 2.81 lbs

The Bottom Line
Best Lightweight Boot

The Keen Targhee II is our favorite lightweight hiking boot. With luxurious comfort, great support, and luxurious comfort, it made oppressive marches feel like puppy-filled frolics. Seriously. We can't get over how comfortable these boots are. It's like walking on lambs, or swimming through cotton balls, or burying yourself in the tender, velvety wool of an El Capsized alpaca.

The Merrell Moab Ventilator is the top contender for best value. While it didn't dominate any one category, it performed well across the board and retails for under $100. It also performs much better in hot weather than the Keen Targhee.

Best Heavy Boot
The Asolo Power Matic 200 is our favorite heavy hiking boot. It had an unbeatable combination of comfort, support, and waterproofing. It is nearly indestructible, and, while pricey, a great investment. These boots could weather the apocalypse and then get passed on to the grandkids.

The La Sportiva Eco 4.0 is the best value in a heavy hiking boot. It was the least expensive of the heavy boots tested. It performed well across the board and is a great lighter alternative to the heavy and expensive Asolo Power Matic. The Alico Summit is extremely well constructed and full of old-school class, and retails for as little as $99. However, it can be hard to find, especially at that price.

We also loved the Salomon Quest 4D. It had a tighter fit and more aggressive design than the La Sportiva Eco. That being said, it is more expensive. It's a fantastic boot, and a great investment, but even so, we would probably buy the La Sportiva Eco instead.