Amelia Yeomans
On the hunt for the best hiking boots but don't want to spend loads of money on a pair that will rub, be uncomfortable, or fail to provide adequate grip?
Lucky for you, I'm a Health Editor who sweat tests fit kit for a living and reckon the below hiking boots are the only ones worth your investment. Why? Well, they've been tested by myself and the Marie Claire UK team over muddy terrain, slipper riverbanks and hundreds of rainy miles along the South West Coastal Path. The five shoes that made this edit helped us stay warm, dry and blister-free for the duration.
As TikTok's viral Hot Girl Walk and soft hiking trends show, I'm not the only one who's found comfort in the great outdoors in recent years, with more people than ever taking up hiking. One survey from Mintel found that nearly a quarter (25%) of the British public now enjoy hiking at the weekend, compared to just 16% in 2018.
Yep, hiking's having a moment. We've been raving about the benefits of walking here for a while (read our guide to the best UK hikes now). Below, shop our edit of the best hiking boots to wear to support any adventure, as well as the best protein bars to keep you fuelled up as you go.
What did I look for when testing the best hiking boots?
- Good grip - a grippy sole that can withstand multiple terrains is essential
- Adequate ankle support - if you're going on extended hikes, ankle support will make things much more comfortable
- Waterproof material and design - there's nothing worse than wet feet on a hike, particularly if it's cold outside too
- Comfort - I have quite sensitive feet so haven't included the boots that caused an achy ankle or ball of foot, blisters, or chafing
5 best hiking boots to buy now
1. Most chic hiking boots
What we thought when testing: First things first - just look at the design of these boots. I first tried these Danner hiking boots years ago when working at Women's Health as they were widely regarded on the team as the best hiking boot brand out there.
I've worn them for walking holidays in the years since, and they're always soft to the touch on your foot, supportive, and the quality feels superior. They've never rubbed or caused blisters, the grip has stopped me from faceplanting mud several times, and they always stay waterproof.
Top tip: go up half a size, as they run small, and be prepared to break them in over shorter distances, if you're prone to aching on the balls of your feet, like me.
2. Best everyday hiking shoes
What we thought when testing: "You have no doubt seen these Salomon shoes on everyone and their dog in recent years, because not only are they practical, but they've also found mainstream fashion favour too. I won't deny that one of my main motivations for buying these was the style appeal, but I really wanted them after I noticed a distinct lack of practical footwear in my collection.
"I have worn these trail shoes on countless wet and muddy days over the last couple of years, and they have always kept my feet bone dry and comfortably supported, no matter the distance I'm walking. I love that they do up with a toggle rather than laces, making them easy to get on and off, and they have just the right amount of flexibility to move with your feet. Not to mention, the quality is second to none. If you want a pair of hiking shoes that will take you absolutely anywhere, this pair gets my vote every time." - Amelia Yeomans, Junior Shopping Editor
3. Best colourful hiking shoes
What we thought when testing: While technically not a hiking boot, these are my go-to hiking shoes. They had the best grip, waterproof material, and breathability of all of the designs I tested, plus I found them seriously comfortable.
I was also pleasantly surprised by how light they are, while still offering good arch support in-shoe. If you're someone who doesn't like seriously chunky or heavy boots or likes travelling lightly, I'd go for these. Similarly, if you're prone to injury, they're a win, win, as they're light and so won't cause you to overpronate or overcompensate - while also offering advanced support and functionality.
4. Most affordable hiking boots
What we thought when testing: I've had these boots for years now and have never had any complaints. They've been a sound, supportive investment that has carried me across 100+ miles plus.
Main pros: they're more affordable than other options in this roundup, and I've always found them comfortable, soft on my heels and supportive of my arch. I also thought they were especially easy to do up and impressively waterproof - I've never experienced any leaks.
Do note, though, they do take some wearing in. I'm blister prone and had to wear plasters and two pairs of socks for the first five hikes or so.
5. Best waterproof hiking boots
What we thought when testing: I'm very much a beginner when it comes to hiking and probably would only use walking boots once every few years. So when I was invited on a walking holiday to the Isle of Skye this year, my main priority was to select a hiking boot that wasn't far off a trainer or shoe I'd normally wear that didn't require a long breaking-in period.
I opted for the Columbia Trailstorm mid-women’s walking boot and they didn't disappoint. I found them to be breathable, lightweight and with a stable high collar fit, not to mention easy to wear and extremely comfortable, featuring a zero break-in period (which for me was actually the biggest selling point).
As someone who suffers from rheumatoid nodules on my ankles, it was really important to find a boot that had a lightweight and flexible sole and good ankle support so as not to exacerbate it. Spoiler alert: I came back from Skye with zero pain, so for me, the Columbia Trailstorm boots were a success.
They held up well across the many terrains we encountered - rocks, hills, seaweed, and so on, and I can personally testify to them being impermeable (I accidentally put my whole foot in a bog during our hike and it came out dry, so you get the picture).
The only drawbacks? I noticed a lack of grip on slippery surfaces, minimal arch support and a very narrow fit. NB: Definitely opt for the size up with these hiking boots. I went for my size and found the fit a bit too snug.
I would definitely recommend these hiking boots - if only for the comfortable ankle support and the luxury of not having to break them in. - Jenny Proudfoot, Features Editor
Happy hiking.
Recent updates
This article was first published in July 2023 and has since been updated.
Is it okay to wear hiking boots for walking?
Short answer: yes, it is, but some may not offer the kindest support to your hips and joints over miles and miles of distance.
The main difference between a hiking and walking boot is the former offers more ankle support, to prevent injury on varied terrain. That said, more traditional styles of hiking boots may also have stiffer soles than your standard walking boots, which could make them a bit much for long distances walking on surfaces like concreate or tarmac.
Top tip: it's worth trying on in store if you're on the fence. Stores like Cotswold Outdoor have plenty of professionals who will be able to find the ideal shoe for you and the type of workouts you enjoy.
