Skip to main content Tom's Guide Tom's Guide Search Tom's Guide View Profile Newsletters Best Picks Entertainment Memorial Day sales Switch 2 Pre-Orders Best laptops Best Mattress Wordle Today Recommended reading I hiked 7 miles in the Keen Zionic Mid Waterproof — and these are the boots I’d recommend for most terrains I hike every single weekend and these Keen walking boots are my new go-to for mountain trails I spent a month testing On's latest Cloudrock hiking boots — here's my verdict Best running shoes 2025: expert tested and rated Best women’s running shoes 2025: top picks from New Balance, Brooks, Saucony and more I ditched my $170 Hoka running shoes for these $85 Skechers — and I'm blown away 9 best cross training shoes 2025: tried, tested and reviewed by personal trainers How to choose the right pair of hiking boots — the experts weigh in Jessica Downey 26 May 2025 From fit to features, here’s how to pick the right boots for your next hike When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works. (Image credit: Shutterstock) Someone once told me there are two things worth investing in: your bed and your footwear, because that’s where you spend most of your time. I couldn't agree more, and it always runs through my mind when I am buying any kind of performance footwear, like a pair of new hiking boots. Heading into the hills or tackling technical trails requires the right hiking boots in order to stay safe, supported, and blister-free. I’ve tested dozens of boots over the years across trails like the Arrochar Alps in Scotland, the Massif des Calanques in southern France, and the high alpine tracks of Val d’Anniviers in the Swiss Alps. These are just a few examples of where I’ve learned what separates a great hiking shoe from a painful mistake. It’s something I’ve explored in our best hiking boots guide, where I’ve put many pairs through their paces. You may like I hiked 7 miles in the Keen Zionic Mid Waterproof — and these are the boots I’d recommend for most terrains I hike every single weekend and these Keen walking boots are my new go-to for mountain trails I spent a month testing On's latest Cloudrock hiking boots — here's my verdict Eager to learn more about what to look for in a hiking boot, I reached out to Neil Findlay, Trade Marketing Executive at Merrell, and Lily Fearne, Store Manager at Cotswold Outdoor, who both shared their expert tips on how to find the right pair for your next adventure. Scarpa Rush 2 Mid Hiking Boot:$234 at SportsShoes The Scarpa Rush 2 Mid feels like a trail running shoe but has the support of a hiking boot. It’s waterproof, lightweight and grips well on rocky, muddy or uneven trails. What to look for in a hiking boot Before buying a pair of hiking boots, Findlay recommends: "Ask yourself open questions; when do I want to use them, where do I want to use them? How long will I be wearing them for? What will the terrain be like? Do I want them for this one trip, or to get a lot of use after?" Once you've pondered over these simple yet key questions, you should have a better idea of how important each of the features listed below will be to you and the type of boot you pick. (Image credit: Dan Bracaglia/Future) Support: "Supportive footwear can drastically reduce foot fatigue and allow you to wear the product longer and further," says Findlay. Support can come from multiple areas, including tough upper materials, an above-the-ankle design, and good arch structure, all of which help improve comfort over long distances. Sign up to get the BEST of Tom's Guide direct to your inbox. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over. Sole type: "The outsoles are designed to have as much physical surface contact with the terrain underfoot. The more contact points, the more traction and grip you will have," explains Findlay. He adds that flatter lugs are best suited to hard, dry ground, while "in softer conditions you will need deeper, wider spaced lugs (think similar to soccer studs) to dig into the terrain." If you're planning on tackling mixed terrains, look for soles that strike a balance between grip and versatility. When it comes to materials, Findlay says, "Firmer compounds perform best over long, arduous treks where you may be carrying a heavy backpack. "Softer and tackier compounds provide higher traction but with a slight durability trade-off." When Findlay mentions compounds, he is referring to the type of rubber used in the sole that affects grip and durability. Materials and waterproofing: Leather boots are known for their durability and natural weather resistance, but they can be heavier and require more care, as Findlay points out. From experience, they last a long time if you look after them, but they’re not always the best for hot weather. Whereas boots with synthetic uppers can offer a lighter, more breathable alternative and have improved a lot in durability over the years. For longer hikes where weight matters, they can be a great choice. Waterproofing is worth prioritising if you plan to hike in wet weather or unpredictable conditions. "Choosing footwear with good waterproofing is key," notes Findlay. "It will give you more scope for use over the year." But if you're hiking in warm or dry climates, you might want to consider some "premium materials, like Gore-Tex, that are breathable." Warm, sweaty feet are more prone to rubbing and blisters, so if you tend to run hot or are heading somewhere dry, opting for a more breathable, non-waterproof boot may be the better call. Note, you don’t have to pick one or the other. Many modern hiking boots use waterproof membranes that also allow for airflow. How hiking boots should fit Getting the right fit isn’t just about how they feel the first time you try them on in store or at home, it’s essential if you want to avoid blisters, sore spots, and rolled ankles. Before you even try anything on, it helps to know your own feet. "Do you have wide or narrow feet? Are your arches more pronounced or are they flat? Do you have a sensitive Achilles?" asks Findlay. These details can make all the difference. Ideally, it's a good idea to go and try on boots in-store where experts can measure your feet and offer personalised advice. But if you’re buying online or don’t have access to a fitting, there are a few simple things to check. "Your footwear should fit snugly, but not tight," says Findlay. "Ensure they support your arches, reduce lift in the heel, and allow for toe splay and movement. Your toes are there to give balance and shouldn’t be restricted." He also recommends checking that there’s about a finger’s width of space in the toe box. "Even if the footwear fits very well, there will still be a degree of movement as you manoeuvre around the terrain. You don’t want your toes pressing or bumping off the toe box." Do you need to break in hiking shoes? (Image credit: Future) Even if your new hiking boots feel comfortable straight out of the box, don’t be tempted to head straight out on a long trek with them. As Lily Fearne, Store Manager at Cotswold Outdoor, puts it: "Like any new footwear, you don't want your first time wearing hiking shoes or boots to be a big long day with big mileage." Today’s boots are better designed for comfort than ever before, but your feet still need time to adjust. "Wearing your shoes in will allow your feet to adapt to your new footwear choice and ultimately give you a more comfortable and enjoyable experience," says Fearne. Her advice? Start small. "Start off by wearing your new footwear for a shorter hike. This will be dependent on your usual experience and could vary from 30 minutes to a couple of hours. Do a few of these before progressing to a mid-length hike (2–4 hours) and then onto a longer hike, should you prefer." And if you don’t have the luxury of hitting the trail straight away, even light wear helps. "Wearing them round the house (or even to work if allowed) will still be a great benefit," she adds. How to choose between hiking shoes, mid-height boots, and full boots (Image credit: Paul Brechu) Not all hikes call for the same footwear. The best option depends on where you're going, what you're carrying, and how much support you need. If you’re sticking to well-trodden paths with a light daypack (or no pack at all), a hiking shoe is often the best fit. "A lower cuff found in a trail shoe will afford the user more freedom of movement and prioritise lightweight agility," says Findlay. For longer walks or when carrying a bit more weight, a mid-height boot might be your sweet spot. "A mid boot is great for giving more protection around the ankles and a degree of more support," Findlay adds that this style is also ideal for speed hiking or lightweight overnight trips. Or, if you're planning a multi-day trek with a heavier pack, that’s where a full boot proves its worth. "A full ankle boot delivers load-bearing and full support over rough, unforgiving terrain where ankle roll is more prevalent," explains Findlay. How to think sustainably when buying a pair of hiking boots Sustainability starts with smart choices. "With so many outdoor footwear options, we have no need to compromise on eco credentials,” says Fearne. Her top tip? Prioritize durability. "Footwear with better longevity will mean I don't need to buy again so soon." Look for brands that use recycled or responsibly sourced materials, offer resoling or repair services, or have transparent sustainability practices. And once you've found a good pair, take care of them: "Research how to take care of your new purchase and invest in any recommended products to keep boots and shoes in top condition," she adds. More from Tom's Guide I swapped my trail runners for Columbia’s Escape Thrive boots in a rainy week of hiking — and I’m not going back I walked 10,000 steps in Amazon’s best-selling hiking boots — 7 things that surprised me I’ve walked 5,000 steps every day for 5 years — here’s what it’s done for my physical and mental health Today's deals on hiking boots Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof $51.99View See all prices Hoka Anacapa 2 Mid GORE-TEX See all prices Columbia Escape Thrive Titanium OutDry $139.15View See all prices Salewa Pedroc Pro PowerTex Mid PTX $174.50View See all prices We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices Jessica Downey Social Links Navigation Senior Fitness Writer Jessica has been a fitness writer at Tom’s Guide since 2023, bringing three years of experience writing about health, fitness, and the great outdoors. Her passion for exercise began during her childhood, where she spent weekends hiking and competing in local athletics club events. After earning a master’s degree in journalism from Cardiff University, Jessica found the perfect way to combine her love of storytelling and fitness into a career. Jessica is passionate about testing fitness gear and tech, using her reviews to help readers make informed buying decisions. She ran her first marathon in April 2024, finishing it in 3 hours and 48 minutes. Through her training, she’s developed a deep understanding of what it takes to grow as a runner, from effective workouts and recovery techniques to selecting the right gear for every challenge. When she’s not at her desk, Jessica enjoys spending time in the kitchen crafting new recipes, braving cold water swims and hiking. You must confirm your public display name before commenting Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name. 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