I asked last night on Instagram for hiking shoe recommendations. My specifications were: a shoe that doesn’t scream I am a hiking shoe! But that, well, does the job of a hiking shoe. I feel like there was quite a long time when hiking shoe designers were all form, no function. I don’t think it’s too much to ask for a shoe that scratches both itches these days. About four hours later, I gathered the most mentioned brands, and made this post. I wish I could’ve landed on like a top 3 (and I bet you wish I had too) and told you–THESE ARE THE ONES–but alas, here we are. There’s a lot of differing opinions out there on hiking shoes, so further research may be necessary. And of course, where you’re going. Do you need waterproof? Super lightweight? Incredible traction? Is this rocky terrain? Flat? And please, leave a comment if you have strong feelings on the subject!Okay, here are the most mentioned. My takeaway, before you read any further: the names that kept coming up: Danner (probably the most mentioned), Keen, Vasque, Merrell, Salomon, LLBean, and Columbia. I didn’t take a true tally, but those were definitely the usual suspects. Honorable mention to Forsake, too. Without further adieu…
01. The Forsake Patch. I’ve had my eye on this brand for a bit after they fit the form and function bill. Which is always easier said than done. From one reader: “Forsake boots are amazing right out of the box!”
02. The Danner Jag. These are fairly high on my list right now. Danner–a longtime brand–was put on the map in an even more serious way after the cover of Wild. You remember? Anyway, I can’t seem to get a perfect consensus on whether THE DANNERS fit the bill in comfort, though they’re so classic-looking, for sure. But, I am a huge review-reader when it comes to something like this, and one person says, on the Jag, “If you’re wanting a true hiking shoe, this is NOT it.” But I swear! You’ll find that on every hiking shoe under the sun! So, is this person accurate or is it one of those people who delights in giving negative press? You know what I’m saying. In any case, from a reader: “They keep my feet dry hiking in the PNW!” Also, mentioned more than once and that’s gotta count for something.
03. Danner Mountain Light Cascade. Are these too attractive to be highly functional? From one reader: “My cousin and her husband owned an adventure shop where they sold hand picked hiking stuff and swore by them!” And finally, on the Danner front, one other reader said their Adrika met the form and function test.
04. Topo Athletic Trailventure. From a friend (hi Mariana!) who just got back from a hike and said these were fantastic!
05. Columbia Newton Ridge. More than one mention of these too, and I think they look good too. Plus, they won’t break the bank.
06. Scarpa Hiking Shoes. From one reader, “I don’t hike, but it’s what my hiker friends in Colorado love.”
07. LLBean Katahdin Boot. “I can wade through mud and streams and scamper up rocks” says one reader. I will say, I bought a pair of these for Jordan a few years back after poring through reviews, and he’s been pretty happy with them. From another reader, the Vista Hiking boot by LLBean!
08. Keen Innate Boot. There’s a lot of Keens, and I had several people answer, “Keens!” so I’m not sure specifically which style (though one specifically said the Targhee!), but I liked these best so here we are. One review on the site– a hiker who did Yellowstone and Grand Tetons in them and loved them.
09. Vasque Breeze. Like the Keens, I had a lot of recommendations for Vasque. Steve would probably add here that he has owned Vasque in the past (rhymes!) and really liked them. One reader, “I’ve had them for 20 years!” ETA: Sundowners just got a specific mention! And these are classic. Have been around forever. From another reader, “You will look like a hiker but I can say that after 15 years, my Vasque boots have never failed.”
10. Brooks Cascadia. There’s a school of thought that think a boot for hiking is not necessary–and a trail shoe is sufficient. Yet another that would say ankle support is a must! I don’t know where I fall, but these were recommended if you’re of the trail shoe mind. So were these.
11. Merrells. Not sure of a specific style here either, but I much preferred these ones to this clunkier version.
12. Salomon Trail Sneakers. From one reader, “all you will ever need.” Is it true? Is a boot with ankle support really less necessary than I think?
Side note: Blundstones can hold up to some serious rigorous walking–though I wouldn’t drop them in the ‘hiking’ boot category. And for warm weather/summer hiking, these! I wore these for miles and MILES through Israel and they held up great. They’re probably not hiking up mountains category, but they’ll get you where you need to go.
One more side note: the expensive pairs can be resoled. I had a few readers tell me they’ve resoled their Danners, for instance. Love that.
I LOVE this post! Ha! Quality stuff in a time like these (no joke…that may have sounded like sarcasm but it was dripping with truth) I’m a hiker (grew up in Glacier National Park) I’ve done some major stuff and just moved across the country with a bad pair of boots so I opted for the cheep option in a financial situation like that and I own #5 right now…I’ve had them for a little over a year now and they are “fine” but if you want these to last you half a decade…don’t go for something that is cost efficient, get quality! (Plus it’s your feet and I know you know how important those are for the whole body to be happy) I don’t necessary suggest keens but I did own my pair for 7 years and I’ll need to trade up these Columbia’s next year. Best of Luck deciding!!
Right? The more time we spend outside, the better this place will be, I think! Exactly what we need in a time like this!
I’m trying not to seethe with jealousy here that you grew up in GNP.
Thanks for the recommendation! I’m looking to hike more so this is super useful! ❤️✨
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You have like 100 choices already, so I’m not sure you want MORE choice, BUT I just bought these and love them.
https://www.timberland.com/shop/womens-hiking/womens-ellendale-hiking-boots-a1r3g231
They are very similar to the Danner boots, but cheaper.
Not too heavy?
Not at all! They’re actually surprisingly light.
What?! I get a shout out! This is the first time I get one on a blog!! 🙂
Great post, and tempted to buy more pairs of boots. There truly are so many choices it’s hard to narrow down.
You’ve been one of my long-time readers–it’s about time!
Love this roundup! My personal faves are the Merrell Ontario. They’re waterproof, lightweight and super sturdy–hiking boot trifecta! I’ve hiked the Grand Canyon and Machu Picchu in them. And they’re cute, as far as hiking boots go 🙂
https://www.rei.com/product/145621/merrell-ontario-mid-waterproof-hiking-boots-womens
Ooh, those look like a great choice too.
About the boot vs shoe debate: I appreciate a boot to help keep dust/gravel/snow out of my shoes without having to purchase a separate gaiter. My current boots (which are fine but not good enough to recommend) are low in the back and I come home with dust all over the backs of my ankles and I was kicking snow into them this past weekend.
Ooh! Good note. Thank you for that!
Great wrap! I love multi-day hikes and when I was buying new shoes narrowed it down to Lowa, Scarpa or Salomons for their heft and durability. They all definitely look like ugly hiking shoes though!! If you’re mostly going on day walks and not carrying a kid or too much weight, you can certainly just use a trail runner and generally the lighter the boot, the more comfortable it’ll be to wear.
I just bought a pair of hiking boots after going to lots of national parks and hiking in chacos mostly. But the last time we were in Breckenridge and we did a difficult hike (I did it in tennis shoes), I told myself I was going right home and buying hiking boots. I had credit at REI, and a budget and bought a pair of cheap merrills. Not overly cute, but I am 45 and one thing I do like about national parks is that being fashionable is optional, ha 😉 One of the things the REI person told me is how long some of the really upper end hiking boots take to wear in. And I wanted to be able to not spend time wearing them in. Anyway, I haven’t even worn mine, bc COVID and no traveling, but we do hope to go to Glacier next summer so maybe I’ll get to wear them there. Good luck in your decision! And may we all get to travel more in the days to come 🙂
Thank you for sharing that! I bet the leather ones take an especially long time.
I hope you get to Glacier next summer too!
I was looking for snow boots on ll. Bean and got distracted by on their website by the hiking boots in your post 😅 I like their retro look! I grew up in Alaska and am (hopefully) taking my family back there next summer and am def going to treat myself to some legit hiking boots after wearing barefoot road glove style shoes on our last trip 🤪🤪 I do not recommend that plan.
They are retro and cool looking! And let me know what boot you end up with!
Growing up in Alaska! That must’ve been incredible!
Boot vs. Shoe opinion. I loathe wearing boots to hike. Maybe I’ve just never found a comfy pair. I wear trail runners or chacos to hike. I’ve had brooks, merrell, la sportiva trail runners that have held up well. My chacos have been adventuring with my since 2008! Unless it’s winter and then I wear an insulated boot with micro spikes or yak tracks. I’ve lived and hiked in New England, the Midwest, Utah, WA and now Alaska and I’ve never had a problem with sneakers. Unless it’s winter, I prefer a wool sock to a waterproof shoe. I do everything from short strolls with my kids to 10-15miles in my trail runners and chacos. That said, I’m not a thru hiker. Also of note, I’ve never had an ankle problem, but I do get blisters very easily, so I’m much more considered with preventing blisters and boots usually=blisters for me.
I got some Merrell Moab 2 hiking boots for Christmas a few years ago and love them. I have weak ankles and so will always go for a boot over a shoe, plus as someone mentioned above the boot keeps me from kicking stuff up and into my shoe / sock. I have worn these to hike in Tennessee, Mississippi, Arkansas, Alabama, Utah, and Washington state, and they have held up wonderfully. My suggestion would definitely be to try on pairs in person while wearing thick socks so you can see how comfortable — if you can’t shop in person right now Zappos is great for this since they offer free returns and exchanges. I sized up a half size for my current pair but whenever I get a new pair I’ll likely size up again for more room.
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That’s some pretty legit hikes you’ve done in those!! And good call on trying them all on.
I *just* got hiking boots. Like, literally yesterday, and I got Danners, but these ones. I feel like they are a bit of hybrid and don’t scream hiking boot, but will be highly functional. I love the idea of THE DANNERS, but they honestly seem too hard core for most daily life. I saw someone wearing them at the grocery store the other day, and it just seemed like a bit much. But maybe I’m just grumpy haha!
These are the boots I got: https://www.danner.com/women-s-vertigo-917-cathay-spice.html?
oooh. I like those a lot.
I have the Merrell Moab,( over the ankle) bought at Marshall’s. they turned out to be very comfortable.
I have hiked Mt.Ephram & Cherry Hill ( LOL )and they are great. I am now looking for their low cut model.
Ahnu boots are my favorite and so comfortable! I got a purple pair a few years ago and I look forward to hiking because I get to wear them. I also have incredibly weak ankles and I can tie these in a way that give some added support so they’re perfect for me. Good luck on your search!
Love your roundup! I bought a pair of Danner Chelsea hiking boots last winter and I’ve worn them about one million times since then! They are waterproof (but also leather), are a slip on style which I prefer, are extremely comfortable, lightweight but not flimsy, and look extremely cute! They are not a tactical hiking boot though. Probably would fall into more of the fashion category, but also work extremely well for hiking also. I also have tested the water proof factor in a severe rainstorm. I literally waded thru the parking lot to get into the grocery store, and by the time I was done with my shopping they were totally dry! IT was amazing! I also find that the fact that they are a slip on style means that I reach for them for more than just hiking. Which makes the investment feel more worth it for me!! Also these Danner’s feel similar in style to the Blundstone boot but are way more rugged!
Ooh, all things good to note. Thank you Kelsey! And they do have a Blundstone way about them!
Altra women’s lone peak 4!!! These are amazing for my newly bunion-ed feet. They are maybe not for everyone – I think the ‘zero drop’ doesn’t suit all hikers, but these shoes have been total game-changers for my tired feet. Ended up getting some of their sneakers as well. Love them.
I did a pretty steep hike last month, and I REALLY wished I’d had the ankle support. Thanks for crowd-sourcing for this! I’ve been on the market as well.
Hello Bridget- absolutely love your story, blog and insta. As a mother of two young boys myslef, I find your stories of adventure, trepidations and a love bigger than you can handle resonate with me.. I would like to ask your permission to use this post on hiking boots on my instagram story . My handle is maueenali Beautiful Europe and i am sharing my preparations for my hiking trip in Provence,France in June 2023. My post on hiking, my hiking boots and the importance of top notch hiking boots would be enriched by this post- I am resourcing your research and will of course give credit. I understand completely if not and I thankyou so much for even considering my request. God bless, lloking forward to your next postings !
Absolutely, thanks for asking and for your kind comment! Enjoy your trip!!