Greatest Climbing Boots of 2023

The Lowa Renegade GTX is a wildly popular boot that offers nearly unmatched durability and foot protection for hikers who regularly tackle tough terrain with a heavier load.

The Renegades come in at a steep price, but their exceptional durability make them well worth the cost since you won’t need to buy another pair of boots for a good long while. We often find that boots with this level of support can feel a bit restrictive, but that’s not the case with the Renegades. These boots are quite comfortable to wear for long periods after some breaking-in.

If top-tier ankle support and stability are what you’re after, the Lowa Renegades deliver in spades. And of course it doesn’t hurt that they look great while doing it.

Comfort is the name of the game with the Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX boots. They’re flexible, they feel great right out of the box, and they’re exceptionally lightweight for boots, so they’re an excellent choice for backpackers who keep their pack weight around 35 lbs. or under.

The X Ultras aren’t as supportive as the burlier models on this list, but they’ll feel like a dream for those looking for the best balance of protection and cushioning. And while the flexible collar allows for more movement around the ankle, the wing at the midfoot still provides stability for confidence on uneven terrain.

Overall, we’re very impressed with the X Ultras, and we highly recommend them for anyone wanting a lightweight hiking boot that’s comfy enough for long distances with a lighter load.

Don’t mistake the low price of the Merrell Moab 3 WPs to mean lower quality. These tried-and-true hiking boots have reigned as the top choice for budget-conscious hikers for as long as we can remember.

The Moabs are our top recommendation if you’re after a midweight boot for day hiking. They’re comfortable, durable, they require very little break-in before they’re trail-ready, and they’re decently breathable for waterproof boots.

Because they feel a little more bulky than some of our lightweight favorites, they aren’t our first choice for big-mile days. But they’ll last a long time, and they’re some of our go-tos for day hikes and weekend trips when the weather and trail call for more protection than a hiking shoe can offer.

The Salomon Quest 4 GTX offer some of the most robust ankle support of any of the hiking boots on our list, so they’re a great choice for hikers wanting maximum stability. Their durable materials and aggressive traction – in combination with that supportive design – will keep you moving confidently on the most rugged terrain.

These boots are on the heavier side, but that can be a benefit if you tend to hike with a backpack that’s 40 lbs. and above. More burly hiking boots like the Quests won’t lose their support under a heavier load like lightweight footwear does. And the Quests still feel more nimble than the other more traditional boots on our list thanks to their well-balanced design.

The Quests come at a high price, but they’re very worth the cost as you’ll be getting a solid pair of hiking boots that will remain comfortable and supportive over thousands of miles.

Hikers who frequently tackle tough terrain will appreciate the above-average traction and lightweight support of the La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX boots. The Nucleos are exceptionally lightweight for how durable they are, and they’re decently breathable for waterproof boots.

The high collar of the Nucleos provides ample ankle support, but their low weight keeps them feeling nimble and comfy enough for all-day wear. Whether you’re hitting the trail for a multi-day hike or just heading out for the day, these stylish boots are ready for adventure.

The upper and soles are somewhat stiff, so you may want to add aftermarket insoles if you prefer a soft, cushioned feeling underfoot. But overall, we find the Nucleos extremely comfortable and highly recommend them for hikers looking for a boot with a good balance of traditional boot burliness and modern footwear low weight.

The Topo Athletic Trailventure 2 WP are some of the most comfortable boots we’ve ever tested. They have a wide toe box, which is excellent for anyone, but especially those with wide feet, bunions, or those susceptible to getting toe blisters.

We love having space for our toes to spread naturally and we like our shoes to be on the looser side rather than tight, so the Trailventures work well for even the most narrow-footed members of our team. That said, they may not be right for every foot shape. Our recommendation – order them and try them on well in advance of any major trip. Chances are, you’re going to love ‘em.

The Trailventures are also the lightest boots on our list, weighing less than a pound each. They don’t have the longevity of leather boots, but we think it’s well worth the tradeoff to feel more agile on the trail. We’ve worn the Trailventures for everything from wet fall/spring hikes to snowshoeing, and we’ve loved them every time.

The Trailventure 2 is similar to the popular Altra Lone Peak Hiker 2. Though less well-known, the Trailventures are gaining traction in the industry. They’re a bit more cushioned in the sole and the cuff, and have a slight heel-to-toe drop (5mm). We give the Trailventures the slight edge because they’re less expensive, and they take less getting used to than a zero-drop shoe.

If you like a boot with a little extra wiggle room in the toe, the KEEN Targhee III Mid WP may be just the right fit. They’re designed with an extra wide toe box – wider sizes are also available – and they require very little break-in to achieve a comfy-all-day fit.

The lacing system on the Targhees includes a unique band that attaches behind the heel to provide a secure, locked-in feeling that helps with stability on uneven terrain. And the varied lug pattern on the sole provides superb traction on all manner of trail.

Those who like a lot of ankle support will probably find them to be a little less protective than other boots on this list, but we view them as a good balance between support and flexibility. Overall, hikers looking for a wide-fitting boot at a great value price won’t be disappointed by the Targhees.

The classic look of the Vasque St. Elias GTX boots is backed up by the tried-and-true durability of their traditional leather build. The ankle cuff provides ample support and the stout toe cap gives great protection for tackling trails with a lot of rocks and roots.

Like many other traditional boots, the St. Elias are more stiff than lighter options. But once they loosen up a bit, you’ll have a bomb-proof, high-quality hiking boot that will look great, feel comfy, and perform well for years to come. Still, much of that stiffness will remain to help provide stability on technical trails.

When it comes to durability and support, the Vasque St. Elias is a leader in the boot market. Choose this hiking boot if you tend to carry heavier loads around 40 lbs. or more on rough paths and off-trail routes.

The Vasque Breeze has returned due to popular demand, and the latest iteration puts a fresh spin on the tried-and-true original design. The newest Breeze is made with recycled materials and sports a more affordable price than previous versions.

What really stands out about the Breeze compared to other hiking boots is how breathable they are for waterproof footwear. Mesh panels throughout the boots help your feet thermoregulate and allow them to dry faster when they get wet. These boots are also comfortable right out of the box – they require very little break-in since they’re lightweight and flexible.

With so much goodness at such an approachable price, we expect to see a ton of Breeze boots out on the trails for years to come. If you’re looking to go a little lighter, we also like the LT Version which weighs about 50% less.

You’ve likely noticed that the Zamberlan Vioz GTX come with a very steep price tag, but are they worth it? We say definitively yes, as very few hiking boots can compete with the quality build and durability of the Vioz. These boots are made for hikers looking for the the beefiest support, the most stable ride, and the most protective build.

Though they’re built like a tank and the heaviest boots on our list, we’ve been surprised by how comfortable the Vioz are. That said, the full-grain leather upper requires more breaking-in than other hiking boots before they can fully shine.

Hikers who need a serious boot that can withstand the toughest of terrain will quickly learn that the high cost of the Zamberlan Vioz is worth every penny for the thousands of miles they’ll get out of these boots.

The Altra Lone Peak ALL-WTHR Mids are much lighter and less bulky than traditional boots. So they’re perfect for hikers and backpackers who are after the extra protection and waterproofing of a boot without the need for burly support.

The waterproof layer is an eVent membrane which is a bit more breathable than the more common GORE-TEX, but it’s not quite as durable. That said, we find the flexibility and low weight of the Lone Peaks to be well worth that tradeoff when we’re logging lots of miles.

The latest iteration of these shoes is more supportive than previous models, but the Lone Peaks offer a lower level of support overall than some of the beefier boots on our list. For fast and light adventures that call for more protection than a trail runner can provide, the Lone Peaks can’t be beat.

If you’re on a tight budget and itching to hit the trail, the Timberland Mt. Maddsen WP are the most budget-friendly hiking boots on our list.

The Mt. Maddsens feature a classic, all-leather look and they’re reasonably lightweight, but we’d be lying if we said these boots were comfortable enough for long days on trail. They’re stiff and the toe box caused some irritation at first, but that did subside quite a bit after some use. We recommend thoroughly breaking them in before any big hikes.

While the Mt Maddsens aren’t our top recommendation, we felt they still deserved a shoutout on our list because the friendly price point is perfect for getting you on the trail when the budget is tight. We typically find it more practical to spend a little more for footwear that will last longer, but the Mt. Maddsens perform well and are still a solid choice if you need to save some bucks.