The GORE-TEX liner provides industry-leading waterproofing and reasonable breathability for cold through temperately warm weather, though we did find that the lower cut was susceptible to letting water in at a certain depth.Īt just under a pound per boot (1 pound 14.4 ounces per pair - a bit lighter than the previous model), the X Ultra 4 Mid GTX are quite light for a supportive, mid-height hiker with technical capabilities. This isn’t a problem for regular trekking, but something to consider if significant bushwhacking is on the docket, as twigs and branches tend to yank the laces out of the hook. The eyelets are quite shallow and don’t “grip” the laces as well as some similar models we tested. One con we did notice fairly quickly was how easily the lace tends to slip free of the single hook eyelet in the ankle during off-trail travel. This comparative lack of support was a slight complaint we had with the last model, and we think the brand addressed it well. Dubbed the “Advanced Chassis” (ADV/C), a molded insert in the outsole affords solid lateral support while still keeping the front flexible enough for unrestricted movement. The Ultra 4 update brings a revamped chassis to this crowd-favorite, improving support and adding more confidence without sacrificing freedom of movement. Whether on quick trips or overnight excursions, they kept us on our feet and in control. We used them on dirt-packed and rocky trails, and even steep, rutted-out muddy roads while turkey hunting. Thanks to its burly Contagrip outsole, this boot provides ideal traction for a wide range of surfaces. Our testing, both on and off the trail, left us looking forward to more miles in these boots. It’s a comfortable fit for many hikers right out of the box. The Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX ($175) is a very comfortable, fairly light, waterproof boot that meets technical requirements for both backcountry objectives and day hikes. Best Hiking Boots for Rough Terrain: La Sportiva Trango Tech GTX Boot.Best Hiking Boots for Backpacking: Salomon Quest 4 GORE-TEX.Runner-Up Best Hiking Boots: SCARPA Rush 2 Mid GTX.Best Budget Hiking Boots: Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof.Best Overall Hiking Boots: Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX.For more help choosing the right boot, we’ve included a complete buyer’s guide along with a handy comparison table and FAQ. We’ve divided this list into categories to help you find the best boot for you. After years of hiking and months of testing the newest options out there, we’ve compiled a list of what we truly believe to be the best hiking boots for men and women.īecause all feet are unique, there’s no single boot that works for every hiker. Secondary factors included value, style, and weight. Through the testing process, we primarily focused on comfort, traction, support, and durability. We’re especially keen on boots that maximize comfort while meeting technical requirements to help keep your mind on the objective at hand. Our team has years of experience hiking and backpacking through a wide range of landscapes, and we’ve become quite picky when it comes to finding the best hiking boots. When you’re moving through the wilderness, having the right gear helps keep your mind and body free to experience nature without unnecessary distractions. As the foundation of your gear, a comfortable, technically sound pair of hiking boots can set you up for an experience to remember.
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