The first thing they teach you in the military is to always take care of your feet. You do not need to be in the military to understand that having an uncomfortable or poor-quality pair of hiking shoes can ruin any hiking trip. Your hiking boots are a continuation of your body and they should be comfortable, the correct size, made from quality material, and suitable for any type of weather or condition. So, it’s better doing a review on many brands and options offered to get your best hiking boots before buying it.
It is always a good idea to invest in waterproof boots because even if it is not raining, you never know when you will need to cross a creek or jump across a few mud puddles. Let us take a closer look at some hiking boot reviews and compile a list of the best men’s hiking boots and the best women’s hiking boots.
In This Post:
Our Top 5 Hiking Boots Pick Up
Choosing the Right Hiking Boots
First, before we dive into our suggestions for the best hiking shoes, we need to discuss everything you should consider concerning hiking boots before you make your purchase. It is important that you read the specifications of each pair of shoes to make sure they are the best hiking shoes for you. A combination of knowing what you like, what you need, and where you will be hiking, will help you determine which pair of hiking boots is worthy of your money.
Comfort
Comfort is critical when shopping for a new pair of trekking shoes or trekking boots. The first thing is they should fit properly. Your foot should be snug enough in your outdoor shoes that it does not flop around when you walk. You should be able to comfortably wiggle your toes. Also, your heel should not lift out of your shoe when you walk.
Another aspect of comfort that you will need to explore is the materials of the shoe’s upper, lining, and support. The best boot brands will have the perfect combination of leather and Gore-Tex to keep your feet comfortable and dry.
Safety
Safety is also a factor to consider. Do you have ankle troubles from previous injuries? Then maybe a high-cut boot is the right choice for you. What about planning on hiking in loose gravel or dirt? Take into extra consider the quality of your boot’s sole to prevent slips and falls.
Duration Wearing Hiking Boots
Duration of your hikes is a big factor as well. Will you be on your feet the entire day? Maybe for 10, or 14 days of trekking. Wow! Your feet are going to need some additional support and comfort to keep you trucking along on your ambitious trekking plans.
Where Will You Be Hiking
Always consider where you will be hiking before purchasing any new trekking gear, especially shoes. What will the weather be like? Will you be in dry conditions with loose gravel and dirt? Maybe wet and muddy trails? Take these into consideration when you are deciding if you want waterproof hiking shoes or not and what kind of sole you will need.
Hiking Boots Features
Styles
The style or cut of your new hiking boots will greatly affect your hiking experience. Here are the differences between high-cut, mid-cut, and low-cut.
- High-Cut: Incredibly sturdy with a cuff that rises a few centimetres above the ankle. Laces go all the way up as well for increased ankle support.
- Mid-Cut: The hybrid between the high-cut and low-cut, the mid-cut provides ankle support and a greater range of motion than the high-cut.
- Low-Cut: Provides a great range of motion. Super lightweight. Great for trail runners.
Material
The most used materials for hiking shoes are different types of leather or leather mesh combinations. Choose a good material you are comfortable with, however, do not overlook the material of your lining, support, and even the sole of your hiking boot. All the materials for these different parts of your shoe will affect what kind of hiking experience you will have with your new shoes.
Waterproof
Most leather hiking boots already come waterproofed. It is hard nowadays to find a pair of hiking boots that are not waterproof. Even still, if you purchase a non-waterproof pair of trekking shoes, you can easily add waterproofing spray or cream to prepare them from wet conditions.
Weight
Take into consideration the weight of your shoes and how much more effort you will exert over time if they are heavy. If you are going on a long-distance trek than maybe search for the best lightweight hiking shoes.
Hiking Boot Reviews
Below we have compiled a list of the best hiking boots in Australia from manufacturers and brands from all around the world. We have read through hundreds of hiking boot reviews and broke down our favourites into two categories, best boots for men and best hiking boots for women.
Men’s Hiking Boots
Hi-Tec Altitude VI i WP Men’s Boot
The Hi-Tec Altitude men’s boot is an excellent and durable pair of hi tec hiking boots. The upper material is a premium waterproof leather coupled with lace-up hardware that is rustproof. These hi-tec boots will last a long time and are ideal for wet conditions that you may encounter whether you are trekking in the mountains or walking around your neighbourhood. Not only are these hiking boots durable and tough but they provide soothing comfort with the micro-fleece ling and Ortholite sock liner.
- RRP: $239.99
- Style: Mid-Cut
- Upper Material: Waterproof Leather | iShield Water Repellant Treatment
- Lining Material: DriTec waterproof membrane | Ortholite Impressions Sock line
- Support: Nylon Fork Shank
- Sole: Michelin Rubber
- Waterproof: Yes
- Warranty: 1- year warranty.
- Weight: 1.0 Kg
Salomon Quest Prime GTX Men’s Boot
Salomon boots have built up a reputation of being long-lasting and durable and they put their money where their mouth is with a two-year warranty. This pair of Salomon hiking boots will keep water out with a split suede leather upper and will keep your feet dry with an Ortholite foam sock liner. Ideal for hiking and backpacking and individuals concerned with ankle support. Take these boots on your next trek for ultimate security and comfort on the trail.
- RRP: $299.99
- Style: High-Cut
- Upper Material: Split Suede Leather | Synthetic
- Lining Material: Gore-Tex
- Support: Advanced Chassis
- Sole: Contagrip
- Waterproof: Yes
- Warranty: 2-year warranty.
- Weight: 0.98 Kg
Keen Gypsum II Mid Men’s Boot
Keen hiking boots are famous all around the world for their quality and comfort. If you are looking for Keen shoes in Australia, look no further than the Keen Gypsum shoe. Constructed with waterproof leather and a breathable Keen.Dry membrane, these hiking shoes are ideal for all your outdoor excursions. Did we mention comfort? The Keen Gypsum hiking boot is designed for comfort with a roomy toe box and a wider fit. You will not be disappointed with these Keen hiking boots.
- RRP: $279.99
- Style: Mid-Cut
- Upper Material: Waterproof Nubuck Leather | Mesh
- Lining Material: KEEN.DRY membrane | Cleansport NXT Odor control | EVA Footbed
- Support: Heel Support Structure | Stability Shank | Moulded EVA
- Sole: Non-Marking Rubber | 4mm Lugs
- Waterproof: Yes
- Warranty: 1-year warranty.
- Weight: 1.08 Kg
Merrell Moab 2 Leather Mid GTX Men’s Boot
Merrell hiking shoes are a well-trusted brand sought after by hikers all around the world. These Merells hiking boots are ultra-durable, supportive, and comfortable. The added air cushion on the heel absorbs shock and increases stability. These boots also come with a Gore-Tex waterproof membrane, protective rubber toe cap, a breathable mesh lining, and a Vibram sole with 5mm deep lugs.
- RRP: $279.99
- Style: Mid-Cut
- Upper Material: Leather | Mesh
- Lining Material: Gore-Tex
- Support: Nylon Arch Shank
- Sole: Vibram | 5mm lugs
- Waterproof: Yes
- Warranty: 1-year warranty.
- Weight: 1.04 Kg
Scarpa Terra GTX Unisex Boot
These Scarpa hiking boots are the apex of practical and luxury. Extremely comfortable with a roomy toe box, a PU midsole, and a gentle cuff, these shoes will feel like clouds wrapped around your feet. The Scarpa Terra GTX hiking boot also comes with a 2mm thick leather upper and Gore-Tex lining to keep your feet extra dry. These hiking boots will be ready to wear brand new and will not take time to break in due to the new stitching and the soft leather upper.
- RRP: $349.95
- Style: High-Cut
- Upper Material: 2mm Leather
- Lining Material: Gore-Tex Performance Comfort
- Support: PU Midsole
- Sole: Vibram Energy II
- Waterproof: Yes
- Warranty: 1-year warranty.
- Weight: 1.23 Kg
Women’s Hiking Boots
Merrell Moab 2 Mid GTX Woman’s Boot
These Merrell women’s shoes are waterproof constructed, breathable, and versatile. Made from leather and mesh, these Merrell shoes will protect your feet from wet conditions while the rubber toe cap will protect your toes from other obstructions. The Gore-Tex membrane will keep your feet dry while not cutting off breathability. Extra grip and slip-resistance with the Vibram rubber sole with 5mm deep lugs.
- RRP: $279.99
- Style: Mid-Cut
- Upper Material: Synthetic Leather | Mesh
- Lining Material: Gore-Tex
- Support: Compression-Moulded EVA | Nylon Arch Shank
- Sole: Vibram Multi-Sport | TC5+ Rubber
- Waterproof: Yes
- Warranty: 1-year warranty.
- Weight: 0.96 Kg
Keen Gypsum II Mid Woman’s Boot
These Keen women’s hiking boots are some of the best waterproof hiking shoes on the market right now. These ladies hiking boots are ideal for day hiking, trekking, and backpacking in all weather conditions. Constructed with waterproof leather and a KEEN.DRY membrane, these women’s waterproof hiking boots will keep your feet dry all day long. Comes with a removable EVA footbed for added support and comfort and a non-marking sole with 4mm deep lugs. Hike comfortably and safely in these secure and durable hiking shoes.
- RRP: $279.99
- Style: Mid-Cut
- Upper Material: Waterproof Nubuck Leather | Mesh
- Lining Material: KEEN.DRY membrane | Cleansport NXT Odor control | EVA Footbed
- Support: Heel Support Structure | Stability Shank | Moulded EVA
- Sole: Non-Marking Rubber | 4mm Lugs
- Waterproof: Yes
- Warranty: 1-year warranty.
- Weight: 0.93 Kg
Hi-Tec Ravus Vent Mid WP Woman’s Boot
These hi-tec shoes make the best boots, from a trusted brand, at an affordable price. The lining is constructed from a Dri-Tec waterproof breathable membrane and soft comfortable mesh. The hardware lacing system is waterproof as is the suede leather upper. Ideal for camping trips and all outdoor recreation, try out the Hi-Tec Ravus hiking boots today.
- RRP: $179.99
- Style: Mid-Cut
- Upper Material: Suede Leather | Mesh
- Lining Material: Dri-Tec Waterproof Breathable Membrane
- Support: Moulded EVA
- Sole: MD Traction Rubber
- Waterproof: Yes
- Warranty: 1-year warranty.
- Weight: 1.092 Kg
Salomon Quest 4D 3 GTX Woman’s Boot
Salomon hiking boots women’s division has risen in brand recognition over the years for providing high-quality women’s hiking boots in Australia. Salomon hiking shoes, in general, have an excellent reputation and the Salomon Quest 4D GTX shoe proves it. These lightweight hiking boots are constructed with a waterproof Nubuck leather upper, a breathable Gore-Tex membrane, and Contagrip soles that provide traction on wet, loose, hard, or dry surfaces. These outdoor boots are perfect for any hiking, trekking, or backpacking trip.
- RRP: $429.99
- Style: High-Cut
- Upper Material: Nubuck Leather | Synthetic
- Lining Material: Gore-Tex
- Support: 4D Advanced Chassis
- Sole: High Traction Contagrip
- Waterproof: Yes
- Warranty: 1-year warranty.
- Weight: 1.15 Kg
Teva Montara Mid Event Woman’s Boot
The Teva Montara Mid Event hiking boot is an excellent pair of women’s waterproof hiking shoes. This ultra-durable leather and mesh shoe not only is waterproof, but it contains the Aegis antimicrobial treatment to keep your feet and hiking shoes smelling fresh. These women’s hiking shoes are ideal for any trek and will keep you stable on rocky terrain with the Vibram Megagrip rubber sole.
- RRP: $299.95
- Style: Mid-Cut
- Upper Material: Nubuck Leather | Mesh
- Lining Material: eVent Waterproof Breathable Membrane | Pig Leather | Dual Density EVA Footbed
- Support Material: Dual Density EVA | Numentum Hike Technology
- Sole Material: Vibram Megagrip Rubber
- Waterproof: Yes
- Warranty: 1-year warranty.
- Weight: 0.80 Kg
Hiking Boots FAQ
How do I clean my hiking boots?
Cleaning your hiking boots is especially important if you want to prolong the life of your boots. Mud can suck the moisture out of leather and sand and dirt can set deeper and deeper into the leather and fabric acting like sandpaper and wearing them down.
- First, you will need a boot brush or an old toothbrush.
- Second, buy some special boot cleaner or just find some mild dishwashing soap from your kitchen.
- Next, remove the laces from your boots.
- Then, make sure to remove any larger clumps of dirt or mud from the boot.
- Next, create a bucket of warm water mixed with your soap.
- Begin to apply soapy water to your hiking boots and continue to scrub every exterior corner and edge of your boot.
- Last, rinse off your boots entirely with fresh clean water and prepare them to dry.
How do I dry my hiking boots?
To dry your boots after you are done washing them, follow these guidelines.
- Remove the insoles to air dry separately.
- Let boots air-dry at a normal temperature.
- Do not use a heat source like a fireplace, radiator, or heater to dry your boots. It can weaken the leather.
- You can use a fan to speed up the air-drying process.
- Once they are dry, store your boots in a place that the temperature is normal. Avoid any place damp or unventilated.
Is it possible to waterproof non-waterproof boots?
Yes, it is possible to waterproof non-waterproof boots. To waterproof your hiking boots, simply follow these guidelines.
- First, make sure your shoes are thoroughly cleaned and fully soaked with water before beginning the waterproof process. The leather should be saturated completely.
- Before applying the waterproof treatment to your boots, read the product instructions in full.
- Apply the waterproofing solution to your boots liberally and prepare them for drying.
- Place your boots somewhere to air-dry at a normal temperature.
- Do not use a heat source to dry your boots. However, you may use a fan.
- Once drying is complete, store your boots in a place with low humidity and a normal temperature.
Ready to Purchase Your Next Pair of Hiking Boots?
Now that you are fully prepared and educated on everything you need to know before purchasing your next new pair of hiking boots, it is time to put this knowledge to use. Happy shopping!
