Best walking boots for summer 2025: Tried & tested hiking boots for men and women 

When it comes to outdoor adventures, the right pair of hiking boots can make all the difference. Whether you're tackling rugged mountain trails, exploring dense forests, or enjoying casual day hikes, the comfort, support, and durability of your footwear are crucial to your experience. Choosing the best hiking boots isn't just about style – it's about ensuring safety, reducing fatigue, and enhancing performance on the trail.

For lighter summer options, head across to our list of the best walking shoes could have just what you're looking for, and for non-leather options see our round up of top vegan hiking boots.

From understanding the different types of hiking boots to exploring essential features like fit, material, waterproofing, and traction, our gear testers at BBC Countryfile Magazine will help you find the perfect pair to match your hiking style and terrain.

Let’s lace up and get started on the path to your next great adventure.

Jump to best hiking boots for men

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At a glance: Best hiking boots for men

→ Best overall: Haglöfs Duality AT1 GT. View deal

The Haglöfs Duality AT1 GT blends sharp design with trail-ready grip and features two interchangeable midsoles for versatile comfort. See more.

→ Best lightweight: Scarpa Mescalito TRK GTX. View deal

Lightweight, comfortable and sturdy, Scarpa Mescalito TRK GTX boots offer good protection for long hikes in wet conditions — a great investment for 2025. See more.

→ Best budget: Columbia Peakfreak II Mid Outdry. View deal

Columbia’s Peakfreak II Mid Outdry offers great grip, stability and waterproofing, making it a solid year-round boot for moderate trails. See more.

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At a glance: Best hiking boots for women

→ Best overall: Scarpa Rush TRK Pro GTX. View deal

With superb cushioning and impact absorption, the Scarpa Rush TRK Pro GTX delivers all-day comfort on rocky, uneven ground. See more.

→ Best budget: Sprayway Women's Iona Mid HydroDRY. View deal

Affordable and trail-ready, the Iona Mid HydroDRY offers great value for new hikers tackling low-level walks. See more.

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Why trust us

At BBC Countryfile Magazine, our expert reviewers test every product in real outdoor conditions from muddy woodland paths to rocky hill trails. We offer honest, experience-led advice to help you choose the right kit. Our reviews are independent, and while we may earn from affiliate links, our recommendations are never influenced by retailers or brands.

This article is regularly updated with new products, price changes and availability to ensure you're getting the best guidance in 2025.

Our testing process

To ensure our recommendations are reliable and comprehensive, we rigorously tested each pair of hiking boots across a variety of terrains and conditions. Our team of experienced hikers and outdoor gear testers logged hundreds of miles on trails ranging from rocky mountain paths and muddy forest routes to desert scrambles and wet creek crossings.

We evaluated the boots for comfort, support, traction, durability, breathability, and waterproofing. We also considered how each boot performed on long-distance treks versus short day hikes and assessed break-in time, weight, and overall build quality. Real-world use, combined with side-by-side comparisons, allowed us to identify the best options for different hiking styles and environments.

How to choose the right boots

• Hiking shoes (day hikes, well maintained trails, casual use) - lightweight, flexible, limited ankle support, less durable.
• Day hiking boots (midweight) (day hikes, light backpacking trips, moderate trails) - good ankle support, relatively lightweight, good soles and grip.
• Backpacking boots (heavy weight) (long hikes, rough terrain, carrying heavy hiking backpacks) - excellent ankle support, durable, great for challenging conditions.
• Mountaineering boots - (snow, ice, glaciers, technical climbs, high altitudes) - heavy, stiff, compatible with crampons, maximum support, weather-resistant.

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Best men's hiking boots of 2025

Best overall

• RRP: £240.00
• Weight: 225g (UK size 8)
• Uppers: Leather approved by Leather Working Group
• Outsole: Includes abrasion-resistant rubber on the outsole heel for durability
• Waterproofing: GORE-TEX Extended Comfort

The Duality’s contemporary looks belie their performance level. An apparently thin outsole features grippy lugs. The boots come with a double set of removable midsoles – one that supplies extra support on hard and rocky trails, especially when carrying a backpack, and another and lighter pair for more casual outings, when you want a relaxed fit.

Other features include a high-quality leather upper with an integrated Gore-Tex membrane. Made from responsibly-sourced materials, the Duality is expensive, but offers the functionality of two pairs of boots, and the midsoles can be replaced.

Our verdict: Super stylish boots with interchangeable midsoles that offer versatility and performance.

Get these if...you want a high performing hiking boot you can take out on the town.

• Read more: Haglöfs Duality AT1 GT review

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Best leather

• RRP: £170.00
• Weight: 462g (UK size 8)
• Uppers: Premium nubuck leather
• Outsole: Rubber
• Waterproofing: Keen.Dry waterproof, breathable membrane

Keen's NXIS Explorer Waterproof Boots are an excellent choice for three-season walking in the UK, particularly if you’re someone who likes to move quickly and nimbly.

On test, the boots were comfortable straight out of the box, and we like the boot's natural appearance. The rubber outsole has 4mm multi-directional lugs, which offers decent traction, making these boots a solid go-to for steep inclines and wet conditions.

Our verdict: Light, well-cushioned with good traction, and a roomy, foot-friendly fit.

Get these if...an excellent three season boot that does well on steep inclines and wet conditions.

• Read more: Keen NXIS Explorer Waterproof Boot review

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Best lightweight

• RRP: £235.00
• Weight: 660g (UK size 8)
• Uppers: Suede
• Outsole: Vibram XS Trek Evo
• Waterproofing: Gore-Tex membrane

Lightweight, comfortable and sturdy, Scarpa Mescalito TRK GTX boots offer good protection for long hikes in wet conditions — a great investment for 2025. A suede upper and Gore-Tex lining offer excellent waterproofing, while Vibram's new XS Trek Evo outsole offers solid grip, if a little stiff.

Our verdict: Expensive, but lightweight and offer stout protection – and comfort – to help you tackle long hikes, especially in tough, wet conditions.

Get these if...you want a super-comfortable boot to propel them happily along hill walks with scrambles, water, mud and steep climbs and descents. 

• Read more: Scarpa Mescalito TRK GTX review

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Best for durability

• RRP: £180.00
• Weight: 500kg (UK size 8)
• Uppers: Synthetic fabric, 60% recycled materials
• Outsole: HH Max Grip
• Waterproofing: HellyTech (including waterproof membrane)

Stable, secure, grippy, robust, lightweight and waterproof – this is a high-performance hiking boot for all terrains from the Norwegian gear brand.

They'll keep your feet dry in all conditions with the 'Helly Tech' waterproofing, and feel lightweight – hence their confusing description among some retailers as a 'sneaker'. Rest assured, these are robust hiking boots. A dry-feel lining wicks moisture away from the inside of the foot, which prevents that sweaty feeling in hot weather. Its grip in slimy mud was impressive.

Our verdict: Stable, secure, grippy, robust, lightweight and waterproof – an excellent mid-height hiking boot.

Get these if...you're a rambler looking for something comfortable, lightweight and stable, or a serious hiker looking for added protection and grip too.

• Read more: Helly Hansen Traverse Hiking Boots review

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Best budget

• RRP: £125.00
• Weight: 432g (UK size 8)
• Uppers: Polyester mesh
• Outsole: Adapt Trax, rubber
• Waterproofing: OutDry

Perfect for year-round walks in moderate conditions, the Columbia PeakFreak II Mid Outdry offers good grip, excellent stability, responsive cushioning and bone-dry waterproofing – as long you don't submerge them in deep muddy puddles. The breathability is good in hot weather, making these hiking trainer boots a great choice for most seasons on light trails.

Our verdict: Great lightweight shoe with ‘trainer’ feel and moderate ankle support, for easy rambles, fast hikes, summer walking.

Get these if...if you want to hike all year round, in moderate conditions – from amblers to fast hikers.

• Read more: Columbia Peakfreak II Mid Outdry review

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• RRP: £160.00
• Weight: 555g (UK size 8)
• Uppers: Waterproof, premium leather upper
• Outsole: Rubber outsole
• Waterproofing: Keen.Dry waterproof, breathable membrane

The all-leather Keen Pyrenees walking boot performed well in our 2024 test, providing good protection and support around the ankle and toe on a range of terrains. They're a bit on the boxy side, and they could benefit from some additional cushioning, but these boots will suit anyone looking for a strong yet light (ish) boot for both day walks and multi-day walks.

Our verdict: The Pyrenees boot is light for its size with good protection and support around the ankle and toe, meaning you can move quickly – and safely – through a range of terrains.

Get these if...you want an 4 season walking boot for UK hikes, and also a strong yet light (ish) boot for both day walks, and multi-day walks.

• Read more: Keen Pyrenees review

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Best for wider feet

• RRP: £170
• Weight: 672g (UK size 8)
• Uppers: Nubuck
• Outsole: Anti-clogging Vibram
• Waterproofing: Gore-Tex membrane

These smart walking boots are crafted with nubuck uppers, combined with a Gore-Tex lining for a 100% waterproof finish. They have a high collar for extra support at the ankle and while they have a bulkier sole than other boots we’ve tested, they feel pretty light and have a super soft footbed.

We found these boots to be fairly spacious, so they’d suit those with regular or wide feet.

Our verdict: This all-rounder is great for walking on hills and other terrain, all year round.

Get these if...You're after a versatile boot for all kinds of walks.

• Read more: Berghaus Fellmaster Ridge GTX review

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Also consider...

These shoes didn't quite make it into our best list, however they're definitely worth a look!

• Salomon Cross Hik 2 Mid Gore-Tex

Aimed at fast-paced trail use, the Cross Hike 2 Mid GTX blends the agility of a trail runner with mid‑boot protection. It’s lightweight (about 650 g per pair), cushioned, and waterproof thanks to Gore‑Tex, delivering confident grip via its Mud Contagrip outsole. Those who love its sporty feel and out‑of‑the‑box comfort will appreciate the energy‑returning midsole. However, the Quicklace system can be finicky, and the low top eyelet means debris can sneak in . Ankle support is limited, so these shine on moderate, soft trails—not rugged mountain terrain.

• Inov-8 Roclite Pro G 400 GTX V2

The Inov‑8 Roclite Pro G 400 GTX V2 is a lightweight (~400 g) mid‑mountaineering boot with a graphene-enhanced outsole, Gore‑Tex waterproofing, and rock plate protection. The updated ripstop upper and heel-lock system deliver a secure fit and improved durability.

Overall, it’s a comfortable, grippy, waterproof choice for multi-day hikes on mixed terrain—though durability of uppers can vary.

Best women's hiking boots of 2025

Best overall

• RRP: £235.00
• Weight: 491g (UK size 5)
• Uppers: 1.6 - 1.8 oiled nubuck leather
• Outsole: PRESA TRK-01 engineered by Scarpa with low density EVA inserts
• Waterproofing: Gore-Tex Extended Comfort membrane

As soon as I slipped the Scarpa Rush TRK Pro GTX boots on my feet, they simply felt right. The dual density EVA midsole and Interactive Kinetic System provide brilliant cushioning underfoot. Like the princess and the pea, I could barely feel the uneven rocky ground below me due to the DST frame and PRESA sole system, which absorbed all the impact. 

These are a women’s-specific hiking boot that combines durable leather construction with modern technologies to offer incredible support for more challenging hikes. 

Our verdict: It’s hard to think of reasons why not to buy these! If you can afford the price tag, these boots will take you wherever you need to go. 

Get these if...You want an extremely comfortable and versatile, high quality boot with exceptional grip that will keep going.

• Read more: Scarpa Rush Pro GTX review

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Best leather

• RRP: £234.99
• Weight: 313g (UK size 7)
• Uppers: 1.6 - 1.8mm Nida Hydro full grain leather with Sympatex 4-layer waterproof membrane
• Outsole: Defender Hi-Traction sole (introduced in 2024 to replace the Vibram Masai outsole)
• Waterproofing: Sympatex "military grade" 4 layer waterproof membrane

The Altberg Malham women’s hiking boot is a more traditional boot, made from leather and built on Altberg’s AForme, with a slightly wider forefoot and narrow heel, with many of the characteristics taken from running shoe designs. 

The Malham boots are a three season shoe, and while I loved the design, support and fit, they’re not too breathable on hot summer walks. 

Our verdict: The Altberg Malham Women's Hiking Boot are a traditional style boot, comfortable straight out of the box with great features, but a bit too hot for summer walks.

Get these if...You’re looking for a traditional, durable and very comfortable boot for more challenging walks and you’re happy to pay a bit more for longevity, then these are a great option. 

• Read more: Altberg Malham review

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Best for durability

• RRP: £140.00
• Weight: 420g (UK size 5)
• Uppers: 1.6 - 1.8mm full grain leather with a durable water repellent coating
• Outsole: Opti‑Stud® Walk‑WB/OS Rubber Outsole
• Waterproofing: AQ waterproof membrane

Right from the moment I slipped these boots on, I was impressed by how comfortable they felt. There was no painful break–in period – the cushioning around the ankle and the padded tongue made them feel cosy and supportive without being restrictive. The fit was snug but not tight, giving my feet enough room to move naturally without feeling loose. I do have a slightly narrower foot, and the midfoot felt just right, though I can see how those with wider feet might need to size up or try them on first. 

From what I’ve seen so far, these boots feel really solid and built to last. The full–grain leather upper feels tough and resistant to scrapes and scuffs, which is great for the kind of rough trails I like to tackle. The stitching looks strong and well–done, giving me confidence they’ll hold up over time. 

Our verdict: The Berghaus Women's Expeditor Ridge 2.0 Hiking Boot is a great mid–range option with great waterproofing, but those with wider feet might need a size up.

Get these if...You’re looking for a reliable, fully waterproof shoe for a good price from a reputable brand.

Read more: Berghaus Women's Expeditor Ridge 2.0 review

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Best budget

• RRP: £60
• Weight: 400g (UK size 5)
• Uppers: Suede and mesh
• Outsole: Sprayway's own SW055 rubber compound
• Waterproofing: Sprayway's down HydroDRY breathable membrane

Comfortable, lightweight and responsive, the Iona Mid HydroDRY boot are a fantastic option for beginner hikers. Priced at less than £100, they'll appeal to those on a budget, and offered comfort straight out of the box.

Beneath the suede and synthetic mesh uppers, the HydroDRY lining stands up to moderate rain, but not prolonged soaking. Perfect for light hikes.

Our verdict: Comfortable, lightweight and responsive, the Iona is a brilliant boot for beginners who enjoy short walks in undemanding conditions.

Get these if...You're looking to get into hiking and want a great, affordable beginner boot.

Read more: Sprayway Women's Iona Mid HydroDRY

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Also consider...

These shoes didn't quite make it into our best list, however they're definitely worth a look!

• HOKA Kaha 3 GORE–TEX women's hiking boots

These shoes look great and have brilliant waterproofing and grip, but the toebox comes up a little small for some.

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Walking boots buyer’s guide: how to choose the right pair for your walks

Walking boots walking shoes: which is better for you?

Walking shoes and walking boots both have their place, but if you're tackling uneven, wet, or rugged terrain, walking boots are often the better choice. They offer greater ankle support, better protection, and improved grip—ideal for longer hikes or hill walking. While walking shoes are lighter and more breathable for casual trails or urban walks, boots provide the stability and durability needed for more demanding conditions.

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What features should you look for in walking boots?

• Ankle support – crucial for stability on uneven or steep terrain
• Waterproofing – Gore‑Tex or similar membranes keep feet dry
• Durable outsole – deep lugs for grip on mud, rock, and loose ground
• Cushioning and shock absorption – for comfort on long hikes
• Breathability – helps regulate temperature and reduce sweat
• Toe protection – reinforced toe caps guard against bumps and rocks
• Supportive midsole – for load-bearing and long-distance comfort
• Good fit – snug heel, roomy toe box, and secure lacing
• Break-in friendly materials – like soft leather or flexible synthetics
• Lightweight (if possible) – reduces fatigue without sacrificing support

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How should my walking boots fit?

When I first got into hiking, I didn’t realise how important the right fit was for walking boots. For me, a good fit means a snug heel that doesn’t slip, but enough room in the toe box so my toes can wiggle comfortably—especially when going downhill. I always try boots on with the socks I plan to wear on the trail, because that extra thickness makes a difference. There shouldn’t be any tight spots or pressure points, but also no excess looseness that causes rubbing. A well-fitted boot makes all the difference in avoiding blisters and staying comfortable all day.

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Do I need to break in my new walking boots?

I always make sure to break in my walking boots before heading out on a long hike. Even if they feel great when I first try them on, wearing them for short walks around the neighborhood or on gentle trails helps the materials soften and mold to my feet. This prevents blisters, hot spots, and general discomfort. Leather boots especially need some time to loosen up, but even lightweight synthetic ones benefit from it. I’ve learned the hard way that skipping this step can really ruin a day outdoors. A proper break-in makes all the difference in comfort and confidence.

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How to I maintain my walking boots?

After every hike, I make sure to clean my hiking boots by brushing off dirt and mud with a soft brush or damp cloth. I never use harsh detergents, and I always let them dry naturally—away from direct heat like radiators or sunlight—to prevent the materials from cracking or warping. Waterproofing is key, so I regularly apply a suitable waterproof spray or wax depending on the boot’s material. This keeps my boots water-resistant and helps them breathe. Taking these simple steps not only extends the life of my boots but also keeps my feet comfortable and dry on every adventure.

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Should I choose a leather or synthetic boot?

Choosing between leather and synthetic walking boots really depends on what kind of hiking you plan to do and your personal preferences. I’ve found leather boots are super durable and great for tough, rugged trails—they mold to your feet over time and offer fantastic support and water resistance. On the other hand, synthetic boots are lighter and dry faster, which is awesome if you want something breathable and easier to break in. For me, it’s a trade-off between durability and weight. If I’m tackling rough terrain or longer trips, I usually go leather. But for casual hikes, synthetics work just fine.

Reviews by Leonie Helm (LH) Fergus Collins (FC), Daniel Graham (DG), Patrick Kinsella (PK), Carys Matthews (CM), Joe Pontin (JP)

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