Best walking boots for 2023 – tested by experts

Whether you’re searching for a walking boots for weekend walks, easy rambles or more challenging multi-day hikes, our team of walking experts have put a selection of the best boots available to the test.

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 vegan hiking boots review.

We’ve concentrated on mid-height boots. These all feature a cuff to support the ankle, but are cut lower than full-height hiking boots.

How to choose the right walking boot for you

A good pair of mid-height boots should be more than adequate for most walks in most conditions. They offer some clear advantages. Mid-height boots tend to be lighter, less restrictive, and cooler in hot weather than full-height boots.

And mid-height boots trump hiking shoes by offering ankle protection, and better overspilling water.

If you plan to walk regularly in harsh weather or in tricky conditions ­– such as boggy, steep or rocky ground ­– full-height boots might offer more protection from ankle twists. This is also an advantage if you plan to carry heavy loads. The high cuffs also offer more protection from water ingress when you have to cross deep puddles or shallow streams. Look out for our review of full-height hiking boots later in the year.

Best walking boots tested

Adidas Terrex Free Hiker 2 Gore-Tex hiking shoe

RRP £200 - skip to find the latest deals

Pros: Comfortable; bold styling

Cons: Poor trail feel

• Uppers: 50% recycled synthetic
• Outsole: Continental, rubber
• Waterproofing: Gore-Tex membrane

Offering instant comfort, confident styling and a sporty feel, the Terrex Free Hiker 2 from German sports gear brand Adidas is a 2022 update on the original 2011 Free Hiker line. Good for lighter wear across most terrains, they have slim uppers but chunky tread and good grip. Unique to the brand is the EVA foam 'boost' midsole, which gives bounce-back with every footstep. Great if you like a cosseted training feel, but not for you if you enjoy the feel of the track you're walking on. More details in our full-length review of the Adidas Terrex Free Hiker 2 Gore-Tex.

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Salomon Cross Hike 2 Mid Gore-Tex walking boot

RRP £165 - skip to find the latest deals

Pros: Grippy, waterproof

Cons: Narrow fit

• Uppers: Textile/synthetic upper
• Outsole: Rubber Mud Contagrip
• Waterproofing: Gore-Tex

Grippy, lightweight and sporty, Salomon's latest mid-height hiking boot is built for pace over easy to moderate terrain. Fit doesn't suit everyone – it's narrow and the lacing system might need some fiddling. A Gore-Tex lining is very waterproof, and the styling sporty. Read our full-length review for more details.

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Columbia Peakfreak II Mid Outdry boot

RRP £125 - skip to find the latest deals

Pros: Waterproof; excellent lacing system for a good fit

Cons: In deep puddles water may leak over the relatively low tongue bellows.

• 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 a great choice for most seasons on light trails. Interested? Then read our full-length review of the Columbia Peakfreak II Mid Outdry.

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Helly Hansen Traverse Hiking Boots

RRP £180 - skip to find the latest deals

Pros: Lightweight, waterproof and grippy

Cons: Rubbery appearance of uppers

• 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. Sounds good? If you want to know more, read our full-length review of the Helly Hansen Traverse Boot.

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Hoka Anacapa Mid Gore-Tex boot

RRP £160 - skip to find the latest deals

Pros: Comfortable, grippy, supportive

Cons: Possibly, durability – time will tell. Tests continue...

• Uppers: Partially recycled polyester fabric; waterproof nubuck leather
• Outsole: Vibram Megagrip rubber with 5mm lug
• Waterproofing: Gore-Tex membrane

French brand Hoka began life as a sports shoe brand, and this informs its hiking shoe making favourably. The Anacapa includes Hoka's trademark cushioned mid-sole, designed to reduce footfall impact for trail runners, while the Nubuck leather around the ankle and midfoot provide support without bulkiness. A superb boot. Want more info? Then read our full-length review of the Hoka Anacapa Mid Gore-Tex boot.

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inov-8 Roclite Pro G 400 GTX V2

RRP £210

Pros: Grippy and durable outsoles, good lacing system, secure fit, waterproof

Cons: Foam midsole removes 'trail feel'

• Uppers: Synthetic Ripstop textile
• Midsole: Powerflow Max EVA foam
• Waterproofing: Gore-Tex XCR membrane

These handsome boots are waterproof and grippy, with chunky 6mm lugs. The outsoles contain graphene, which should make them more hard-wearing than most. The lacing system is simple and effective, helping to achieve a close fit. They are comfortable, too, with a foam midsole designed for ‘energy return’ – or ‘bounce’ to the layperson. This is the boot’s key feature – do you enjoy the tiny spring the midsole provides with each step, or would you prefer more ‘trail feel’? Our reviewer marked the G 400 down for this, but it's a matter of taste, and you might feel differently. Intrigued? Then check out our full-length review of the inov-8 Roclite G 400 V2.

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Scarpa Mescalito TRK GTX

RRP £235 - skip to find the latest deals

Pros: Lightweight, waterproof, grippy

Cons: Cost, weight

• 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 suede upper and Gore-Tex lining offer excellent waterproofing, while Vibram's new XS Trek Evo outsole offers solid grip, if a little stiff. Read more in our full-length review of the Scarpa Mescalito TRK GTX.

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Sprayway women's Iona Mid HydroDRY boots

RRP £90 - skip to find the latest deals

Pros: Affordable, lightweight, comfortable

Cons: Not waterproof in heavy rain; durability

• 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. For more info, read our full-length review of the Sprayway Iona Mid HydroDRY boots.

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Haglöfs Duality AT1 GT hiking boots

RRP £240 - skip to find the latest deals

Pros: Comfortable, versatile, waterproof, lightweight

Cons: Price

• 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 without buying new shoes. Find out more in our full-length review of the Haglöfs Duality AT1 GT hiking boot.

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Scarpa Rush TRK GTX hiking boots

RRP £185 - skip to find the latest deals

Pros: Grippy, comfortable, lightweight

Cons: Some might find them bulky

• Uppers: 1.6mm–1.8 mm suede and fabric
• Outsole: Presa
• Waterproofing: Gore-Tex membrane

In the Rush boot, mountain-savvy brand Scarpa has used lightweight materials and technical innovations to make a boot that makes long hikes as comfortable as short strolls. The Presa outsole has high-performance grip thanks to its chunky lugs and the sole boasts five shock-absorbing areas and domes for additional support. The boot is reliably rigid, with good toe protection for rocky terrain. The upper is made from abrasion-resistant leather, lined with a Gore-Tex membrane for waterproofing and breathability. And at 555g, it's nice and light. PK

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Altberg Fremington walking boot

RRP £209.99 - skip to find the latest deals

Pros: Durable, waterproof

Cons: Weight; leather uppers are tough but require maintenance

• Uppers: Full-grain Anfibio leather
• Outsole: Vibram – hard-wearing and replaceable (Alberg will re-sole)
• Waterproofing: Sympatex lining

Hardy, watertight and surprisingly comfortable, the classic Fremington leather boot from Yorkshire copes well with even tough hill walks all year round. High-quality leather uppers and breathable membrane ensure its waterproofing, which the Vibram sole supply a tread that can handle any British hill and the padded ankle cuff reduces rubbing. It's available in a range of widths to suit narrow and wide feet and while it's sold as a 2-3-season boot, I'd recommend it for British winters, too.

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Keen Targhee iii Mid WP

RRP £140 - skip to find the latest deals

Pros: Competitive price, comfortable

Cons: Not fully waterproof

• Uppers: Leather and mesh
• Outsole: Keen All-Terrain rubber, with 4mm lugs
• Waterproofing: Keen.Dry breathable membrane

If you're looking for an affordable fair-weather walking boot that's extremely comfortable, the Targhee iii might be for you. When tested in the Swiss Alps on a two-week hike, its All-Terrain rubber outsole offered excellent grip on wet paths, grass and scree slopes. Its dry breathable membrane allows vapour to leave the boot – welcome in hot weather, but not brilliant in the rain. The Targhee iii's comfort levels are thanks to its Metatomical Footbed, which supports the arches, and dual-density EVA insoles that soften the impact of the trail. PK

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Mammut Ducan Mid GTX

RRP £170 - skip to find the latest deals

Pros: Waterproof, versatile

Cons: Weight, though they do feel lighter

• Uppers: Double Layer Engineered Mesh (synthetic)
• Outsole: Vibram XS Trek
• Waterproofing: Gore-Tex lined

Sporty, comfortable and protective, the zippy Mammut Ducan Mid GTX boots are lightweight and grippy in the field. They have a substantial outsole and toecap and feel lighter than their 1.2kg on the trail, being responsive and stable. The uppers are made of an engineered mesh, reinforced with padding. There's no separate tongue – just a single piece of upper that underlaps the lacing, and an elasticated layer of Gore Tex membrane that – very effectively – stops the rain soaking in. A highly versatile boot that's suitable for all manner of walks, including fast hiking and backpacking. PK

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Vivobarefoot Tracker FG walking boot

RRP £190 - skip to find the latest deals

Pros: Trail feel, lightweight, durable

Cons: Limited grip and cushioning

• Uppers: Leather
• Outsole: Firm ground sticky rubber with 3mm lugs
• Waterproofing: Hydroguard waterproof and breathable membrane

If you’re looking for a walking boot with a trail feel, Vivobarefoot’s Tracker FG might be right for you. The sole is thin, flexible and completely flat, with no drop between the heel and toe, giving you a close connection to the terrain. There’s also plenty of room in the toe box for your feet to spread out comfortably. Despite the multi-directional lugs, the sole can be a little slippery on muddy ground, so these boots are best kept for dry summer walks. Read our full review of the Tracker FG for more details.

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Berghaus Fellmaster Ridge GTX walking boot

RRP £170 - skip to find the latest deals

Pros: Waterproof, lightweight, supportive

Cons: High collar may be uncomfortable

• 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. We've written more in our full-length review of the Berghaus Fellmaster Ridge GTX boots.

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Keen Circadia Waterproof Walking Boot

RRP £114.99 - skip to find the latest deals

Pros: Substantial protection, well cushioned, spacious, competitive price

Cons: Bulky, heavier than average

• Uppers: leather
• Outsole: Keen.Fusion rubber, 5mm multi-directional lugs
• Waterproofing: Keen.Dry membrane

Made with durable leather uppers and reinforced toe caps, Keen’s Circadia boots should stand the test of time - and as you can usually find them on sale for under £100, they offer good value for money when it comes to cost per wear.

Having tested the Keen Circadia in a range of different conditions, we were impressed with their highly waterproof membrane and the soft cushioning, which envelopes the foot when you first put the boots on. The substantial 5mm rubber lugs provide ample grip, but the chunky design does compromise the feel of the boot. It’s bulky and heavy, so can feel a little awkward on the move. Find out more in our full review of Keen's Circadia boots.

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Brandecosse Capriolo walking boot

RRP £199 - buy for men and women from Brandecosse

Pros: High-quality finish, retro styling, low profile

Cons: Shallow lugs, limited cushioning on the forefoot

• Uppers: Italian suede
• Outsole: Vibram Friction
• Waterproofing: Sympatex H2Out linings

Brandecosse’s Capriolo boot is instantly recognisable for its old-school looks. With its low-profile design, rubber toecap and Italian suede upper, it’s smart enough to wear to the pub and on the high street, as well as on countryside walks. Where the boot’s shallow lugs lend versatility, they do limit cushioning and traction on slippery mud. The Capriolo has a trail feel, so we’d recommend it for short to moderate walks, as opposed to five-mile-plus treks, especially if you’re carrying a heavy pack.

Thanks to the lacing, which stretches almost as far as the toecap, you can get a tight fit with these boots – they might be a little too snug for anyone with wide feet. Read our full review of the Capriolo walking boot.

Also consider...

Here are some other walking boots we've tested. Click on the links to read our full-length reviews and find the latest deals.

Unisex Muck Originals Pull-on Short Boots

RRP £130

These 100% waterproof boots are a great choice for short strolls, dog walks and days spent gardening.

Palladium x Finisterre Pallatrooper Hiker WP+ boot

RRP £170

A chunky pair of boots with excellent grip - ideal for short walks in cold, wet weather.

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