Over nine years, Wirecutter rigorously tested 61 pairs of hiking boots, covering more than 1,650 miles and 2 million steps. This extensive, long-term evaluation by The New York Times provides unparalleled real-world performance data.
Hikers often assume superior performance demands a heavy, expensive boot. Yet, new models deliver advanced features and durability at lighter weights and more accessible prices.
Consumers can now find specialized, value-packed hiking boots. This pushes manufacturers to innovate on cost-efficiency and targeted performance, rather than just raw ruggedness.
Lighter, Cheaper, Better: The New Market Reality
The market now prioritizes agility and value. The Salomon X Ultra 5 Mid GTX weighs about a half pound less than the average hiking boot, according to hikingfeet, boosting trail agility. Similarly, the Oboz Sawtooth Ascent stands as the most affordable mid-duty hiking boot, also per hikingfeet. Accessible, capable footwear now challenges traditional assumptions that performance requires bulk and high cost.
Top Picks for Every Trail and Budget
1. Salomon Quest 4 Gore-Tex Hiking Boots
Best for: Overall performance and comfort on varied terrain.
The Salomon Quest 4 Gore-Tex is The New York Times' top pick for overall hiking. It features the widest toe box among tested models, balancing support with comfort for extended wear.
Strengths: Excellent overall performance, wide toe box. Limitations: Specific price not detailed. Price: Not specified
2. Hoka Kaha 3 GTX
Best for: Backpacking, heavy loads, and wet conditions.
Released spring 2025, the Hoka Kaha 3 GTX weighs 2 pounds 8 ounces and costs $240. It features a Vibram Megagrip outsole, Gore-tex membrane, and nearly two inches of EVA cushioning, per bettertrail and mountaineerjourney. Mountaineerjourney rates its comfort at 9.5, confirming its robust capability.
Strengths: High comfort (9.5 rating), excellent support and traction, waterproof Gore-tex. Limitations: Heavier than some models. Price: $240
3. La Sportiva TX Hike Mid Leather GTX
Best for: All-around hiking, comfort, and durable construction.
Priced at $219, this 1 pound 15 ounce (men's) boot features durable leather, a trustworthy outsole, roomy toe box, and soft leather upper, per Switchback Travel. Its Gore-Tex membrane struggled with prolonged snow exposure.
Strengths: Durable leather, roomy toe box, good trail performance. Limitations: Waterproofing struggled in prolonged snow. Price: $219
4. La Sportiva Ultra Raptor 3 Mid GTX
Best for: Agile performance on technical trails, all-weather conditions.
Released spring 2026, the La Sportiva Ultra Raptor 3 Mid GTX costs $219 and weighs 1 pound 14.2 ounces (men's). Treeline Review and GearLab report it features a wider base, durable mesh, deeper lugs, and a refined midsole for better shock absorption. It requires a short break-in but handles mud, ice, snow, and river crossings effectively.
Strengths: Agile and lightweight, excellent grip, enhanced shock absorption. Limitations: Light cushioning. Price: $219
5. Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof
Best for: Shorter hikes, wider feet, and budget-conscious hikers.
Priced under $130, the Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof offers reliable traction, support, stability, ample ankle cushioning, and a roomy toe box, per The New York Times and GearLab. It suits short hikes as an affordable option.
Strengths: Affordable, reliable traction and support, roomy toe box. Limitations: Best for shorter hikes. Price: Under $130
6. Oboz Sawtooth Ascent
Best for: Mid-duty hiking with premium features at a value price.
The Oboz Sawtooth Ascent, priced $25 less than the original Sawtooth, is the most affordable mid-duty hiking boot available, per hikingfeet. It includes premium Vibram rubber outsoles and Oboz's O-Fit insoles.
Strengths: Exceptional value, premium Vibram outsole, O-Fit insoles. Limitations: Mid-duty performance. Price: Most affordable mid-duty
7. Merrell Moab Speed 2 Mid GTX
Best for: Balanced performance for varied trails, lighter weight preference.
The Merrell Moab Speed 2 Mid GTX weighs 1 pound 12.2 ounces and costs $185, per bettertrail. It provides good comfort and traction, with balanced support and stability for a mid-range option.
Strengths: Lighter weight, balanced comfort and traction, reasonable price. Limitations: Lower durability rating (3/5). Price: $185
8. Salomon X Ultra 5 Mid GTX
Best for: Hikers seeking agility without sacrificing essential support.
The Salomon X Ultra 5 Mid GTX weighs about a half pound less than the average hiking boot. It nearly matches the stability of a mid-weight boot, per hikingfeet, blending lightweight design with dependable support.
Strengths: Significantly lighter than average, good stability, agile feel. Limitations: Specific price not detailed. Price: Not specified
9. Hoka Anacapa 2
Best for: Hikers seeking a highly-rated Hoka boot at a more accessible price.
Priced at $195, the Hoka Anacapa 2 earned a 9.2 Editor’s TOP Choice rating from mountaineerjourney. It provides a more affordable entry into Hoka's cushioned footwear lineup than the Kaha 3 GTX.
Strengths: High editor rating, cushioned comfort, more affordable Hoka option. Limitations: Detailed specs less available. Price: $195
10. HOKA Transport Hike GTX Boots
Best for: Versatile use from trail to town, lightweight waterproof protection.
The HOKA Transport Hike GTX Boots are lightweight, versatile, and waterproof, per rei. Their design suits varied conditions and diverse activities.
Strengths: Lightweight, versatile for multi-use, waterproof. Limitations: Specific performance metrics not detailed. Price: Not specified
Value on the Trail: Price and Weight Showdowns
| Model | Price | Weight (Men's) | Key Feature/Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hoka Kaha 3 GTX | $240 | 2 lbs 8 oz | Premium cushioning and support for heavy loads |
| La Sportiva TX Hike Mid Leather GTX | $219 | 1 lb 15 oz | Durable leather, roomy toe box |
| La Sportiva Ultra Raptor 3 Mid GTX | $219 | 1 lb 14.2 oz | Agile, enhanced shock absorption |
| Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof | Under $130 | Not specified | Highly affordable, reliable traction |
| Oboz Sawtooth Ascent | Most affordable mid-duty | Not specified | Vibram outsole at market's lowest mid-duty price |
| Merrell Moab Speed 2 Mid GTX | $185 | 1 lb 12.2 oz | Good balance of weight and features |
| Hoka Anacapa 2 | $195 | Not specified | High-rated Hoka at a mid-range price |
| Salomon X Ultra 5 Mid GTX | Not specified | ~0.5 lb less than avg | Significantly lighter, good stability |
| HOKA Transport Hike GTX Boots | Not specified | Not specified | Lightweight, versatile, waterproof |
| Salomon Quest 4 Gore-Tex Hiking Boots | Not specified | Not specified | Overall performance, wide toe box |
The Merrell Moab Speed 2 Mid GTX, at $185, offers a competitive option. The Oboz Sawtooth Ascent, priced $25 less than the original Sawtooth, per hikingfeet, exemplifies how manufacturers are driving value. This competitive pricing allows consumers to access premium features at more accessible costs.
Engineered for Comfort and Durability
Modern hiking boots feature a wider base, more durable mesh, deeper lugs, and refined midsoles for superior shock absorption, as detailed by Treeline Review. Design improvements enhance stability, foot protection, and overall comfort on diverse terrains. Manufacturers are clearly prioritizing user satisfaction and accessibility through these innovations.
Common Questions About Your Next Hiking Boot
What are the most durable hiking boots for men in 2026?
Durability in 2026 hiking boots comes from material and construction. Full-grain leather models, like the La Sportiva TX Hike Mid Leather GTX, offer robust abrasion resistance. Boots with durable mesh and deeper lugs, such as the La Sportiva Ultra Raptor 3 Mid GTX, withstand diverse conditions.nd prolonged trail exposure and challenging conditions.
Are waterproof hiking boots worth it for men in 2026?
Waterproof hiking boots, often with Gore-Tex membranes, benefit wet conditions and stream crossings by providing dry comfort. However, they can reduce breathability, leading to warmer feet in hot, dry climates. For instance, the La Sportiva TX Hike Mid Leather GTX's Gore-Tex membrane struggled with prolonged snow, showing limits to absolute waterproofing in extreme conditions.
What is the difference between hiking boots and trail running shoes in 2026?
Hiking boots, like the Hoka Kaha 3 GTX, offer superior ankle support, foot protection, and stiffer soles for rugged terrain and heavy loads. Trail running shoes prioritize flexibility, lighter weight, and agility for faster movement on less technical trails. Modern boots, such as the Salomon X Ultra 5 Mid GTX, bridge this gap with lighter designs and notable stability.
