Hiking boots, ranked by critic score
5 ranked by critic score · 1 more not yet ranked · 28 professional reviews
Hiking boots, judged on comfort, support, traction and waterproofing.
Image: HokaHoka Kaha 3 GTX
4 professional reviewers tested the Hoka Kaha 3 GTX, and 4 recommend it. Most praised: comfort. Most common complaint: heavy.
The catch: It is pricey, heavy and runs hot.
Early score: only 4 professional reviews so far. Expect it to move as more reviews come in.
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- 1Hoka Kaha 3 GTXTop pick, narrowly4 reviews · early score90Image: Hoka
- 2Lowa Renegade GTX MidBest for heavy packs5 reviews88
Image: Lowa - 3Salomon X Ultra 5 Mid GTXBest lightweight boot4 reviews · early score86
Image: Salomon - 4Merrell Moab 3 Mid WaterproofBest for comfort out of the box8 reviews85
Image: Merrell - 5Keen Targhee IV Mid WaterproofBest for wide feet6 reviews80
Image: Keen
The highest-rated pair of hiking boots so far, on an early score, is the Hoka Kaha 3 GTX: critic score 90 out of 100 from 4 reviews, 4 of them positive. Most praised: comfort. Most common complaint: heavy.
Early reads · 1 not yet ranked
Not ranked, listed A to Z. We publish a critic score once at least 4 professional reviews of the exact model exist; with 2 or 3 we show a provisional average.
- Oboz Sawtooth X Mid · 1 review so far (SectionHiker: 89 est.)
Common questions
What is the best pair of hiking boots?
Narrowly, the Hoka Kaha 3 GTX, with a critic score of 90 from 4 professional reviews. Most praised: comfort. Most common complaint: heavy.
Hoka Kaha 3 GTX vs Lowa Renegade GTX Mid: which is better?
Critics score the Hoka Kaha 3 GTX 90 and the Lowa Renegade GTX Mid 88. We list the Lowa Renegade GTX Mid under “Best for heavy packs”. Its main drawback: it is expensive and heavy, and the lacing is fiddly.