11 of the Most Comfortable Hiking Boots to Buy in 2022 (2023)

FAQs

How comfortable should hiking boots be? ›

Hiking boots should fit snug everywhere, tight nowhere and offer room to wiggle your toes. Try them on at the end of the day (after feet swell) and with the socks you plan to wear. Know your size. It's best to have your foot's length, width and arch length measured on a specially calibrated fit device at REI.

Still, the Merrell Moab gets plenty of votes for “best value” or “best budget hiking boot” from outdoor magazines and websites. It offers a little foot and ankle support and features Vibram outsoles, which is a plus. They're an economical choice for hikers on a budget and may be a good fit for hikers with wide feet.

Many hikers suggest that a pair of right hiking boots should be a half or full size larger than their normal shoe size or even the hiking boots that fit you perfectly.

Mileage Considerations

Some shoe manufacturers recommend consumers replace their hiking boots every three to six months or every 350 to 500 miles depending on usage. This milestone may be accurate, depending on the type of hiking a person enjoys and the conditions in which the boots were used.

You should have at least an inch of space between your big toe and the tip of your boots. More room for your toes will be more comfortable on longer hikes as your feet swell. And, if your toes can splay out as you step you'll have better stability.

Feet tend to swell a bit during hiking, so erring on the side of larger hiking shoes or boots is advisable. In general, aim to buy your hiking boots a half size larger than you think you need.

Of all the great Merrell shoes we sell, the classic Moab has always been a favorite. There's a reason 'Moab' is an acronym for 'Mother of All Boots. ' Many websites and magazines for outdoor enthusiasts have praised the Moab line, holding up these boots as exemplars of support, versatility, and total performance.

For $5 more than the Siren Edge, the Moab gets the edge in durability with suede leather along the upper, wins out in grip with a similar Vibram outsole and deeper (5mm) lugs, and is more comfortable and well cushioned with a thicker and softer EVA midsole.

Salomon Jungle Boots Ultra - Burro (SJB)

Lightweight and designed as a jungle boot with high ankles, they're perfectly designed for use in the Mexican heat, allowing feet to drain of fluid and heat quickly. Identified by the Salomon toecap 'lift', the rubber heel back and strap and the contagrip (3 wide) sole.

You should have at least an inch for your toes. This is especially important for hiking boots. Your toes should also have room to wiggle around a tad. If you're ever feeling the “pins-and-needles” sensation, your boots are too tight.

How do you measure your feet for hiking boots? ›

How to Size Your Foot and Find Hiking Boots Online || REI - YouTube

Stand upright and have them check how much room you have behind your heel. In a properly fitting boot, they should be able to get roughly one finger between your heel and the back of the boot. If they get significantly more or less than that, the boot is too large or small.

Sometimes even a seemingly perfect-looking pair of boots may need to be replaced. Whether it is sore feet, cramps or blisters, these are all signs your boots may be worn.

Hiking boots can be worn for everyday use. They provide great ankle support, breathability, traction, and many other great features which allow you to tackle any walking surface from tile, carpet, asphalt, and concrete as the areas you walk on change throughout your day.

From average use (hiking 10 miles/week), you should replace your hiking boots every 500-1,000 miles, depending on the quality of the boots. By the thousand-mile mark, there should be clear indicators it's time to upgrade.

You should be able to wiggle your toes inside the toe box (the front of the shoe). To see if you have enough room, slide your foot forward so your toes are just touching the end of the unlaced boot. In this position, you should have a finger's width (about ½") between the base of your heel and the boot.

New boots can take around 80 to 100 hours to break in. That being said, don't subject yourself to wearing your boots for 4 days straight and expect your feet to be happy with you. Instead, space this time out to about 2 to 3 hours a day and keep a second pair of boots to change into.

If you wonder how to tell if hiking boots are too big, check the amount of room behind your heel. Ideally, one finger should be able to slip between the heel and the back of the boot and if they get significantly more or less than that, the boot is too large or small.

They run large. I normally wear a size 7. With my Merrell shoes I wear a size 6. I have two pairs that are size 6 and they fit very well, they are not narrow.

However, despite sharing a similar name, the two Moabs have notably different intentions. While the Moab 3 is a classic hiking shoe with a clear emphasis on comfort and durability, the Speed is lighter (1 lb. 7 oz.) and nimbler but noticeably less protective.

Are Merrell shoes good for standing all day? ›

Available in a moccasin, boot, and sneaker style, all of Merrell's all day wear shoes are low-maintenance, breathable, and above all supportive and comfortable; the perfect shoes for standing on your feet all day. Also check out their new Cloud Knit collection for more casual vibes. They're like walking on air.

When it comes down to it, the main difference between hiking shoes and walking shoes is the level of protection and weight of the shoe. Typically, hiking shoes are meant for rough terrain. That means these types of shoes have thicker material, thicker soles, and more protection than walking shoes.

Merrell's design philosophy is built on four pillars: comfort, durability, design, and versatility. That's why their boots are all made with an anatomical footbed with built-in heel counter and arch support.

Product Sizing

We do find that our shoes and boots fit true to size. Our reviews on our merrell.com product detail pages will provide you with specific customer feedback on sizing.

Merrell Shoes are made both in the United States and in Asian countries like Vietnam. Since they are owned by Wolverine Worldwide there are some lines in the Merrell shoe selection that are made in the US.

The standard-issue boot is the Bates Waterproof USMC combat boot. Commercial versions of this boot are authorized without limitation other than they must be at least eight inches in height and bear the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor on the outer heel of each boot.

The two approved British Forces issue boots are the Bates Ultra Light and the YDS Kestrel. Both boots have a leather and fabric upper and are fabric lined.

What the SEALs really love about Chucks -- and all other branches of the military, take note -- is that Chucks are lightweight and minimalist. They crush down and are easy to carry, provide stability to the wearer, and if they get wet, they dry off in a hurry.

The shoe or boot should feel snug, but not tight, at the widest part of your forefoot. You shouldn't feel any pinching at the heel or discomfort on your ankle bones.

Your hiking boots likely hurt your feet due to either being an improper fit, too worn down, or not-broken in enough. These things will cause unwanted friction and hot spots that lead to foot pain and possibly even blisters.

How much room should you have in hiking boots? ›

A good rule of thumb is to allow a full thumb's width of space or one-to-two fingers. Depending on the size of a finger, there is a little bit of wiggle room between them but think as average as possible. If the fingers or thumb, move too easily between the space, then they are most likely too big.

Although hiking shoes and boots are for walking over rough terrain, they can be used to walk on the street or in casual circumstances. Walking in hiking shoes can even provide more support. However, hiking shoes are heavier and bulkier than regular shoes and can wear out faster with casual use.

Your heel should be locked in position inside the boot and not slide up or down as you walk (the number one cause of blisters). When lacing your boots, leave the area over the top of your foot loose but cinch down tightly across your ankles to secure your heel in place.

Walking boots should be snug and comfortable, with no space for the feet to move around in, but not too tight in order to allow them to remain breathable. When trying on boots, perhaps wear thicker socks than usual to keep in mind that you'll need additional space for hiking socks.

If you wonder how to tell if hiking boots are too big, check the amount of room behind your heel. Ideally, one finger should be able to slip between the heel and the back of the boot and if they get significantly more or less than that, the boot is too large or small.

Using Hiking Poles to Prevent Toe Pain

Using hiking poles on the trail keeps you sturdy while hiking, and can partially prevent your toes from hitting the front of the boot. Hiking poles also take the brunt of the force while hiking downhill, thus reducing the force put on your foot and toes.

Most boot companies recommend sizing down a half size from sneakers, so most boots are a half size larger than your sneaker size. A size 12 in sneakers will likely be 115 or even 11 in boots, as sneakers are often a little big.

Hiking shoes are softer and more flexible than hiking boots, aren't as tricky to fit, and don't need breaking in. They are a good choice for dry weather and gentler terrain, though some proponents argue they're also better in wet conditions than hiking boots.

Hiking boots are usually much sturdier and more durable than walking shoes. These boots have reinforced extra padding and may even have metal bars in the soles. This gives plenty of foot support and also reduces the chances of strain or bruising when hiking over rocky, rough or uneven terrain.

What is the difference between a trail shoe and a hiking shoe? ›

Compared to trail runners, hiking shoes will hold up far better under a heavy load and are designed to withstand rugged, abrasive terrain. On the other hand, the lightweight fabric that makes trail runners so nimble sacrifices a good amount of durability, reducing their lifespan significantly.