One essential part of any outdoor gear is footwear, especially when hiking and walking as terrain varies from level ground on woodland walks to tougher scree on mountain trails and the weather can very quickly alter the stability, especially if it rains. For trails where the terrain is uncertain, on a multi-day excursion or to help give support and stability when heavy gear is needed to be carried Hiking Boots are ideal for lasting comfort wherever you tread.
There are numerous Hiking Boots currently available from a range of premium quality brands, many of which are designed with differing technologies and fabrics that make them suited to various conditions, so where some may be more breathable and lightweight, others are tougher with waterproof constructions while all tend to feature base aspects like supportive uppers, arch shanks for stability, cushioned midsoles and deep lugged soles for traction and control. All of this can make it unclear as to which walking boot may be best suited to your needs, especially if technologies made by GORE-TEX and Vibram are new to you. At Webtogs.com we love all aspects of the outdoors lifestyle so have put together our Top Hiking Boots for 2015 from every pair we have tried and tested in as many terrain conditions as we could over the past year and chosen the best five to help you find the right pair.
Merrell Moab Mid GoreTex Hiking Boots
The Merrell Moab Mid GoreTex Hiking Boots are a versatile footwear suited to most terrain conditions in warmer conditions. Designed with a modern style that cleverly incorporates the technologies and fabrics to a highly functional level they look great and perform really well. The upper features waterproof Dura leather, breathable mesh and further mesh in the liner that incorporates GORE-TEX Performance Comfort and Aegis treatment so helps to keep moisture out from damp ground or brief rain showers, allows perspiration to escape and prevents odour microbes from growing all so the feet and boots remain dry. Synthetic leather is used on the toe cap and heel counter for added durability while a bellows tongue is shaped to stop debris entering. The mid and outsole section has a Merrell Air Cushion for shock absorption which with the moulded Nylon arch shank also provides stability for the whole Moab Mid GTX boot. An EVA footframe with compression moulding keeps your feet comfortable even on lengthy hikes thanks to lasting cushioning while the Vibram Multi-Sport soles featuring a deep 5mm lug depth ensure traction and braking power which gives you a lot of control on difficult terrain. MORE INFO
Meindl Bhutan MFS Hiking Boots
An enhanced redesign of the popular Burma Pro, the Meindl Bhutan MFS Hiking Boots are fairly durable and designed for use in every season apart from winter as they aren’t crampon compatible, but perform exceptionally for when they can be used. The full leather uppers with rubber rand, plus heel and toe boxes create a touch exterior and help give protection from abrasion and impacts from footstrikes, plus keep the wetter weather out quite effectively. An ankle cuff gives added protection and soft comfort while also helping to keep out debris, plus the eyelets on the lacing system are paced in a way that means it can be laced quickly. The Meindl Bhutan boot also has deep lugged Vibram outsoles with a firm flexibility so they provide decent grip without clogging up with mud. MFS stands for Memory Foam System which Meindl have created to give a lot of cushioning that forms around your individual foot shape so you can walk much more comfortably without your muscles feeling fatigued over tricky ground or ascents. MORE INFO
Keen Targhee II Mid Tac Hiking Boots
If you want high durability and waterproofing yet overall extremely light weight the Keen Targhee II Mid Tac Hiking Boots are ideal. The upper is a combination of waterproof Nubuck leather with light accents and underlays that add highly abrasion resistant elements to it and a proprietary KEEN.DRY membrane that not only further prevents water entering and being retained by the shoe but is fully breathable so perspiration can escape so you stay dry. Both the midsole and footbed are constructed from dual density EVA with the latter being metatomically designed so support the feet through the arches and natural contours of each foot, plus there is a heel support structure and ESS shank for greater torsion stability. The outsoles have 4 mm multi-directional lugs which enables the Keen Targhee II Mid-height Tac boots grip well even where there is difficult terrain underfoot so overall you do feel secure and supported while wearing them. MORE INFO
The North Face Hedgehog Fastpack Lite Mid GTX Hiking Boots
Perfect if you prefer to keep up a fast pace on trails, The North Face Hedgehog Fastpack Lite Mid GTX boots are built to be tough, supportive yet very light in weight. They are made for keeping out the elements and durability by having breathable, yet abrasion resistant textile mesh, rust-proof hardware, a waterproof GORE-TEX membrane and a TPU quarter weld for a solid structure. A mid-height collar enables comfort and protection around the ankles while helping to minimise dirt and debris getting inside. You get a lot of support from the compression moulded EVA midsole as it has TNF Cradle Guide and Snake Plate technology as well which is dual density to make it quite hard wearing, plus a TPU shank adds more stability and support. Rubber outsoles created by Vibram specifically for these boots provide all the traction needed for secure footing and to let you keep up your preferred pace more comfortably and easily. MORE INFO
Berghaus Fellmaster GTX Hiking Boots
These are the closest to what you would describe as a classic leather boot but packed with current footwear technologies that make them a tough boot for high performance in long distance hiking. The upper is primarily Pittards oiled nubuck leather so while being durable and resistant to abrasion it is also fairly supple and soft feeling which enables better flexibility as you move. Both the collar and tongue have memory foam so over time they do retain a custom-feel comfort in those areas while like some of our other Top Hiking Boots the Berghaus Fellmasters have GORE-TEX Performance Comfort which makes them fully waterproof. The outsole is a triple part construction that combines a high-density midsole, torsional shank for support and a performance lug pattern on the exterior part of the sole so grips, helps you stay comfortable and lasts. MORE INFO