If the Hoka Kaha is the full-size 4WD SUV of hiking boots, the men's and women's Hoka Anacapa Mid GTX is the crossover SUV of hiking boots. We looked at boot weight, keeping in mind that a lightweight but clunky boot might not be as comfortable to wear as a slightly heavier, more streamlined one. However, some reviewers have noted having an issue with the lacing system, saying, “I could not get the boot tight enough, so it kept slipping on my foot. The narrowed toe box improves upon the bulkier profile from the previous model, making these boots look sleeker. Outdoor Gear Lab said they are “the most luxuriously comfortable hiking boot that we have had the pleasure of testing” and gives them a rating of 4 out of 5 and awarded them their Top Pick for Lightweight Adventures.

The Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX are versatile boots for most hikers tackling most trails in all climates and terrain. But, there will be those that find it too heavy or too restrictive if they are used to a thinner feel or less around the ankle. They provide decent ankle support for moderate-length hikes, and they’re easy to lace and fairly breathable.

Even if you live in a dry part of the world, it is beneficial to have a waterproof boot so that a chance rainstorm doesn’t ruin your hike. While these boots were promising, their big brothers, the Keen Targhee II or Keen Targhee III, have more fabric and sole options and generally higher reviews.

And because we’ve tried nearly everything, we can confidently make the following promise: Whether you’re scrambling, climbing, or walking down a paved sidewalk, these boots, with their stellar construction, can handle it. If you have a larger foot, we recommend the Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX and Altra Lone Peak ALL-WTHR Mid 2, available up to a women’s size 12. Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page. The 103 third parties who use cookies on this service do so for their purposes of displaying and measuring personalized ads, generating audience insights, and developing and improving products.Side locking hook for better fit and Vibram Pillow outsole with spaced triangular lugs for better grip also on muddy grounds. A solid hiking or backpacking boot will allow you to walk comfortably for miles over technical terrain with either a day pack or overnight pack.

A hiking shoe will use a more flexible midsole ( see our hiking shoe story if that's more your style). After hundreds of miles of hiking, there was no cracking or separation and no tears in the material, so I know the Kahas can take even the most challenging trail! Another trick we recommend for folks with wider feet is if you normally wear women’s shoes, you can opt for a men’s version of the same model to get wider hiking shoes.Since 2017, we’ve considered over 200 pairs of boots, tested 55 pairs, and spoken with many experts about the most important qualities to look for. The traction on the Anacapa is the same as the Kaha — top-notch, and I have yet to have either boot be the reason for lost traction or a slip. However, I think it may be prudent to take them on a short hike before taking them on something longer/more technical to address any tongue/lacing concerns. Keep in mind that anyone can view public collections - they may also appear in recommendations and other places. Instead of the commonly used Vibram outsole, the Quest pair’s lugs are made with Contagrip rubber, which we’ve found to be just as good.

No break-in period was needed, and I did not get any rub spots on my feet or ankles despite aggressive inclines and declines. There will always be comments about the fit, and some have had to go a half size up, but this still seems to be consistent. These boots (in men’s and women’s) offer the comfort of a trail-running shoe with the ankle support of a hiking boot.miles into my hike, my left boot started causing some discomfort around the back of my ankle and at the front, where the tongue tucks into the sides of the shoe. The shock absorption and contoured foot bed make a noticeable difference in preventing sore feet, especially on longer treks. Hiking boots use an EVA midsole to cushion your feet from feeling the ground or the shock of movement. Expert and everyday reviewers agree with me that these are comfortable right out of the box, stable, and have excellent waterproofing and traction. If color and style are a high priority, we suggest you try the Keen Targhee II Mid, which has 4 color options.