Take care of your feet on the trail with these top comfortable hiking boots

CNN

23-04-2025

The most comfortable hiking boots we tested
Best comfortable hiking boots: Columbia Newton Ridge Plus
Best high-performance comfortable hiking boots: Hoka Kaha 3Uncomfortable shoes can ruin many things, including a hike. If you've ever hit the trails in high-tops (guilty) or shoes without the proper support, you know how achy and unstable you can feel. Picking a pair of the best comfortable hiking boots can make all the difference in your outdoor adventures.
Growing up hiking, camping and backpacking across the country, I relied on the support of my hiking boots to keep me stable on difficult terrain. That's how I know a thing or two about what to look for in the most comfortable hiking boots. To help find the comfiest option for you, I tested eight pairs of boots while hiking across dirt trails, rocky terrain and forest floors, all while keeping comfort my top priority. However, I didn't forget to evaluate the traction, durability and design of the shoes either.
Some boots took a long time to break in, while others provided instant relief. Of the eight pairs I tested, two winners rose from the pack.
Best comfortable hiking boots
Columbia Women's Newton Ridge Plus Waterproof Hiking Boots
The Columbia Newton Ridge Plus hiking boots are the ultimate lightweight boot. The padding around the ankles and the support of the soles make them the most comfortable and easiest pair to put on.
Columbia Men's Newton Ridge Plus II Waterproof Hiking Boots
After hiking in the Newton Ridge Plus across different trails, these simple boots are the pair I feel the best in. But they aren't just for women; the men's Newton Ridge Plus II is available in three colors online.
Best high-performance comfortable hiking boots
Hoka Women's Kaha 3 GTX Hiking Boots
The Hoka Kaha 3 are extremely cushioned hiking boots with a snug fit. Your feet will feel secure and your ankles supported, no matter what trail you take on. The cushioned nature of these shoes doesn't weigh your feet down, and you'll still feel grounded while enjoying the bouncy soles and structured ankle fit.
Hoka Men's Kaha 3 GTX Hiking Boots
I loved the traction, cushion and ankle support of these boots. They're wildly comfortable but still built for the toughest trails. Throughout testing, I found that more padding doesn't necessarily equate to more comfort. The Columbia Newton Ridge Plus are lightweight, durable and comfortable, and their superpower is their simplicity. They have the look and feel of classic outdoor boots and a light cushion that kept my feet comfortable across all sorts of terrain. After hiking in them for a few weeks, I started wearing them off the trail too, a testament to their overall value and why they're our winning pick.
I was surprised by how well the Columbia Newton Ridge Plus boots performed in each category, especially since they are the least expensive boots in our testing pool. As a consumer, I sometimes feel like the budget picks have some sort of caveat attached to them, but these shoes are a great reminder that higher price points do not always lead to better products.
It took me about one hike to feel like I'd broken in these shoes, and even then, they were extremely comfortable from the jump. The uppers were a little stiff upon the first few steps, but my ankles felt supported and cushioned by the rims of padding at the tops. Nothing was digging into my leg, and I could tighten the laces to my liking without causing friction as I hiked. These boots are not the plushest shoes I tested, but they are lightweight and the soles have decent bounce. I felt no unwanted pressure on my toes or the balls of my feet throughout the many steps I took in the Newton Ridges and could even wear crew socks with them without feeling any irritation. The boot fits true to size, and my feet had wiggle room but were supported by the structure and lacing.
They are simple hiking boots, but they made me feel great on the trail. In terms of traction, I could go downhill on a sometimes slippery local hike with ease. I hiked at a faster pace on one trail, almost running down the mountain, and still felt secure, even on the rocky parts of the path. The slightly arched design of the bottom ridges worked great for traction.
For this piece, I was focused on finding comfortable hiking boots that did not sacrifice quality. The Newton Ridge's comfort was immediately obvious, but they also hold their own with durability, waterproofness and stability. For instance, I fully submerged them in water, and my feet remained dry. Even better, the shoes didn't have any lasting water marks after. Knowing they can withstand the elements makes them all the more well-rounded. From hiking downhill on slippery dirt to maneuvering across water-submerged rocks, I had no issue walking on different types of terrain in these boots.
The one element of the boots that I could complain about is something I also liked about them; they don't have a lot of cushion. They still have some, but compared to other, massively cushioned shoes I tested, like the Hoka Kaha 3, the Newton Ridge Plus are no match. However, this means they aren't bulky, and I felt they had support in all the right places. If you're looking for boots with a plush feel and thick padding at the soles, these shoes will fall short of your expectations. But comfort is more than cushioning at the soles. The toe boxes of the Newton Ridge boots are sturdy, with enough room for your feet to feel secure and not cramped. The metal ankle hooks on the sides of the boots don't dig into your ankles, even when the lacing is tied tight. The slight arches accommodated the shape of my feet and kept me grounded on the trail. Plus, the materials are breathable, and the boots are easy to take on and off.
While our other winning hiking boots are more plush, the Newton Ridge Plus's lightweight feel and bouncy soles made me enjoy wearing them on the trail. I even laced up these shoes to help me move into a new apartment, a laborious task in itself. My body was exhausted by the end of the day, but I had no complaints when it came to my feet.
From beginners to seasoned trailblazers, these hiking boots will keep your feet stable and supported on your outdoor adventures. They're some of the most comfortable boots at a great price and fit to keep you moving on the trail of your choice.
The Hoka Kaha 3 hiking boots are a triumph in comfort. They have a winning combination of bouncy soles, cushioned ankle padding and solid traction that keeps you supported on the trail. Stepping into these boots, you feel like your feet are locked in. When it comes to more difficult terrain, the structure of the Kaha 3 boots equips them well for high-level performance without compromising comfort.
Throughout testing, I noticed that many high-performance hiking boots seemed to have one or the other when it comes to padding: cushioned ankle support but nothing for the balls of your feet, or vice versa. The Kaha 3, however, do it all. The padding at the soles of the boots keeps you grounded, but gives a little extra bounce that the balls of my feet were thankful for during testing, especially when hiking uphill. The ankle padding keeps the boots tight without creating friction or digging into my skin. In contrast to the Columbia boots, the comfort of these boots is on the more plush side; however, the fit and structure make these boots ideal for difficult terrain and more advanced use.
While the fit of the boots is true to size, they feel snugger than the Columbia Newton Ridge Plus, especially in the toe boxes. To be clear, this tightness is not restrictive, but rather, it's what makes the boots feel supportive on the trail. My feet benefited from the cushioning without feeling like the boots were too thick to tighten. I had full ankle mobility while I hiked across different terrains in the Kaha 3 boots, and the traction of the Vibram outsoles and structure from the uppers enhanced my mobility on steep hills, rocky paths and precarious downhills. While my feet and ankles benefited from the padding, the Kaha 3 hiking boots kept me the most secure throughout testing. For this reason, I would reach for the Kaha 3 over the Columbia Newton Ridge Plus if I were going on a more difficult hike.
The Kaha 3 boots are bulky and were some of the heaviest in the testing pool; however, the features don't weigh your feet down too much. From the dusty trails of the Los Angeles foothills to slippery rocks in the rain, the traction of the Kaha 3 gripped the ground and kept me from wobbling. Water is also no match for these hiking boots. They kept my feet dry regardless of drizzle or downpour.
Stepping into these boots for the first time, I wrote in my notes that they might be the perfect pair of comfortable hiking boots. But the elements of the design and the price point make them more ideal for advanced terrain. The uppers of the Kaha 3 boots are stiff and harder to break in than some other options, and while advanced hikers will appreciate the stability they provide, this does mean there is initial discomfort. Additionally, the placement of the metal ankle hooks caused some joint pressure on initial hikes. While the ankle hooks create that supportive structure, this feeling was something I had to overcome as I got acquainted with the boots.
Of course, breaking in hiking boots makes all the difference, but since these shoes are geared for high-performance hikers, they might be more trouble to break in than a recreational hiker is looking for. They are a more plush option all-around, but if you are not planning on hiking frequently or the trails you tend to go on are not difficult, there's no need to invest $240 into boots designed to be pushed to the limit.
Overall, the Hoka's Kaha 3 are well-rounded with undeniable structure. If you are willing to invest in high-performance hiking boots, this is the pair I would reach for to stay comfortable on an advanced trail or a backpacking trip. They balance structure with cushioned comfort that your ankles and feet will love.
I hiked a minimum of two times in each pair of women's boots, picking a trail with a medium level of difficulty. The main feature I was looking for was comfort, but I also tested them across various terrains to ensure they could handle any outdoor adventure. I conducted a separate durability test for each pair of boots, hiking with them in the rain and stepping on water-submerged rocks.
While product testing, I also made sure to break in all boots. I wore them on walks and even to the office on occasion. While I did not score break-in time as a detractor from overall comfort, it was important to note throughout the process, and it played a role in my final evaluations.
Comfort
Fit: While everyone's feet differ, I noted how my feet sat in the shoes and if there was any extra space or pressure across the boots.
Ankle support: All the boots I tested were mid-cut hiking boots that sat at or around my ankles. I evaluated how the ankle padding felt, if it was supportive and if I felt any irritation to the ankle area.
Cushioning: I noted how much cushioning the boots had and how comfortable it made the shoes. If the cushion enhanced how I felt in the boots, I scored them higher, but if the cushioning made the boot feel bulky or caused friction while hiking, then the boots would drop in the rankings.
Overall feel: Comfort was the top priority for my testing, but all the above factors contributed to the overall feel of the boots. I hiked in each pair of boots multiple times. If the boots felt tight initially, I made sure to break them in so I could assess how my feet felt in the shoes.
Design
Lacing: I laced up each pair of hiking boots, noting how easy they were to tie, if I was able to feel extra ankle support from the lacing design and if there was any irritation caused by the laces.
Padding: Padding and cushioning are very similar features of boots, but for this sector of evaluation, I took note of where padding was on each pair of boots and how it felt while I hiked. Some of the boots had padding on the outer portions, while others had a more minimal design.
Durability
Terrain: I tested the shoes across dirt trails, forest floors, rocky terrain and even pavement to see how they performed in different environments.
Waterproofness: I hiked in each pair of boots in the rain and submerged my foot in water to determine how waterproof the boots are. Most passed with flying colors.
Performance
Traction: I scuffed the bottom of my boots on a dirt trail, noting if there was any sliding or slipping.
Stability: I hiked in each pair of shoes across different kinds of trails to see how well my feet were supported.
'I think a good hiking boot can make or break your hike,' said Alex Schnee, an outdoor adventure planner and travel blogger with many years of experience. She recommends researching before purchasing new hiking boots and evaluating what kind of outdoor adventure you'll take the shoes on. For example, going on day hikes or long backpacking trips requires different hiking boots. 'It really comes down to doing a little bit of experimentation,' she said.
In terms of pricing, hiking boots can cost hundreds of dollars, but you don't need to break the bank to invest in the right footwear. 'If you are planning on getting into hiking as a sport, I would start to look at the $100 to $150 range,' Schnee said. 'Anything up from there is more premium and is more of an investment.'
A post shared by CNN Underscored (@cnnunderscored) While you'll always have to break in your hiking boots, there are places to look at the shoes for that immediate feel of comfort and support. Start by thinking about your ankles. Ask yourself the following: Do the upper portions of the hiking boots keep your ankles supported? Is there cushioning there and does it cause any friction or irritation?
Next, you'll want to consider the arches and balls of your feet. You'll need to think about the internal support of the hiking boots. Consider if there is adequate padding, if your arches are supported and if the fit keeps your feet comfortable.
Comfort won't save you from falling, though, so be sure you also look at the outsoles of hiking boots when making a purchase. Different lug patterns on the bottoms of boots are meant to grip different terrain, but overall, you should feel like the traction of your hiking boots keeps you stable across trails.
Salomon Women's Elixir Mid Gore-Tex Hiking Boots
The Salomon Elixir have the most intense ankle padding out of all the pairs in our testing pool. The unique design takes time to break in but provides incredible stability on trails.
Salomon Men's Elixir Mid Gore-Tex Hiking Boots
Stability and support are highlights of these Salomon hiking boots, though they take a long time to break in and can be difficult to put on until you do. The men's version of these boots is available from a size 7 to 13. The Salomon Elixir hiking boots grew on me. My first impression was that they belonged in a Sci-Fi movie. The padding on the ankles bulges out from the side, and the rocking chair design of the boots gave me pause. However, hiking in these shoes was an enjoyable experience. I was stable on various terrains, and my ankles felt the abundance of support the padding provides.
However, these shoes take a long time to break in, and even then, there is not an overwhelming feeling of plush comfort. It's hiking boots like the Elixir that help distinguish between comfort and support. These hiking boots provide excellent support, but they are not the most comfortable of the pairs I tested.
Each wear made the Salomon Elixir boots feel better and better, but if you are looking for comfortable hiking boots, you'll have to put in the work to get them to a point where they are not tough to put on and extremely structured. These hiking boots are great investments for hikers looking to take on difficult terrain and long backpacking trips.
La Sportiva Women's Ultra Raptor II Mid Leather GTX Hiking Boots
The structured uppers and semi-malleable ankle fabric of the La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II make them a champion of support and stability. These boots do, however, take longer to break in.
La Sportiva Men's Ultra Raptor II Mid Leather GTX Hiking Boots
I was impressed by the mobility and sturdiness the Ultra Raptor II provided, but comfort was not their strong suit due to a lack of padding in various spots. Breaking in boots often means friction and stiff ankles, so when a pair gives you immediate mobility without compromising support, you notice. The La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II hiking boots stood out immediately for the flexible ankle fit. The malleable fabric at the back of the uppers made sliding the shoes on struggle-free (something that can't be said about some other boots I tested). This small feature also gave my ankle lots of mobility; I could flex and point my feet without feeling stuck. On the trail, I benefited from the greater ankle mobility while still feeling supported.
Overall, these boots impressed me. I had stability across terrain and advanced mobility that made me feel like I could take on more advanced hikes. However, these hiking boots are not the most comfortable. They lack padding at the ankles and the soles that other high-performing boots have, and their back fabric is the main comfortable feature. The fit of these boots makes them comfortable, but anyone looking for boots with padding will be disappointed.
That said, I enjoyed hiking in the Ultra Raptor II and recommend them for advanced hikes and backpacking trips. If you are focused on fit and stability, these hiking boots are a great option.
Danner Women's Mountain 600 Evo Hiking Boots
Danner's Mountain 600 Evo boots have a traditional look and feel. They are lightweight and perform well across different trails, but the fit of the boots created uncomfortable pressure points at times.
Danner Men's Mountain 600 Evo Hiking Boots
If you have wider feet, the Danner Mountain boots might be a better fit for you than they were for me. Either way, I found them incredibly durable, regardless of the terrain I was hiking. I wanted to love the Danner Mountain 600 Evo boots. They've received praise from other outlets and are from a brand synonymous with the outdoors. Unfortunately, I found the fit of the shoes to be troublesome and the overall experience hiking in these boots did not merit the high price point.
The trouble with the Danner Mountain 600s began with the fit of the toe boxes. I initially thought I should have sized down since there was so much air in the front of the boots. On my first hike, I felt like the tops of the shoes were folding in on my feet. Air pockets turned into indents on certain steps, making the overall fit feel too loose and uncomfortable. As the boots broke in (and when I wore thicker socks), the air pockets were less uncomfortable, but they were still there and hard to ignore. However, if you have wide feet, these might be the pair for you.
The fit around the ankles in these boots is very comfortable, and similar to the Columbia hiking boots I tested, there's a slight cushion that protects you from friction. However, the pressure my feet felt from the wide fit overshadowed this plush accent.
While these boots are not the most comfortable, they are durable. The material did not tarnish in the rain, and the traction kept me stable as I hiked on dirt roads and rocks. They also come with two pairs of laces. This is a nice touch, but at $250, the extra laces didn't feel like much of a steal.
Merrell Women's Moab 3 Mid Hiking Boots
Merrell Moab 3 hiking boots stand out for their ankle padding. The comfort under the ball of my feet, however, felt a bit lackluster.
Merrell Men's Moab 3 Mid Hiking Boots
These boots have a looser fit than others in our testing pool, which made me feel less stable that I would've liked on the trail. Merrell Moab 3 are comfortable hiking boots but have a looser fit that made me feel less stable on the trail. I appreciate the versatility in width options Merrell provides, but even the medium option was too wide and loose for me. To get the proper support, I needed to tie my laces extremely tight or my ankle would feel like a single flower in a large vase.
While these hiking boots are competitive in terms of padding and arch support, the overall fit made stability a concern. Plus, the ankles were the most padded portion of the boots. The soles of the shoes felt hard at times while hiking, contrasting with the uppers' plush padding. In the end, the Moab 3 didn't have the winning combination of comfort and fit.
Hoka Women's Anacapa 2 Mid GTX Hiking Boots
Hoka Anacapa 2 Mid Hiking Boots have a plush feel from the ankles to the soles. However, the padding made the fit of these hiking boots feel loose and were difficult to tighten for better support.
Hoka Men's Anacapa 2 Mid GTX Hiking Boots
While the Anacapa 2 boots feel plush and have solid waterproofing, the fit and the pressure points they created makes them less comfortable and less supportive than the Hoka Kaha 3, one of our top picks. Hoka is known for its comfort, and the soles of the Anacapa 2 hiking boots did not disappoint. I felt comfort just from stepping into the shoes and enjoyed these on the trail. However, they aren't nearly as supportive as others in my testing pool. In the end, the sole and ankle padding of the Anacapa 2 boots are at odds. Breaking in the shoes helps, but they still lack the structure that makes the Kaha 3 my winning pick.
The pressure from the ankle lacing also made these boots uncomfortable at times. Breaking them in lessened the pressure, but I initially felt pain and pinching from the uppers. Once broken in, the fit around my ankles was still not as supportive as I needed for hiking boots, especially when attempting more difficult terrain. My ankles just felt too loose in the shoes. To get the right pressure, I had to pull the laces extremely tight, and in the end, breaking in the boots only does so much.
Hoka's Anacapa 2 will keep your feet dry, and the traction can take you from trail to trail. They're a fine pair of hikers but not as stable as the winning (and plush) Kaha 3 boots.
Keen Women's Targhee IV Waterproof Hiking Boots
Keen's Targhee IV boots are durable and supportive for long hikes, but they are not the most comfortable of the boots I tested, knocking them out of the running for our top spot.
Keen Men's Targhee IV Mid Waterproof Hiking Boots
Keen's Targhee IV are sturdy and waterproof, and they excel when it comes to traction. Unfortunately, they also lack any feeling of plushness.
If there's one thing the Keen Targhee does well, it's traction. These hiking boots are lightweight and keep your feet secure and supported. In terms of comfort, the Targhee performed well, but they were no match for the comfort of our winning picks. Positive features from the Targhee are overshadowed by the lack of padding on the soles.
The Targhee has a simple yet effective design that makes them look more like traditional hiking boots. The intentional ribbing on the upper half of each boot keeps you secure with the lacing, and a small loop at the back helps you pull them on. The fit is similar to the Columbia Newton Ridge boots, but the Newton Ridge surpass the Targhee in comfort. If you take the time to break in your Keen boots, these should get more comfortable with each use; however, there's no plush or cushioned feel capable of rivaling anything else I tested.
The following FAQs have been answered by travel blogger Alex Schnee.
How long does it take to break in a hiking boots?
How long does it take to break in a hiking boots?
The break-in time depends on the boots, and 'it really comes down to just having them on,' Schnee said. If you want to break in your new boots quickly, wear them often. Sporting your hiking boots around the house or wearing them on walks can expedite the process.
How often should you replace hiking boots?
How often should you replace hiking boots?
'The standard is usually around 500 miles,' Schnee said. However, it depends on how often you use your boots and the kinds of conditions you hike in. 'It's always a good idea to check the bottom of your hiking boots to see how the treads look,' she said. If you're feeling less traction when you hike or no longer feel supported by the boots, it's time for a new pair.
What can you do to make hiking boots more comfortable?
What can you do to make hiking boots more comfortable?
You can invest in different accessories to make your hiking boots more comfortable. Schnee recommends starting with the right socks, such as something made of a merino wool blend or 100% merino wool. This blend of fabric is moisture-wicking and can help prevent blisters.
According to Schnee, adding insoles can also help adjust your comfort level in the hiking boots.
Alex Schnee, outdoor adventure planner and travel blogger with years of experience
CNN Underscored editors thoroughly test all the products we cover and provide full transparency about how we test them. We have an experienced team of writers and editors with many years of testing experience and ensure each article is carefully edited and products are properly vetted. We talk to top experts when it makes sense to ensure we are testing each product accurately and speaking about the pros and cons of each item.
Associate testing writer Gareen Puglia went on many hikes to determine the most comfortable hiking boots. Outside of the trails, she committed to fully breaking in the shoes, meaning she wore them to work, on walks and while running errands. Puglia relied on her experience hiking and backpacking while reflecting on the testing pool. She grew up hiking around Los Angeles and has backpacked in New Mexico and Oregon, and even canoed on the Missouri River.