Popular Science - The best hiking boots for 2024

Written By Clarissa Fedorovich

Read at PopSci.com

BY MADDY MORRIS, ABBY FERGUSON UPDATED ON JUN 14, 2024

Planning a nature walk at a state park? Heading on a multi-trek adventure through a mountain range? Just looking for a style of shoe that’s a bit more rugged? Whatever your reason, a good pair of boots is a must for all nature lovers. However, the wrong pair of hiking boots—whether they’re a bad fit or a subpar product—can cause any number of problems, including poor arch or ankle support, blisters, soggy feet, and a range of other uncomfortable and even painful issues. The good news is we’ve done your homework for you. Expert mountain climbers and newbie hikers alike can avoid all the irritating scenarios above by investing in a pair of the best hiking boots that we’ve selected below. The best hiking boots will keep you looking stylish out on the trail while simultaneously providing comfort and support to keep you safe and focused on the journey ahead.

How we chose the best hiking boots

There’s nothing the gear desk loves more than getting out of the hustle and bustle of the city and touching grass. Some of us spend our weekends biking on freshly forged paths and hiking new trails. The excursions usually end with a cool, crisp alcoholic beverage at a brewery, but that’s optional. It’s mandatory for us, however, to be as informed on outdoor gear as possible—it is, indeed, part of the job. We found the best hiking boots by walking on dusty trails, city streets, and up rocky roads. We also looked at reviews and recommendations, along with performing heavy research.

The best hiking boots: Reviews & Recommendations

Whether it’s the dog days of summer or you’re navigating snowy slopes, whether you’re navigating pavement or path, leave your worries about nasty blisters and iffy ankle support behind with our best hiking boots.

Best lightweight: Vasque Re:Connect – Here Mid

Why it made the cut: These Vasque hiking boots are perfect for hot summer hikes thanks to the breathable mesh upper and incredibly lightweight design. 

Specs

  • Materials: Recycled polyester mesh upper, Bloom EVA footbed, AHR (High Rebound EVA + 20% Sugarcane) midsole

  • Type: Medium high top

  • Warranty: 12 months

Pros

  • Breathable upper keeps feet cooler

  • Very lightweight

  • No break-in period

  • Stylish for hiking boots

Cons

  • Mesh lets in dust and fine sand

Hiking boots tend to be clunky and heavy, which isn’t always ideal. The Vasque Re:Connect – Here Mid shoes are remarkably lightweight, feeling more like a running shoe than a hiking boot. Despite the lightweight design, they feature a high ankle. It’s not sturdy enough to protect against rolls, but it does keep debris out and protects against scrapes from rocks and twigs, which is very appreciated. 

Vasque aimed to make a more eco-friendly shoe with the Re:Connect series, which we love to see. The upper is made from 100 percent recycled polyester mesh, and the heel counter is made of 60 percent recycled materials. That mesh upper makes for a very breathable design, which is perfect for hot weather hikes. 

One of the best parts of the Here Mid is that they are very comfortable right out of the box. I took them on a five-mile hike without breaking them in at all and had not so much as a hint of hotspot. They don’t look much like a hiking boot, either, so they can easily transition from the city to the trail. In fact, they’ve become my go-to for most situations that call for a shoe as opposed to a sandal because they are so versatile. Should you not like the mid-ankle height, you can also get a low version.

That same low- to no-break-in period was something our managing editor appreciated when he first tried the Vasque Breeze, which quickly became his go-to when he needed a lightweight, breathable, but waterproof boot for shoulder seasons (seen below beside our favorite tester, Charli, on a trail outside of Asheville, NC).

Clarissa Fedorovich
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