Take a Hike: the Best Hiking Boots 2022

These boots were made for walking (and hiking and trekking)

Neither snow, nor rain, nor heat, will stay a serious hiker from enjoying their daily constitutional. (Well, we're not too keen about the rain, actually.) But whether or not you enjoy that hike is going to first depend on what's on your feet. If your boots chafe, slip, or leak, you're not going to have a good time.

So, to find the best protective footwear for communing with nature, I tested a slew of models in the mud, slush, rain and sun to find the best boots for specific hikes and hikers. Trudging and traipsing over hundreds of miles I assessed each pair for its comfort, grip, foot and ankle protection and weatherproof qualities. Depending on your particular style or the type of hikes you favor, we've got the right pair of boots for your peregrinations.

All the boots in my "best of" review are worth your investment, but for overall performance on a variety of trails in different weather conditions the Scarpa Maverick Mid GTX and La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II GTX are the best choices for most hikers. Both boots are waterproof, comfortable, and deliver solid traction in varying weather conditions.

Serious hikers who consider trekking across, say, Switzerland's alpine hut trails may want heavier boots with more protection. For those stalwarts, Asolo's Fugitive GTX's are my favorite.

Read on to learn how to choose the right boot and see individual reviews: