Best men’s walking boots 2023 UK: how to choose a men’s walking boot, best from On, Berghaus, Salomon
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If you are serious about your walking, we can not stress enough that a pair of weather Converse will not serve you when you’re trekking (no disrespect to that brand, which is terrific for schlepping around down).
You need to invest in a sturdy pair of walking boots. Why?
A good pair of hiking boots can make your life a lot easier when tackling a variety of terrains on your adventures.
Hiking boot technology has come a long way over the years, and even some of the most affordable boots on the market today offer excellent waterproofing, weatherproofing and durability for the day-to-day wearer. More simply - you’ll be a lot more comfortable, and your feet will be safer from injury. You’re also likely to cut down on blisters and bunions - a welcome relief to those who know that pain.
For the more adventurous amongst you, newer versions of popular hiking boots have been refined over the years to provide excellent comfort and wearability in the toughest of conditions.
Best men’s hiking boots at glance
- Best luxury hiking boot: Danner Mountain Light II
- Best lightweight hiking boot: On Cloudrock Waterproof Hiking Boots
- Best barefoot hiking boot: Vivobarefoot Tracker FG
- Best affordable walking boot: Tog24 Ingleborough Men’s Vibram Waterproof Boots
- Best technical hiking boot: Berghaus Hillmaster II GORE-TEX Boots
- Best for icy terrain: Salomon Predict Hike Mid GTX
- Best all-rounder: Jack Wolfskin Force Striker Texapore
- Best for all-day comfort: Scarpa Mistra II GTX
- Best for trail runners: Salomon Cross Hike GORE-TEX
- Easiest boots to pack: Arc’teryx Mens Aerios FL GTX Shoes
What to look for in a hiking boot
Inevitably this question turns to how you might use your boots – but it’s important to pay attention to the types of materials used and the boot’s weights to ascertain which option to go for. If you’re in scrubby, muddy woodland terrain, you might want a more durable, heavy-duty boot.
If you’re in wintery, snowy conditions, look for warmth and padding as a key priority. If you’re looking to cover rocky, stony ground with a lack of traction, look for something that can provide you with dynamic, flexible grip.
How much money do I have to spend?
We’ve included a range of options below, covering price-points from around £60 to £200+. Our advice would be to refer to the point above and spend based on your needs. If you’re buying boots to wear on your dog walks, the technology included in the most basic pairs of boots will probably be enough.
If you’re on multi-day hikes or treks, look at spending a bit more for added comfort and protection. There’s nothing worse than uncomfortable, or more importantly, inappropriate boots for the conditions you’re in, and our advice would be to get to know the materials, weights and feels of different fabrics and styles to find what’s right for you.
Get kitted out for all of your hiking adventures
The best men’s walking shoes are rounded-up here, and you can keep yourself dry with the best men’s waterproof jackets, or the highest rated waterproof trousers.
We have detailed guides to the best backpacking tents for your adventures here. Want to steady your stride? These are the best walking poles for hiking.
Keep it comfy with the best camping folding chairs, and sleep on the best air beds around, as listed here. And keep things illuminated with a great camping head torch.
Key Specs – Fabric: Leather; Weight: 1750g; Waterproof technology: GORE-TEX; Colour options: 2
Something of an icon in the hiking community these boots are a wonderful marriage of traditional and modern design.
The Kletterlift sole from Vibram meant that we remained fall-free on hikes across scree, bog and mud. The one-piece leather assembly, meanwhile, meant that our feet remained protected from unwanted ingress.
Danner’s boots are hailed for their durability, and you can be confident that if well treated these boots will last you several years.
Key Specs – Material: Fabric membrane, Missiongrip rubber sole; Waterproof technology; GORE-TEX; Weight: 620g; Colour options: 2
Swiss running shoe specialists On are well-known as a company for creating versatile, high-performing running shoes for those looking to take their exercise to a new level.
This is a lightweight hiking boot option from the brand that performs well in the weight stakes – they’re some of the lightest men’s boots we’ve tested thanks to a durable membrane and a super light ‘MissionGrip’ outsole.
With the brand’s focus on combining a running shoe ethos and a hard-wearing hiking boot construction, we were impressed with the overall design of the boot.
Key Specs – Fabric: Leather; Weight: 460g; Waterproof technology: recycling PET lining; Colour options: 1
Vivobarefoot are a brand with a mission – to spread the word of the benefits of barefoot running, walking and hiking.
Made to tackle any terrain, this is a lightweight boot which features a removable thermal insole and is created with the minimum amount of separation between your foot and the terrain as possible.
We liked how much grip it provided, whilst at the same time being lightweight, breathable, fully waterproof and importantly constructed using completely ethically sourced materials.
This is a vintage look leather boot, with a full-grain leather upper coated with a waterproof membrane and a quick-wicking lining to banish moisture accumulating when on long walks.
We liked the design of the Ingleborough, named after the second highest mountain in the Yorkshire Dales. A no-nonsense, affordable boot that’ll take you where you need to go.
Key Specs – Fabric: Leather, GORE-TEX; Weight 708g; Waterproof technology: GORE-TEX; Colour options: 1
We thought this Berghaus boot sits at both an optimum price-point for serious walkers and at a technical level to provide all most people would need from their hikes.
Launched in 1994, the Hillmasters have become Britain’s bestselling walking boot, and this latest version offers up memory foam in the collar, to allow the boot to mould to the shape of your foot, as well as supple leather and a breathable GORE-TEX lining to keep your feet warm, dry and cushioned.
Key Specs – Fabric: Textile, Synthetic; Weight: 376g; Waterproof technology: GORE-TEX; Colour options: 5
This boot offered trainer-like comfort from its first day of use, whilst providing assured protection against rugged terrain.
We were particularly impressed with the Contagrip outsole which provided us consistent grip while hiking through a frost-bitten glen.
The Predict’s lightweight credentials should make it an awesome companion for those who prefer to breeze across the hills.
Key Specs – Fabric: Reflex Foam, Vibram outsole, polyester upper; Weight 468g; Waterproof technology: Texapore; Colour options: 3
An innovative ‘force-plate’ improves stability in this Jack Wolfskin offering, meaning that less effort is required on uneven and unpredictable terrain.
It offers excellent grip on tougher hikes, whilst being comfortable and lightweight enough for more athletic day hikes.
A good all-rounder, and an excellent option for people looking for a light boot for day-to-day activity.
Key Specs – Fabric: Leather, Vibram outsole; Weight 600g; Waterproof technology: GORE-TEX; Colour options: 1
Another good mid-range option, this is a walking boot made with comfort in mind. Ideal for longer periods of wear due to the exemplary underfoot cushioning – also great if your foot shape needs something with a little extra padding.
Definitely a great option if all-day comfort is high on the priority list; great for travelling and causal walking in warmer conditions.
Key Specs – Fabric: Polyester, GORE-TEX membrane; Weight 396g; Waterproof technology: GORE-TEX; Colour options: 3
The Cross Hike offers a Contagrip on the outsole, which means it has multi-directional lugs offering exceptional grip on low-friction terrain.
Led by the brand’s experience of developing shoes for trail-running, we like the quick-lace system which provided an easy-on, easy-off experience and the well-developed GORE-TEX maintaining excellent water and weatherproofing credentials.
We’d recommend these boots for people who are used to the Salomon system, or perhaps are keen trail runners looking to take that concept to a more sturdy, heavy-duty shoe.
Key Specs – Fabric: GORE-TEX, Vibram Outsole; Weight 550g; Waterproof technology: GORE-TEX; Colour options: 1
A technical trekking boot at the higher end of the market, this offering from Arc’teryx is exactly what you’d expect from the brand – well considered, well-made and lightweight enough for packability, climbing and efficiency of movement across all terrains.
We’d definitely consider adding this to our packing list for multi-day treks and adventures where space is at a premium.