It’s crucial to don the appropriate hiking boots whether you enjoy an easy stroll through nature or are a keen hiker. Without proper footwear, any level of hike can become quite uncomfortable if you’re not prepared for it.
Yet, looking online for the right pair of hiking boots for you can be exhausting given how many different styles and price points exist.
For this reason, we’ve put together the following page on the best hiking boots you can find on Zappos. We’ve chosen Zappos as their online inventory is not only extensive, but they often have ongoing sales that let you purchase top shoes at the best prices on the web.
Lastly, if our picks don’t satisfy your needs, we’ve also included a section on what to look for when shopping for the best hiking boots. We’ll start with these pointers next.
What To Look For In Hiking Boots
The most important thing when choosing a pair of hiking boots is finding the right fit. Your chosen boots should fit snugly but not too tight, allowing you to move comfortably and naturally.
As with any other type of shoe purchase, your personal preferences also come into play. You might want a certain color or style; you may prefer lightweight shoes that don’t weigh you down, or you may need something specifically designed for a particular environment.
At this point, you should also consider what type of socks you’ll be wearing. Often, hiking entails wearing more than just your regular pair of sports socks. This means they’re likely to be thicker and will require more space in the shoe than what you’d need for a pair of sneakers.
Hiking Boot Materials
In terms of materials, durability should be at the top of your list. A pair of well-made boots with breathable uppers and waterproof membranes can make all the difference when it comes to comfort and protection.
These materials are more durable and water-resistant than canvas. The soles should also be thick enough to cushion your feet against rocks and other terrains while providing adequate traction.
Vibram Soles
Vibram soles are often considered the best soles in the business, but this does not mean that new materials cannot be devised to provide better traction. For example, Asolo’s Gore-Tex walking boots feature a special type of sole that is designed to provide additional grip on wet and rocky surfaces.
Safety Features
Don’t forget to consider the safety features of any pair of hiking boots when you’re browsing boots online.
- Aim for boots with insulated liners for extra warmth in cold conditions, as well as reinforced toe boxes for added protection when traversing difficult terrain. .
- It’s also important to pick up a pair with good ankle support and shock absorbency to help reduce fatigue during your hikes.
- Ensure that laces are long enough so that you can adjust them properly without having any extra fabric hanging loose after tying them up. This will help keep dirt and debris out of the boots and maintain their longevity.
Having the right tools can make all the difference when it comes to hiking, and having the best hiking boots is no exception. No matter which features are important to you, make sure to take some time to try out different options until you find the perfect fit!
Now let’s get into our picks of the best hiking boots on Zappos.
- Style: Hiking Boots
- Formality: Casual
- Pricing: $279.99 [Buy Now On Zappos]
Made by trusted brand Red Wing, the Irish Setter Elk Trackers are very stylish boots indeed. You can wear these either with contemporary hiking styles or even take them a step further with plus fours and traditional tweed attire.
With its flex welt lining, Gore-Tex and Thinsulate lining, steel shank, and a full-grain leather upper, the Irish Setter Elk Trackers offer the best walking boots we’ve ever seen. Comfort is also enhanced by the cork & memory foam integrated into the footbed, and traction on wet & slippery surfaces is ensured by the Carbon rubber outsole. Furthermore, they’re 12″ boots, which is certainly rare in today’s market.
- Style: Walking Boots
- Formality: Casual
- Pricing: $229.95 [Buy Now On Zappos]
A historical French brand, Salomon, is renowned for making high-quality hiking boots and equipment. Therefore, it’s no surprise to find that they’re present on this list.
Thanks to the proprietary 4D advanced chassis, your feet will be properly guided even on the roughest terrain to reduce fatigue. It also provides more forefoot flexion for a smoother gait, along with the lug design for improved grip.
Although we have a preference for the natural brown leather color, you can also choose between stealth black as well as a Mallard bluish-grey for a slight pop.
- Style: Walking Boot
- Formality: Casual
- Pricing: $299.95 [Buy Now On Zappos]
Prestigious Italian brand Asolo has been making premium shoes under the Zanatta family since 1946. Design for all terrains in mind, the Fugitives are excellent for any type of walk you have in mind.
The GTX earns its name from the Gore-Tex lining, which complements the suede leather and Cordura upper. Meanwhile, two elements comprise the Duo Asoflex midsole, which are fused together. One is stiff for preventing pronation and torsion whilst the other is soft for shock absorption.
Whilst we’re fond of the brown suede leather with black and red accents, there are other options too. For instance, you could opt for black and grey with burgundy accents or black with olive accents.
- Style: Walking Boots
- Formality: Casual
- Pricing: $165 [Buy Now On Zappos]
When walking long distances in hot summer weather, it can get pretty stuffy in regular walking boots. Therefore, you need something more breathable to stay comfortable with a good fit to prevent rubbing.
Although not designed specifically for the summer, the Keen Targhee is a lightweight shoe that features a KEEN.DRY breathable textile membrane. Furthermore, the ESS shank ensures stability and comfort whilst the dual-density compression-molded EVA midsole provides all-day support for your feet.
Several colors are available to purchase when considering these walking shoes. We’re fond of anthracite and gold, but there’s also brown, black as well as an olive-green suede leather.
- Style: Walking Boots
- Formality: Casual
- Pricing: $220 [Buy Now On Zappos]
- Currently on Sale for $165
Despite their color, these Lowa boots are no relation to the sandier cousins of the Chukkas. Instead, these are tactical boots designed for use in hot conditions and the desert. Nevertheless, they’re a robust and ideal choice for particularly intense heat.
Thanks to the Dri-Lex 3D nylon lining and ventilation perforations, you’ll experience drier and cooler walking as it acts as a climate control feature. Furthermore, the shoes remain lightweight due to the PU Monowrap, which doesn’t sacrifice stability.
Traditionally, desert boots come in a sandy color for camouflage reasons. However, they’re currently available in a number of tones in addition to the classic sand style, including Coyote Op (brown) and Wolf Grey.
- Style: Chelsea Boot
- Formality: Casual
- Pricing: $180 [Buy Now From Zappos]
Here’s an unusual but attractive notion. Rather than wearing typical lace-up walking boots, you could consider Chelsea boots instead. These are designed with hiking specifically in mind. However, they may be better suited to lighter walks yet offer the convenience of being able to just kick them off.
Thanks to their leather uppers and neoprene side panels, these boots are fully waterproof. They also offer extra comfort thanks to a Thermaplush lining and EVA midsole. Finally, the rubber outsole provides excellent traction for all weather conditions and terrains.
The Baffin Copenhagens are available in either black or brown water-resistant suede leather. Whilst we do like both, we’re more fond of the brown that has a particularly natural appeal to it.
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