Gear / Hiking boots

Best Hiking Boots for Multi-Day Treks

On a hut-to-hut trek your boots do more work than any other piece of gear. You'll wear them for 6 to 9 hours a day, often on wet rock and long descents. For most treks in the Alps a light, waterproof mid boot is the sweet spot: enough ankle protection for rocky paths without the weight of a mountaineering boot.

Budget, mid-range and premium picks, including cheaper options from Decathlon. Prices are US list prices and weights are manufacturer figures (per boot), checked September 2026. Retail prices change often. If you buy through our links we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you. How this works.

At a glance

ProductPrice (USD)WeightWaterproofingBest for
La Sportiva Ultra Raptor 3 Mid GTXBarnaby's pick for the TMB and Alta Via $219 430 g · 15.2 oz Gore-Tex Rocky Alpine trails
Salomon X Ultra 5 Mid GTX $185 475 g · 16.8 oz Gore-Tex All-round trekking
Salomon X Ultra 360 Mid GTXBest value $170 394 g · 13.9 oz Gore-Tex Lightest option
Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof $175 495 g · 17.5 oz M Select Dry Comfort and wide feet
KEEN Targhee IV Mid Waterproof $180 577 g · 20.4 oz KEEN.DRY Roomy toe box
Lowa Renegade GTX Mid $280 590 g · 20.8 oz Gore-Tex Durability and heavy packs
Quechua (Decathlon) MH500 Mid WaterproofBest budget $109 — Waterproof membrane Budget trekking
Forclaz (Decathlon) Trek 100 Leather $90 — Leather, waterproof Budget leather boot
Illustration
1

La Sportiva

Ultra Raptor 3 Mid GTX

Barnaby's pick for the TMB and Alta ViaPremium

Price
$219
Weight
430 g · 15.2 oz
Waterproofing
Gore-Tex

Updated in spring 2026 with a wider base, deeper lugs and a more durable mesh upper. Reviewers consistently rate its grip on wet rock and its stability as the best in this group.

Why hikers love it

  • Outstanding grip on wet rock and scree
  • Stable, confidence-inspiring platform on rough ground
  • Light for how much protection it gives

Good to know

  • Runs on the narrow side, so wide feet should try it on first
  • A bigger investment than the Salomon or Merrell

Check price at REICheck price at Amazon

Illustration
2

Salomon

X Ultra 5 Mid GTX

Mid-range

Price
$185
Weight
475 g · 16.8 oz
Waterproofing
Gore-Tex

A proven all-rounder that feels more like a trail shoe than a boot. Agile on long days but sturdy enough for a moderate pack and rocky ground.

Why hikers love it

  • Comfortable straight out of the box
  • Great balance of low weight and real support
  • Easy to find in shops across the US and Europe

Good to know

  • Uses a quick-lace system rather than traditional laces
  • A little less cushioning on very long descents

Check price at REICheck price at Amazon

Illustration
3

Salomon

X Ultra 360 Mid GTX

Best valueMid-range

Price
$170
Weight
394 g · 13.9 oz
Waterproofing
Gore-Tex

A cheaper sibling of the X Ultra 5 aimed at general hiking. Side-by-side tests found only a small drop in performance for a noticeably lower price and weight.

Why hikers love it

  • Lightest boot in this list
  • Excellent value for a Gore-Tex boot
  • Almost no break-in needed

Good to know

  • Best on well-made paths rather than sharp, rocky terrain
  • Softer upper suits hikers who value comfort over armour

Check price at REICheck price at Amazon

Illustration
4

Merrell

Moab 3 Mid Waterproof

Mid-range

Price
$175
Weight
495 g · 17.5 oz
Waterproofing
M Select Dry

The classic comfortable boot, updated with a more supportive insole, a softer midsole and a revamped Vibram outsole. Available in wide widths.

Why hikers love it

  • Famously comfortable with little break-in
  • Good arch support for long days
  • Available in wide sizes

Good to know

  • Happiest on trails rather than steep, wet slabs
  • A relaxed fit rather than a precise, technical one

Check price at REICheck price at Amazon

Illustration
5

KEEN

Targhee IV Mid Waterproof

Mid-range

Price
$180
Weight
577 g · 20.4 oz
Waterproofing
KEEN.DRY

KEEN's trademark wide toe box makes this a favourite for hikers whose toes get squeezed in European-last boots.

Why hikers love it

  • Generous toe room, a relief for wide feet
  • Durable leather upper
  • Protective toe cap for rocky paths

Good to know

  • On the heavier side for fast, light trekking
  • Leather takes a while to dry after a very wet day

Check price at REICheck price at Amazon

Illustration
6

Lowa

Renegade GTX Mid

Premium

Price
$280
Weight
590 g · 20.8 oz
Waterproofing
Gore-Tex

A long-running German classic, recently revised as the Renegade Evo. A stiffer, more traditional leather boot for heavier loads and years of use.

Why hikers love it

  • Built to last for many seasons
  • Very supportive under a heavy pack
  • Can be resoled instead of replaced

Good to know

  • A premium price, repaid by its lifespan
  • Needs a few weeks of breaking in

Check price at REICheck price at Amazon

Illustration
7

Quechua (Decathlon)

MH500 Mid Waterproof

Best budgetBudget

Price
$109
Weight
—
Waterproofing
Waterproof membrane

Decathlon's popular mid-height hiking boot. Often on sale around $80, which makes it one of the cheapest waterproof boots worth considering for a first trek.

Why hikers love it

  • Very low price for a waterproof mid boot
  • Comfortable for day hikes and hut treks
  • Easy to buy online or in Decathlon stores across Europe

Good to know

  • Less support under a heavy pack than premium boots
  • Grip on wet rock is decent rather than exceptional

Check price at Decathlon

Illustration
8

Forclaz (Decathlon)

Trek 100 Leather

Budget

Price
$90
Weight
—
Waterproofing
Leather, waterproof

A simple, sturdy leather trekking boot at a very low price. Indiahikes recommends it for rough Himalayan terrain.

Why hikers love it

  • Tough leather upper for rough trails
  • Very affordable
  • Good ankle support

Good to know

  • Needs breaking in like any leather boot
  • Heavier and warmer than mesh boots on hot days

Check price at Decathlon

Not sure you need all this?

Take the readiness quiz first. Gear helps, but legs matter more.

Take the quiz