14 Cute Hiking Boots to Wear on All Your Outdoorsy Adventures

Ankle boots can feel like death traps for your feet if you live in a hot, humid climate. Cue Allbirds’ Trail Runners—the perfect hybrid of running sneakers and hiking boots. The shoes are insanely comfortable and breathable, and the cushiony insole lets you climb up and down slippery, steep slopes without worrying about twisting your ankle. 

If it isn’t the hiking boot to launch a thousand hiking boots—for real. This is the style Reese Witherspoon flung off a cliff in Wild, and ever since its major motion picture cameo, Danner’s Cascade boots have sold out multiple times. But it’s not just because they look good on the silver screen. The rugged style has been among the best women’s hiking boots since the ’70s for good reason. Each boot made from a single piece of leather to help keep out dirt and water, and the five-inch Vibram outsole is ideal for trekking through all kinds of terrain. Despite its hefty looks, reviewers say the Cascade is actually super breathable, so it’s perfect for any warm-weather camping trip you have planned.

Quality hiking boots can cost a pretty penny, but this option from Columbia is still top-notch if you’re looking to hover around the $100 price point. With 20,560 five-star reviews and counting, Amazon shoppers praise this budget-friendly style for being comfy, lightweight, and easy to clean—no blisters here.

If you want something lighter than leather but just as versatile, check out these comfortable hiking boots from Altra, featuring weather-resistant uppers and grippy bottoms. Happy hikers comment that these offer nicely stabilizing ankle support—much more so than a traditional lace-up bootie. The icy shade is a fun touch.

Salomon’s hiking boots are both light and responsive. The midsoles are all about the rebound, while the grippy soles are made with an EVA-based foam that makes each step supportive and bouncy.  

This is the kind of chic everyday hiking shoe we could totally see a celeb sporting. The tones work with just about any outfit—from sweatpants to a floral maxi—and the rubber soles are perfect for wading through shallow puddles. (And let them get dirty as nature intended!)

On-point aesthetics aside, Aether’s leather boots are built for the long haul. They’re handmade by Fracap, one of Italy’s most storied bootmakers, and feature chunky Vibram soles you can wear through anything—and for years to come. An extra pair of laces, in white, are included for a midseason switch-up.

Though the Cloudrock waterproof hiking boots are equipped with enough cushioning for a full day of trekking, maker On says they are up to 35% lighter than similar styles on the market (!!), which means walking is easy-breezy for hours on end. Speaking of breezy, if your feet tend to get clammy after a while, these shoes are super breathable thanks to the mesh uppers.

If you thought Teva only cared about making ugly Dad shoes, think again. The brand also designs crunchy but cute hiking boots, starting with this best seller that’s great for exploring your nearest state park. The all-around mesh design guarantees maximum breathability on those scorching-hot summer days, and the chocolate brown color scheme looks supercute when paired with tie-dye hiking socks.

Trail runners, this one’s for you. Named after the iconic mountain city in Utah, Merrell’s Moab popular sneaker (not to be confused with its big sister the Merrell Moab 2 Mid GTX hiking boot) is another solid option if you want trail-running shoes with a short ankle profile. The mesh upper layer will keep your feet cool and airy—a big plus if your feet tend to swell during exercise—while the bottom part of the shoe offers both arch support and a grippy Vibram sole so you can move quickly and confidently across unpredictable terrain. The cute color scheme is just a plus. 

Unruly elements are no match for Sorel’s boots. If you’re logging miles through wet or snowy conditions, this pair will keep your feet toasty and comfy. The suede is waterproof (though Sorel laces aren’t), the molded EVA footbeds provide shock absorption, and the linings are fleece—so these double as standard winter boots too.

Hiking boots you don’t have to spend 10 minutes lacing up? Yes, please. Adidas’s slip-in sock booties are primarily made from recycled materials and feature grippy soles that’ll hold their own on wet or dry terrain.