The Merrell MOAB collection: legendary footwear
Hiking Boots & Shoes | June 2, 2025
SAIL
July 6, 2025
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Every footwear brand has its own particular style and features, bringing unique benefits and technologies to its hiking footwear. To make your choice easier, we have compiled a list of the top eight most popular hiking boot brands, along with some of their best models. Get ready to lace up and hit the trails with confidence and style!
IN THIS ARTICLE, YOU WILL DISCOVER THE BEST HIKING BOOT MODELS OF 2025 FROM THE TOP 8 MOST POPULAR BRANDS:
You may immediately have an image in mind when you hear the name Merrell, and that’s because this hiking leader stands out for the style, versatility, and remarkable durability of its shoes and boots. The brand, which recently celebrated its 40th anniversary, has done so well over the years, continuously improving its footwear line and broadening its product range to further meet the needs of outdoor enthusiasts.
From longtime hikers seeking a classic, reliable model, to new and occasional hikers looking for a safe bet that will last for many years, everyone can find exactly what they need with Merrell.
Moab hiking boots are undoubtedly a flagship in Merrell’s product range. They have been worn by millions of hikers across the world, and they keep getting better with every new version that comes out. In the Moab 3 Mid hiking boots, the insole is more supportive, the midsole is softer and more cushioned, and the outsole is grippier than ever.
Whatever the terrain and conditions, these boots provide optimal traction and excellent shock absorption. Their protective rubber heel and toe cap also keep feet safe from rocks, branches, and other obstacles you may encounter on the trails. The Moab 3 Mid waterproof hiking boots additionally come with a water-blocking membrane that seals out water and lets moisture escape, so feet stay dry and comfortable all through the hike.
Merrell drew on everything it learned from the classic Moab boot and infused it with cutting-edge tech for this versatile design. Built for elevation shifts, quick moves, and confident speed, the Moab Speed 2 offers the best of both worlds: rugged protection and lightweight agility. A waterproof membrane, Vibram outsole with traction lugs, and abrasion-resistant toe and heel caps keep your feet secure, while the mid-height design adds support and stability where it counts.
If you are not familiar with Lowa yet, you should know that the almost century-old Bavarian workshop has now become a well-established brand celebrated for the high quality of its hiking, climbing and mountaineering boots and shoes. The brand makes a point of handcrafting all its products in Europe and ensuring unparalleled quality and good working conditions for the craftspeople who contribute to its reputation.
Lowa is right for you if you are an adventurer who is looking for performance and quality levels as high as the mountains you’ll climb. The brand also makes wider models to cater to the needs of all hiking enthusiasts.
The Renegade Mid Gore-Tex hiking boots for men and women are among the best hiking boots available right now. With their grippy and durable Vibram® outsole, these boots perform equally well on groomed trails, rough terrain, and slippery surfaces. Plus, they have a Gore-Tex lining that makes them perfectly waterproof and very effective for temperature regulation. Built for support and stability, they feature a hard stabilizing element that can handle the most intense outdoor activities. Their midsole is also engineered to provide plenty of cushioning and solid foot support on hikes both on and off the trails.
The Innovo Mid Gore-Tex (for men) and the Innox Pro Mid Gore-Tex (for women) share the same features, but each brings its own style to the trail. Surprisingly flexible and impressively versatile, these boots are built for a wide range of outdoor adventures. The grippy rubber outsole offers smooth, comfortable movement, while the breathable Gore-Tex lining keeps mud, dust, and water out. Whether you’re out for a sunny stroll or caught in a surprise scramble through wet, rocky trails, these boots can handle it all.
Salomon has been equipping outdoor enthusiasts for the ski slopes for 75 years. In addition to having expanded to other winter sports fields (cross-country skiing, ski touring, snowboarding, etc.), the brand introduced its line of hiking footwear in 1992. Given this expertise, it’s safe to say that some of the best hiking boots for women and men today bear the Salomon seal.
If you like having fun in the great outdoors and have a taste for innovation and technological advancements, the French brand may be right for you.
The X Ultra 4 Gore-Tex hiking boots truly have what it takes to tackle tough terrain and challenging conditions. They provide stability, support, traction, and protection, plus all the agility you typically find in a trail running shoe. With a durable All Terrain Contagrip® outsole and Salomon’s Advanced Chassis™ insert, they provide exceptional traction and enhanced support while promoting mobility and joint protection. Moulded insoles ensure perfect contouring of the feet for maximum comfort and performance. Protective features like a toe cap, mudguard, Gore-Tex membrane and gusseted tongue shield feet from external elements. Their cushioned construction, breathable lining and shock-absorbing materials also keep feet dry and comfortable on the inside.
Heading out on a long expedition or tackling tough terrain? You need the Quest 4 hiking boots. Their ADV-C 4D chassis offers exceptional underfoot stability and ankle support, guiding your stride and reducing fatigue, especially when carrying a heavy load. A Contagrip® outsole with deep, aggressive lugs and a durable rubber compound ensures confident traction in any conditions. And for added toughness, nothing beats the long-lasting performance of nubuck leather.
“Commitment” is truly a word that defines Keen. Founded in Oregon in 2003 and known for its famous Newport sandal, the company makes constant social and environmental efforts that have a positive impact. For a decade now, it has worked to eliminate the use of fluorinated compounds known as PFAS, synthetic chemicals that are harmful to the environment and humans, and replace them with safer materials.
If an environmentally conscious brand that makes reliable, high-quality products strikes a chord with you, then Keen is an excellent choice. It is also perfect if you enjoy hiking with your family, as it offers hiking boots and shoes for both the young and the not-so-young.
Beneath their classic, fuss-free aesthetic, the Pyrenees hiking boots are packed with high-performance features that never disappoint on the trails. Featuring the brand’s proprietary Keen.Dry waterproof-breathable membrane and a rugged waterproof leather upper, these boots provide protection from the elements while still allowing moisture to escape.
Thanks to the Metatomical footbed design (whose name is a fusion of metatarsal and anatomical), they provide excellent support for the arch and the contours of the feet, so you can stay comfortable up to the very last kilometres of your hike. You can also rely on the high-traction grip of the Keen.All-Terrain rubber outsoles and their large multi-directional lugs as you progress on any surfaces the trail throws your way.
Described by Keen as the last hiking boots you’ll have to buy, the Targhee IV is built for the long haul. Every detail is designed with durability in mind, from the fused construction that won’t delaminate to the Luftcell midsole that stays responsive hike after hike.
The abrasion-resistant outsole delivers dependable traction, while the reinforced upper and stability features offer lasting support. Whether you’re tackling rocky trails or logging serious miles, these boots were built to keep up.
Salewa has truly made its mark in the mountain activities world by creating reliable, high-performance products for hiking, climbing and mountaineering. Specializing in alpine sports gear, the brand has been using its expertise and skills since 2005 to develop a range of hiking boots and shoes. With a focus on lightness, support and comfort, this footwear can help you pile up the kilometres and reach the highest peaks.
Salewa is aimed at explorers and all those who like to discover new trails with a versatile pair of shoes on their feet. If lightness and optimal support are among your main concerns, the brand may have the hiking boots you need.
The Mountain Trainer Lite Mid Gore-Tex hiking boots offer great performance on rocky and technical terrain and can be worn from spring to fall to hike over grass, dirt, mud or snow. Their grippy compound rubber outsole and deep lugs ensure optimal traction on all kinds of surfaces, even the most slippery ones you may face at high altitudes or in transitional seasons. Wet conditions and precipitation are never a problem thanks to the waterproof breathable Gore-Tex lining. Lightweight and supportive, these hiking boots are a great choice for alpine hiking and long backpacking excursions, yet they still offer a comfortable fit and natural mobility that make them suitable for more casual hikes.
Built for alpine hikes and high-altitude scrambles, the the Alp Mate Mid is a reliable companion for tough summit pushes and long days on uneven ground. Mountain enthusiasts will appreciate its breathable design, durable suede upper, and shock-absorbing EVA midsole. With a secure, supportive fit that moves naturally with your foot, it offers all-day comfort and protection across demanding terrain.
Columbia has been dressing outdoor enthusiasts from head to toe for over 80 years. Although this American brand is widely known for its outdoor clothing for several disciplines, it was in the hiking field that it first became popular. Its range of footwear includes aerodynamic and colourful hiking shoes, as well as classic hiking boot styles offering ankle support. Some of its models now rank among the best hiking footwear for both men and women.
If you like sporty outdoor footwear with equal amounts of style and function, then Columbia is the brand for you.
From forest trails to rocky paths, the Columbia Crestwood Mid is a do-it-all hiking boot built for everyday adventures. Lightweight, waterproof, and comfortably cushioned, it delivers dependable performance across changing terrain and conditions. With breathable construction, grippy all-terrain traction, and just the right amount of ankle support, this model is ready for just about anything.
Run by the third generation of the Zamberlan family, this Italian company has been making high-quality handcrafted hiking boots for almost a century. Innovation, performance, quality materials and craftsmanship have always been at the forefront and are still key concerns for the brand today. Each pair of boots and shoes is a testament to handcrafted quality, attention to detail and thoughtful design—all signature features of this enduring brand that is here to stay.
If you’re seeking distinctive, dependable, high-quality hiking boots, Zamberlan has what it takes to please you.
One of the most popular and highly rated models from Zamberlan is the Vioz Gore-Tex hiking boot. With its sleek Hydrobloc® waxed leather exterior and high-performance Gore-Tex lining, it ensures excellent waterproof protection as well as optimal moisture and temperature regulation, keeping the feet dry in any weather conditions. The Zamberlan® Vibram® 3D outsole provides outstanding traction and control, featuring undercut heels that aid in braking during descents. In addition to being suited to any type of terrain, these boots provide excellent support and flexibility. They are ideal for challenging backpacking expeditions and perfectly comfortable for leisurely hikes.
Less known but highly regarded, AKU is an Italian brand that crafts high-performance footwear for hiking, mountaineering, hunting, and even tactical use. Based in the heart of the Italian Dolomites, AKU blends traditional craftsmanship with advanced technology to create boots that are exceptionally durable, precise, and built for demanding terrain.
Think classic full-grain leather that only gets better with age—that’s the Tribute II. Available with or without a Gore-Tex membrane, this sturdy boot pairs a moderately stiff upper with a grippy Vibram outsole. With its effective grip and high stability, it is perfect for rugged, low-key hikes in the hills. The Tribute range delivers dependable comfort, durability and timeless style.
