An excellent Gore-Tex boot will make your hiking trips feel more comfortable. They are waterproof and (Some, not all) are breathable, keeping your feet dry as you hike different kinds of terrains. However, not all kinds of footwear with Gore-Tex technology are high-quality products. So, what features should you consider when buying Gore-Tex boots?
WFor the most comfort, you need to pick a shoe that can keep your feet dry throughout your hiking trip. And, since you can’t prevent sweating, you need to choose for a boot that has proper ventilation. Boots that have an upper mesh material are excellent choices.
Another vital feature you need to consider is the product’s outsole, which should provide tremendous traction and grip. For this, try opting for a hiking boot that has a Vibram outsole and those with deep lugs. Aside from that, you also need to pick a boot that can support and protect your ankles, toes, and feet. Of course, you also need to consider the product’s weight and durability. A lightweight boot is highly recommended for moderate trails or hikes. A heavy boot, on the other hand, is best for long treks or when you’re hiking rugged or rocky terrains.
To help narrow your search, we have listed our favorite Gore-Tex boots for hiking trails.
Salomon Quest 4d 3 GTX Backpacking Boots
The Salomon Quest 4d 3 GTX Backpacking Boots won the T3 Awards for Best Hiking Boots in 2019. As such, this model will not only provide you with great features; it can also help you walk through any trails with comfort and ease whether it’s raining or shining.
This Gore-Tex boot is designed to support and cradle your ankle and foot with every step. It has an EnergyCell EVA midsole that reduces shock impact. Moreover, its 4D advanced chassis system helps reduce foot fatigue, enabling you to walk for long periods without any discomforts. Plus, it has a Contragrip sole that provides a lot of traction, so this boot won’t let you down no matter what terrain you’re tackling.
Although this hiking boot is made of robust materials, it is not heavy. Also, it is breathable, so you can wear it during warmer months. Overall, the Salomon Quest 4d 3 GTX is not only functional but stylish as well.
Scarpa Zodiac Plus GTX Hiking Boots
The Scarpa Zodiac Plus is a mid-weight hiking boot designed to provide comfort, flexibility, and support. Moreover, this footwear has a supportive structure that can protect your ankle in case of an accidental slip. It also has excellent grip, thanks to its Vibram Drumlin soles that provides remarkable traction even in the sloppiest terrains.
Aside from those features, this hiking boot has a rubber rand, which provides extra protection to your toes. Also, it has EVA-molded midsole that protects your feet in uneven grounds. Lastly, it has Sock-Fit DV construction and an asymmetric lace system that provides a snug fit.
With all these great features, the Scarpa Zodiac Plus is definitely one of the best Gore-Tex boots for hiking trails. However, one downside for this product is its suede leather that absorbs a lot of grime and dust, making the boots look older.
Merrell Moab 2 Mid GTX Hiking Boots
Merrell is known to make high-quality and durable boots. As such, you can expect that the Moab 2 will make your hiking trips a pleasurable experience. This is because this footwear is comfortable, durable, and dependable.
For its features, the Merrell Moab 2 is breathable and waterproof, thanks to its Gore-Tex lining and leather with mesh upper. Plus, this footwear has an EVA contoured footbed that provides extra heel padding and good arch support. This footbed also protects your feet and provides all-day comfort. Aside from that, this model can support your ankles and reduce ankle rolling when you’re hiking on difficult terrains. Also, it features a Vibram TC5+ sole that provides fantastic traction and comfort. Lastly, this product has a rubber toe cap that protects your toes.
Although a great product, the Merrell Moab 2 is a bit heavy, with a weight of four pounds. Aside from that, it is not ideal for hot weather. For those sunny days, we have prepared a selection of the best hiking boots and shoes for hot weather.
Timberland Chocorua Hiking Boots
The Timberland Chocorua is a great blend of style and functionality. It sports a waterproof leather with mesh upper for maximum ventilation. It also uses a Gore-Tex lining for enhanced breathability while repelling water out of the shoe. Plus, it has a moisture-wicking lining that will keep your feet dry and fresh. Also, it has Primaloft insulation, making it useful during snowy winters.
Aside from those features, this hiking boot has an anti-fatigue footbed that provides all-day comfort. It also has a well-lugged outsole that provides good traction, making it stable in a variety of surfaces.
Considering these features, the Timberland Chocorua is definitely one of the best Gore-Tex boots for hiking trails. However, its outsole is a bit thin. As such, it is not suitable for tough terrains.
Lowa Renegade GTX Mid Hiking Boots
The Lowa Renegade GTX is one of the most popular Gore-Tex boots for hiking trails. This is not surprising because this product is packed with a lot of cool features.
Aside from its Gore-Tex lining, this hiking boot also has a nubuck leather upper that supports your foot and reduces strain on your toes when you’re going downhill. It also has lightweight Monowrap midsole technology that provides lateral stability and extra cushioning. Also, it has nonslip rubber lugs and Vibram outsole that provides outstanding grip and traction.
In addition to those features, the Lowa Renegade GTX also has a climate-control footbed that keeps your feet dry, cool, and blister free. Furthermore, this footwear features a nylon shank that provides extra stability when you’re on rugged terrain. Plus, its derby-style lacing ensures that it will fit comfortably no matter what your foot type.
AKU Trekker Pro GTX Walking Boots
The AKU Trekker Pro GTX Walking Boots is one of the lightest boots available on the market. But, this doesn’t mean that its quality is compromised. It is made of leather with synthetic upper strikes that create a beautiful balance between breathability and durability. Plus, it has a Gore-Tex liner that ensures the highest degree of water-resistance.
Another great feature of this Gore-Tex boot is its Elica Natural Stride System technology, which is designed for enhanced bio-dynamic performance. In simpler terms, it makes long periods on the trail easier on your feet. Aside from that, this product has excellent support for the high cuff and midsole. Also, it has a Vibram Curcum outsole that provides plenty of traction, allowing you to tackle any kind of terrains with ease. Lastly, this product is not only reliable but stylish as well.
Hanwag Ferrata II GTX Hiking Boots
The Hanwag Ferrata II GTX is one of the best Gore-Tex boots for the modern man. Plus, it’s stylish, reliable, and extremely comfortable.
This hiking boot blends polyurethane and polyamide fabric with leather, providing you with superior protection. Moreover, this model is also equipped with TubeTec technology. It is a cushioned PU material that is protected with a tube of TPU, resulting in a durable yet lightweight midsole.
Aside from those features, this hiking boot also has click clamp eyelets that allow 2-zone lacing, which is beneficial during long hikes where you need to switch between ascent and descent. Its high cuff, on the other hand, will keep your foot locked in, reducing abrasion and heel lift. Lastly, this product also has a Vibram sole that provides plenty of traction and a Gore-Tex membrane that repels water.
For some animal-friendly options, check out our guide to the top vegan hiking boots.
Vasque Breeze 2.0 Gore-Tex Hiking Boot
If you’re in search of a mid-weight hiking boot, the Vasque Breeze 2.0 is an excellent choice. This is not only because this footwear is durable; it also offers a lot of great features that will make your hiking trips feel more comfortable.
This shoe has a Gore-Tex feature that provides waterproof protection and breathable feel even if you’re hiking on wet terrain. But, that is not the only protection feature of this footwear. It also has a rubber toe cap that ensures that your toes are protected during long treks. Plus, the combination of the upper Nubuck leather and air mesh ensures that your feet and ankles are fully protected.
Aside from protection, the Vasque Breeze 2.0 also delivers the highest level of flexibility, stability, and comfortability. It has a padded collar and cushioned footbed with dual-density EVA support for all-day comfort. Aside from that, this product also has a Vibram outsole that provides excellent traction and support.
With all these great features, the Vasque Breeze 2.0 is definitely an excellent product. However, it is best suited for those with narrow feet.
Salomon X Ultra 3 GTX Hiking Boot
Like the Salomon Quest 4D 3 GTX, the Salomon X Ultra 3 has a stylish and modern look. It also features a Contragrip outsole, which provides excellent traction and performs well on most types of ground. Also, both hiking boots feature a Gore-Tex lining that repels water out and provides excellent breathability. The difference is that this product is a bit lighter and cheaper (less than $200) compared to the Quest 4D 3 GTX.
For its other features, this Gore-Tex boot has Ortholite Shockliners and Ortholite foam, which provides support and comfort to your feet and heel. Furthermore, it also has mudguards, a tongue gusset, and rubber toe caps. These features will not only keep the debris out but provide stability as well. Lastly, this model is designed to keep you trekking for long periods by decreasing foot fatigue.
One downside for this product is that its waterproof capabilities are not as good as other premium products on this list.
Be sure to also browse our list of the top hiking shoes and find the perfect pair.
Danner Radical 452 Hiking Boot
The Danner Radical 452 is a lightweight yet robust product. It has a nubuck leather upper, which is extremely durable. It also has a Gore-Tex lining that will not only keep the water out but wicks away moisture and sweat as well, keeping your feet dry and comfortable.
In addition to those features, this hiking boot also has a Danner Boulder TF outsole with multi-directional lugs that provides tremendous traction. Additionally, it also has an abrasion-resistant toe cap that will protect your toes as you walk through any kinds of ground.
Overall, the Danner Radical 452 is an excellent choice if you’re looking for athletic footwear with a supportive fit. However, it may be too lightweight for some terrains.
Asolo TPS 520 GV Boots
The Asolo TPS 520 GV Boots has an upper that is made of rigid, water-resistant leather with a thickness of 2.7 millimeters. This feature provides excellent ankle support, and it makes this heavy-duty footwear great for rocky or rugged terrains.
For its other features, this hiking boot also has a Gore-Tex lining that delivers increased weather protection. Its midsole has shock absorbers, providing all-day comfort. Additionally, it has a Vibram rubber outsole that ensures a lot of traction and grip.
With all these great features, the Asolo TPS 520 GV Boots is a great product. However, it is a bit expensive, with a price of more than $300. Moreover, some customers have complaints about its sole separating from the boot after some time of use.
KEEN Targhee II Hiking Boots
With its Gore-Tex membrane and nubuck leather material, the KEEN Targhee II hiking boots can repel water out of your shoes, ensuring that your feet will stay dry even when you’re hiking on wet terrain. It also has a hydrophobic mesh lining that provides excellent breathability.
Aside from those features, this hiking boot also comes with an EVA foam midsole and a removable footbed that provides outstanding cushioning, making it an excellent product for long hiking trips. Moreover, this footwear also has an ESS shank feature that protects your ankles by offering stable torsion. This feature is beneficial for rock climbing purposes. Also, this product has lugged outsole that provides excellent grip, ensuring that you will stay safe and secured throughout your hiking trip.
Overall, the KEEN Targhee II offers a lot of features. However, a few reviewers have noted that the boot’s soles become loose after some time of use.
Arc’teryx Bora2 Hiking Boots
The Arc’teryx Bora2 is a well-made hiking boot that provides optimum comfort and protection. Plus, it is one of the most durable hiking boots available on the market.
Aside from being waterproof, this technical footwear has removable liners that provide comfort and stability for a variety of terrain and weather environments. The stretchable Adaptive Fit GORE-TEX liner helps keep moisture and debris out. Additionally, this footwear has Vibram outsole with a pronounced lug pattern that provides great traction, so you’ll have the confidence to walk on wet or inclined grounds. Moreover, it has EVA foam midsole that aids in absorbing impacting shock. Lastly, this waterproof hiking boot is crampon compatible. As such, you can use it in an icy or snowy environment.
Although a great product, the Arc’teryx Bora2 comes with a hefty price tag (more than $300). Nonetheless, you’ll get all your money’s worth, considering its great features and optimum performance.
Scarpa Kailash GTX Hiking Boots
The Scarpa Kailash GTX is a rugged and dependable hiking boot. It has a Gore-Tex membrane that provides exceptional waterproofness and breathability. So, you will be dry and comfortable no matter what the weather and environmental conditions. Furthermore, it also has Vibram Hi-Trail Lite sole that provides a lot of traction. Also, it has a suede upper that gives your ankle support and stability, and it has toe caps for superior protection. Lastly, it features a convenient and secure lacing system.
Although a great product, the Scarpa Kailash GTX run small to size. Plus, its suede leather upper absorbs a lot of dust and grime, making it look older.
La Sportiva Stream GTX Hiking Shoe
The La Sportiva Stream GTX Hiking shoe is designed not only to be durable but to be light and fast as well. Its main purpose is to keep your feet comfortable while you’re hiking for extended periods.
For its features, this hiking boot has an abrasion-resistant mesh upper that provides protection. It also has a Nano Cell 2.0 structure that delivers optimum breathability. And, its waterproof, thanks to its Gore-Tex inner. Moreover, this shoe incorporates aeration channels into the footbed and midsole, which augments the breathable upper. Lastly, this model also has a Vibram XS Trek with Impact Brake system sole that provides a lot of traction. So, with this footwear, you’ll have the confidence that you can tackle any kind of terrain.