Boots are one of the most important pieces of gear you can get for your hiking trip. Since moving in the wild relies heavily on your feet, you need to make sure they are comfortable and safe inside your new pair of hiking boots. Typically, hiking footgear is lightweight, waterproof, breathable, and extremely sturdy. Of course, there are many different products out there that might play around with this formula, add something new to it, or compromise one of these qualities to intensify another one.
To help you choose the single right pair in this vast sea of boots, we have reviewed dozens of models to come up with this list of the best hiking boots for men.
Adidas Terrex Free Hiker
The Free Hiker boots don’t really look like your typical hiking footwear. As a matter of fact, they look a lot like the Adidas sneakers that so many people wear casually on a daily basis. Thanks to this design, you can wear the Free Hikers on extended trips that involve walking in both urban and natural environments and save yourself the trouble of bringing along an additional pair of boots or classic sneakers.
You may assume that these boots aren’t really “professional-grade” because of their fun, casual look, but that’s far from the truth. First of all, the Free Hikers are among the most comfortable boots we’ve tested for this review. The boots are similar in fit and feel to a high-quality pair of sneakers, and we found this to be an advantage since most people are so used to this type of footwear. Partly, this is due to the Boost foam insoles that were first used in Adidas running shoes. As it turned out, the Boost foam works equally well for hiking boots, providing a certain rebound effect as you walk and helping you preserve energy.
The knit upper of the Free Hiker is soft and breathable, but it still manages to offer a lot more support than you’d expect. These boots are by no means the most supportive ones out there, but they will get a decent grip on your feet without strangling them like some hiking boots do. The Continental rubber outsoles provide a lot of traction, allowing for easy coordination of your movements. You can walk all kinds of trails and paths in these boots, and your feet are never going to slip or make any other undesired movements. Finally, the Free Hikers are quite lightweight, and that’s a welcome feature both for carrying these boots and actually wearing them.
All in all, the Adidas Free Hiker is an excellent product that’s also reasonably priced. We do wish that these boots were waterproof, but they’re so good otherwise, we’re willing to let that one slide.
Danner Men’s Mountain 600 EnduroWeave/Leather
The EnduroWeave boots have a certain rugged look to them that we found to be very appealing. If you prefer a more stylish design, you can go for the leather version of the Mountain 600. It has all the same perks and features as the textile one, so it’s up to you to choose whether you prefer shiny leather or textured textile.
Either way, you’ll be getting high-quality boots that perform remarkably well on most fronts. The EnduroWeave version is more breathable than the leather one, but the trade-off here is a less city-friendly look. The insoles and outsoles for both versions are made by Vibram, a company known for its innovative footwear and accessories. We found the outsoles to be a perfect fit for the Mountain 600 boots, with just the right balance of cushioning and stability. As for the insoles, we recommend you get some aftermarket ones to “personalize” these boots and make them feel really comfortable inside.
The Danner Mountain 600 boots need to be worn in a little, even if you choose to go with the standard insoles. This is typical for leather footwear, so you’d probably expect your Mountain 600 leather boots to get a little more comfortable after the first walks or hikes. This also stands true for the EnduroWeave version, as the tongue and cuff overlap areas may feel slightly too stiff from the get-go. However, wear them for some hours, and the boots are going to adjust to your foot in all the most important places.
We would readily recommend these boots to anyone looking for a pair of comfortable, reliable hiking boots that can also be worn casually. They are also one of the least expensive options on our list, making them ideal for hikers on a budget.
Keen Targhee III Mid
Speaking of budget-friendly hiking boots, you’d probably never be able to guess that the Keen Targhee Mid III boots are among the most affordable ones around just by looking at them. Indeed, the Targhees look great. We’d probably go as far as to say that they look better than a good portion of significantly more expensive boots we’ve reviewed.
On the inside, the Targhees still offer a lot of bang for your buck. The insoles feel soft and cushiony, so your feet have a decent amount of support when you walk in these boots. You can probably get away with a season or maybe even two of hiking in these boots without having to get new insoles, which is great considering the price you pay for these boots. The outsoles feel very robust and contribute a lot to how the boot supports your foot and helps you regain balance after every step.
Keen claims that the Targhee III boots are fully waterproof, with water-resistant mesh lining and leather uppers. We found that they do a reasonably good job repelling water, but your feet are probably going to get a little wet in a pouring rain. Overall, this is definitely not a dealbreaker given that the boots perform quite well in a range of other scenarios, including walking in the snow.
Should you get the Keen Targhee III Mid boots for yourself? We’d say that depends on what you expect from a hiking boot. If you’re going to be wearing your new hiking boots a lot, you’ll probably be better off investing in more robust boots that are made to last for miles of hiking. However, for the beginner or occasional hiker, the Targhees offer an unmatched mix of performance and value for the money.
Salomon Men’s Quest 4D 3 GTX
Salomon Quest is a model that has been at the top of the Salomon hiking boots lineup for years, and there are some very good reasons for that. We wouldn’t say that design is not one of those reasons, but it isn’t bad either. Rugged and purely functional, the aesthetics of these boots probably won’t win you over, but the comfort and durability just might.
The Quest 3 GTX boot is always waterproof thanks to its Gore-Tex, regardless of the version you have. This is great because this feature is among the most valued ones when it comes to hiking boots. However, the absence of a “lighter” version may be a downside for hikers in warm climates, as the Quest 3 GTX is definitely not something you want to wear when it’s pretty hot outside. These boots really shine in the colder seasons, when your hiking trips involve dealing with rain, low temperatures, and even snow. For the latter scenario, there’s a winter version of the Quest 3 GTX with an extra warm fur lining inside.
The outsole of the Quest 3 GTX is made of high-quality Contagrip rubber that’s extremely resistant to scratches and all other kinds of damage you can possibly inflict on your hiking boots. The same goes for the rubber toe box (by the way, this does an excellent job protecting your toes from accidental bumps), as well as the textile upper. These hiking boots are built to withstand extensive use in all kinds of conditions, and their durability is impressive. Comfort-wise, they may be a little stiffer than you’d want them to be fresh out of the box, but go on a few short walks in them, and they’re going to adjust to your feet just fine.
The Salomon Quest 4D 3 GTX is not the most versatile hiking boot out there, but it’s a high-quality piece of gear that is definitely going to be appreciated by avid hikers who know what they want in a cold-weather boot.
Hoka One One Tor Tech Mid
If you want your hiking boots to look stylish enough that they can be occasionally worn on a long walk in an urban environment, you don’t necessarily have to go with Adidas Free Hiker. The Hoka One One Tor Tech is a hiking boot that offers plenty of style for fashion-savvy hikers, and it doesn’t disappoint on other fronts either.
The first thing you’ll notice about these boots after putting them on is how ridiculously comfortable they are. The ample cushioning was most likely inspired by Hoka running shoes, which also feature lots of cushioning. Surprisingly, this doesn’t get in the way of stability at all. Every step you take on uneven terrain in Hoka Tor Tech feels very confident and your feet never slide up into the toe box or wobble around in the boot itself. The outsole is also pretty grippy, which does a lot to facilitate walking on wet or unstable terrain.
As a matter of fact, some hikers who went for the Hoka Tor Tech boots even say they help reduce pain and discomfort that comes from plantar fasciitis. We don’t know if that was the intent of the manufacturer or just a happy coincidence thanks to the inner structure of these boots, but you may want to consider them if you have plantar fasciitis or a similar condition.
Overall, we think that the Hoka Tor Tech are a solid purchase if you’re looking for comfortable, versatile hiking boots. Just make sure you won’t be using them too much during the warm seasons, since the one area where these boots may not shine is breathability.
Timberland White Ledge Mid Waterproof
We decided to pick a couple more casual-looking hiking boots for our list because having versatile footwear is never a bad thing, and the level of comfort provided by hiking boots makes them ideal for long walks virtually anywhere, not just the wild trails. The Timberland White Ledge is an excellent example of hiking boots that will do equally well on city streets and rough terrain.
Of course, we do realize that these boots are not meant to be worn on challenging hikes where they might be exposed to fallen branches, awkwardly shaped stones, and all other kinds of things that can make you lose your balance and damage your boots as well. The White Ledge hiking boots are more suited to casual hikes in the countryside and long walks in the park. Experienced hikers may roll their eyes at the White Ledge product line, but we are sure that people who are new to hiking or aren’t looking to go on major treks in extreme conditions will appreciate these nice-looking, casual hiking boots.
After all, you can still wear these on a prolonged hiking trip and do just fine. The White Ledge hiking boots are extremely comfortable with little to no wear-in period, so you should seriously consider them if you need new hiking boots immediately before a hiking trip. They also offer very good ankle support, and the rugged rubber outsole offers enough grip to take on the most challenging terrains. As long as you’re fine with them not looking good as new after a couple of such hiking trips, you’re good to go. They will survive difficult trails and extremely rough paths, but we do advise you to look for something more rugged if you go hiking a lot.
The Timberland White Ledge hiking boots are an excellent product that has its own customer niche and sticks to doing what those people need extremely well. These boots are also extremely affordable, which makes them an ideal for purchase for those who aren’t sure that they want to fully commit to hiking as a hobby. If hiking turns out to not be your thing after all, just wear these boots casually and enjoy the comfort they offer.
Scarpa Zodiac Plus GTX
You may be an experienced hiker looking for a new piece of professional-grade footgear, in which case you probably regard your hiking boots as an investment rather than a casual purchase. The Scarpa Zodiac Plus GTXs definitely feel like an investment, given that they are on the more expensive side of the hiking boots universe. Are they worth it? We think they are.
Scarpa didn’t leave anything to chance when designing the Zodiac Plus GTX. This hiking boot is probably as close as you’re going to get to a mountaineering boot without losing the flexibility and versatility of the former. One of the features that sets this boot apart from the majority of its competitors is the more advanced lacing system. The laces are extended further down to your toes to help achieve a perfect fit. The lace hooks are positioned significantly lower as compared to most other boots, adding an extra degree of ankle support if you need it. We also found that these modifications are very helpful when it comes to putting the boot on and taking it off.
The Zodiac Plus GTX is a very comfortable boot from the very start. It doesn’t have a lot of cushioning, but what it does have is positioned in a very smart way to support your foot in just the right places. Overall, these boots are aimed at avid hikers who spend a lot of time conquering wild trails in rather difficult conditions. However, they are also flexible enough to be used for less adventurous walking on friendlier terrains without any discomfort.
We think that the Zodiac Plus Gore-tex hiking boots are going to work best for avid hikers who aren’t afraid of hiking during the cold, wet seasons. Still, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t buy these boots if you simply want a high-quality piece of gear that will last you for years regardless of how and where you use it.
Tecnica Forge GTX
Hikers who are all about customization and flexibility should take a closer look at our next pick. The Tecnica Forge GTX hiking boots are a very unique product because they are fully customizable. When saying that, we don’t just mean the ability to choose from a couple of upper options and maybe get a boot with a wider toe box. Tecnica takes customization to the next level with the Forge GTX, actually molding the insoles and the uppers to match the shape of your feet.
If you want to get yourself a pair of these boots, you’ll need to find a physical store that sells them first. Because of the whole molding and fitting process, you can’t order the Forge GTX boots online. However, taking the time and effort to buy these boots from a brick-and-mortar store is definitely a good idea if you want a pair of footgear that feels like it was tailor-made for you.
To get these boots molded into the right shape, you’ll obviously need to try them on first. This is a great chance to experience the transforming power of Tecnica’s boot-fitting robot first-hand. When you try the boots on again after the molding is done, you’ll hardly be able to believe that these are the very same boots you had on just 20 minutes ago. The molding really makes the Forge GTX boots mimic the shape of your feet, resulting in an unmatched fit with virtually no break-in required. With high-quality, breathable uppers and rugged Vibram outsoles, what more could you possibly want?
Given that Tecnica actually specializes in skiing footwear, the company’s first foray into hiking boots is even more astonishingly successful. If you can’t help but feel like all the boots you try are a poor fit and don’t do your feet any favors, the Forge GTX is an excellent way to finally get the hiking boots you’ve always dreamed of.
Merrell Moab 2 Mid Waterproof
Those looking for the best value in a hiking boot should take a moment to consider the Merrell Moab 2 waterproof boots. Admittedly, they aren’t the prettiest hiking boots out there, but you’ll be getting a lot of value for every cent you pay for these boots. We think compromising on the looks may be a good idea in this case.
The Moab 2 boot is made of synthetic materials, so don’t expect any wonders in terms of breathability. Your feet are definitely not going to feel like they’re trapped inside a small room with hot air and no ventilation whatsoever, but during the warmer seasons, they will likely long for a breath of fresh air from time to time. Fortunately, the boots get to be totally and completely waterproof in exchange for the limited breathability. We are not kidding; you could spend all day in the pouring rain in these boots, and your feet would still remain perfectly dry. If you aren’t afraid of the elements and your hiking trips don’t go on hiatus in mid to late fall, you could seriously benefit from making Merrell Moab 2 your go-to hiking boot during the cold, wet seasons.
As far as other performance aspects go, we found no reason to complain. The rubber outsole is ergonomically shaped and provides a lot of traction to help you remain perfectly balanced even on challenging trails. The textile upper looks very robust and durable, so we don’t see these boots needing a replacement any time soon. Merrell Moab 2 boots are quite comfortable, with strategically placed padding to aid your feet and properly distribute the energy as you walk.
All things considered, the Merrell Moab 2 is an excellent waterproof hiking boot choice for people who want to experience nature’s beauty not only when it’s dry, warm, and sunny outside. Even if these boots don’t exactly fit your usage scenario, you can still get them as a backup or as an ultimate pair of footwear for rainy weather.
Columbia Newton Ridge Plus II Suede Waterproof
When we first saw these hiking boots, we were very impressed with how great they looked and hoped that they’d turn out to be equally impressive in action. While we did find a couple minor things that could use some improvement, we still decided to include these boots in our list for the sheer price/quality ratio and that amazing suede look.
One of the features that impressed us the most was how lightweight and comfortable these hiking boots felt. You can walk a long distance in these, and your feet won’t feel tired at all, which is extremely important in hiking. We did find that the original insole is a little too stiff and doesn’t really improve our impression of the boots, but you can easily swap it out for a good aftermarket insole and enjoy all the other great things the Newton Ridge Plus II boots have to offer.
The outsole is made of durable synthetic rubber and was designed with different kinds of terrain in mind. As a result, the outsole has a number of different patterns that form a unique multi-terrain traction system. We did find that the boots were remarkably grippy on wet and slippery surfaces, so Columbia must’ve got things right with its proprietary OmniGrip technology.
In the end, our biggest problem with these hiking boots is that the toe box is relatively narrow. As a result, people with wider feet may find the Newton Ridge Plus II boots a little uncomfortable. That being said, these boots do perform remarkably well in most (if not all) hiking scenarios, and the narrow toe box is probably not important if you have average-sized feet. Otherwise, you can always go to a physical store and try these boots on to see if they are a good fit for you.
Under Armour Speedfit 2.0
The Speedfit 2.0 hiking boots don’t really look like your typical hiking footwear, which is why we got excited to test them out in the first place. As it turned out, there’s more to these hiking boots than just their aesthetics. Whether you like the way these boots look or not, you’ll have to admit that they are a great product once you get a chance to try them on.
These hiking boots aren’t meant to be worn in winter, and you can easily see that at first glance. That’s okay, because the breathability you’ll get from these boots is simply unmatched by any other product we tested. If you go hiking in the summer a lot, you probably need the Speedfit 2.0. If your feet always feel trapped in their own warmth when you wear your current hiking boots, you could probably use the Speedfit 2.0 as well.
Of course, breathability isn’t the only thing that impressed us about these hiking boots for hot weather. They are extremely comfortable in a rather unusual way. Rather than add as much padding as possible, Under Armour decided to go for an almost glove-like fit with these boots. Factor in the remarkably light weight of these boots, and you got yourself a pair of footwear that you barely notice when walking. The trade-off here is that your feet are less protected from accidental damage through broken branches and oddly shaped stones, but that shouldn’t be a problem as long as you’re careful and attentive to your environment.
Altogether, we wouldn’t say that the Speedfit 2.0 is a “one for all” kind of product, but Under Armour knew who they were targeting with these boots, and they created a pair of footwear that can fully satisfy the customers in its niche. Summer hikers, people who love breathable shoes, and those who prefer an anatomically molded fit rather than a lot of padding are going to love the Speedit 2.0.
Skechers Rolton-Elero
With your typical hiking boot design and a rather boring assortment of colors, Skechers Rolton-Elero isn’t the kind of product that instantly draws your attention. However, if you’re a fan of Skechers or just happen to stumble upon these boots and give them a try, you’ll see that the Rolton-Elero model is a good piece of hiking equipment for a very reasonable amount of money.
It comes as no surprise that the relatively low price has to be justified by some cutbacks. In the case of the Rolton-Elero, Skechers chose to sacrifice breathability. This is quite common in less expensive hiking boots, but what’s not that common is the high-quality waterproofing. As a result, your feet will not get wet under a pouring rain, but they will feel kind of damp if they sweat a lot. If you find this to be a problem, you might be better off with a pair of more breathable hiking boots.
On the bright side, these boots have a very grippy outsole that won’t let you slip easily on hardly any surface. Coupled with the surprisingly good waterproofing, this feature makes the Rolton-Elero boots a great budget choice for hiking in the colder seasons. Another pleasant surprise we got from these boots is the proprietary Skechers Memory Foam that mimics the shape of your feet and creates amazing cushioning.
The Skechers Rolton-Elero is an instant recommendation for a hiker on a budget or someone who’s new to hiking and doesn’t yet know if they’re going to stick with it. What you need to take into account when getting a pair of Rolton-Eleros is that they come in a “Relaxed Fit,” so be sure to order them half a size smaller than you normally wear unless you plan on wearing them with thick socks.
RAX Peak Wolf Waterproof
The RAX Peak Wolf hiking boot looks more like some weird futuristic sneaker than something you’d wear on a hiking trail, but if you look a little closer, you’ll see the functional outsole, the waterproof membrane, and the advanced lacing system. Having tested the Peak Wolf, we decided that its experimental design does not prevent it from being a great (and very affordable) hiking boot.
Given that these boots were designed by the subsidiary of Taiya, a company that specializes in shoe outsoles, you’d expect them to be above average, at least on that front. And indeed, the rubber outsole used in the Peak Wolf is one of the best ones we’ve tested, providing astonishing amounts of traction. The ergonomic outsole design allows you to feel safe and stable even on slippery terrain, and we appreciate that in a hiking boot.
Other than the amazing outsoles, the boots also have impressive waterproofing, especially when you consider the price. The protective membrane also somehow manages to be quite breathable, a feature that’s welcome in any footwear. The insoles are made according to a RAX proprietary technology that’s apparently similar to Skechers Memory Foam. Once you’ve worn-in these boots a little, the insoles will have adapted to your feet, providing optimal cushioning and support.
While RAX Peak Wolf does not look like your average hiking boot, it does have most of the features that are present in good hiking footwear. Of course, its bold design and relatively low price point entail some limitations, but the Peak Wolf will do just fine for occasional hikes and long walks in the park if that’s what you’re up to.
For more amazing footwear for your adventures, check out our selection of the best water shoes for hiking.
Teva Arrowood 2 Mid Waterproof
If the design of the RAX Peak Wolf is a bit much for you, but you’d still like a pair of hiking boots you can wear casually, the Teva Arrowood 2 might just be up your alley. Available in brown, black, and navy, these boots combine the best features of hiking footgear with a slightly sophisticated urban shoe design to create a product that’s appealing to a wide range of potential customers – us included.
Leather boots are well-known for their long wear-in periods, and we think the Arrowood 2 follows this trend. However, these hiking boots instantly feel pretty comfortable, and this feeling only intensifies as you wear them in. This means you won’t have to carefully go on multiple short walks around the neighborhood, patiently waiting for your new boots to finally become more comfortable and less likely to cause blisters or some other kind of discomfort.
Wearing these boots in a pouring rain leads to somewhat disappointing results, as they eventually end up leaking water. Nevertheless, we don’t judge the Arrowood 2 too harshly based on that experience as it could be that was just the case with the pair we had. After all, the boots did last for almost two hours before giving in to the elements, which is a pretty good result for most casual use scenarios.
All in all, we think the Teva Arrowood 2 is a good purchase for the occasional hiker who enjoys wearing comfortable boots everywhere he goes. You can wear these boots on hikes, and they’re going to do pretty well, but we do find that long walks in an urban environment is where they really shine.
Sanearde Hiker
You’ve probably never heard of Sanearde before, and before this review, neither have we. We became interested in the hiker because it seemed to be a very budget boot getting very good reviews, and who doesn’t love a good deal? Having tested this boot for a while, we concluded that the reviewers were right, but the low price tag does imply some compromises.
The Sanearde Hiker is a very solid performer and does many things quite well. First of all, this boot is quite comfortable, with little to no wear-in required. The rubber outsole isn’t the sturdiest one we’ve seen, but it won’t get damaged on your first (or even your 10th) hike either. The insole is quite thin and plain, and it’s not something you want to be stuck with for a long time. Fortunately, it’s very easy to swap it out for a higher quality aftermarket insole.
The Hiker isn’t waterproof, but it will successfully resist moderate amounts of water. You can wear these boots in a drizzle and your feet will stay dry. Accidentally stepping into a puddle is a challenge for your boots, but if you’re lucky, they’ll withstand even that. You’d expect these boots to be quite breathable since they aren’t waterproof, and the textile upper does allow for a certain amount of airflow in and out of your boot.
Overall, Sanerade Hiker is well-made, extremely budget-friendly hiking boot. Can you find something better for a higher price? You most certainly can, but if you’re on a tight budget and in need of good hiking boots, these ones are the way to go.
Here are the top hiking sandals in the market, too. Take a moment to check them out.
Vasque Breeze III GTX
Simple, yet comfortable and reliable. If that’s something you’re expecting from a hiking boot, we think you might like the Vasque Breeze III GTX. With a number of colors to choose from, you’ll be able to find a pair that fits your personal style and preferences so that you can wear these boots on hikes, urban exploration trips, or maybe even to work.
The Vasque Breeze boots get a reputation for being extremely comfortable straight out of the box, and we were eager to test that. While such a claim definitely seems more realistic in the context of textile upper boots rather than leather ones, we were still quite reluctant to believe that these boots would live up to our expectations. After a couple of hikes, several dozen miles, and no blisters whatsoever, we had to admit that we had underestimated the Breeze III. The boots do feel comfortable and almost familiar the moment you put them on, and you can go straight on your first hike in these boots knowing there won’t be any unpleasant surprises.
As far as other features that are typical for hiking boots go, the Breeze III GTX is waterproof, and its rubber outsole offers good traction. Experienced hikers can take on any kind or terrain wearing these boots, and newbies won’t outgrow them easily. The lacing system is very robust and will definitely take a lot of wear and tear before becoming seriously damaged.
The Vasque Breeze III are good mid-range hiking boots, equally suitable for an avid hiker and a beginner enthusiast. With more money, you can get some minor improvements in style and design, but with these boots being as comfortable and as durable as they are, do you really need something more?
Lowa Renegade GTX Mid
Hikers looking at the more expensive boots tier will very likely be interested in Lowa Renegade hiking boots. Visually, they are quite similar to our previous pick, the Breeze III from Vasque. Does Lowa pack enough advantages into this boot to make you consider it over the Breeze boots? Let’s find out.
Putting the Renegade GTX boots on for the first time is actually less impressive than you might expect. They don’t feel extremely comfortable, super stable, or anything like that. The Renegades simply feel like a high-quality pair of hiking boots, end of story. However, once you’ve walked some miles in them, you’ll start to notice that they are almost magically adapting to your feet and becoming significantly more comfortable.
Rough, slippery terrain is no problem with these boots thanks to the quality Vibram Evo outsole. Vibram is a very well-respected company in the world of outsoles and experimental footwear, so you can be sure that you’re getting a hiking boot with an outsoles designed by experts. The unique patterns on the outsole are very helpful when trying to gain grip on different terrains. Once your Renegade GTX boots have been worn-in, you can find the optimal lacing that keeps your foot firmly in place yet isn’t too tight, and you are ready to conquer the most difficult trails.
The Lowa Renegade GTX boots deliver a lot of bang for your buck, even if they are more expensive than many other products on our list. If you’re a seasoned hiker and know what you need in a hiking boot, the Renegade GTX boots are definitely a worthy purchase.
If you area fan of animal-friendly products, check out our guide on best-rated vegan hiking boots.
Asolo Fugitive GTX Waterproof
Slightly more stylish than an average hiking boot, the Fugitive GTX boots are our final choice for this list. We find that these hiking boots are extremely versatile, which is why they can easily be recommended to most people. The available color schemes also make the Asolo Fugitive a pretty fun boot, adding a splash of color to your hiking outfit (which is probably dominated by dark hues).
It goes without saying that the Fugitive is not only about the looks. The quality Gore-Tex lining used in these boots makes them reliably waterproof and helps them stay breathable. You can wear the Fugitives all day, and your feet won’t get unpleasantly damp like they might in less breathable boots. The rubber outsole was designed by Asolo specifically for the Fugitive product line, and it is very versatile when it comes to different terrain types.
Another feature we liked about these boots is how lightweight they are. When you walk a lot, even the slightest extra weight might end up feeling like a very unwelcome burden. This is why light hiking boots are the way to go if you go on prolonged hikes that involve a lot of walking. Despite the lightness, the Fugitive boots are very durable, so it’ll take you a great deal of effort and dedication to cause enough damage for them to need a replacement.
While the Asolo Fugitive boots are a clear recommendation from us, there’s one feature you need to know about before you get them. Out of the box, these boots feel strangely stiff and rigid. Not uncomfortable, just rigid, so we don’t find that to be much of a problem. If you’re prepared to walk an extra dozen miles in them to wear them in, you’ll be rewarded by a softer, more “hugging” fit and enjoy these boots for many hiking trips to come.