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Best Hiking Boots UK (2026)

Picks reviewed September 2026 · Sources verified September 2026

The right hiking boot balances weight against support and waterproofing, and that balance shifts depending on the terrain and how much you're carrying. This guide compares boots tested by Live for the Outdoors' team of hiking experts on thousands of miles of UK and mountain terrain.

We have not hands-on tested these products. Our picks are based on published independent tests and reviews, listed at the bottom of this page. How we pick.

Our top pick

La Sportiva Aequilibrium Hike GTX

Best overall

LFTO's best in test, feeling planted and precise the moment terrain gets steep and rocky, with a Vibram outsole that grips hard on wet rock and a pronounced heel brake for confidence on descents. A tough synthetic upper is comfortable out of the box, though it's firmly premium-priced and slightly heavy for big-mileage days.

  • Excellent all-round technical performance
  • Proven design suited to rugged mountain use
  • Reliable waterproofing in wet grass and soggy trails

Quick comparison

Quick comparison of all Best Hiking Boots UK
ProductBest forKey specBuy
La Sportiva Aequilibrium Hike GTXBest overallVibram outsole, 3D Flex System Evo, Gore-Tex, 535g per bootCheck price
Scarpa Rush Trk Pro GTXHighly ratedOiled nubuck leather, Presa Supergum outsole, chunky EVA midsoleCheck price
Quechua MH500 MountainBest budget395g per boot, no break-in period, basic waterproofingCheck price
Lowa Tibet Evo GTXBest full trekking boot768g per boot, Vibram Apptrail Divo outsole, dual-zone lacingCheck price
Mammut Aenergy Mtn Mid GTXBest lightweightThick EVA midsole, Vibram Megagrip outsole, jacquard mesh upperCheck price
La Sportiva Aequilibrium LT GTXBest winterPU foam injected sole, semi-automatic C2 crampon compatible, nubuck leather upperCheck price
Lowa Innovo Mid GTXBest versatile midweightHigher collar, 3 lace eyelets, Gore-Tex, Lowa rubber outsoleCheck price
Keen Targhee IV Waterproof Hiking BootBest wide fitKEEN.FUSION bonded sole, KEEN.RUGGED outsole, Luftcell midsoleCheck price

Our picks in detail

Best overall

La Sportiva Aequilibrium Hike GTX

LFTO's best in test, feeling planted and precise the moment terrain gets steep and rocky, with a Vibram outsole that grips hard on wet rock and a pronounced heel brake for confidence on descents. A tough synthetic upper is comfortable out of the box, though it's firmly premium-priced and slightly heavy for big-mileage days.

Weight
535g per boot
Waterproofing
Gore-Tex
Outsole
Vibram

Pros

  • Excellent all-round technical performance
  • Proven design suited to rugged mountain use
  • Reliable waterproofing in wet grass and soggy trails

Cons

  • Expensive
  • A tad heavy
  • Less comfortable than ultralight boots on big mileage days

Check price on Amazon

Highly rated

Scarpa Rush Trk Pro GTX

Won LFTO's Trail Gear of the Year, with generous ankle padding via a 3D Autofit collar and excellent traction from Scarpa's own outsole. Metal lacing hardware adds durability, giving a sturdy, protective boot that still feels light and agile, though it only comes in one width so the fit won't suit everyone.

Upper
Oiled nubuck leather
Outsole
Presa Supergum

Pros

  • Impressive performance for a relatively lightweight boot
  • Can be re-soled
  • Good cushioning
  • Excellent grip

Cons

  • Single width won't suit everyone's foot shape

Check price on Amazon

Best budget

Quechua MH500 Mountain

A genuine surprise at under £75, feeling more like a sturdy trainer than a traditional boot, with no stiffness or break-in period and decent underfoot cushioning. LFTO found grip better than expected on typical countryside terrain, though waterproofing lets water in during sustained rain or boggy ground.

Weight
395g per boot
Price guide
£69.99

Pros

  • Lightweight and comfortable from the first wear
  • Good grip for the price
  • Excellent value for casual hiking

Cons

  • Waterproofing struggles in heavy rain or boggy terrain
  • Limited ankle support

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Best full trekking boot

Lowa Tibet Evo GTX

A full-fat trekking boot that LFTO found brings a level of stability lighter designs can't match, with a stiff DuraPU midsole giving controlled foot placement on uneven ground. Grip and waterproofing both proved rock solid, and despite the stiffness, comfort surprised testers with little break-in needed.

Weight
768g per boot
Waterproofing
Gore-Tex
Outsole
Vibram Apptrail Divo

Pros

  • Surprisingly comfortable
  • Very secure foot placement
  • Supremely grippy
  • Reliable waterproofing
  • Women-specific fit available

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Too heavy and stiff for casual hikers

Check price on Amazon

Best lightweight

Mammut Aenergy Mtn Mid GTX

Became a boot LFTO's testers kept reaching for without thinking, thanks to a soft, bouncy EVA midsole with noticeable energy return that takes the sting out of long descents. Grip and waterproofing were both dependable on mixed UK terrain, though it's not built for the toughest mountain days or wintry conditions.

Outsole
Vibram Megagrip
Upper
Jacquard mesh
Price guide
£99.99

Pros

  • Extremely comfortable ride
  • Great midsole cushioning with energy return
  • Lightweight and flexible
  • Good waterproofing

Cons

  • Not built for the toughest terrain or harshest weather

Check price on Amazon

Best winter

La Sportiva Aequilibrium LT GTX

LFTO calls this the ideal mountain boot for balancing walking comfort, technical performance and durability, with an unusual PU-foam-injected sole that saves weight without losing cushioning. A flexible, elasticated ankle cuff gave excellent freedom of movement, though the narrower last won't suit every foot.

Crampon compatibility
Semi-automatic C2
Upper
Nubuck leather
Price guide
£240.64

Pros

  • Ideal traits for winter hillwalking
  • Soft collar for comfort
  • Lighter than many winter/mountain boots
  • Can be resoled

Cons

  • Narrower last won't suit everyone
  • Less precise crampon fit than dedicated winter boots

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Best versatile midweight

Lowa Innovo Mid GTX

Sits in a non-specialised middle ground between trainer-style boots and heavier leather options, with a higher collar and extra lace eyelet for a properly locked-in fit. LFTO found the firm, stable underfoot feel suits mountainous terrain well, with reliable grip and waterproofing, though it's too firm for those who prefer plush cushioning.

Waterproofing
Gore-Tex
Price guide
£190

Pros

  • Reliable waterproofing
  • Protective and sturdy
  • Very good grip on gravel, rock and mud

Cons

  • Too firm underfoot for some hikers

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Best wide fit

Keen Targhee IV Waterproof Hiking Boot

Keen's most popular model, known for its wide fit, now built more durably by fusing the sole to the upper with heat and pressure instead of glue. LFTO found it a capable three-season hillwalking boot with a more compression-resistant midsole than typical EVA foam, though grip on muddy terrain isn't the best on test.

Sole construction
KEEN.FUSION (heat-bonded)
Price guide
£130

Pros

  • Genuinely wide fit
  • More sustainable, PFC/PFAS-free construction
  • Durable heat-bonded sole

Cons

  • Not the best grip on muddy terrain

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Buying guide

Do I need a full leather boot or a lightweight fabric one?

A full leather boot, like the Lowa Tibet Evo here, gives the most support and durability for multi-day treks or carrying a heavy pack, at the cost of extra weight. A lightweight fabric boot, like the Mammut or Quechua here, suits day walks and easier terrain where comfort and low weight matter more than maximum support.

How waterproof do I actually need my boots to be?

For typical UK countryside walking in wet grass and light rain, most Gore-Tex or similar membrane boots cope fine. For boggy, saturated ground or sustained heavy rain, prioritise a boot specifically praised for this, like the Lowa Tibet Evo or Innovo here, since budget waterproofing can let water in over time.

Do I need a specific winter or crampon-compatible boot?

If you're hiking on snow or ice and may need crampons, look for a boot rated for semi-automatic (C2) crampon compatibility, like the La Sportiva Aequilibrium LT here. For three-season UK hillwalking without technical winter routes, a standard hiking boot is sufficient.

How much does fit and last shape matter?

A lot, since boots that don't match your foot shape can cause blisters or discomfort no matter how well-reviewed they are. Brands like Keen are known for wider fits, while others like Scarpa run narrower and only come in one width, so trying boots on, or checking a brand's typical fit, is worth doing before buying.

Sources

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