Best Hiking Boots UK (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
| Product | Best for | Key spec | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| La Sportiva Aequilibrium Hike GTX | Best overall | Vibram outsole, 3D Flex System Evo, Gore-Tex, 535g per boot | Check price |
| Scarpa Rush Trk Pro GTX | Highly rated | Oiled nubuck leather, Presa Supergum outsole, chunky EVA midsole | Check price |
| Quechua MH500 Mountain | Best budget | 395g per boot, no break-in period, basic waterproofing | Check price |
| Lowa Tibet Evo GTX | Best full trekking boot | 768g per boot, Vibram Apptrail Divo outsole, dual-zone lacing | Check price |
| Mammut Aenergy Mtn Mid GTX | Best lightweight | Thick EVA midsole, Vibram Megagrip outsole, jacquard mesh upper | Check price |
| La Sportiva Aequilibrium LT GTX | Best winter | PU foam injected sole, semi-automatic C2 crampon compatible, nubuck leather upper | Check price |
| Lowa Innovo Mid GTX | Best versatile midweight | Higher collar, 3 lace eyelets, Gore-Tex, Lowa rubber outsole | Check price |
| Keen Targhee IV Waterproof Hiking Boot | Best wide fit | KEEN.FUSION bonded sole, KEEN.RUGGED outsole, Luftcell midsole | Check 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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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