The Hoka brand is known for their iconic midsole cushion — these shoes and boots offer maximum comfort thanks to 2+ inches underfoot. The Scarpa Rush 2 Mid GTX offers the lightweight performance, agility, shock absorption, and all-day comfort you'd expect from your favorite trail running shoe combined with a substantial amount of support and padding surrounding the ankle. Of all the boots we tried, this pair had the best underfoot protection, due to a midsole made with EVA foam for cushioning and an under-arch shank for added stability. We could still sense the ground enough to navigate properly, but the many rocks we encountered didn’t cause sore toes.

Since 2018 she has tested dozens of hiking boots herself and coordinated dozens of other testing panels. Hoka Anacapa 2 Mid GTX Boots ( men’s and women’s): These polarizing boots have an unusual build that makes them feel more like a moon boot than a traditional hiking boot; our testers compared hiking in them to walking on a Tempur-Pedic mattress. This style features a Stretch Fit® engineered knit upper with deco laces, plus a cushioned Skechers Air-Cooled Memory Foam® insole.Throughout the years, dozens of testers have helped with this guide, hiking over 1,400 miles and taking more than 2,000 steps. We encourage you to read this whole guide—including our list of the other boots we liked—with your foot shape and terrain plans in mind. While the 0mm drop Balanced Cushioning of the Lone Peak can take some getting used to, the Altra EGO midsole achieves the responsiveness of a trail running shoe with the support and stability of a hiking boot. Another unique favorite of our testing team is the Scarpa Rush 2 Mid GTX, which features a PRESA rubber outsole with Supergum rubber compound and a strategic tread pattern that maximizes grip and agility on the most technical trails. We also found that the laces loosened over time, so use proper lacing techniques to ensure the boots stay locked in.

For several of our testers, the combination of a light, comfortable fit with a supportive ankle and sole made the Breeze boots, once broken in, their go-to option, regardless of the temperature or terrain. Whether you’re just starting your hiking journey with local day hikes, or you’re planning a one-month thru-hike on the Appalachian Trail, you need a pair of good hiking boots that provide over-the-ankle support. The EVA foam under the midsole and footbed feels supportive, and the proprietary outsoles are grippy on wet, muddy, and dusty terrain. Breathable mesh panels on the sides of the boots and tongues help to increase airflow and help maintain dry, comfortable conditions inside.The arch support is not as pronounced as some other boots, so if you have high arches, you may want to consider a different option like the Salomon X Ultra 4 MID GTX.