Top Hiking Boot Brands for Unbeatable Trails

Hiking enthusiasts understand that the right boots are essential for a successful adventure, providing comfort and support to tackle any terrain. As such, choosing a reliable brand of hiking boots is critical for both seasoned and beginner hikers alike. With numerous options on the market, it can be overwhelming to select the best fit for your needs. To help you make an informed decision, we've compiled a list of top hiking boot brands known for their durability, innovation, and quality. Discover which brands made the list below.

Illustration of hiking boots

Best brands of hiking boots in 2025

Salomon

Salomon is renowned as one of the top producers of hiking boots, known for their high-quality, durable, and performance-driven designs. Their trail running shoes, for instance, feature deep lugs for better traction in muddy terrain and built-in protection such as rock plates and toe guards for enhanced safety on rocky trails. Salomon's products are favored by both casual and seasoned hikers due to their lightweight and versatile designs, which cater to various terrains and running goals. The brand's emphasis on technological innovations and ergonomic designs has contributed to its strong market presence. In the broader hiking footwear market, which is projected to grow at a CAGR of 3.40% from 2024 to 2032, Salomon remains a significant player.

Merrell

Merrell is a leading brand in the hiking footwear market, known for its high-quality and performance-driven products. Established in 1981, Merrell has become a global leader in outdoor active footwear, particularly with its popular Moab hiking boot and Jungle Moc. The brand is expected to contribute significantly to the hiking footwear market, which is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.79% from 2024 to 2032, reaching a market size of USD 14,645.03 million by 2032. Merrell's products, such as the Moab 3, are praised for their comfort, durability, and attractive price points, making them a favorite among day hikers and backpackers. The brand's commitment to performance, styling, and comfort has solidified its position as a top choice for outdoor enthusiasts. For more details on Merrell's history and offerings, visit their official website.

Lowa

Lowa is a renowned brand in the hiking footwear industry, known for its high-quality and durable hiking boots. The company, which was founded by Lorenz Wagner, has a rich history dating back to the post-war period when it reinvented itself to produce a wide range of footwear, including hiking and mountaineering boots. Lowa is part of a global market projected to reach $26.73 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 3.1% from 2023 to 2033. The brand has expanded its footprint through strategic acquisitions, such as the purchase of Rika Sports S.r.l. in 2019, to enhance its product offerings and labor force. Lowa's products are highly regarded for their performance and comfort, making them a favorite among hikers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Vasque

Vasque, a renowned brand in the hiking boots market, has been a staple for outdoor enthusiasts since 1964, known for its high-quality, comfortable, and durable boots. The Vasque Breeze model, in particular, is praised for its out-of-the-box comfort, breathability, and waterproofing, featuring a waterproof membrane made with 25% recycled materials. Despite its recent announcement to cease operations, Vasque's products have consistently earned top rankings, including editor's choice awards from Backpacker magazine. The brand's commitment to using recycled materials and providing excellent ankle support has made its boots a favorite among hikers. However, the changing consumer market dynamics have led to the decision to sunset the Vasque brand.

Scarpa

Scarpa, an Italian specialist in outdoor footwear, is renowned for its high-quality hiking boots, having posted a 22 percent increase in sales to EUR134 million in 2021, with 82 percent of its revenues coming from exports. The brand is particularly popular in the U.S., Germany, and Benelux, among other regions. Known for their comfort, support, and durability, Scarpa's hiking boots are crafted from materials like 2.9mm Sherpa leather and feature advanced technologies for maximum protection and comfort. Their trekking shoes and boots are designed for long walks on various terrains and are highly regarded for their waterproofing and ergonomic design. Scarpa's commitment to quality and innovation has made it a leading name in the hiking boots market.

La Sportiva

La Sportiva is a renowned Italian company that has been a world leader in producing high-end hiking boots and footwear since 1928. Known for their quality and durability, La Sportiva dominates the mountaineering boot segment with a 65% market share and holds a 35% overall market share in the climbing shoe market. Their products, such as the Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX, are praised for their lightweight design, exceptional traction, and durability. The company has also seen significant growth, with a 30% increase in preseason sales from spring 2005 to spring 2006, and they continue to expand their market presence through unified global distribution and enhanced marketing efforts. For more information on their exceptional footwear, visit the La Sportiva official website.

Columbia

Columbia Sportswear is a leading producer of hiking boots, boasting a strong market presence with a 23% share in outerwear and a growth target of adding $700 million in sales over the next three years, with a CAGR of 7-9%. The company is particularly optimistic about growth in China, where it expects mid-teens growth over the next three years, and has established a strong online presence through platforms like Tmall and JD. In the first quarter of 2023, Columbia Sportswear posted a 10% increase in sales to $820.6 million, despite inventory challenges. The company is focused on reducing inventory levels while maintaining profitability, with full-year revenue projected between $3.57 billion and $3.67 billion. Columbia's strategic emphasis on wholesale growth sets it apart in the outdoor apparel market.

Keen

KEEN is a prominent brand in the hiking boots market, known for its high-quality and innovative footwear. Since its inception in 2003, KEEN has been a leader in hybrid footwear, with its Newport sandal remaining a bestseller. The company has been PFAS-free since 2018, reflecting its commitment to environmental and health standards. KEEN's products, including hiking boots, are favored for their comfort, durability, and performance, contributing to the brand's strong market presence. The hiking boots market, which includes KEEN, is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.79% from 2024 to 2032, reaching a value of USD 14,645.03 million by 2032. For more information, visit the official KEEN website.

The North Face

The North Face is a leading producer of hiking boots, renowned for its high-quality outdoor gear and strong market presence. In the fiscal year ending March 2024, the brand reported $3.6 billion in revenue, marking a 17% increase from the previous year, with a notable 35% growth in the Asia-Pacific region despite unfavorable foreign currency exchange rates. The North Face achieved its 10th consecutive quarter of double-digit revenue growth, with a 12% increase in constant dollars, and operates over 1,185 direct-to-consumer stores globally. The brand's e-commerce sales accounted for about 42% of its direct-to-consumer sales and 20% of the total revenue for VF Corporation by the end of 2024. With a high customer loyalty score of 70% in the Fashion and Beauty industry, The North Face continues to motivate a worldwide community of explorers. For more details, visit The North Face's official website.

Danner

Danner is a renowned brand in the hiking boots market, celebrated for its nearly 100-year heritage of producing high-quality, durable, and comfortable footwear. Founded in 1932, Danner has evolved from making logging boots to specializing in hiking and outdoor footwear, introducing iconic models like the Danner Mountain 600 and Trail 2650. Known for their excellent materials, world-class Gore-Tex waterproofing, and Vibram soles, Danner boots offer superior performance and sustainability through their 'Earthkeepers' initiative. Despite being more expensive, Danner boots are favored for their long-lasting designs and the option to be resoled or recrafted, enhancing their value. With a strong presence in the market, Danner continues to innovate and meet the demands of modern hikers. You can find more information about the best Danner hiking boots online.