The Top 5 Best Stylish Hiking Boots
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Nowadays, there are so many different hiking boots to choose from. A simple Google search will yield countless hiking boots you can purchase. On the market, you will find hiking boots tailored for the beginner all the way to the die-hard enthusiast. Best of all, you will find a lot of boots that deliver in terms of style and performance. The days of seeing nothing but gawky hiking boots are over. Even some of the best performing hiking boots on the market can deliver in the looks department. Below, you will learn about some of the most important things that you should be looking for in your next pair of hiking boots and you will see 5 different stylish hiking boots that are worthy of consideration.
What To Look For In Hiking Boots:
1. High-Quality Materials
The material makeup of boots is perhaps more important than any other shoe. After all, you will be wearing hiking boots in various different situations and you will need them to be able to withstand all of the conditions you use them in. The demands of hiking on trials must be met and the material makeup of the boots will be one of the deciding factors of that. Finding the most durable materials is likely in your best interest if you want a boot that is going to be able to perform the best on uneasy terrain. For enthusiasts, full-grain leather is a must. For those who hike or go camping less often, hiking boots that use lesser quality materials like synthetics or split-grain may be acceptable.
2. Style/Cut
You will find a lot of different hiking boots available in varying styles/cuts. You want to find the hiking boot that is going to deliver the kind of performance that you need out of it. For those who frequently go hiking and camping on well-maintained trails, lower cut boots may suit your needs well enough. For those who venture out on less maintained trails more frequently, perhaps you will want to stick to mid-cut boots. However, for those who are hiking enthusiasts, you will want to opt for high-cut hiking boots for maximum stability through improved ankle support. High-cut boots are capable of helping keep you upright and your ankles from turning even in the most unsteady and least maintained terrain/trails.
3. Price
The price is another factor that has to be considered due to the differences you will find available. Luckily, there are hiking boots that exist in virtually every price bracket. Therefore, no matter what your budget restraints are (if any) you will be able to find something suitable. That being said, it is never advised to ‘cheapen out’ when it comes to buying hiking boots. When hiking and camping, your boots are one of the most important pieces of gear you will have on you. Therefore, you want to try to get the highest quality and best boots you can get for yourself.
Now that we have gone over some of the different factors that you should be considering when shopping for the ideal hiking boots, we will go in-depth with some of the best and most stylish hiking boots you will find on the marketplace right now.
Most Stylish Hiking Boots:
1. Danner Men’s Mountain 600 4.5” Hiking Boot
Danner Men's Mountain 600 Hiking Boot, Rich Brown-Full Grain, 7 D USBuy Now From Amazon
These boots are incredible from top to bottom. While Danner has been a well-known hiking boot brand for nearly a century at this point, the Mountain 400 stands far and above as one of their best boots to date. Danner is a USA-based boot brand that strives to create ‘boots that last.’ While Danner consistently pumps out some of the best and most long-lasting boots on the market, the 600 is truly a thing of beauty.
- Upper Echelon Construction
You simply won’t find a better-constructed boot on the market. This boot features either a waterproof suede or full-grain leather uppers with Danner Dry technology. Meaning, they will be able to withstand any wet conditions you can throw at them. The waterproof barrier developed by Danner allows moisture to escape to avoid overheating your feet while not allowing any moisture to enter. To combine with this, Danner packed in a rubberized EVA midsole which is much more durable than the traditional EVA you will find in a lot of competing boots. Even with the improved durability, it provides the same cushioning properties you get from the traditional EVA midsole. Where Danner really knocked it out of the park is with its partnership with Vibram who was responsible for making the midsole and the outsole.
- Class-Leading Performance
As mentioned, with this boot, Danner set out to partner with another innovative and leader in the outdoor industry – Vibram. The mission was to forge Vibram’s class-leading SPE midsole and their Fuga outsole to give these boots the best possible grip on uneasy surfaces whether wet or dry.
- Stylish Colors
This boot comes in 15 distinct color combinations. Therefore, you should be able to find the perfect color combination to meet your style needs. Whether you are interested in an all-black hiking boot or brown, you will be able to find the perfect fit for your hiking wardrobe.
- Choice Between Full-Grain Upper or Waterproof Suede
Unlike a lot of the other hiking boots, this one delivers two premium options that both have their unique aesthetics. You can opt for the Donner 600 that comes with a full-grain upper portion or you can opt for one that features the premium waterproof suede. Each is available in your choice of color combinations.
Cons:
- High Cost
As with other Donner boots, these come with a hefty price tag. However, you do get a 365-day warranty with the boots.
2. Salomon Men’s Quest 4D 3 GTX Backpacking Boots
Salomon Men's Quest 4D 3 GTX Backpacking Boots, PHANTOM/Black/Quiet Shade, 8Buy Now From Amazon
Salomon really started as a ski equipment manufacturing company. They have since expanded to introduce some of their revolutionary concepts in the skiing industry to boots specifically meant for both backpacking and hiking. The Men’s Quest 4D is a fantastic boot for anyone looking for both style and performance.
- Nubuck Leather
This boot comes in nubuck leather which ensures that you are going to be able to rock boots that offer quality full-grain leather. Not only does it improve the overall aesthetics of the boots, but it can keep your boots looking better for longer periods of time.
- 4D Advanced Chassis Technology
Perhaps the most standout feature of this boot is the integration of Salomon’s 4D Advanced Chassis which is capable of helping to guide the foot along even the harshest terrain. This can keep you on your feet for long periods of time without having your feet get exhausted. Every step you take with this chassis is balanced and smoother because of it.
- GORE-TEX
The boot features GORE-TEX which is the leader in waterproofing in the hiking and outdoor goods industry. Therefore, you can count on your feet to remain as dry as possible even while in wet conditions.
- Protective Mudguard
As noted, Salomon managed to pack in a lot of performance-centric yet stylish components into this boot. The protective mudguard is another example of this. The mudguard is made up of leather, synthetic, or rubber around the base of the foot which works to protect both sides of it.
- Mesh and Textile Lining
The fact that this boot features complimentary mesh and textile features to the tip of the tongue and inside of the boot not only makes the boot much more breathable, soft, and comfortable, but it adds a nice finishing touch to the boot. It really completes the overall look and feel of the boot.
Cons:
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Limited color choices
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Looks like a traditional hiking boot (this could be a pro to some)
3. Arc’teryx Acrux TR GTX Boot Men's
Arc'teryx Acrux TR GTX Boot Men's (Black/Neptune, 7)Buy Now From Amazon
Arc’teryx is another brand that excels at merging functional and practical elements into stylish designs. While their footwear portfolio is limited, this Acrux TR GTX model is one of the standouts. This particular model is situated as their mid-height boot that is meant to be able to tackle tough and uneven terrain with ease.
- Extremely Light Yet Stable
For the support and durability it offers, they really nailed the weight of these boots. They are very lightweight but they don’t sacrifice the ability to tackle tough terrain even when you are carrying a lot of things. While they are mid-height boots meaning you will lose out on some ankle support, they do enough to make it feasible to handle difficult terrain and loose slopes.
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Typical High-Quality Materials If there is one thing you can say about Arc’teryx, it’s that they don’t skimp on materials. It is a brand that is well known for producing some of the best quality products with the most premium materials. These boots are no exception to the reputation they’ve built for themselves. These boots feature a thin synthetic SuperFabric upper which is capable of withstanding a lot of wear and tear. You will find these boots maintaining a good appearance even after countless hiking trips. One of the underappreciated elements of this shoe is the attention to detail placed on the laces as they are not only premium material themselves, but the tension holds much better than some of the other boots you will find on the marketplace. Likewise, they also feature GORE-TEX inserts for breathable and waterproof protection. They also managed to slap on Vibram’s Megagrip to offer superior wet and dry traction on trails.
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All-Black Silhouette
These boots come in a single color, and she is a beauty. You can’t find a better color combination than black on black when done right. And Arc’teryx completely nailed it. The boots look more like an athletic sneaker done right than they do hiking boots. Your traditional hiking boot aesthetic isn’t present in this model. In fact, they are so stylish that you may find yourself wanting to wear them outside of your camping, hiking, or backpacking trips.
Cons:
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While it’s a fantastic color combination, you don’t get to choose from others. This may be a disappointment for some.
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Price Tag
These are another pair of very expensive hiking boots.
4. Adidas Men’s Terrex Free Hiker Hiking Boot
adidas Men's Terrex Free Hiker Hiking Boot, Black/Grey/Orange, 7.5Buy Now From Amazon
If you are looking for something that can handle much more tamed trails for shorter camping trips, the Adidas Men’s Terrex Free Hiker hiking boot has got you covered. While these certainly don’t look like your typical ‘hiking boot,’ that might be a good thing. Adidas managed to deliver a reliable enough hiking boot that is certainly one of (if not the most) stylish you will find.
- Doesn’t Look Like A Hiking Boot
Let’s get this out of the way. These ‘boots’ look much more like trail runners. However, that’s a good thing for those looking for something that’s stylish and comfortable. For those looking for class-leading features for hiking enthusiasts, look elsewhere. For those who prioritize style, this may be your best bet.
- Lighter Than Anything You Will Find
These boots/shoes are perfect for light trails. You won’t find more comfortable hiking boots. They offer a snug fit and they have enough cushioning that makes you feel as if you are walking on clouds. That being said, because they are light and due to the sacrifices to make them light, they won’t provide enough support or performance for enthusiasts who head out on the toughest terrain.
- Classic Boost Mid-sole
Like Adidas running shoes, you will be able to flaunt the classic boost mid-sole which looks fantastic. If you want hiking boots that can double as trail runners and athletic sneakers, these will satisfy your needs.
Cons:
- Not Suitable For Intense Hikes
These shoes/boots are going to be much more for the casual hiker. While they can withstand surprising elements, it would only be recommended to buy them for lighter trails.
- Won’t Last As Long
Because they are made up of materials purposefully to be lightweight, durability isn’t prioritized. Therefore, you can’t expect these boots to hold up to the standards by which you likely judge a lot of hiking boots. These aren’t going to be your regular hiking boots for years to come. However, for the time period they do last, they will deliver one of the most comfortable hiking experiences you can have anywhere.
5. Donner Men’s Explorer 650 6”
Danner Men's Explorer 650 6Buy Now From Amazon
Oh hey look, it’s Danner again. That’s right. Danner delivers once again. Can you tell Danner knows how to make a stylish hiking boot yet? These Danner Men’s Explorer 650 6” boots deliver in the style department just as much as their 600 counterparts. These will be for those who want more height in their boots.
- 5 Different Colors
You will be able to choose from 5 different color combinations including; brown/green, khaki, sand, brown/olive, brown/lime. Therefore, you should be able to find a color combination that suits your individual taste.
- Full-Grain and Nylon Upper
With this boot, you are getting the highest quality leather grain that Danner is known for using. Along with this, you get an abrasion-resistant upper to protect the boot from scratches and everyday wear and tear your boots experience while out on the trail. Like always, the outer portion features Danner Dry which is a 100% waterproof barrier to keep your feet dry,
- Vibram Escape Outsole
These boots feature the excellent Vibram escape outsole that can keep you upright in slippery conditions. This is a must-have in any hiking boot that you are going to be planning on wearing out in wet conditions and on poorly maintained dry trails.
Cons:
- Pricey
As with other Donner boots, you will have to pay a hefty price tag for the premium performance and aesthetic. However, you are getting Donner’s 365-day warranty.
As you can see, there are hiking boots that merge performance and function with style. You don’t have to settle for ugly hiking boots that stick out like a sore thumb just to get the kind of support and performance you need out of your footwear. These brands have gone above and beyond to produce some of the most stylish and best-performing hiking boots on the market.
