Ok... It's over right? The whole GORPcore freakout. All the trade publication trend pieces and the TikToks about underrated GORP brands, we're past that right? Maybe. Everyone in New York City is still wearing Salomon XT-6s and Arc'teryx jackets, but it seems like we're past the crazy hype. Trend enthusiasts are gone, and what we've got left are just real fashionable hikers. People that escape the city to go ID flora and fauna. I like this iteration of GORP more than the one we had a few year's ago.
Best Hiking Boots of All Time
Danner Mountain Light II
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Fashion's Favorite Trail Sneaker
Salomon XT-6 Trail Running Sneaker
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The Classic Dad Boot
Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot
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And maybe you, dear reader, wanna get in on this. You need some gear so you can get out in nature and commune with the Earth, to get in touch with some higher vibrational frequencies. I suggest a lightweight packable down jacket, some functional pants, a great hiking backpack, and what you came here for—great footwear. And trust us, everything on this list is worth your money, from classic budget options to fancy new-age runners, to my favorite old hiking boots of all time. It's really just about figuring out what you want. Do you love a classic pair of leather boots, like myself? Or, go you want something more lightweight and techy? The choice is yours, not mine, but any of the boots on this list will make you a master outdoorsman or lung busting hiker in no time. Cop up, log off, and get out there.
Best Hiking Boots of All Time
Danner Mountain Light II
Best Hiking Boots of All Time
Danner Mountain Light II
Pros
- Heritage look is better than any new designs
- Tough as nails
- Leather can last the rest of your life—replacing the Vibram sole is cheap and easy
Cons
- Compared to modern boots, they're heavy
- Pricey
I'll always evangelize for the Danner Mountain Light. Pound for pound, there's just not a better hiking boot out there. You get a leather upper that'll last your entire lifetime and a rubber sole that's easily replaceable. That's how I justify the price tag: I bought these boots, and I'm going to own them for the rest of my life.
Beyond that, some hikers find them a bit to heavy. To that, I say, "Grow up." They're not made of plastic, so yes they'll feel a bit old school. Do an extra leg workout every week, and you're all set.
| Outsole | Vibram |
|---|
The Hiking Shoes of The Moment
On Cloudwander Waterproof
The Hiking Shoes of The Moment
On Cloudwander Waterproof
Pros
- Superior cushioning and comfort
- Better looking than most On models
Cons
- Outsole could be a bit more rugged
You can't go anywhere in America these days without seeing a pair of On shoes. These things are everywhere. If you're part of that crowd, or have been considering joining, the brand makes a lovely little trail shoe.
| Outsole | Proprietary |
|---|---|
| GORE-TEX? | No, Uses On Waterproofing |
Fashion's Favorite Trail Sneaker
Salomon XT-6 Trail Running Sneaker
Fashion's Favorite Trail Sneaker
Salomon XT-6 Trail Running Sneaker
Pros
- Trendy look
- Surprisingly good traction for hikes or trail runs
Cons
- At the end of the day, it's a fashion shoe
The fashion-crowd favorite.
| Outsole | Salomon Mud Contagrip |
|---|---|
| GORE-TEX? | No |
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Most Stylish Trail Runners
Hoka Kaha 2 Low GTX
Most Stylish Trail Runners
Hoka Kaha 2 Low GTX
Pros
- Great look
- Bouncy midsole
- Solid outsole
Cons
- Heavy for running shoes
Sure, Hoka has better trail runners, lighter, more optimized ones. But none, we mean none, of them look as good as these genderless Kaha 2 Lows. This sandy tan and the other dusty pink, are two of the best colors we've ever seen on a pair of hiking shoes.
| Outsole | Vibram |
|---|---|
| GORE-TEX? | Yes |
Best Hiking Boot for Most People
Hoka Kaha 2 GTX Shoe
Best Hiking Boot for Most People
Hoka Kaha 2 GTX Shoe
Pros
- Plush midsole
- Sturdy vibram outsole
- Great ankle lockdown
Cons
- Not the most long-lasting (compared to leather)
A double feature for the Kaha 2. This is the men's version, which you wider-footed folks might want. (You need a little extra space if you're hiking days on end.) If you don't have width worries, they've got those beautiful genderless colorways as boots, too.
| Outsole | Vibram |
|---|---|
| GORE-TEX? | Yes |
Best Fashion Hiking Boots
ROA Andreas Leather Hiking Boot
Best Fashion Hiking Boots
ROA Andreas Leather Hiking Boot
Pros
- Incredible look
- Great ankle support
- Nice Vibram sole
Cons
- No waterproof membrane, though the boot is naturally water resistant
ROA, a fashion conscious Italian hiking brand, is the ultimate go-to for luxury boots. Where others see to go way futuristic or way classic, ROA hits the perfect middle ground. An old-school Kudu leather in a modern high-arched shape. And in that all black colorway? Beautiful.
| Outsole | Vibram |
|---|---|
| GORE-TEX? | No |
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The Classic Dad Boot
Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot
The Classic Dad Boot
Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot
Pros
- Waterproof
- Good price
Cons
- Build quality isn't great
Like your dad's Merrells, but new and improved. The ultimate function over form boot.
| Outsole | Vibram |
|---|---|
| GORE-TEX? | No |
Best Approach Hiking Shoes
La Sportiva TX3 Shoe
Best Approach Hiking Shoes
La Sportiva TX3 Shoe
Pros
- Sturdy enough for the average hike
- Breathability makes them great in the Summer
Cons
- No water protection
Are you an aspiring climber? Or just need something outdoorsy, but not too technical? La Sportiva, Italian favorites of the climbing community, makes a really good approach shoe. Easy-on, easy-off, and plenty comfortable for light hikes.
| Outsole | Vibram |
|---|---|
| GORE-TEX? | No |
Best Cool New Hiking Shoes
Naglev Unico Hiker Shoe
Best Cool New Hiking Shoes
Naglev Unico Hiker Shoe
Pros
- Really sturdy
- Versatile
Cons
- Not fully waterproof
Come for the six generations of Italian shoemaking expertise. Stay for the for that sick one-piece Kevlar upper.
| Outsole | Naglev |
|---|---|
| GORE-TEX? | No |
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What to Consider When Buying Hiking Boots
Boots vs Shoes - If you're doing any trail running or less strenuous hiking, you'll probably prefer low top hiking shoes. But, if you're taking longer hikes, on unstable terrain, or finding yourself around a snake or two, go for a true boot.
Material - I'm doing as much as one man can to push buyers back towards natural materials. Namely, I'll always advocate for leather boots. Vegan friends, I get your trepidation, carry on. Everyone else should wear a leather boot, in my opinion. They are just the best value, last the longest, and look the best in any scenario. That said, new-age polyester and nylon ripstops and composites are fine for most people, and they cost less than leather up front.
Outsole - You want the sole of your hiking footwear to be beefy and grippy. That way, you never lose footing on nasty trails, slick surfaces, or dusty rocks.
Waterproofing - Whether it's a GORE-TEX membrane or regular Durable Water Repellent (DWR) treatments, you're going to want some sort of something to keep water away from your feet.
