Best Hiking Boots According to r/Hiking
Why Your Hiking Boots Matter More Than Anything Else
Ask any seasoned hiker on r/Hiking or r/CampingGear and they will tell you the same thing: your boots are the single most important piece of gear you own. Bad boots ruin trips. Good boots disappear on your feet and let you focus on the trail.
We dug through hundreds of threads across r/Hiking, r/CampingGear, and r/WildernessBackpacking to find the boots that Redditors genuinely recommend again and again. No sponsored picks — just real community consensus.
Top Picks
1. Salomon X Ultra 4
This is the trail runner-meets-hiking boot that has taken over Reddit trail communities. Lightweight, aggressive grip, and a fit that most people describe as “perfect out of the box.” The Contagrip sole handles wet rock better than almost anything in its class.
- Price: ~$130-$150
- Weight: 1 lb 8 oz per shoe
- Best for: Day hikes, fast-and-light backpacking
- Pros: Incredible traction, lightweight, minimal break-in
- Cons: Not ideal for heavy pack loads, runs narrow for some
2. Merrell Moab 3
The “Mother of All Boots” lives up to its nickname. The Moab 3 is the updated version of one of the best-selling hiking shoes of all time. Redditors love it for its comfort, wide toe box, and approachable price point.
- Price: ~$100-$120
- Weight: 1 lb 14 oz per shoe
- Best for: Beginner to intermediate day hiking
- Pros: Wide toe box, affordable, excellent comfort
- Cons: Durability could be better, less aggressive tread
3. Danner Trail 2650
The sleeper pick that keeps gaining fans. The Trail 2650 uses Danner’s Trailguard platform and a Vibram 460 outsole for a combination of lightweight performance and old-school durability. The knit upper breathes surprisingly well.
- Price: ~$140-$160
- Weight: 1 lb 8 oz per shoe
- Best for: All-around hiking, mixed terrain
- Pros: Durable, breathable, great ankle support
- Cons: Slightly higher price, limited color options
What Reddit Says
“I’ve put 800 miles on my Salomon X Ultra 4s and they still have life left. Best hiking purchase I’ve ever made. The grip on wet granite is absurd.” — r/Hiking user
“Moab 3 is the Honda Civic of hiking boots. Not flashy, not the fastest, but reliable, comfortable, and you can find them anywhere.” — r/CampingGear user
The Verdict
For most hikers, the Salomon X Ultra 4 is the best overall pick — lightweight, grippy, and built to handle serious terrain. If you want a wider fit and lower price, the Merrell Moab 3 is a proven classic. And if you value long-term durability above all else, the Danner Trail 2650 is worth every penny.