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Hiking Boots

Guide: the 5 best hiking boots for long distance hiking (May 2026)

14 May 2026 1 min read
Discover our ranking of the 5 best hiking boots for long distance hiking based on our tests.

Ranking

#1 🏆 Best choice
Scarpa Men's Ribelle Cross 2 Mid GtxHiking Shoe 12 UK Black Olive

Scarpa

Scarpa Men's Ribelle Cross 2 Mid GtxHiking Shoe 12 UK Black Olive

  • Very good grip and stability on mixed and technical terrain
  • Reliable waterproofing for wet grass, puddles and light stream crossings
  • Durable synthetic build that’s easy to clean and handles abuse well
Overall, the Scarpa Ribelle Cross 2 Mid GTX is a pretty solid choice if you’re looking for a fast hiking shoe that still gives proper protection and support. It really feels like a mix between a trail running shoe and a light hiking boot: light enough to move quickly, but stiff and protective enough to handle rocky, uneven ground with a backpack. Grip and waterproofing are the main strong points, and the build quality inspires confidence. If your hikes are often wet, steep, or technical, it does the job well.It’s not perfect though. The firm cushioning and synthetic build mean it’s not the most relaxed option for long, hot summer walks on easy ground. Breathability is only average, and people with very wide feet or sensitive ankles might find the fit a bit snug around the collar. Also, the price is on the higher side, so it only really makes sense if you actually use it regularly in conditions where its strengths matter.If you’re a regular hiker who likes moving fast, carries a moderate pack, and wants one shoe for most 3-season outings, this model fits the bill. If you mainly stroll on flat gravel paths or want something very soft and airy for hot weather, you’re probably better off with a lighter, more breathable trail shoe or a cheaper low-cut hiker. In short: a tough, efficient tool for serious hiking, a bit overkill for casual Sunday walks.
9 /10
★★★★★ ★★★★★
🏆 Exceptional See full review →
See offer Amazon
#2
Quest Echo Gore TEX Men's Hiking Shoes 6.5 UK Black Castlerock Black

Salomon

Quest Echo Gore TEX Men's Hiking Shoes 6.5 UK Black Castlerock Black

  • Lightweight for a mid-cut hiking boot with good ankle support and stability
  • Gore-Tex membrane keeps feet dry in wet grass, puddles, and rain while staying reasonably breathable
  • Comfortable fit out of the box with good heel lock and no major break-in needed
The Salomon Quest Echo Gore-Tex are solid mid-cut hiking boots for people who actually spend time on trails and in bad weather. They’re light for the amount of support they give, the ankle hold is reassuring on uneven ground, and the Gore-Tex membrane keeps your feet dry in rain, mud, and wet grass. Comfort out of the box is good, with no painful break-in period in my case, and the grip and stability are clearly above what you get from casual outdoor shoes or cheap boots.They’re not flawless. The laces are too short and too stiff, which is a silly annoyance on a boot that costs around 200 €. Also, while the materials feel tough, this is still a mostly synthetic, Gore-Tex boot, so if you want something that will last a decade of heavy abuse, a heavier full-leather boot might suit you better. But for most hikers—especially those who like a lighter, more agile feel than traditional tanks—these hit a good balance between comfort, protection, and weight.I’d recommend them to regular hikers, dog owners walking in all weather, and anyone who wants secure ankle support without feeling like they’re wearing ski boots. If you only go on easy, dry paths a few times a year, you can save money with a simpler shoe. If you hike often, do mixed terrain, and want one boot that handles wet conditions well, the Quest Echo Gore-Tex are a strong option, as long as you’re ready to maybe spend a few extra euros on better laces.
8.6 /10
★★★★★ ★★★★★
🌟 Excellent See full review →
See offer Amazon
#3 💰 Best price
Men's Ms Mountain Trainer Mid Gore-Tex High Rise Hiking Boots Bergrot Holland 9 UK

Salewa

Men's Ms Mountain Trainer Mid Gore-Tex High Rise Hiking Boots Bergrot Holland 9 UK

⭐ Très bien noté 🔥 Populaire
  • Very good support and stability on rocky and technical terrain
  • Comfortable out of the box for a stiff boot, with solid heel lock and adjustable lacing
  • Durable upper with full 360° rubber rand and Gore‑Tex lining for wet conditions
The Salewa Mountain Trainer Mid Gore‑Tex is a stiff, technical hiking / light mountaineering boot that makes sense if you spend a lot of time on rocky, rough, or mountainous terrain. The main strengths are the solid heel lock, precise lacing, full rubber rand, and supportive sole. On scrambles, steep descents, and long days on broken ground, they feel secure and predictable. Waterproofing and general comfort have been good in my use so far, with no break‑in blisters and decent all‑day support.They’re not perfect. They’re on the heavy side compared to modern lightweight boots, and the stiff sole can feel like too much on easy trails or flat walks. People with wide feet might find the fit tight unless they size up, and long‑term waterproofing, like with many Gore‑Tex boots, is something you need to keep an eye on and maintain. If you mainly walk lowland paths, these are basically over-spec’d and not the best value for you.I’d recommend these boots to hikers and trekkers who regularly tackle rocky routes, scrambles, and mixed conditions, and to anyone looking for a boot that sits between a classic hiking boot and a mountaineering boot. If your idea of hiking is mostly gentle countryside walks, you’re better off with a lighter, softer, and cheaper option. For the right user, though, these are a solid, confidence‑inspiring pair of boots that get the tough jobs done without fuss.
8.6 /10
★★★★★ ★★★★★
🌟 Excellent See full review →
See offer Amazon
#4 🔥 Most popular
Mountain Trainer Mid Gore-Tex® Men's Shoes 12 UK Asphalt Fluo Orange

Salewa

Mountain Trainer Mid Gore-Tex® Men's Shoes 12 UK Asphalt Fluo Orange

⭐ Très bien noté 🔥 Populaire
  • Very solid build with 360° rubber rand and Vibram sole that hold up well on rough terrain
  • Strong heel lock and stable platform, good for steep descents and carrying a backpack
  • Reliable waterproofing with Gore-Tex lining and good grip on mud, grass and rocky trails
If I had to sum up the Salewa Mountain Trainer Mid Gore-Tex in a sentence, I’d say: serious, stiff-ish hiking boots that make sense for rough, wet ground and proper hill days, but overkill for casual strolls. They’re well built, hold the heel firmly, grip well on real trails, and the waterproofing has been reliable. Once broken in, they’re comfortable in a firm, supportive way, not in a soft slipper way.They’re a good fit for people who hike regularly in places like the Lakes, Scotland, Wales or any terrain with mud, rock and long descents, especially if you carry a backpack. If you’ve used Meindl, Scarpa or similar and want something a bit more technical with strong ankle support and a tough upper, these are worth a look. The Flex Collar and 3F lacing system actually do something useful, and the Vibram sole feels like it will last.On the flip side, if you mainly walk on paved paths, canal towpaths or dry, easy trails, these are probably too heavy and too stiff. People with wide feet might struggle with the snug fit unless they size up. And if you want a boot you can wear all day in hot summer conditions, the Gore-Tex and solid build can feel a bit warm. So: good boots if you actually push them in the hills; a bit too much boot if your use is mostly casual.
8.5 /10
★★★★★ ★★★★★
🌟 Excellent See full review →
See offer Amazon
#5
SCARPA Men's Zodiac Trk GTX Waterproof Gore-Tex Boots for Backpacking, Hiking, & Trekking 8/8.5 UK Anthracite Sulphur

SCARPA

SCARPA Men's Zodiac Trk GTX Waterproof Gore-Tex Boots for Backpacking, Hiking, & Trekking 8/8.5 UK Anthracite Sulphur

  • Very supportive and stable with heavy backpacks on rocky terrain
  • Durable Perwanger leather upper and firm Vibram sole that should last
  • Waterproofing is solid thanks to Gore‑Tex and oiled leather
The SCARPA Zodiac Trk GTX is a tough, supportive leather trekking boot that does its job well in the right context, but it’s not a universal crowd‑pleaser. It’s stiff, fairly narrow, and needs a proper break‑in. Once it loosens up a bit, you get strong ankle support, good grip from the Vibram sole, and reliable waterproofing from the Gore‑Tex lining. For rocky terrain and heavy backpacks, it feels stable and secure, and the materials suggest it will last several seasons if you look after the leather.Where it falls short is comfort and versatility. For casual day hikes or mostly easy trails, the boot feels overbuilt and a bit punishing. The snug design can cause pressure points, especially if you have wide feet or a high instep, and the warmth from the leather + Gore‑Tex combo is noticeable in milder to warm weather. Considering the price, you really need to be sure this type of boot matches your hiking style and foot shape. If you’re an experienced hiker or trekker who likes structured, technical boots and carries real weight, it’s worth a look. If you’re new to hiking, prefer instant comfort, or mostly walk gentle paths, I’d skip this and go for something lighter and more forgiving.
6 /10
★★★★★ ★★★★★
👌 Good See full review →
See offer Amazon

Comparison table : Hiking boots for long distance hiking

Overall score Value for money Design Comfort Materials Durability Performance Presentation
Scarpa Men's Ribelle Cross 2 Mid GtxHiking Shoe 12 UK Black Olive
#1 Scarpa
Scarpa Men's Ribelle Cross 2 Mid GtxHiki...
See offer Amazon
9/10 ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★
Quest Echo Gore TEX Men's Hiking Shoes 6.5 UK Black Castlerock Black
#2 Salomon
Quest Echo Gore TEX Men's Hiking Shoes 6...
See offer Amazon
8.6/10 ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★
Men's Ms Mountain Trainer Mid Gore-Tex High Rise Hiking Boots Bergrot Holland 9 UK
#3 Salewa
Men's Ms Mountain Trainer Mid Gore-Tex H...
See offer Amazon
8.6/10 ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★
Mountain Trainer Mid Gore-Tex® Men's Shoes 12 UK Asphalt Fluo Orange
#4 Salewa
Mountain Trainer Mid Gore-Tex® Men's Sho...
See offer Amazon
8.5/10 ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★
SCARPA Men's Zodiac Trk GTX Waterproof Gore-Tex Boots for Backpacking, Hiking, & Trekking 8/8.5 UK Anthracite Sulphur
#5 SCARPA
SCARPA Men's Zodiac Trk GTX Waterproof G...
See offer Amazon
6/10 ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★

Frequently asked questions

According to our tests, the best hiking boots for long distance hiking is the Scarpa Men's Ribelle Cross 2 Mid GtxHiking Shoe 12 UK Black Olive with a score of 9/10.

The cheapest hiking boots for long distance hiking in our comparison is the Men's Ms Mountain Trainer Mid Gore-Tex High Rise Hiking Boots Bergrot Holland 9 UK.

The most popular hiking boots for long distance hiking is the Mountain Trainer Mid Gore-Tex® Men's Shoes 12 UK Asphalt Fluo Orange with 5 445 customer reviews.

To choose a hiking boots for long distance hiking, we recommend comparing performance, build quality, value for money and user reviews. Our comparison table above helps you make the right choice.

We have tested 5 Hiking boots for long distance hiking to establish this ranking.
#1 Scarpa Men's Ribelle Cross 2 Mid GtxHiking Shoe 12 UK Black Olive Scarpa Men's Ribelle Cross 2 Mid GtxHiking Shoe 12 UK Black Olive
9/10 Best choice
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