The 15 Best Walking Boots Of 2023

Walking boots are designed to provide support, cushioning, and protection, so you can log miles across rough terrain in all kinds of weather. “Unlike hiking boots, which are designed primarily for traversing steep terrain, walking boots are optimized for comfort and support on long-distance walks on level or gently sloping ground,” Lalitha McSorley, physical therapist at Brentwood Physio, says.

When looking for high-quality walking boots, consider which materials they’re made from, whether they’re waterproof, and how comfortable they are. You can expect to spend between $40 and $240 per pair—most picks on our list range from $40 to $150. More expensive boots can offer thicker insulation, better traction, and more support for your ankles and arches. But if you’re new to walking boots, you may want to start off with a budget-friendly pair to see if they’re right for you.

Reviewed & Approved

Our top men’s overall pick is Columbia’s Men’s Firecamp Boot, which has a cushioned midsole for comfort and an outsole with great traction. We also recommend Timberland’s Women’s Mt. Maddsen Boots because they have a removable footbed, so adding your own insoles is easy.

To help you find the best walking boots, we researched over 40 pairs from the most popular and trusted brands. We assessed each for design, fit, traction, breathability, price, and more. Then, we consulted two experts to get their opinion on which features set good walking boots apart from the rest. These are the best 15 walking boots for getting your steps in, no matter what the weather brings.

Columbia’s Men’s Firecamp Boot is our best overall pick, thanks to a thick, cushioned midsole and an outsole with deep lugs that have solid traction, even on snow and ice. These boots are waterproof and breathable, so your feet will stay dry and comfortable while you walk.

Best Men’s Overall

Columbia Men’s Firecamp Boot

Thick, plush cushioning
Deep lugs offer good traction
Comes in two widths
May run small

The Firecamp boot also features a quilted upper that’s packed with 200 grams of insulation to keep in warmth. And we love that they’re available in regular and wide widths, with sizes ranging from 7 to 15.

But some wearers have found that the toe box feels narrow, so you may want to order a half size or full size up.

Price at time of publication: $100

Our best women’s overall pick is Timberlands’ Mt. Maddsen Boots because they’re durable and well-designed. We like that the upper is made from waterproof leather and recycled polyester, while the outsole is made with recycled rubber.

Best Women’s Overall

Timberland Women’s Mt. Maddsen Mid Waterproof Hiking Boots

Made with recycled materials
Gusseted tongue helps keep out debris
Removable footbed
Heavy

A gusseted tongue helps keep out debris if you’re walking on trails or gravel. And the footbeds are fully removable, so adding your own orthotic insoles is simple. Meanwhile, a foam midsole underneath offers good shock absorption, and nylon shanks help support your feet and ankles.

However, they’re heavier than most other pairs on our list. But they do come in standard and wide widths in sizes ranging from 5 to 11.

Price at time of publication: $115

For a durable walking boot at a budget-friendly price, we recommend UPSOLO’s Winter Trekking Boot. Even though they’re not available in wide fit, like Columbia’s Firecamp Boot is, we do like that they’re lined with soft fur to block out cold air.

Best Men’s Budget

UPSOLO Men’s Winter Trekking Boot

Rubber toe cap
Anti-slip outsole
Fur-lined for warmth
Only comes in one width

The anti-slip outsole has good traction, to keep you steady on your feet in wet or icy conditions. And a rubber toe cap protects the upper from slush and salt in the winter.

Like many other boots on our list, UPSOLO’s are waterproof and breathable. We also like their modern design—which comes in an impressive 12 colors and styles.

Price at time of publication: $50

Cestfini’s Walking Boots are our pick for a women’s pair that’s both stylish and easy to stock up on. They have added ankle support, with a neoprene collar that offers better stability. And the lining is breathable, to help cut down on unpleasant odors after a long day of walking.

Best Women’s Budget

Cestfini Walking Boots for Women

Stylish design
Ankle cushioning for stability
Breathable lining
Only comes in one width
Midsole isn’t as cushioned

While they’re only available in one width, these boots have a slip-resistant rubber outsole with good traction. And we like the design, which is slimmer and more stylish than others on our list. But the midsoles aren’t as cushioned as others on our list, so you may need to wear thicker socks.

We do, however, like that they can be worn all day long—whether you’re running errands, walking your favorite trails, or even in the office.

Price at time of publication: $46

Walkers with wide feet will appreciate the Trego’s roomy toe box. We like them because not only are they available in wide sizes, but they’re also designed to be worn comfortably with thick socks.

Best for Wide Feet

Skechers Women’s Relaxed Fit Trego Boot

Breathable mesh panels
Thick, plush cushioning
Wide toe box
Laces may not be as sturdy

Breathable mesh panels at the front, sides, and collar promote better airflow. There’s protective synthetic material to reinforce the toe and heel, and the insole is cushioned with comfortable memory foam. The tongue and collar also have additional padding.

Some wearers have found that the laces may not stay pulled tight, and can be too short for some walkers. But these boots come in a decent size range and seven color combinations.

Price at time of publication: $94

While they come in at a higher price point, Hoka’s Kaha 2 GTX are our pick for boots that are well worth the investment. They’re made with plenty of premium and recycled materials, like GORE-TEX fabric that keeps water out and nubuck leather that’s sleek and sturdy.

Best Investment

Hoka Kaha 2 GTX

Thick, plush cushioning
Made with recycled materials
Abrasion-resistant toe cap and heel
Only comes in a few colors

The Kaha 2 is also totally waterproof, with a plush midsole and stability for neutral walkers. An abrasion-resistant toe cap and heel block out dirt and debris—plus, they’re lightweight, weighing less than 2 pounds. We like the convenient heel tab, which makes slipping in and out of them a breeze.

However, these boots come in a limited range of colors, and there are no black or white styles.

Price at time of publication: $240

Material: Nubuck leather upper, recycled polyester laces, GORE-TEX and recycled fabric, rubberized foam midsole, rubber outsole | Shaft Height: Not listed | Weight (pair): 1 pound, 15.2 ounces | Fit: Standard | Sizes: 3.5 to 14 men’s, 5 to 15.5 women’s | Waterproof: Yes

Need a boot to help you grip muddy ground? Nortiv8’s boots have tough, slip-resistant outsoles, with 5 millimeter-deep lugs to keep you steady on your feet. We like that the tongue and collar are padded to help stabilize your ankle and prevent blisters.

Best Traction

Nortiv 8 Men’s Ankle High Waterproof Hiking Boots

Padded tongue and collar
Good shock absorption
Removable insoles
May not be as durable

The insoles are cushioned, to help absorb shock, and removable, providing comfort on various surfaces. Plus, the toe cap is covered with rubber, for added protection. The foam midsoles are also removable, so you can customize the level of cushioning.

However, some wearers have noted that the construction of these boots means they may not be as durable over time as others on our list. Available in both standard and wide sizes, these boots come in six neutral colors.

Price at time of publication: $90

Columbia’s Peakfreak Boot is our pick for the best lightweight walking boots. Weighing in at just 1 pound and 6.6 ounces, we like that this pair provides great traction in both wet and dry conditions. And convenient pull loops make it easy to get each shoe on and off.

Best Lightweight

Columbia Women’s Peakfreak II Mid OutDry Boot

Thick, plush cushioning
Good traction
Sleek design
Only comes in two colors
Expensive

These boots are waterproof and breathable, and the foam midsole provides cushioning and comfort during long walks. The mesh upper is seamless, to prevent rubbing and irritation. They’re available in both standard and wide sizes ranging from 5 to 12.

But there are only two colors to choose from, and they’re more expensive than others on our list.

Price at time of publication: $130

When you’re logging miles, the last thing you want to worry about is blisters and irritation. For boots that are cushioned and comfortable, we recommend this waterproof pair from Salomon. They have a faux fur lining for holding in warmth during the winter months, and a breathable lining that wicks away moisture.

Most Comfortable

Salomon Shelter Climasalomon Waterproof Women’s Winter Boots

Soft faux fur lining
Thick, plush cushioning
Breathable lining
Only comes in one width and color

The insole is well-padded and provides support for neutral walkers. We like the modern look of these walking boots, but note that they’re only available in one color and width. They also have a protective toe cap and a gusseted tongue to prevent debris from entering.

Wearers have found that the Climasalomon boots feel lightweight and offer solid protection from the elements.

Price at time of publication: $140

When looking for all-weather walking boots, you’ll want a pair that are lightweight, provide great traction on wet and dry surfaces, and have high levels of waterproofing, like Keen’s Basin Ridge Boot.

Best All-Weather

Keen Women’s Basin Ridge Waterproof Boot

Waterproof membrane
Removable, molded insoles
Anti-odor
Expensive
Only come in one width and color

A membrane keeps all water and snow out, while the breathable lining wicks away sweat to keep your feet dry. There’s also anti-odor technology, for walks in warm weather. We like that the insoles are molded to support your arches, and removable in case you want to add your own insoles.

The leather and mesh upper is sleek, while 5-millimeter lugs grip the ground beneath you. But they’re one of the most expensive pairs on our list, and they only come in one width and color.

Price at time of publication: $150

When you’re hiking, you need supportive boots with solid traction, like Merrell’s Moab 3 Boots. The rubber outsole has good grip, while a rubber toe cap offers additional protection in front. The tongue is also designed to block out dirt, moisture, and debris.

Best for Hiking

Merrell Women’s Moab 3 Mid Boots

Extra padding in the heel
Contoured, supportive footbed
Rubber toe cap and tongue design block debris
Not waterproof
Only comes in two colors

We like that there’s added cushioning in the heel for better shock absorption and stability. The footbed is contoured, to support your arches over rough terrain. They’re also available in both standard and wide fit, like our best women’s overall pick, Timberland’s Women’s Mt. Maddsen Boots.

Unfortunately, these boots aren’t waterproof, and they only come in two colors. But we love that the Moab 3 uses recycled materials in the laces, lining, and webbing.

Material: Suede leather and mesh upper, recycled laces, recycled mesh lining, foam midsole, nylon shank, rubber outsole | Shaft Height: Not listed | Weight (pair): 1 pound, 13 ounces | Fit: Standard, wide | Sizes: 5 to 12 (standard), 5 to 11 (wide) | Waterproof: No

Leather walking boots, like this pair from Ariat, have a classic design that’s just as tough as it is functional. The padded collar supports your ankles, while the full grain leather upper is made to last. A sturdy, slip-resistant outsole provides traction and comfort on a range of surfaces.

Best Leather

Ariat Men’s Terrain Boots

Easy to clean
Moisture-wicking lining
Good shock absorption
Not waterproof
Heavy

Although they’re one of the heaviest items on this list, and they aren’t waterproof, we like that they’re easy to clean. Simply use a clean cloth with water and dish soap to remove dirt and grime.

The lining is moisture-wicking, to help sweat evaporate and prevent odors from building up. Choose from five colors in sizes 7 to 13, in two widths.

Don’t let snow and ice keep you from walking the dog—these boots from Dream Pairs are our pick for winter treks. The 7.5-inch shaft is the tallest on our list, meaning they’ll hit the middle of the calf on most wearers. The height helps prevent snow from getting inside and soaking your socks.

Best for Snow

Dream Pairs Women’s Mid-Calf Winter Snow Boots

Tall shaft keeps snow out
Good traction
Well-insulated for warmth
No half sizes available
Only comes in one width

We like that the quilted upper contains 200 grams of insulation to keep your feet warm in cold temperatures. Inside, faux fur feels soft and comfortable underfoot. And the rubber outsole has good traction, to prevent slips and falls on black ice.

However, these boots only come in one width, and they’re not available in half sizes.

Price at time of publication: $55-$66

When temperatures rise, we recommend Decathlon’s Country Walking Boots. They’re lightweight for easy walking, and made with durable, recycled materials.

Best for Warm Weather

Decathlon Men’s Country Walking Boots

Lightweight
Made with recycled materials
Stone guard for added protection
May run small
Not waterproof

A stone guard in front protects your toes, while the outsole has 4-millimeter lugs for better traction on trails. And the insole has layers of foam to cushion your stride. Low-profile, these boots have a modern design that’s almost sneaker-like.

The brand notes that this pair may run one size small. Also, they’re not waterproof, so they’re not ideal for rainy weather walks.

Price at time of publication: $60

For traversing steep hills, HI-TEC’s Destroyer Boots are our top pick. The durable outsole is designed to grip all kinds of terrain, whether you’re hiking up or down. We like that the mesh upper is both breathable and comfortable, even after hours of trekking.

Best for Hill Walking

HI-TEC Men’s Destroyer Mid Hiking Boots

Breathable mesh upper
Reflective elements
Good shock absorption
Not waterproof
Only comes in one width

Reflective elements add visibility in low-light conditions, while the foam midsole provides great shock absorption to protect your joints.

Unlike many other boots on our list, these aren’t waterproof, and they aren’t available in wide sizes. Because they’re lightweight, they’re better suited for walking in milder weather.

Price at time of publication: $40

How We Selected the Best Walking Boots

First, we spoke with two experts—Lalitha McSorley, a physical therapist at Brentwood Physio, and Michael Fishkin, a certified pedorthist at Northern Illinois Foot & Ankle Specialists—to get their opinion on which features to look for when shopping for walking boots. They also shared insights about how walking boots should fit, how to maintain them, and whether or not they need breaking in.

Then, we researched over 40 pairs of walking boots from the most trusted and popular retailers. We considered fit, material, price, breathability, comfort, ranges of colors and sizes, and more.

What to Look For in Walking Boots

Waterproofing

If you’re going to be walking in wet weather—or if the forecast looks questionable—prioritize boots with solid waterproofing. While most boots on our list are waterproof, some are only water-resistant, so it’s worth taking a closer look before deciding on a pair. Keen’s Basin Ridge Boot is our pick for a boot that can hold up to almost any kind of weather, while keeping rain and snow out.

Materials

Walking boots are usually made from a combination of materials, including leather, foam, rubber, polyester, nylon, suede, mesh, and more. One material isn’t necessarily better than another—it depends on your preference and how you will wear your boots.

Leather boots tend to be more durable and long-lasting, but are usually heavier. For a lightweight option, try walking boots made from polyester or mesh. Midsoles are usually made from foam, but more expensive boots may have more layers to provide better cushioning. And rubber gives most outsoles the grip and traction they need to keep you sturdy while walking on wet or muddy ground.

Breathability

Breathability refers to how well the inside of your boot wicks sweat and moisture away from your feet while you walk. “Comfort and breathability should be at the top of your list, as these are essential to ensuring you can walk long distances without feeling uncomfortable or overheating,” McSorley says. Walking boots with mesh uppers, like HI-TEC’s Destroyer Mid Hiking Boots, are often more breathable and allow sweat to escape easily, compared to leather or suede boots.

Weight

Materials can also affect how much a pair of walking boots weighs. Heavy leather boots may feel more sturdy and durable, but can tire out your legs when walking long distances. Lighter mesh and fabric boots are easier to walk in, especially in warm weather, but may not last as long. Shank height is another important factor—ankle boots will weigh less than a mid-calf boot. Consider how often you’ll wear your boots and what type of routes you’ll be walking to decide how heavy your perfect pair should be.

Fit

Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for sizing to find the right fit. It’s important that the boots aren’t too loose or too tight, because both can cause discomfort. “Walking boots should fit like a walking shoe would: proper length, width and depth. I always recommend a full thumbnail of toe space from the end of the shoe to the longest toe,” Fishkin says. Some shoe brands may run one size larger or smaller than your usual—be sure to double-check before buying.

Comfort and Support

If your boots aren’t comfortable, you won’t be doing much walking in them. The right pair of boots for you will have a breathable upper, plush midsole cushioning, and a thick rubber outsole.

Also, consider how much support your boots have. They should have enough arch support to stabilize your foot, to help combat over- and underpronation. A padded collar and tongue will also support your ankle. If you’re going to be wearing your walking boots on rougher terrain, we like Merrell’s Moab 3 Mid Boots because they have cushioned heels to help absorb shock.

Traction

Better traction is what sets walking boots apart from walking sneakers and sandals. Walking boots have deep lugs, providing good grip on a range of surfaces in both dry and wet climates. Most boot manufacturers have lug height listed for each pair—the thicker the lugs, the better the traction.

Why Trust Verywell Fit

As a certified personal trainer and health and fitness writer, Ravi Davda understands how important quality product recommendations can be. A frequent traveler, he looks for walking boots that can stand up to long days of sightseeing. He recommends products that are reliable, comfortable, and genuinely well-reviewed by those who’ve tried them.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best boots for a lot of walking?
All of the boots on our list are designed for walking, so they’ll feel comfortable all day long. If you’re logging many miles on rough, rocky terrain, we’d recommend a pair of hiking boots instead. However, because walking boots have a more flexible midsole compared to hiking boots, they’re the ideal choice for walking long distances on even or gently sloping ground. After that, it comes down to picking the right pair for your budget and needs.
Is it better to walk in sneakers or walking boots?
Walking in sneakers is fine for shorter distances. This is especially true if you’re going to be walking on pavement because you don’t need all of the additional features you get in a pair of walking boots. However, for long distances over steep or muddy ground, we’d recommend wearing boots instead. Walking boots are more durable, are often waterproof, have high-traction outsoles, and usually have protection for your toes and ankles.
How should walking boots fit?
Getting the right fit for your walking boots is important. “They should provide support and stability while allowing enough flexibility to accommodate the natural movement of your foot. Your toes should be able to move around comfortably inside the toe box, but your feet should not slide around,” McSorley says.If they’re too tight, your toes may feel numb as you walk. Loose boots will be difficult to walk in and may put you at risk for injuring your ankles. If you’re between sizes, purchasing a half or full size up from your usual is generally a safe bet—you can always add your own insoles or wear thick socks to improve the fit.
How do you break in walking boots?
Generally, walking boots don’t need to be broken in. However, wearing a brand new pair on a long distance walk before trying them on may lead to blisters or discomfort. Instead, go on a short, trial walk first to assess the boots’ fit and support. If they feel stiff, “you may lace them snuggly and do some knee bends in them. Or you could wear them around the house for short periods of time to soften the materials,” Fishkin says.
How much do walking boots cost?
You can expect to pay between $40 to $240 for a pair of walking boots. Less expensive options will likely be made from less durable materials and may not have as much cushioning. More expensive options can offer added insulation and support for your feet. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, we recommend UPSOLO’s Winter Trekking Boot or Cestfini’s Walking Boots for Women, which are often available for less than $50. Our top overall picks, Columbia’s Men’s Firecamp Boot and Timberland’s Women’s Mt. Maddsen Waterproof Hiking Boots, were $100 and $115 respectively when we published this list.

All of the boots on our list are designed for walking, so they’ll feel comfortable all day long. If you’re logging many miles on rough, rocky terrain, we’d recommend a pair of hiking boots instead. However, because walking boots have a more flexible midsole compared to hiking boots, they’re the ideal choice for walking long distances on even or gently sloping ground. After that, it comes down to picking the right pair for your budget and needs.

Walking in sneakers is fine for shorter distances. This is especially true if you’re going to be walking on pavement because you don’t need all of the additional features you get in a pair of walking boots. However, for long distances over steep or muddy ground, we’d recommend wearing boots instead. Walking boots are more durable, are often waterproof, have high-traction outsoles, and usually have protection for your toes and ankles.

Getting the right fit for your walking boots is important. “They should provide support and stability while allowing enough flexibility to accommodate the natural movement of your foot. Your toes should be able to move around comfortably inside the toe box, but your feet should not slide around,” McSorley says.

Generally, walking boots don’t need to be broken in. However, wearing a brand new pair on a long distance walk before trying them on may lead to blisters or discomfort. Instead, go on a short, trial walk first to assess the boots’ fit and support. If they feel stiff, “you may lace them snuggly and do some knee bends in them. Or you could wear them around the house for short periods of time to soften the materials,” Fishkin says.

You can expect to pay between $40 to $240 for a pair of walking boots. Less expensive options will likely be made from less durable materials and may not have as much cushioning. More expensive options can offer added insulation and support for your feet. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, we recommend UPSOLO’s Winter Trekking Boot or Cestfini’s Walking Boots for Women, which are often available for less than $50. Our top overall picks, Columbia’s Men’s Firecamp Boot and Timberland’s Women’s Mt. Maddsen Waterproof Hiking Boots, were $100 and $115 respectively when we published this list.

How We Selected the Best Walking Boots#

What to Look For in Walking Boots#

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Comfort and Support#

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Why Trust Verywell Fit#