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Take your actual body measurements as they are more accurate than measuring over your clothes or shoes. Merrell Erie Mid Leather Waterproof Hiking Boots have all the necessary characteristics for the most intense excursions in any season since they are waterproof, breathable, and offer an exceptional grip on any terrain with a mid-cut model for better support of the ankle. My misgivings about their robustness on rocky trails were put to bed after several hikes in the Peak District - they were fine and show no damage from sharp rocks.The height of the boot also lends support to the ankles and feet — the higher the ankle shaft, the more stable and supported the ankles will feel. To be fair, every design has a few caveats, especially with the kind of extensive testing that we do. Speaking of wet and muddy conditions, we found the Duratread rubber (and water-resistant bootie) of the Altra Lone Peak Mid to aid in forward progress at the change of season when the snow melts and the mud gets thick.

You can also opt not to lace your ankles, if you have a lighter pack or you’re hiking on flat terrain. The Merrell Erie Mid Leather Waterproof Hiking Boot is an excellent choice for those who seek a robust and watertight shoe that can withstand the most arduous conditions. Both lacing systems are incredibly durable and run from the forefoot to the top of the mid-rise padded ankle allowing for two durable laces that cross over each other, stabilizing the ankle while in motion. The Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX is impressively comfortable but has a more streamlined, sleek profile conducive to hiking through talus and alpine terrain.The taller the ankle shaft height, the better chance you can keep your feet dry in seriously wet conditions — no real surprise there. These versatile boots offer trustworthy traction, top-notch cushioning, and the widest toe box of any boots we tested. The leather that attaches to the lacing system of the Nucleo High is built to last, making this one of the most durable boots we tested. Made with breathable, waterproof materials, these boots also have a flexible midfoot plate, which makes flexing your foot a bit easier. We even wore the less comfortable boots for miles to report our findings, so you don't have to discover a boot's discomfort the hard way.

Updated in 2022, the newest Quest boots took slightly longer to break in than the previous model, but they also had the widest toe box of any of the boots we tested. It is also good to think about the types of surfaces you travel over when looking at different boots' tread patterns. The TrailClaw feature allows for a sure-footed and very responsive shoe, meaning you can push hard in difficult terrain with peace of mind.The Merrell outsole is a standout feature of these boots, providing outstanding traction on wet or dry surfaces.

And all-leather boots, like the Lowa Renegade GTX and the Oboz Bridger, are solid choices, but the La Sportiva Nucleo impressed our testers the most. Leather models provide a heavier feel than mesh and synthetic uppers commonly found on hiking shoes, thus offering less breathability.Boots like the Salewa Alpenrose 2 Mid GTX also fall into this trend toward lighter with a running shoe-inspired design. Whether you’re going on a day hike with friends or tackling an ambitious backpacking route, you need a good pair of hiking boots to protect your feet and stabilize your ankles.