10 Best Leather Hiking Boots

There’s something really cool about being out in nature with a solid pair of leather hiking boots. These boots are strong, and their styles are a great outfit for exploring the outdoors.

We put leather hiking boots through lots of testing to make sure they live up to what the brands promise. We spent time, money, and plenty of effort to see if they’re as good as they say.

Are you looking for the best boots? Maybe you want something lightweight or a boot that can handle carrying a heavy backpack? If you’re interested in leather boots, you’re in the right place! Here’s how we make our top picks:

 

How we tested the best leather boots

We buy each pair ourselves. This way, we can give you honest reviews.

Each pair of boots gets tested in different conditions. We hike in them on all kinds of trails, in both sunny and rainy weather.

We even check them in our lab, where we take the shoes apart to look closely at the layers inside, especially the padding that keeps your feet comfy.

 

Best leather hiking boots overall

Danner Mountain 600

The Danner Mountain 600 is a well-liked leather hiking boot made for tough trails and daily use. It’s lightweight yet strong, with a sturdy full-grain leather upper and a Vibram Fuga outsole that grips well on different surfaces, even when wet or rocky. This boot also has a waterproof Danner Dry lining to keep your feet dry, and a cushioned midsole for comfort all day.

 

Key Features:

• Full-grain leather upper for durability
• Vibram Fuga outsole with great traction
• Waterproof Danner Dry lining
• Lightweight design with cushioned midsole

 

Pros:

1. Lightweight yet durable, making it comfortable for long hikes.
2. Excellent grip on wet and uneven surfaces.
3. Waterproof lining keeps feet dry in rainy or wet conditions.

 

Cons:

1. Not as breathable as some mesh hiking boots, which can be warmer in hot weather.
2. May require a break-in period for the best fit.

 

La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX 

The La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX is a tough, high-quality hiking boot made for challenging trails. It has a waterproof Gore-Tex Surround lining that keeps feet dry and allows them to breathe. The high ankle support and durable nubuck leather upper provide stability on rough terrain. Its Vibram Nano outsole is designed for excellent traction, giving hikers confidence on slippery or rocky surfaces.

 

Key Features:

• Nubuck leather upper for durability
• Gore-Tex Surround for waterproof and breathable protection
• High ankle support for stability on uneven trails
• Vibram Nano outsole for superior traction

 

Pros:

1. Waterproof and breathable, great for all-weather hiking.
2. High ankle support offers added stability on challenging terrain.
3. Vibram Nano outsole provides excellent grip on wet and rocky surfaces.

 

Cons:

1. A higher price point may be a consideration for budget-conscious hikers.
2. Heavier than some other hiking boots, which may be noticeable on longer hikes.

 

Lowa Renegade GTX Mid

The Lowa Renegade GTX Mid is a flexible hiking boot. The design is comfortable and durable on different trails. Made with full-grain leather and a nubuck upper, it balances flexibility and support. The Gore-Tex lining keeps feet dry in wet conditions. The Vibram Evo outsole makes a reliable grip on various surfaces. Its mid-cut design supports the ankle without adding bulk. It is a top choice for day hikes and light backpacking.

 

Key Features:

• Full-grain leather and nubuck upper for durability and support
• Gore-Tex waterproof lining for all-weather protection
• Vibram Evo outsole for strong grip on multiple surfaces
• Mid-cut design for ankle support

 

Pros:

1. Waterproof and breathable, ideal for varying weather.
2. Lightweight and comfortable, suitable for longer hikes.
3. Excellent ankle support without feeling too restrictive.

 

Cons:

1. May require a break-in period for optimal comfort.
2. Can be on the pricier side for hikers on a budget.

 

Timberland Mt. Maddsen

The Timberland Mt. Maddsen is a comfortable and durable hiking boot for moderate trails. It features a premium full-grain leather upper with TimberDry™ waterproof technology to keep feet dry in wet conditions. The boot has an EVA midsole for cushioned support and a rubber outsole that provides dependable traction. With its sleek design. It’s a good choice for hikers who want a boot that performs well on trails and looks good for everyday wear.

 

Key Features:

• Premium full-grain leather upper for durability
• TimberDry™ waterproof membrane to keep feet dry
• EVA midsole for added cushioning and comfort
• Rubber outsole for solid traction

 

Pros:

1. The waterproof design keeps feet dry in rainy weather.
2. Comfortable and supportive for long hikes.
3. Stylish enough for trail and everyday use.

 

Salomon Quest 4 GTX

The Salomon Quest 4 GTX is a high-performance hiking boot made for rough terrain and long backpacking trips. It has a strong synthetic and nubuck leather upper, along with a Gore-Tex waterproof membrane to keep feet dry in wet weather. The ADV-C 4D Chassis provides stability and support on uneven ground, while the Contagrip® TD outsole delivers excellent traction on rocky, muddy, and slippery surfaces. With its high-cut design, the Quest 4 GTX offers great ankle support, making it a top choice for serious hikers and backpackers.

 

Key Features:

• Synthetic and nubuck leather upper for durability and lightweight comfort
• Gore-Tex waterproof membrane for all-weather protection
• ADV-C 4D Chassis for stability and support on rugged terrain
• Contagrip® TD outsole for exceptional grip on varied surfaces
• High-cut design for ankle support

 

Pros:

1. Excellent stability and ankle support, perfect for challenging hikes and backpacking.
2. Waterproof and breathable, suitable for any weather conditions.
3. Outstanding traction on rocky and muddy trails.

 

Cons:

1. Heavier than some other hiking boots, which may be noticeable on long hikes.
2. A higher price point may not be ideal for casual hikers or those on a budget.

 

Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof

The Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof is a versatile and comfortable hiking boot designed for moderate trails and all-weather hiking. Built with a durable suede leather and mesh upper, it provides both breathability and protection. The M Select™ DRY waterproof membrane keeps feet dry, while the cushioned Merrell Air Cushion in the heel adds shock absorption. With its Vibram® TC5+ outsole, the Moab 3 Mid offers reliable grip on various terrains, making it a solid choice for day hikes and light backpacking.

 

Key Features:

• Suede leather and mesh upper for durability and ventilation
• M Select™ DRY waterproof membrane for wet conditions
• Merrell Air Cushion in the heel for extra comfort and shock absorption
• Vibram® TC5+ outsole for dependable traction on different surfaces
• Lightweight mid-cut design for ankle support

 

Pros:

1. Lightweight and comfortable, great for all-day hikes.
2. The waterproof design keeps feet dry in rain and shallow streams.
3. Good traction on rocky and uneven surfaces.

 

Cons:

1. Not as durable as some higher-end boots for rugged terrain.
2. Moderate ankle support, which may not be ideal for very rocky trails or heavy backpacking.

 

Ariat Terrain H2O

The Ariat Terrain H2O is a waterproof hiking boot built for comfort and durability on moderate trails and daily outdoor use. With a full-grain leather upper, it includes a waterproof membrane to keep feet dry in wet conditions. Ariat’s ATS® (Advanced Torque Stability) technology adds stability and cushioning, making it ideal for long hours on your feet. The Duratread™ outsole provides dependable traction, making the Terrain H2O a versatile choice for light hikes and outdoor activities.

 

Key Features:

• Full-grain leather upper with waterproof membrane
• ATS® technology for stability and comfort
• Duratread™ outsole for good traction and durability
• Lightweight, ankle-high design for flexibility

 

Pros:

1. Waterproof, keeping feet dry in wet conditions.
2. Comfortable for long periods, with good cushioning.
3. The versatile design is suitable for hiking and everyday outdoor wear.

 

Cons:

1. Limited ankle support for rugged terrain or heavy loads.
2. Not as breathable as some hiking boots, which may cause warmth in hot weather.

 

Vasque Breeze AT Mid GTX

The Vasque Breeze AT Mid GTX is made for challenging trails and different weather conditions. It combines nubuck leather with breathable mesh. The Gore-Tex waterproof membrane keeps feet dry in wet environments, and the Vibram outsole offers strong traction on rocky and uneven surfaces. The mid-height design provides solid ankle support.

 

Key Features:

• Nubuck leather and breathable mesh upper for durability and ventilation
• Gore-Tex waterproof membrane for reliable protection against moisture
• Vibram outsole for superior traction on diverse terrains
• Mid-cut design for enhanced ankle support

 

Pros:

1. Waterproof and breathable, ideal for various weather conditions.
2. Good ankle support helps with stability on rough trails.
3. Comfortable fit, making it suitable for long hikes.

 

Cons:

1. Requires a break-in period for optimal comfort.
2. Slightly heavier than some other hiking boots, which might be noticeable on long treks.

 

Scarpa Zodiac Plus GTX

The Scarpa Zodiac Plus GTX hiking boot is designed for technical trails and alpine adventures. Featuring a robust suede and nylon upper. It provides excellent durability and support. The Gore-Tex waterproof lining ensures that your feet stay dry in wet conditions. The Vibram outsole offers outstanding traction on various surfaces, including rocky and uneven terrain. The Zodiac Plus GTX has a precise fit that enhances comfort and stability, making it a great choice for hikers and backpackers who need reliability and performance in challenging environments.

 

Key Features:

• Suede and nylon upper for durability and support
• Gore-Tex waterproof membrane for all-weather protection
• Vibram outsole for excellent grip on rocky and uneven surfaces
• Precise fit for enhanced comfort and stability

 

Pros:

1. Waterproof and breathable, keeping feet dry and comfortable in all conditions.
2. Excellent traction and stability, perfect for technical and rugged trails.
3. Lightweight design for a boot that performs well without feeling heavy.

 

Cons:

1. A higher price point may be a consideration for budget-conscious hikers.
2. May require a break-in period to achieve the best fit and comfort.

 

Columbia Newton Ridge Plus II

The Columbia Newton Ridge Plus II hiking boot is designed for outdoor enthusiasts looking for comfort and durability. Made with a combination of waterproof leather and suede, this boot features Columbia’s Omni-Tech waterproof membrane to keep your feet dry during wet conditions. The lightweight design and cushioned midsole provide comfort for long hikes. While the rubber outsole offers good traction on various terrains, making it suitable for both casual hikes and more challenging trails.

 

Key Features:

• Waterproof leather and suede upper for durability
• Omni-Tech waterproof membrane for protection against moisture
• Lightweight construction with cushioned midsole for comfort
• Rubber outsole for reliable traction on different surfaces

 

Pros:

1. An affordable option for those new to hiking or on a budget.
2. The waterproof design keeps feet dry in wet conditions.
3. Comfortable for all-day wear, making it suitable for long hikes.

 

Cons:

1. Limited ankle support compared to higher-cut hiking boots.
2. Not as breathable as some other hiking boots, which may lead to warmth in hot weather.