It's a new year and it's time for some new hiking boots, I mean you may as well treat yourself right?

We have asked our in-store gear experts for their ideas on the best hiking boots of 2022 to help you pick the perfect pair for any adventure!

Best Overall Hiking Boots:

SCARPA KAILASH TREK GTX 

Weight: 610g
Waterproof: Yes, GORE-TEX. 
Features:

• Water-resistant suede upper and collar and Flex Point in Cordura® for improved comfort and 3D protective TPU toe cap.
• The new fast Speed Lacing fastening system with bi-component hardware in lightweight steel and plastic.
• Gore-Tex Performance Comfort membrane for maximum weather protection.
• SOLE Biometric Trek sole with PU midsole for maximum comfort and durability. Vibram® rubber outsole.

Introducing the Scarpa Kailash Trek GTX Men's hiking boot, our pick for best overall hiking boot. Scarpa has been well known for their elite hiking boots for years and these bad boys really live up to the hype. With a water-resistant suede upper and collar and Flex Point in Cordura® for improved comfort and 3D protective TPU toe cap, these classic walking boots are reliable in any season and on all types of terrain, comfortable and protective. The GORE-TEX Performance Comfort lining keeps your feet nice and dry when trudging through the wetter conditions while maintaining that breathability and lightweight comfort for the dryer treks. The Scarpa Kailash Trek GTX boots are built to last in the most rugged terrain all while never compromising on the comfort level. If you're going on those long term hikes or even the rough ones, you will not regret for a second, getting your feet into a pair of these. 

Best Budget Hiking Boots:

UNDER ARMOUR MICRO G VALSETZ ZIP 

Weight: 453.6g
Waterproof: No, Leather Upper.  
Features:

• Lightweight synthetic leather & textile upper is durable & breathable
• Medial side zip & pull loops on heel & tongue for easy on/off
• Welded forefoot overlay & molded TPU toe cap for added protection
• Pull loops on heel & tongue for easy on/off
• Anti-fatigue & anti-microbial molded Insite® Contoura® Support footbeds with shock absorbing foam
• Full-length Micro G® foam midsole for the ultimate in long-lasting, responsive cushioning
• Oil- & slip-resistant high traction rubber lug outsole for enhanced grip on a variety of surfaces

Under Armour has taken one of their best, most durable, and crazy-comfortable tactical boots up a notch with the Micro G Valsetz Zip. Super light weight and Micro G cushioning you'll appreciate more the longer you're on your feet. The Mid height amps up the ankle protection to give you peace of mind in the uneven surface condition. The high traction rubber lug outsole enhances your grip on a huge range of surfaces and is oil and slip resistant for those extra slippery conditions. These boots are perfect for the casual hiker looking to get maximum performance for minimal cost, and the reason they are our selected best budget hiking boots. There is one downside to these lightweight, value for money, hiking boots, and that is that they are not waterproof. They boast a lightweight synthetic leather and textile upper that maintains a nice water resistance for the slightly damper conditions but for the super wet conditions, you'll need to take some extra precautions. 
 

Best Ultralight Hiking Boots:

UNDER ARMOUR CHARGED BANDIT TREK 2 PRINT

Weight: 320.35g
Waterproof: No, Mesh Upper construction for ventilation. 
Features:

• Lightweight, engineered mesh upper construction for increased ventilation
• Abrasion-resistant TPU in key areas for added durability
• Higher ankle collar & cushioned tongue for added support & comfort
• Full-length molded sockliner forms to the foot, eliminating slippage & providing ideal underfoot comfort
• Charged Cushioning® midsole uses compression molded foam for ultimate responsiveness & durability
• High-abrasion rubber traction outsole for extended durability & grip on the trail

Our second pair of Under Armour boots in the ‘Best Hiking Boots of 2022’ list is for the best ultralight hiking boots category, the Under Armour Charged Bandit Trek 2 Print. Weighing in at only 320g, these ultralight hiking boots are comfortable, cushioned, super-durable, and the new higher ankle collar design gives you even more ankle support without getting in your way when you move. Ideal for the faster hiker who loves to fly through the trails, these clouds for shoes don't skip a beat when it comes to grip and traction on the slipperier sections of the trail. What they make up for in ultralight weight, they lose out in the waterproof aspect, so keep to the dryer days with these weapons of trail destruction. 

Best Hiking Boots for a Wide Fit:

KEEN TARGHEE III MID 

Weight: 908g
Waterproof: Yes, KEEN.DRY membrane. 
Features:

• Breathable, Durable, Antibacterial
• Waterproof leather and performance mesh upper
• KEEN. Dry waterproof, breathable membrane lets vapor out without letting water in
• KEEN. All-Terrain rubber outsole for high traction grip
• Removable metatomical dual density EVA footbed provides arch support
• Soft, padded collar
• Injected TPU heel-capture system for stability
• Stability ESS shank
• Cleansport NXT treatment for natural odor control
• Leather mud shield for durability
• 4mm, multi-directional lugs for traction
• Speed lace hooks for easy adjustment
• Heel strap
• Environmentally-preferred premium leather from LWG-certified tannery

 
The iconic KEEN Targhee III Waterproof Mid hiking boot brings an updated look to all-terrain adventures and provides those wide footed hikers with a much better fitting hiking boot with all the bells and whistles to go with it. The durability and performance of the award-winning Targhee waterproof boot has been carried over, with its rugged looks elevated to a new dimension. The leather and performance mesh upper is waterproof and breathable, allowing you to take off even in hot, humid and wet conditions. The dual density EVA footbed provides cushioning and comfort, while the stability shank and heel-capture system ensure you stay strong on your feet. Finally, the multi-directional lugs deliver further traction underfoot for your satisfaction. With so much power, comes great responsibility, and that responsibility is the slightly heavier set of hiking boots. The 908g, which is mainly due to the extra leather throughout these boots, puts these boots up there as the heavier option, but for the wide foot option, the comfort and better fitting boot is just unrivaled. 

Notable Mention:

SALOMON QUEST 4 GTX  

Weight: 545g
Waterproof: Yes, GORE-TEX. 
Features:

• Athletic inspiration: A backpacking shoe that draws on the lightness and flexibility of our iconic QUEST model.
• All-terrain stability: The patented ADV-C chassis keeps you stable on uneven terrain – the tougher the better.
• Outdoor essentials: Be ready for anything with durable nubuck leather, a Gore-Tex membrane and higher, more protective cut.

When wild places and unknown paths call, you need a backpacking shoe designed for adventures. If we did have a second best overall hiking boots, it would be the Salomon Quest 4 GTX Mens Hiking Boots. With premium Nubuck leather, GORE-TEX waterproof protection and a higher cut for peace of mind, the QUEST ELEMENT GORE-TEX protects you from any obstacles and elements the rugged hiking trails can throw at you. While the lightweight construction and stabilizing chassis keep you both comfortable and agile at every step. Much like Scarpa, Salomon are very well known for their hiking boots and trail running footwear, and with their new Quest Element GORE-TEX they have combined style, affordability, performance and protection in the one epic hiking boot. These hiking boots should have their own section on the elemental chart. They are that good! 

Not sure what gear you need for your next adventure? Chat to our friendly team of Outdoor Gear Specialists in-store or online today and don’t forget to share your adventures with us on Instagram by tagging @wildearthaustralia and #mywildearth in your next post.