Whether you're walking the dog in the snow or running errands in the rain, a good pair of walking boots can help you get your daily steps in—even when the weather won't cooperate. The best pair of walking boots should be lightweight and offer good support, with high-traction outsoles to prevent slips and falls. When shopping for walking boots, you'll also want to consider your gait and foot type. If you have high arches, for example, you may need more arch support. And if you suffer from a condition like plantar fasciitis, you may want a walking boot with a removable footbed so you can add your own custom orthotics. To find the best walking boots for every type of walker, we tested 22 pairs for over a month, walking and hiking on varied terrain. We also spoke to three experts—including a foot surgeon and an outdoor adventure guide—for insights on which key features to look for in a quality pair of walking boots. Finally, we had a physical therapist from our review board review all claims and buying guidance in this article for accuracy. Our Top Picks Best Women’s Overall: Best Men’s Overall: Best Women’s Budget: Best Men's Budget: Best Traction: Best for Hiking: Best for Casual Walks: Best Waterproof: Best Splurge: In This Article Our Picks We Also Tested Where We Stand What To Look For How We Tested Our Experts FAQs Why Trust Verywell Fit Our Ratings Durability 5/5 Performance 5/5 Value 5/5 Fit 5/5 Pros Supportive Waterproof Lightweight Cons Stiff on first wear Bulkier than other options Materials: Waterproof leather and performance mesh upper, rubber outsole | Weight (Pair): 1 pound, 4 ounces | Sizes: Women’s 5–12 | Waterproof: Yes If you’re looking for versatile boots that can be worn walking or hiking in a variety of climates, including rain and snow, these boots are for you. These boots landed at the top of our list because of their quality, durability, versatility, and overall support. They earned a perfect score in all key categories we used to evaluate the walking boots we tested for this list. They kept our feet completely dry and warm in wet weather (even after walking through a large puddle), were comfortable, and offered great traction. We even wore them while walking down slick rock and felt completely stable. We love that these boots are comfortable, fit true to size, and actually feel much lighter on our feet than we expected. They’re supportive and keep us stable and grounded when walking. Although they’re designed for the outdoors, they’re also nice enough for casual wear, making them very versatile. Also available in men’s sizes at Amazon, Keen.com, and REI. Our Ratings Durability 5/5 Performance 5/5 Value 5/5 Fit 5/5 Pros Waterproof Supportive Comfortable Cons May be too warm for mild weather Heavier than other options Materials: Suede upper, EVA midsole, rubber outsole | Weight (Pair): 2 pounds, 13 ounces | Sizes: Men’s 7-14, medium and wide widths | Waterproof: Yes Great for people in colder climates looking for a walking or hiking boot to keep their feet warm and dry. These boots are sturdy, comfortable, and well-made. They’re also incredibly functional. Upon first wear, we noticed how supportive they felt on our feet and ankles, and the tread on the bottom kept us feeling confident on a variety of surfaces, including slick rock, wet grass, and mud. We also love that they keep our feet warm and dry in wet conditions. We’re very pleased (and surprised!) at how easy these boots are to put on. While some winter boots can be difficult to slide on and lace up, these go on with ease, and the side zipper means you don’t have to untie or tie complicated laces with every wear. These boots are high-quality, durable, and make for comfortable hiking shoes, but they’re also great for everyday activities in winter like taking your dog for a walk or going to the grocery store. Also available in women’s sizes at REI, Backcountry, and Danner.com. Our Ratings Durability 5/5 Performance 5/5 Value 5/5 Fit 4.9/5 Pros Comfortable Lightweight Waterproof Cons Limited ankle support May run large Materials: Water-repellent puffed nylon upper with microsuede overlay, EVA foam cushioned midsole, thermoplastic rubber outsole | Weight (Pair): 1 pound, 4 ounces | Sizes: Women’s 5–12, medium and wide widths | Waterproof: Yes Good for walking and everyday wear in a variety of weather conditions, including rain and snow. We love how comfortable, soft, and lightweight these boots are and that they require no break-in period. But we were most impressed with how waterproof they are. After running them under water for several minutes, there wasn’t even a bit of dampness left on the boot, and absolutely no water got inside. Although this pair is more affordable than others on our list, the boots still feel well-made and look high-quality. They held up to lots of walking and water exposure during our testing period. We also love that they come in a variety of colors and are more stylish than many traditional walking boots. They’re available in both medium and wide widths. Our Ratings Durability 4.5/5 Performance 4/5 Value 5/5 Fit 5/5 Pros Comfortable Good ankle support Waterproof Cons Not as breathable as other options Limited arch support Heavier than other options Materials: Waterproof rubber shell, rubber outsole | Weight (Pair): 2 pounds, 15 ounces | Sizes: Men’s 6.5–15, regular and wide widths | Waterproof: Yes These are perfect for snowy activities like shoveling snow, sledding, or walking on a snowy trail. For the price, you really can’t get any better than these Nortive 8 Men's Insulated Snow Boots. They’re easy to put on and take off, comfortable, warm, and sturdy. From the minute we tried them on, they cushioned both our ankles and feet while offering good ankle support and stability. They provide good traction, and we never feel unstable on wet surfaces when wearing them, making them good all-weather boots. They also stay dry in wet weather, even when we tested their waterproof abilities under running water. We appreciate that the laces remain tied throughout the day, which isn’t always the case with boots or shoes. Our Ratings Durability 5/5 Performance 5/5 Value 5/5 Fit 5/5 Pros Comfortable Supportive Lightweight Cons Hard to secure laces tightly Materials: Waterproof mesh upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Weight (Pair): 1 pound, 13 ounces | Sizes: Women’s 5–11 | Waterproof: Yes If you’re looking for a comfortable, lightweight walking boot that you can take from road to trails and beyond, this is a great boot for you. While we chose these as our best pair for traction, they’re really a great all-around walking boot. In addition to providing great support and stability on a variety of terrains, they’re also lightweight, comfortable, and versatile. Plus, they’re completely waterproof. After wearing them in heavy rain, our feet remained fully dry. The extra traction keeps us stable on uneven surfaces, when climbing trees, and on slippery rocks without getting caught or stuck on anything. We also love the design and color because these boots are stylish enough to wear while running errands or to the coffee shop while still being super functional and not too clunky for driving. The mesh upper, while waterproof and warm, is still breathable enough that you don’t overheat on longer walks. Also available in men's sizes at Merrell.com. Our Ratings Durability 5/5 Performance 5/5 Value 5/5 Fit 5/5 Pros Comfortable Supportive Durable Cons Not as breathable as other options Materials: Leather and recycled polyester upper, rubber outsole | Weight (Pair): 1 pound, 12.2 ounces | Sizes: Women’s 5–12, medium and wide widths | Waterproof: Yes If you’re a cold-weather hiker, these boots are for you. These boots are warm, well-cushioned, and supportive, making them ideal for cold-weather hiking and snowy conditions. They’re fully waterproof and keep our feet dry when walking through deep puddles and in other wet conditions. We find them comfortable, even after miles of walking and wear, and they perform well on a variety of terrain, from grass and mud to slick rocks. We also love Oboz’s commitment to the environment. Not only are these boots made from partially recycled materials, but the company also plants a tree for every pair of Oboz sold. Our Ratings Durability 5/5 Performance 4.5/5 Value 4/5 Fit 5/5 Pros Well-cushioned Good arch support Lightweight Cons Short shaft may not protect as well from the elements Materials: Leather upper, orthotic insole, rubber outsole | Weight (Pair): 1 pound, 6 ounces | Sizes: Women’s 5–12, narrow, medium, wide, extra wide, and extra extra wide widths | Waterproof: Yes Anyone looking for extra support, warmth, and comfort on casual walks in cold weather. From the moment we put these boots on, they felt like a warm hug for our feet. The faux fur lining is super cozy, while the waterproof leather keeps our feet dry and warm. For a boot, they’re very lightweight yet still offer good support thanks to the orthotic insole, designed specifically to provide arch support and reduce heel pain while walking. The tread on these boots is strong enough to keep us sturdy on slightly wet terrain, but they’re designed mostly for road walking and light trails, not steep, unstable hikes. We also love how easy they are to put on, as the two Velcro straps are easy to secure and stay tight during walks. Our Ratings Comfort 4.5/5 Durability 5/5 Performance 5/5 Value 5/5 Fit 5/5 Pros Durable Room for a custom insole Good traction Cons Limited arch support Bulkier than other options Heavier than other options Materials: Leather upper, rubber outsole | Weight (Pair): Roughly 4 pounds | Sizes: Women’s 5.5–10 | Waterproof: Yes These are great boots for anyone who lives in a snowy, cold climate and wants warm, waterproof boots for walking their dog, walking to work, or running errands. Sorel’s Women’s Caribou Waterproof Boot offers comfort, warmth, and style. We particularly love the cozy fuzzy top for both its warmth and appearance. They’re also incredibly durable. We compared a decades-old pair of the same boot with a new pair, and they look practically identical. These boots are completely waterproof—the water rolls right off of them, and they keep our feet and ankles dry in inclement weather. They run a little big, but that gives you enough room for a thicker sock. While the website suggests sizing a half-size down, we recommend considering how you’ll wear them and if you want the extra room. Also available in men’s sizes at Amazon, Zappos, and Sorel. Our Ratings Durability 5/5 Performance 5/5 Value 5/5 Fit 5/5 Pros Comfortable Warm Durable Cons Heavier than other options Materials: Leather upper, rubber outsole | Weight (Pair): 2 pounds, 6 ounces | Sizes: Women’s 5–12 | Waterproof: Yes These are great walking boots for cold climates. They’re good for walking your dog, commuting, or exploring a city on foot. These boots are worth every penny. They’re made with high-quality, durable leather, and the construction of the boot is clearly top-notch. We love how cozy and warm our feet feel as soon as we put them on. We also appreciate how flexible they are, making them easy to walk in all day while still offering support so our feet don’t feel achy or tired. They’re very versatile—you can wear them with the top rolled down and the fuzzy lining as an accent, or if you need a taller boot, you can lace them up higher. Because they’re so warm, they’re ideal for cold, snowy weather. Our Ratings Durability 5/5 Performance 5/5 Value 5/5 Fit 5/5 Pros Supportive Good traction Unisex sizing Cons Harder to put on compared to other options Materials: Leather upper, rubber outsole | Weight (Pair): 1 pound, 8 ounces | Sizes: Unisex; women’s 5–15, men’s 5–14 | Waterproof: Yes These are ideal fall walking boots for commuting by foot or exploring a city. They’d also be good for everyday wear on cooler days. These Dr. Martens boots are not only stylish, they’re also incredibly comfortable. In fact, we’re surprised at how comfortable they are straight out of the box—which isn’t always the case for leather boots. They fit true to size and have a roomy toe box with enough space for a thick sock on colder days. We also appreciate how functional these boots are. They keep us sturdy on wet, slippery terrain and offer good support for walking around all day. They also live up to their waterproof claims, keeping our feet dry in torrential downpours. For leather boots, they’re fairly breathable, and our feet never overheat. We like the unisex sizing, which makes the boot more inclusive for all wearers. Pros Lightweight Good traction Supportive Cons Limited color options Materials: Mesh upper, rubber outsole, recycled materials | Weight (Pair): 1 pound, 11.5 ounces | Sizes: Women’s 5–12, medium and wide widths; men’s 7–16, medium and wide widths | Waterproof: Yes These are great walking or hiking boots for warmer climates, especially if you’re on rugged terrain. We love how these boots feel on our feet and how much support they offer us on even the most difficult, uneven terrain. We feel completely stable and safe climbing up rocks and walking through mud, water, and over roots. They also keep our feet dry even after wading through puddles. While they’re technically hiking boots, they’re also incredibly lightweight and can double as supportive walking boots on flat ground if that’s what you’re in the market for. They offer good arch and ankle support without being too heavy or bulky, and the laces stay well secured, which makes walking for miles in them a joy. Also available in men’s sizes at Amazon, Zappos, and Merrell. Our Ratings Durability 5/5 Performance 5/5 Value 5/5 Fit 5/5 Pros Warm Well-cushioned Roomy shaft Cons Heavier than other options Materials: Leather upper, EVA midsole, rubber outsole | Weight (Pair): 4 pounds, 9.6 ounces | Sizes: Women’s 6–11 | Waterproof: Yes These are ideal as a snow boot for winter walking and commuting to and from a ski mountain or other winter activities. These boots are warm, comfortable, and supportive. Yet, we never overheat when wearing them, even in more fall-like weather. They offer not only good arch support but also great ankle support. They provide excellent traction, so you don’t have to worry about slipping in water, ice, or snow. They feel sturdy under our feet, even in slippery conditions. They’re fully waterproof, and water repels right off of them, even when we ran them under water as a test. The faux fur collar adds a stylish element, so you can feel confident wearing them for running errands or even to a restaurant on a snowy day. The wider calf makes these great for anyone who struggles to fit into tall boots, but you can also tighten them easily with the laces for a snugger fit. Our Ratings Comfort 5/5 Fit 5/5 Performance 5/5 Durability 5/5 Value 5/5 Pros Breathable Comfortable Sporty style Cons Not as supportive as some other options Materials: Mesh upper, EVA foam midsole, rubber outsole | Weight (Pair): 1 pound, 8 ounces | Sizes: Women’s 36–42 EU (equivalent to women’s 5–10) | Waterproof: Yes If you want a lightweight hiking or walking boot that feels and looks more like a sneaker, but functions as a boot, these are for you. We love how light, comfortable, and easy these boots are to wear. They feel more like a high-top running shoe (with a little more support and tread) than a typical pair of hiking boots—in a good way! You can wear them on the trails or around town and feel comfortable either way. Because they’re light, they’re also extremely breathable, and our feet never feel overheated when wearing them. They’re waterproof, with a two-layer breathable laminate fabric which will keep your feet dry on wet days and when you're trekking through wet grass or mud. Also available in men’s sizes at Amazon, Backcountry, and Scarpa. After testing 22 pairs of walking boots, Keen’s Women’s Revel IV Polar Boots top our list for their versatility and great support and comfort. We also recommend Danner’s Arctic 600 Side-Zip Boots because they can take you from streets to trails without missing a beat. We continue to test each pair of walking boots at home and will update our recommendations if we notice anything substantial that we haven’t already documented here or that makes us rethink our top picks. We spoke to three experts, including podiatrists, survival experts, and hiking guides, to understand what to look for in hiking boots and important features to consider when shopping for this type of footwear. Yes, there are key differences between walking and hiking boots. Walking boots are typically lighter, more flexible, and slightly less supportive than hiking boots. Our experts say that hiking boots are designed to tackle rugged terrain, provide ankle support, and protect our feet from the elements. Walking boots are best for flat terrain or light trails, whereas hiking boots are best for more uneven surfaces and greater accents. 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 like Merrell’s Moab 3 Boots. On the other hand, because walking boots have a more flexible midsole than 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. Keen’s Women’s Revel IV Polar Boots and Danner’s Arctic 600 Side-Zip Boots are currently our favorite walking boots on the market. Walking in sneakers is fine for shorter distances, especially 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. 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 of 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. You can expect to pay between $40 and $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. Sarah Anzlovar, MS, RD, lives in the suburbs of Boston and has spent most of her life in wet, snowy, and cold climates, so she knows the importance of a quality boot that will keep your feet dry, offer support, and keep you stable. Additional reporting by Ravi Davda 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.Best Women’s Overall
Keen Revel IV Polar Boot
Key Specs
Who They’re For
Why We Love Them
Potential Flaws
Best Men’s Overall
Danner Arctic 600 Side-zip
Key Specs
Who They’re For
Why We Love Them
Potential Flaws
Best Women’s Budget
Ryka Brae Winter Boot
Key Specs
Who They’re For
Why We Love Them
Potential Flaws
Best Men's Budget
Nortiv 8 Insulated Snow Boot
Key Specs
Who They’re For
Why We Love Them
Potential Flaws
Best Traction
Merrell Thermo Rogue 3 Mid Gore-tex
Key Specs
Who They’re For
Why We Love Them
Potential Flaws
Best for Hiking
Oboz Ousel Mid Boot
Key Specs
Who They’re For
Why We Love Them
Potential Flaws
Best for Casual Walks
OrthoFeet Florence Boots
Key Specs
Who They’re For
Why We Love Them
Potential Flaws
Best Waterproof
Sorel Caribou Boot
Key Specs
Who They’re For
Why We Love Them
Potential Flaws
Best Splurge
Ugg Adirondack III Boot
Key Specs
Who They’re For
Why We Love Them
Potential Flaws
Best Leather
Dr. Martens 2976 Warmwair Leather Chelsea Boots
Key Specs
Who They’re For
Why We Love Them
Potential Flaws
Best for Warm Weather
Merrell Waterproof Hiking Boots
Key Specs
Who They’re For
Why We Love Them
Potential Flaws
Best for Cold Weather
Baffin Chloe Boot
Key Specs
Who They’re For
Why We Love Them
Potential Flaws
Best Lightweight
Scarpa Rush 2 Mid GTX Hiking Boot
Key Specs
Who They’re For
Why We Love Them
Potential Flaws
Walking Boots We Also Tested
Where We Stand
What to Look for When Shopping for Walking Boots
How We Tested the Walking Boots
To find the best walking boots, we tested 22 men’s and women’s walking, hiking, and snow boots at home in a variety of environments, terrains, and locations ranging from city walking to light trails and steeper, off-road conditions. When testing walking boots, we evaluate each option for the following key criteria: Our Experts
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a difference between hiking and walking boots?
What are the best boots for a lot of walking?
Is it better to walk in sneakers or walking boots?
How should walking boots fit?
How much do walking boots cost?
Why Trust Verywell Fit
Tired Feet? We Tested 22 Walking Boots to Find Pairs That Are Actually Comfortable (2024)
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