Zappos is the online equivalent of walking into the Mall of America for a pair of kicks, only every store in that mall sells shoes. In other words, it’s a bit overwhelming. If you want a pair of hiking boots to hit some trails this fall, Zappos will spit out hundreds of results. Which are good looking and dependable enough to warrant your hard-earned money? We dug through all the results to find out. Here are the best fall hiking boots you can find on Zappos.
Danner Mountain 503
The fact that you can find Danner boots on Zappos is great news. It’s a brand synonymous with quality, and while you won’t find many of the iconic Portland-made boots from the company on Zappos, you can find some of their more affordable options that are still built to last. Our pick of the litter is the Mountain 503, a boot with similar style elements to the aforementioned Danner icons. Premium full-grain leather and suede form the upper and a waterproof lining keeps your feet dry on the trail. Complete with metal hardware, a cushioned footbed for comfort, and other fine details, the boots can hold their own on even the most demanding trek. Plus, thanks to the attractive and low-profile design, the Mountain 503 can also be worn on the daily. $180
The North Face Back-To-Berkeley Redux Leather
The North Face is the brand you’ve trusted to cover your upper body in inclement weather for years. But did you know they can bring the same level of comfort and protection to your feet? The Back-To-Berkeley Redux Leather boasts a HydroSeal waterproof membrane, waterproof full grain leather, and a TNF WinterGrip rubber outsole to prepare your feet for the elements. But just because these boot are rugged doesn’t mean they aren’t also comfortable, as they boast an OrthoLite ReBound footbed that should keep your feet feeling fresh on the trail. And thanks to The North Face’s penchant for simplicity in styling, these are far from loud. $130
Keen Targhee II Mid
If you’re going solely on reviews, it’s tough to top these boots from Keen. With over 450 reviews and a 5-star rating, the Targhee II Mids are clearly trusted by a lot of people. Highlights include a removable metatomical footbed, which forms to your foot, and a toe cap that ensures your toes don’t get rocked should you stub them. The upper is composed of leather, webbing, and mesh and is held snug with the Secure-Fit lace system. They run a bit small, so Zappos encourages you to order a half size down if you’re copping them. $135
Columbia Cascade Pass Waterproof
A pair of hiking boots need to handle conditions your average kicks can’t. That means a more robust build, and that means more money. It can be hard to find a good pair of hiking boots for under a Benjamin, but at $90, the Columbia Cascade Pass Waterproof are definitely a solid option. Waterproof yet breathable. Durable yet comfortable. Utilitarian yet attractive. These Columbia boots balance a lot of what you need and want. The grip provides solid traction as you hike and the lighweight Techlite midsole helps keep your feet from aching as you go. This is quality and comfort in an affordable package. We can dig that. $90
Merrell Moab 2 Vent Mid
Merrell is known for bringing sneaker-like comfort to the outdoor world. These Moab 2 Vent Mids are a perfect example. A well-reviewed boot that boasts the breathability and comfort you’d expect from a pair of Boosts or Flyknits. That’s paired with a protective toe rand, ankle support, and a Vibram outsole for grip. In other words, if you do some light hiking and want a pair of boots that you don’t need to break in, these are just what the doctor ordered. $110
Scarpa Zen Pro Mid GTX
There’s a lot to like in the Zen Pro Mid GTX from Scarpa. For starters, the upper is composed of suede that’s been injected with TPU to reinforce it. That means these can stand up to the countless rocks, logs, and other sharp edges scattered about in the wild. Then you have the Gore-Tex liner to keep rain and puddles from attacking your feet. Throw in the sticky Vibram soles, protective rubber toe and heel randing, and cushioned insole and you have a pair of hiking boots decked to the nines. $209
Asolo TPS 520 GV EVO
The “GV” in the name of these boots is Asolo’s code for a boot with both a Vibram outsole and Gore-Tex lining. Those are both good things. A single piece of full grain leather composes the bulk of the upper, which is usually a sign of quality, as the less seams the better in terms of keeping things like water out. They also offer self-cleaning lugs, which should make caked on mud less of an annoyance, and three shock absorbers to lessen the impact of a jump. In fact, all the elements that matter when it comes to building a durable and comfortable pair of hiking boots seem to have been considered in the construction, which means the Asolo TPS 520 GV EVOs should last you for many trails to come. $315
adidas Outdoor Terrex Swift
adidas may not be a name synonymous with hiking, but the brand knows a thing or two about producing attractive, comfortable sneakers. You can bring a little of both of those things to the trail with a pair of Terrex Swifts. Inspired by lightweight athletic shoes, these boots are designed to bring some comfort and ease of movement to your next adventure. Decked out with some of the elements you’d want in a hiking boot—protective toe rand, a sole with exceptional traction, a sockliner for comfort—this offering from adidas is a worthy contender should you prize agility. They may not boast the durability and ruggedness of a pair of Danner boots, but they do bring sneaker-like comfort to any hike. $120
