Top 5 Trekking Boots for 2025

Top 5 Trekking Boots for 2025

By Wild Frontier Society | March 1, 2025

Welcome back to Gear Lab, where Wild Frontier Society unearths the gear that powers your wildest treks. Trekking boots are the unsung heroes of the trail—built to carry you over jagged peaks, through sodden forests, and across endless miles with a pack strapped to your back. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a backcountry beast, you need boots that grip, protect, and endure. Here are our top 5 trekking boots for 2025—current models ready to conquer the wild, from scree-scattered slopes to rain-lashed ridges. Let’s lace up and dive in.

1. Salomon Quest 4 Gore-Tex

• Why It’s Wild: The Salomon Quest 4 GTX is a trekking titan—midweight, supportive, and relentless. Its 4D Advanced Chassis locks your foot in place, perfect for hauling heavy loads over uneven terrain. The Gore-Tex membrane keeps water out while breathing just enough, and the Contagrip outsole bites into mud, rock, or snow like a mountain goat.

• Trekking Edge: At 1 lb 14 oz per boot, it’s lighter than most in its class, with a rugged build that shrugs off thorns and sharp stones—ideal for multi-day wilderness missions.

• Best For: Backcountry trekkers who need stability and waterproofing without the bulk.

2. Lowa Renegade GTX Mid

• Why It’s Wild: A classic reimagined for 2025, the Renegade GTX Mid blends old-school durability with modern comfort. Its Vibram Evo outsole claws into wet rock and loose dirt, while the Gore-Tex lining fends off swampy crossings. The PU midsole cushions long hauls, and the ankle support hugs like a trusty friend.

• Trekking Edge: Weather-sealed and burly at 2 lbs 5 oz per pair, it’s built for rough trails—think tangled roots and icy streams—without slowing you down.

• Best For: All-season trekkers who want a do-it-all boot with timeless grit.

3. Hoka Kaha 2 GTX

• Why It’s Wild: Hoka’s Kaha 2 GTX brings plush comfort to the trekking game—think 2 inches of EVA foam soaking up trail punishment. The Vibram Megagrip outsole with 5mm lugs grips slick granite or muddy slopes, and Gore-Tex keeps your feet dry through river fords. Nubuck leather adds toughness.

• Trekking Edge: At 2 lbs 8 oz per pair, it’s hefty but feather-light on feel—perfect for long marches through wild, wet country where comfort is king.

• Best For: Trekkers who crave cushioning and durability over rugged miles.

4. La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX

• Why It’s Wild: This Italian stallion is a lightweight trekker’s dream—1 lb 11 oz per boot—with a Gore-Tex Surround membrane that breathes as hard as it waterproofs. The Vibram Nano outsole sticks to slick trails, and the 3D Flex system keeps your ankles steady on rocky scrambles.

• Trekking Edge: Built for speed and agility, it thrives in alpine wilds—think wind-whipped ridges and boulder fields—without sacrificing support.

• Best For: Fast movers who tackle technical terrain with a lighter pack.

5. Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof

• Why It’s Wild: The Moab 3 Mid is the everyman’s trekking boot—affordable, reliable, and ready for the wild. Its Vibram TC5+ outsole grips roots and gravel, while the waterproof membrane battles puddles and drizzle. A cushioned EVA midsole and air-cushioned heel eat up miles with ease.

• Trekking Edge: At 2 lbs per pair, it’s a rugged, weatherproof workhorse—perfect for muddy forests or dusty canyons on a budget.

• Best For: Beginner-to-midlevel trekkers who want solid performance without breaking the bank.

Step Into the Wild

These trekking boots are your ticket to mastering the trails—each one forged to handle the wilderness’s roughest throws. From the Salomon Quest 4’s backcountry backbone to the Merrell Moab 3’s wallet-friendly toughness, they’re ready to pair with your grit and go the distance.