The Top 10 Hiking Boots
Where craft meets adventure, these are the hiking boots that can take you from trail to the city with ease while keeping you high and dry.
Hiking boots have come a long way from being purely practical. Now they sit at the intersection of function and luxury design. This is a considered selection of our standout pairs, all chosen for their versatility, craftsmanship, and ability to withstand everyday wear and tear.
10. Thursday – Commander Boot
At $215, Thursday’s Commander boots might sound almost too reasonable for a proper hiking boot, but that’s exactly why they work. Built from hand-finished Jasper leather with a fully gusseted tongue and a proper Goodyear welt, they feel much more considered than the price tag may initially suggest. Finished with Kevlar-blend laces, gunmetal hardware, and three colorways, they’re an easy addition to this list.
9. Myrqvist – Duved Boot
Swedish-designed and Portuguese-made, Myrqvist’s Duved boots feel like a particularly fashionable choice. The water-resistant brown suede with a grippy rubber sole makes them a reliable option for getting through the cold months without having to compromise on style. And if suede feels like a risk (fair), there’s also a black grain leather version available, which feels especially suited to everyday urban wear.
8. Fracap – M120 Commando Sole Scarponcino Boot
Hand-crafted in Italy, the Fracap M120 Commando Sole Scarponcino Boot pays homage to traditional Alpine footwear. Built from soft calf suede with a padded collar, natural calf innersole, a chunky Vibram sole, and hand-stitched Guardolo, this is a boot that looks like it can handle serious terrain – and probably can. For those looking for an orthopaedic-friendly option, the Vibram sole here carries some serious weight, offering stability and support without feeling cartoonish.
7. Diemme – Lace-up Leather Boot
Staying in an Italian vein, these Diemme Hiking Boots are ideal for urban and natural landscapes. Crafted at the Calzaturificio Diemme factory, these boots provide you with comfort that you can actually feel while on a trail. We’ve also heard that these don’t require much movement to break in, meaning you’ll be out exploring without the annoying stiff-in-the-ankle period that typically comes with new boots.
6. Morjas – The Hiking Boot
Morjas does what it does very well, and this hiking boot is no exception to that approach. Crafted in Spain, the leather grain is rich and tactile, juxtaposed by the sleek metal hardware and rope laces. They’re robust and clearly built to last, meaning the more time you spend in these, the better they’ll become.
5. Peserico – Leather Lace-up Boots
Prefer something a little more understated? These Peserico boots may be your best option. Here, branding is stripped back to let crisp lines and smooth leather take center stage. Since 1962, the Italian house has been refining its craft, and that expertise is evident here. They’re suave, sleek, and currently on sale, which doesn’t hurt.
4. Yuketen – Vettore Leather-Trimmed Suede Boots
Handcrafted in Italy (yes, it’s becoming a pattern), these combine American ruggedness with Japanese precision. The caramel full-grain suede has a rich, durable texture, which pairs beautifully with these genuine Kudu laces. Anchored by a Goodyear Storm Welt and Cortina Cork sole, they’ll wear in gracefully and hold their appeal for years to come.
3. Brunello Cucinelli – Flannel and Full-Grain Leather-Trimmed Suede Boot
If we’re talking about Italian luxury, Brunello Cucinelli naturally makes the list. Full-grain leather and trimmed suede combine with beige mélange flannel to create a textured look that is both refined and rugged. They have that soft, lived-in vibe right out of the box, and will only develop more character as you wear them. The price tag isn’t shy, but once laced up, it’s easy to justify the expense.
2. Ralph Lauren – Darrow Calfskin Boots
There’s nothing loud about the Darrow – and that’s exactly the point. The beauty lies in the details: burnished brass hardware, hand-stitched welt, and an impossible-to-ignore shine. Every element feels curated but not excessive, which can be a balance that’s hard to find at this end of the market. These are – unsurprisingly – also made in Italy.
1. Loro Piana – Oiled Leather Lace-Up Boots
Finally, Loro Piana takes the top spot, which feels like a natural conclusion to the list. These hiking boots are made from supple oiled leather, married with silver-toned speed hooks and deep rubber lugs. They’re expensive, yes, but for something this considered, the logic is pretty hard to dispute.
