Leather boots are heavier than fabric ones, and this one certainly has much more weight than the Salomon Quest. But leather is also more durable and feels very sturdy – especially around the ankles – so there’s no reason to shy away from it. Just be prepared to put a bit of effort into breaking it in before it really starts to repay your investment.
Hiking boots are critical to your comfort and performance on the trail, but this no longer means a stiff and burly model that will weigh you down. The trend is toward lighter materials that still offer decent support, and waterproof boots are the most popular by far (many are offered in a non-waterproof version for hiking in hot or dry climates). Our picks for the best mens waterproof walking boots of 2022 below are broken down into three categories: lightweight boots for day hiking and fastpacking, midweight options that work well for most backpacking trips, and heavyweights for rough terrain or hauling a large load. For more information on choosing the right boot, see our comparison table and buying advice below the picks. If you prefer to go even lighter and faster, see our article on the best hiking shoes.
Top 10 best mens waterproof walking boots in UK 2022
Below are our picks of top 10 best mens waterproof walking boots reviews.
1. Danner Mountain 600
Danner, an American brand, now ships directly to the UK from its website, which is fantastic news for fans of high-quality boots. The Mountain 600 is one of Danner’s most popular models, combining style and substance with a waterproof suede upper, a long-lasting Vibram outsole, and a comfortable rubberized EVA foam midsole.
2. JACK WOLFSKIN FORCE STRIKER TEXAPORE
The Jack Wolfskin Force Striker Texapore boot is not a shy and retiring boot; it’s chunky in most dimensions and exudes the kind of rough-and-tumble toughness you’d expect from a hiking companion. A few factors contribute to that impression: the high ankle and substantial padding provide serious support for tired legs, while the forefoot ‘force plate’ hidden in the sole unit adds stiffness and protection all in one. This clever trick makes a relatively lightweight boot appear much more substantial. Having said that, the mesh and fabric upper, as well as the Texapore o2 membrane, do an excellent job of shedding weight while remaining breathable.
A solid seam of quality components runs through the boot as well, adding little by little to a good overall impression – the alloy lace hooks, for example, and, of course, the all-important sole unit. This is made of Vibram Megagrip, which provides a strong grip on uneven and rocky terrain. Overall, the Jack Wolfskin Force Striker Texapore boot has a lot to offer and not much to criticise – a worthy competitor.
3. Brasher Men’s Country Master
I like the classic brown leather look, but it’s in the comfort where I felt this boot excelled. The cuff and tongue are remarkably padded – they hug the ankle. The midsole, made of polyurethane, a type of foam that is known to last a long time, adds to the comfort.
The waterproofing membrane is eVent, which is mentioned by both Nichols and Reid as the most serious competitor to Gore-Tex’s position as the industry leader. The difference is that eVent is more breathable and dries faster. It’s also frequently less expensive – though I’m told eVent requires a bit more care through washing (though the difference is minor).
This is a boot that will feel sturdy while hiking up Snowdon, but it could also be worn while strolling through a park on a rainy autumn day. The soles are Vibram, which Nichols considers to be the best sole manufacturer: “It’s an indicator of a good quality sole unit. ” Vibram soles are known for their high abrasion resistance and excellent traction on a variety of surfaces, making the boot extremely versatile. In fact, the first summit of K2 was apparently made by an Italian wearing Vibram rubber soles (not that you should rush up K2, mind you).
4. Scarpa Zodiac Plus GTX
Our go-to boot for technical scrambling and off-trail travel is the Scarpa Zodiac Plus GTX. It is essentially a lightweight mountain boot, but it performs so well that the average hiker can benefit from it as well. Its full-leather upper is extremely durable, and the supportive Vibram sole provides a stable platform. It is waterproof and ready to handle the most difficult terrain you may encounter, and it can even be paired with a light crampon for use on firm snow on an early season hike.
This boot excels in technical and rough terrain, but it sacrifices some comfort for this level of performance. Because the rigid sole does not bend as easily as others, it is more difficult to walk up smooth slabs of rock. However, if you’re looking for a hiking/mountaineering boot that can be used on long trail approaches as well as more technical 3rd and 4th class terrain when peak bagging, the Zodiac Plus is worth considering.
5. Berghaus Men’s Expeditor Ridge 2.0 Walking Boots
Berghaus men’s hiking boots are built to withstand whatever the British weather throws at them. They look fantastic and are ideal for rainy day adventures. The AQ waterproof lining keeps your feet dry, and the EVA midsoles provide maximum cushioning. With their OPTI-STUD sole, these high rise hiking boots won’t let you down when it comes to superior grip. One satisfied hiker who wore them on a trip to the North Downs said, “Plenty of mud and unavoidable puddles after recent rain and my feet were dry.”
6. Timberland Men’s White Ledge Mid Waterproof Ankle Boot
Nearly 3,000 reviewers call these multi-purpose hiking boots “comfortable,” with one calling them “the best I’ve ever worn.” Another reviewer describes these waterproof boots as “a lifesaver,” saying, “Wow, my feet thank me.” “Sure, you can purchase some really nice expensive shoes that can do the job,” says one reviewer who has “hiked all over the world,” but he advises future customers to “go for the fit, not the brand, model, or what’s advertised as the best.” When you put this boot on, it just felt right. It’s light and feels tough.” According to another reviewer, “they have excelled,” even after a year of all-season use. “These are brilliant all around for fall and spring.” There are none of these that haven’t been comfortable for the various on and off trail, wet and dry, rocky and muddy, infinitely varied conditions.” Many people like the traction these boots provide when hiking, as one reviewer writes, “I’ve never slipped or fell due to loss of traction with these boots.” They will accompany you wherever you need to go. I’ve worn them all over town, hiking through streams and over rocks in the Colorado Rockies, day hikes on managed trails, tree climbing, and a variety of other activities. “You’ll get there with these boots.”
7. Merrell Men’s Moab 2 Leather Mid GTX High Rise Hiking Shoes
The Merrell Moab 2 Mid-Waterproof boots are a low-cost option for people who don’t hike on a regular basis or who aren’t looking to tackle difficult terrain.
Despite being at the low end of the price range, they performed reasonably well across all metrics.
They were waterproof for short periods of time while remaining breathable, provided good ankle support on short hikes, and had an easy-to-use lacing system.
Because of the cushioned collar and tongue, refined insole with arch support, and flexible footbed, these boots are ready to wear and comfortable right out of the box.
The boot sits low on the ankle, similar to a trail shoe, which means less support but eliminates the need to break them in.
The Moab 2’s modest stability and support reflect the fact that its primary customers are day hikers rather than mountaineers or extreme adventurers.
The dependable outsole has a respectably long lifespan, with a toe that shows scuffs but generally holds up well to damage.
The shoe’s tread is not particularly deep, indicating that it is best suited to a limited range of terrains and does not support carrying a heavy load, but it provides adequate traction over rock and dirt.
The shoes are available in both waterproof and non-waterproof versions, allowing the wearer to prioritise their needs. Anyone looking to wear the shoe in warmer climates should choose the non-waterproof version because it is more breathable.
8. Ariat skyline summit GTX
These are a fantastic autumn/winter walking companion because they have a full-grain leather upper and Gore-Tex deck to keep your feet dry and warm on tough trails and boulder climbs, but are also lightweight enough for easier walks. The boot’s wearability is enhanced by good shock absorption and excellent traction from multi-directional tread on the outsole, and the brand has included some nylon panels at the side to increase breathability on warmer days. Overall, the boot was very comfortable to wear for a long period of time and had a nice wide fit.
9. Mammut Saentis Pro WP
This sneaker-like boot has enough traction for serious off-roading thanks to its Michelin trail cleat sole. The softshell upper is breathable and water repellent, with a liner between it and your foot in case of rain or slush. If your trail runs end at an outdoor beer garden in the city, these have the styling (and colours) to match.
10. KEEN Men’s Targhee Iii Mid Wp High Rise Hiking Shoes
Keen footwear is known for its comfort, and the Targhee iii is no exception. Fortunately, the Targhee iii is available in two widths for walkers with wide feet: standard and wide. The Metatomical Footbed is designed to provide strong arch support, while the dual-density EVA insoles absorb trail impact. The Targhee iii is also pleasantly light, weighing in at 1kg for the pair (size 11).
The Keen’s A dry breathable membrane allows vapour to exit the boot and air to move freely between the materials, which is especially useful in hot weather.
The waterproofing and durability of the boot were less impressive. Small amounts of water seeped in through the lacing area on the top of the foot during wet weather, and after two weeks of hard walking, the boots began to show signs of wear and tear, most notably around the toe-bend.
The Targhee iii is an excellent boot for fair-weather walking in the UK, with an emphasis on comfort. It is reasonably priced and can be worn for long walks right out of the box. A tougher boot, however, may be preferable for winter walking and rough or wet terrain, especially if you want your boots to last.
How to choose best mens waterproof walking boots?
Should I buy hiking boots made of leather or fabric?
First and foremost, you must select between leather and fabric models. Traditional leather boots are heavier and stiffer, but they will last you for years if properly cared for. They will also mould to your feet over time – breaking in is required, but you will end up with very comfortable boots.
Because of the thicker material, they are also warmer and ideal for winter wear. Fabric boots are lighter but less durable, and they provide less warmth but more breathability, making them ideal for spring and summer hikes as well as international travel. They are also much more comfortable right out of the box. Suede boots are fashionable, but they require more care to keep clean.
What is the most effective internal support?
There are two aspects of most walking boots’ internal support that you should be aware of. The first of these is shanks. These are 3mm to 5mm thick inserts that go between the midsole and outsole of a boot to add load-bearing stiffness to the midsole. Some shanks cover the entire length of the midsole, while others only cover half of it.
The plates are the second internal support facet. These are thin, semi-flexible inserts that sit between the midsole and outsole, just below the shank. Their primary function is to keep feet from getting bruised when there is uneven ground beneath them, such as tree roots or rocks. Both of these features should be present in any good walking boots.
What other characteristics should I look for?
Most decent hiking boots on the market are waterproof, with treatments like Gore-Tex or an in-house waterproofing system to keep rain out. Make sure the walking boots you buy are fully waterproof, not just water-resistant – the latter can withstand a light rain but are useless in heavy rain.
Hiking boots are typically designed with tough rubber soles, and some use specific technology in this area as well – Vibram is the ultimate in toughness. Look for bouncy soles with deep lugs for good traction. If in doubt, boots with both Gore-Tex and Vibram technology are likely to be quite good (but can be expensive).
How do I find the best match?
When trying on hiking boots, look for shoes that have plenty of wiggle room for your toes and don’t feel too tight around your heels. Boots with more ankle support are a good choice if you plan on hiking over rocky or uneven terrain. There are also boots designed for wide feet and bunions.
The more pairs you can try on, the better – you might discover that a particular brand’s shoes are best suited to the shape of your feet. When testing boots, wear hiking socks and try lacing them up tight to make sure they don’t rub around your ankles. If you buy leather, you should expect some stiffness on the first few hikes until they adapt to your feet.
Conclusion
Best mens waterproof walking boots are an important piece of equipment to have on hand for your backcountry adventures. A sloppy pair will turn an otherwise unforgettable trip into a miserable slog riddled with blisters and sore feet. Thankfully, the days of uncomfortable, heavy boots that take a lifetime to break in are over. All of the boots in this review have a place on the trail, and some will work better than others depending on your individual needs and goals. So read through our reviews, then treat yourself to a pair of supportive, weight-appropriate, and comfortable boots for your next trail adventure.