Fall is upon us, and a pair of mid cut waterproof hiking boots are an essential part of every hikers' wardrobe. Dog walking would just not be the same without a pair of these.
The mid cut hiking boot rise slightly above your ancles and will provide you with better protection from water and dirt than low cut boots and shoes. It also give your ancles better support on rugged terrain. A mid cut boot will give you better comfort and mobility than the high cut hiking boots, making them perfect for both short walks and longer hikes in both rugged and flat terrain.
You can get insulated models for winter and low temperatures. This selection focuses on waterproof all-round models.
Price
Mid cut hiking boots will set you back anywhere from $50 to several hundreds. Stay away from the cheaper ones. The comfort and durability you get when you add a bit more to the price tag is worth it! The ones we've picked all cost between $100 and $200 at the time of publishing.
Use
Think of where you will be using your boots before buying. Hiking in rugged terrain demands more from the shoes than if you're strolling through the park. Boots that can handle tougher jobs often lack the comfort you want on the sunday strolls through the neighbourhood.
Weight
With hiking boots weight matters. When hiking, every ounce lighter boots means less energy spent on lifting your feet, giving you more energy for further and more demanding hikes. If your hikes are on the shorter side, weight won't matter as much.
The best all-round waterproof hiking boots
Let's get to the good stuff - our list of the best all-round waterproof mid cut hiking boots.
Merrell Moab 3
Keen Targhee 3
Columbia Crestwood
Timberland Mt. Maddsen
Salomon X Ultra Pioneer Mid Climasalomonâ„¢
Merrell Moab 3 Mid GORE-TEX®
Some say that MOAB stands for "Mother of all boots", and they might be spot on!
This all-purpose, all-terrain hiking boot will keep your feet dry and comfortable in all conditions and terrain.
There are lots of recycled materials used in this third generation Moab from Merrell to make it the most eco-friendly Moab yet!
All materials are of the highest quality, with high quality leather and the best-in-class Vibram outsole for optimal traction and performance. As the boot is built on earlier versions, lots of improved details raise the quality on these boots to a new level.
An extremely succesful upgrade on all accounts from earlier generations.
This model comes in several different colors and sizes, so getting the right fit and look should be easy.
Buy here:
Bargain on Amazon?
As the Moab 3 is the new flagship from Merrell, you might get a great price on the Moab 2.
Buy here:
Keen Targhee 3 Mid Waterproof
Keen Footwear take great pride in assembling their footwear in Portland, Oregon in some of the most modern factories in the US today, from high quality materials sourced from around the world.
The materials used are ethically sourced, thus making these boots more environmentally friendly than most of their competitors. You can learn more about what Keen Fottwear calls Consciously created footwear here.
The Targhee 3 is a comfortable mid cut hiking all-round hiking boot. Waterproof, eco anti-odor control, and with at tough rubber sole that will keep you walking for miles even on slippery and rugget terrain.
An environmentally fantastic choice, and a great all-round waterproof mid hiking boot.
Several different colors, and with sizes from 7-17 (men's) everybody should be able to find a new favorite here!
Buy here:
Bargain on Amazon?
As the Targhee 3 is the new model from Keen, you might get a great price on the previous model, the Targhee 2.
Buy here:
Columbia Crestwoodâ„¢ Mid Waterproof Hiking Shoe
These great looking boots from Colombia Sportswear is a great alternative for anyone not going on long hikes in rugged terrain. These boots will keep you dry, and they are very comfortable - but can't handle bigger challenges. Great for the every-day dog walk, or walk in the neighbourhood woods, but if you're going on longer hikes, opt for other boots.
The Crestwood is extremely comfortable, and comes in a wide range of sizes and colors, so anyone should be able to find a model to their liking.
An excellent choice if you don't stray very far off-road.
Buy here:
Timberland Mt. Maddsen Waterproof Mid Hiking Boot
Hard to make a list of best boots without including a boot from Timberland. The Timberland boot is celebrating 50 years in 2023. An astonishing accomplishment!
Timberland is mostly known for great looks - but this model actually is a great all-round boot, both for hiking and everyday use.
Waterproof leather, and Timberland's own anti-fatigue technology make these boots a great choice for every day use AND on longer walks and hikes.
Combining good looks with all the characteristics of a great hiking boot makes this a good choice for your every day shoe when living anywhere the seasons give you wet weather.
Buy here:
Salomon X Ultra Pioneer Mid Climasalomonâ„¢ Waterproof
Salomon makes some of the greatest sports gear in the world, and their hiking shoes is no exception.
These shoes are packed with all the technology you need to stay dry and comfy in all conditions.
Salomon says a reinforced Sensifitâ„¢ construction holds your foot comfortably in place, specially on those tough downhills. The soles are sturdy, yet flexible and oozes quality. Good cushioning give you great comfort, and the chassis stabilizes your heel.
A great choice for all-round waterproof hiking boots.
Buy here:
For an even more extreme hiking boot from Salomon, also check out the Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid Gore-tex Hiking Boots. A bit more expensive, than the other boots here, but well worth a look!
A light weight hiking boot with the agility of a trail running shoe with the stability, grip, and waterproof protection you need for technical hikes.
These boots will have you powering through uphills and descents all day long.
Buy here:
Wether you're taking your dog out for a stroll, a walk or a hike, or packing your backpack for an overnight hike in the wild, the mid cut hiking boots are an essential part of your need-to-have gear.
Go for quality, and be prepared to pay around $100 and up to get the shoe you need and want. This will give you a quality brand, and comfortable and durable hiking boots that you can use and enjoy for many years to come if you take good care of them.
Clean your boots when needed, using Nikwax Footwear Cleaning Gel. Use Nikwax Fabric and Leather Proof Waterproofing to keep your boots and shoes waterproof. Read instructions on product.
Dropping in a few pics of my dog from a walk on the sea shore this spring.
