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Best hiking boots 2026 – for mountains, forest and long days
How do you choose hiking boots for Swedish nature? We compare Lowa, Hanwag, Salomon and Scarpa and explain fit, membranes, soles and how to avoid blisters.
Our picks
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| Model | Score | Best for | Pros | Cons | Buy |
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 Lowa Renegade GTX Mid | 8.5 | Day hikes and week-long treks in varied terrain |
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 Hanwag Banks GTX | 8.3 | Heavy packs and long hikes |
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 Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX | 8.0 | Light packs and fast hiking |
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 Scarpa Zodiac Plus GTX | 8.1 | Rough terrain and demanding hikes |
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Swedish trails range from dry forest paths to wet bogs and rocky mountain terrain. The shoes you wear decide how pleasant the hike is. A blister on day two can ruin a whole week-long trek, and wet feet turn a rainy day into a slog.
This guide helps you choose the right type and fit, and gives four clear picks. We do not quote prices and recommend trying boots on before you buy.
Who is this guide for?
- Anyone hiking in the mountains, on the Kungsleden or the Bohusleden
- Anyone wanting boots for day trips and forest walks
- Anyone thinking of switching from trainers or old boots
- Anyone hiking with a heavy pack
How we evaluate
We have not hiked in every boot and we have no test lab. We rely on:
- Construction and materials: upper, sole, membrane and leather or synthetic.
- Owner reports: we read long-term reviews from hikers, focusing on fit, durability and blisters.
- Fit and width: which feet suit which brand?
- Repairability: can the boots be resoled?
- Terms: exchanges and return rights, important because shoes need to be tested.
Scores are editorial judgements.
Our picks
Lowa Renegade GTX Mid – best all-rounder
The Renegade is a classic. It is comfortable straight away, stable and has Gore-Tex for wet conditions. It is a safe choice for many different hikes. The fit is slightly narrower than some competitors, and the weight is higher than sporty models.
Hanwag Banks GTX – for long days and heavy packs
Hanwag has a long tradition and builds boots that last. The Banks is a good-value all-rounder with good support. It needs some breaking in, but the upside is that the boot can be resoled.
Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX – light and fast
Salomon gives a lighter, sportier feel. It suits you if you carry a light pack and want low weight. It is not as durable or supportive as heavier leather boots.
Scarpa Zodiac Plus GTX – for rough terrain
The Zodiac Plus is a more technical boot with good grip and stability. It suits mountains and rocky ground. For easy trails it can be unnecessarily stiff.
Comparison criteria
Cuff height
- High boot: ankle support, protection from water and small stones.
- Low shoe: lighter, can be enough on easy trails.
Membrane
Gore-Tex or similar keeps feet dry but breathes less. In Swedish nature it is usually an advantage, but not always in summer.
Sole
Good grip (for example Vibram) is important on wet and rocky ground.
Material
- Leather: durable, stable, needs breaking in and care.
- Synthetic: lighter, quicker to break in, less durable.
Fit
The most important. Try with hiking socks, in the afternoon, and walk on stairs or a ramp to feel whether the heel slips.
Common mistakes
- Buying without trying on.
- Wrong size: shoes that are too small cause bruised toenails on descents.
- No break-in: never break in boots on a long hike.
- Wrong socks: cotton causes blisters, choose wool or synthetic.
- Forgetting care: clean and waterproof them.
Verdict
- Best all-round: Lowa Renegade GTX Mid.
- Best for heavy packs: Hanwag Banks GTX.
- Best for light hiking: Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX.
- Best for technical terrain: Scarpa Zodiac Plus GTX.
Always try the boots on and buy where you can exchange. You will find more guides in the Outdoor & hiking category. If you bring a dog, our guides to GPS trackers and dog harnesses are worth reading.
FAQ
Should you wear high or low hiking boots?
High boots give more ankle support and protect against water and small stones, which helps with heavy packs and uneven terrain. Low shoes are lighter and are enough on clear trails with light loads. The choice depends on terrain, load and experience.
Is Gore-Tex necessary?
In Sweden it is often wet, especially in the mountains, so a membrane is often good. Membranes are less breathable, so on warm days feet may get sweaty. Good shoes without a membrane dry faster.
How should hiking boots fit?
You should have about a finger’s width of space in front of your toes, the heel should sit firmly without slipping and there should be no pressure points. Try them with the socks you intend to use and preferably in the afternoon when your feet are slightly swollen.
How do you break in boots?
Wear them in daily life and on shorter outings before heading out on a long hike. Leather boots often need more breaking in than synthetic ones.
How long do hiking boots last?
It depends on use, quality and care. Clean, waterproof and store them dry. Some brands, such as Hanwag, offer resoling, which can extend their life.
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