When it comes to hiking, a quality pair of boots can make all the difference. While big-name brands like Salomon, Merrell, and Lowa dominate the market, they can also come with high price tags or limited availability. Fortunately, many lesser-known or emerging brands offer comparable quality, comfort, and durability—often at more affordable prices. Whether you’re looking for budget-friendly, eco-conscious, or high-performance options, here are the best alternatives to popular hiking boot brands that deserve your attention in 2025.
1. Instead of Salomon: Try Inov-8
Why it’s a great alternative:
Inov-8 is known for its lightweight trail shoes and rugged hiking boots that perform exceptionally well in wet and technical terrain. Their graphene-enhanced soles provide outstanding grip and longevity, making them a worthy challenger to Salomon’s trail-dominant designs.
Top pick: Inov-8 Roclite G 345 GTX
2. Instead of Merrell: Try Oboz
Why it’s a great alternative:
Oboz offers exceptional out-of-the-box comfort and dependable performance, much like Merrell. They’re also committed to environmental sustainability—planting a tree for every pair sold—and their boots are built with solid support and foot protection in mind.
Top pick: Oboz Bridger Mid Waterproof
3. Instead of Lowa: Try Hanwag
Why it’s a great alternative:
Hanwag is a German brand with nearly a century of experience crafting sturdy and long-lasting hiking boots. Their craftsmanship rivals that of Lowa, offering premium leather construction and excellent ankle support for serious hikers and mountaineers.
Top pick: Hanwag Tatra II GTX
4. Instead of HOKA: Try Topo Athletic
Why it’s a great alternative:
Topo Athletic brings a minimalist approach with cushioned midsoles and roomy toe boxes—perfect for those who like HOKA’s comfort but want a more natural fit. They’re lightweight and offer great trail feel for fast-packers and casual hikers alike.
Top pick: Topo Trailventure 2 WP
5. Instead of KEEN: Try Forsake
Why it’s a great alternative:
Forsake combines urban styling with outdoor durability. While KEEN focuses on toe protection and wide fits, Forsake delivers weather-resistant hiking boots with a casual aesthetic and sustainable practices. Great for trail-to-town versatility.
Top pick: Forsake Patch Waterproof Boot
6. Instead of Danner: Try Vasque
Why it’s a great alternative:
Vasque has long been a quiet competitor to Danner, offering tough, reliable boots with excellent arch support and trail durability. Their newer models use eco-friendly materials and offer both lightweight and heavy-duty options.
Top pick: Vasque Breeze LT NTX
7. Instead of Columbia: Try Hi-Tec
Why it’s a great alternative:
Hi-Tec offers excellent value and dependable hiking boots for entry-level hikers or weekend adventurers. While not as high-tech as Columbia’s premium lines, Hi-Tec’s boots provide solid waterproofing and good grip at a much lower cost.
Top pick: Hi-Tec Altitude VI i Waterproof
8. Instead of The North Face: Try Treksta
Why it’s a great alternative:
Treksta specializes in ergonomic boot designs, especially for people with foot alignment issues. They provide a snug, anatomical fit with great traction and weather resistance. Their boots are a fantastic option for long hikes or variable terrain.
Top pick: Treksta ADT Mid GTX
9. Instead of Arc’teryx: Try La Sportiva
Why it’s a great alternative:
La Sportiva may already be known in mountaineering circles, but for hikers seeking Arc’teryx-level tech without the premium price, La Sportiva offers breathable, lightweight, and durable boots with high-performance outsoles.
Top pick: La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX
10. Instead of Scarpa: Try Asolo
Why it’s a great alternative:
Asolo is another high-end Italian brand that blends mountaineering durability with hiking comfort. As a more affordable option than Scarpa’s top lines, Asolo boots are great for rugged conditions and long treks.
Top pick: Asolo Falcon GV
Final Thoughts
You don’t need to stick with the mainstream brands to get a great hiking boot. Many alternatives offer equal or even better value, comfort, and performance—often with unique design features, sustainable practices, or improved fit. Whether you’re a seasoned backpacker or a weekend trail enthusiast, exploring these alternative hiking boot brands might lead you to your new favorite pair. Always try boots on before committing and break them in before any serious hike to ensure the best experience possible.
