Traction and grip are inseparable parts of hiking boots. Therefore you cannot choose any hiking boot without knowing its performance on abrasive, bumpy, and wet terrains.
Indeed, the best traction hiking boots offer deeper lugs, resilient outsoles material, comfort, and other parameters. So I have selected the top 3 boots that you should look at. I’m pretty sure these boots will not let you down.
Quick Comparison of Hiking Boots With Best Traction
Best Value
For Men
Columbia Men’s Crestwood Hiker Boots
Good Upgrade
For Men
KEEN Men’s Targhee 2 Mid-Height Hiking Boots
My Choice
For Women
KEEN Utility Women’s Vista Hiking Boots
Details of Best Traction Hiking Boots
1. Columbia Men’s Crestwood Hiker Boots
I have much to say about this Columbia boot, but let’s start with h traction.
Columbia hiking boots are always great for a reason, and this Crestwood comes with advanced technology for keeping grip and outsole in controlled friction.
Its imported rubber outsole has provided me with a stable and well-balanced hiking approach for which I quickly hiked on technical rocks.
Also, the mid-top ankle support with comfortable padding felt softer on my skin.
The comfort level and the interior cushioning of Columbia Men’s Crestwood have done a great job providing quality to my feet.
Whenever I went hiking, the springy feel under my feet and the flexible full-grain leather provided the ultimate support for easy foot maneuverability.
What marks its value for a traction hiking boot is the anti-slip outsole.
So, I hiked on slippery and mossy wet grounds without any potential danger of falling or tripping. This gave security for safe hiking.
Furthermore, I found the weight of this boot great for maintaining balance, whereas the upper mesh and waterproofing performance were reliable in a superior hiking experience.
The durability in the seams and dual-zone winter tread pattern allowed me for 17+ miles of hiking, and I consider this boot for technical hiking as well.
- Multi-terrain outsole grip with high-energy return
- Provide adequate airflow and waterproofing
- Supportive ankle design and flexible insoles
- Stylish yet comfortable on feet
- None
2. KEEN Men’s Targhee 2 Mid-Height Hiking Boots
Keen Targhee is an excellent boot for protecting my feet from any mechanical injury, side twisting of feet, and of course, the impact from the bumpy ground.
This made hiking even better and more secure.
Apart from that, the traction outsole has been great for its performance, and the grip’s excellence remains there no matter how often I hiked.
Therefore, saying this boot is durable high-performing footwear won’t be a lie. Also, KEEN Men’s Targhee 2 offered me reliability for its comfort level.
It means the insoles, cushioning inside, and a round of this boot have been kept superior, keeping the pro approach in mind.
Therefore, day-long wearing and several miles of hiking never put the vulnerable joints of my feet under strain.
The mesh liners and incorporation of Keen’s dedicated waterproof and breathable membranes are there for waterproofing and breathability. So, I have a reason for its valuable purchase.
Its EVA footbed is another worth-mentioning feature that protects feet from outside impact and provides enough support while you hike or walk on the ground.
Altogether, this boot for men is a fantastic choice for its Low-profile, roomy interior and the best traction design that works superbly fine on rocks, abrasive ground, slippery terrains, and more.
- Heavy multi-directional lugs for robust grip
- Snug interior with secure padding
- Toe bumper for protection against bangs and impacts
- Waterproof and well-breathable mesh design
- All-terrain traction works fine every time
- None
3. KEEN Utility Women’s Vista Hiking Boots
KEEN Utility Women’s Vista Energy is a boot that offers many benefits for hiking in traction.
The uppers are made of 100% fabric, making it breathable and softer on feet, whereas the imported rubber outsole is, therefore, absolute feet performance on rocks.
What adds to the traction is its ideally removable metatomical footbed that offers perfect arch support for naturally maintaining stability at every step.
It’s impressive for its performance, plus the waterproofing KEEN DRY technology is there to work its way for dry feet.
So it also adds to the traction as slippery and wet feet often cause tripping incidents.
The rubber outsole and overall material choice have kept the boot lightweight with not more than 15.52 ounces which is great for women with sensitive feet.
Additionally, the ankle-high design delivers a secure wraparound fit for dangerous hiking and climbing on rocks.
The padding is soft and helps prevent blisters chafing, and damage to the skin in any way.
Unlike regular boots, the non-marking outsole on this boot allows you to wear it indoors without leaving a rail behind!
Overall, it’s affordability and great value are the best combination for hiking footwear like this.
- Affordable in price
- Rubber outsole is best for every terrain
- Non-marking outsole for indoor wear
- Mid-cut height and external support shank for stability
- May be wider for narrow feet
- Spoor stitching
