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What types of materials are hiking boots made from?

If you want to guarantee a great hiking experience, you need a great hiking boot. That means choosing men's or women's hiking boots designed for the terrain, weather conditions, and your feet. But with so many choices, we know it can feel daunting, especially if you're new to hiking. Choosing the right hiking boot materials is a good place to start. Hiking boots are typically created from various materials, from leather or suede to synthetic fabrics. They are used to enhance performance, comfort and durability.

Whether embarking on an ambitious backpacking adventure or a casual hike in the countryside, you need reliable and suitable footwear. At Columbia Sportswear®, we strive to help more people enjoy the great outdoors. We offer a great range of low and high over-ankles leather and fabric comfortable hiking shoes for every terrain and hiker. And with our superb range of hiking clothes for women, men and kids, the whole family can join the adventure.

Why choose leather hiking boots?

Leather is one of the most traditional materials in hiking shoes and boots. Thanks to its incredible comfort and durability, it has long been a popular choice. The heavy, stiff leather upper provides excellent protection for the whole foot, from the toes to the heel. Leather hiking boots are available as full-grain or nubuck leather and offer great benefits. For example:

  • Full-grain leather: The highest quality and most durable leather, incredibly tough, long-lasting, and water and scratch-resistant. Full-grain leather boots are a great match for vigorous multi-day backpacking trips or hiking over rugged terrain. Leather is also naturally more waterproof and water resistant. Over time, a leather hiking boot will mould to your feet to create a custom fit for extra comfort. However, they take some time to break in. They are also heavier than many synthetic materials. This means you may not find them suitable for faster hikes or when you need flexible, light hiking shoes.

  • Nubuck leather: Despite its soft-suede-like quality, nubuck is similar in strength and durability to full-grain leather. However, it’s lighter, more flexible and provides a comfortable footwear option for longer hikes. Nubuck leather is a versatile material for hiking shoes for men and women, making them ideal for short and long hikes. However, they also take a while to break in.

The best type of hiking boots are properly fitted hiking boots. Check out our handy online guide to measuring your feet for the best possible fit.

What are the benefits of fabric hiking boots?

If you’re looking for lighter and more breathable all-terrain shoes, fabric boots offer a superb alternative to leather. Fabric men’s and women’s hiking shoes come in various colours and styles and have a lightweight construction and better ventilation. This makes them popular for technical hikes over long distances or navigating terrain at different levels.

While not naturally water resistant, some fabric boot options feature waterproofing technologies that prevent wet from seeping through the fabric. So your feet can stay dry even if you can’t avoid the puddles.

  • Synthetic leather: Mimics the look and feel of natural leather but is much lighter and takes less time to dry. It is commonly used where you need extra protection and support, such as around the heel and toe areas. Although it may not be as durable as full-grain leather, it provides plenty of support and strength for reasonably challenging hikes.

  • Nylon and mesh: These are common materials used in fabric hiking and walking shoes, usually combined with synthetic overlays for added strength. They are both highly breathable and lightweight, making them great for when the weather heats up. The breathable mesh lets air circulate around your foot, helping to avoid a build-up of sweat and painful blisters. However, fabric winter shoes are less durable than leather and more prone to wear and tear.

Are you getting ready for your next hike? Make sure your hiking gear is up for the challenge. Whether you need a new hiking jacket or mountain shoes, we’ve got you covered from head to toe.

What do you need to consider when choosing hiking boot materials?

When deciding between hiking boot materials, you must consider the type of terrain and the weather conditions you’ll likely encounter. If you are facing rugged mountain trails, a pair of leather boots with a sturdy rubber sole will provide you with the support and durability you need. Alternatively, if hiking in warmer climates or on more technical trails where flexibility is essential, fabric boots could be your sole mate here. You also need to think about weight and comfort, especially if you’ll be getting to grips with a long-distance hike. Your feet will thank you for it.

Whether you opt for fabric mountain hiking shoes or leather waterproof shoes for men, remember to don a good-quality pair of hiking socks. They will perfectly complement your boots by providing additional comfort and support.