by The Cullector Team
Hiking Boots for Fall — Top Picks Across Nine Retailers
Waterproof, lightweight, and trail-ready footwear for autumn conditions — compared across Backcountry, adidas, Merrell, Nike, Columbia, Sorel, Under Armour, Skechers, and Durango.
Fall is the most demanding season for trail footwear. Temperatures swing between warm afternoon sun and cold morning frost, leaves hide wet rocks and roots, and trails can shift from dusty to muddy within a single day. The right hiking boots for fall need to handle that range — ideally combining waterproof protection, enough ankle support for uneven terrain, and a weight that won't slow you down on longer weekend hikes. We evaluated products across nine retailers, comparing waterproofing technology, midsole cushioning, outsole grip, ankle height, and listed price to help you identify the best option for your budget and trail type.
Whether you're looking for men's fall hiking boots with serious backcountry capability, trail hiking boots for women built for all-day comfort, or a lightweight hiking shoe that doubles as everyday footwear, this guide covers the field. Each pick below is assessed for what it does well and where it falls short — so you can choose with confidence before the season peaks.
What Are the Best Hiking Shoes for Fall Weather?
The best hiking shoes for fall weather combine waterproof membranes (such as GORE-TEX) with durable outsoles that grip wet leaves and mud — mid-height boots are generally preferred because they balance ankle support with mobility. For most fall hikers, a boot in the $100–$200 range with a waterproof lining, aggressive tread, and a cushioned midsole will cover everything from day hikes to multi-day weekend trips. Those hiking in colder climates or early-season snow should consider insulated or GTX-certified options.
How to Choose Fall Trail Hiking Boots
Before comparing specific products, it helps to understand what separates a capable fall hiking boot from a general-purpose outdoor shoe. Below are the key criteria we used when evaluating each pick in this guide.
- Waterproofing: GORE-TEX membranes offer the most reliable wet-weather protection and breathability. Proprietary waterproof linings (such as Merrell's M Select DRY) are effective for moderate rain but may breathe less well. Water-repellent coatings alone are not sufficient for muddy or wet fall trails.
- Ankle height: Mid-height boots provide ankle support on rocky or root-crossed terrain without the stiffness of full-height mountaineering boots. Low-cut trail shoes offer more agility but less protection — better suited to well-maintained trails and lighter packs.
- Outsole grip: Look for deep lugs and proven rubber compounds. Continental Rubber (used by adidas) and Vibram MegaGrip (used by Nike ACG) are two of the most reliable options for traction on wet surfaces.
- Weight: Heavier boots tend to offer more protection and durability; lighter options reduce fatigue on longer hikes. If you're covering significant mileage on fall weekend hikes, weight is a meaningful tradeoff to consider.
- Fit and width: Several options below come in wide or relaxed-fit versions — relevant for hikers with wider feet who find standard-width boots uncomfortable over long distances. Check for walking shoes guides if you're primarily a pavement or light-path hiker: our women's walking shoes guide covers softer-terrain options in more detail.
Backcountry carries a curated selection of technical trail footwear from well-regarded hiking brands. The three options below represent a strong range of performance-oriented fall hiking boots for both men and women.
La Sportiva TX Hike Mid GTX Hiking Boot — Women's
This mid-height boot from La Sportiva features a GTX waterproof membrane and a rubber sole noted by customers for exceptional trail grip — including a protective toe guard for rocky terrain. Customer feedback highlights a lightweight feel relative to the protection offered, with enough toe-box room for comfort on longer fall hikes. Best suited to women seeking a technically capable trail hiking boot for fall conditions who want waterproof performance without the stiffness of a heavier mountaineering design.
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Asolo Eldo Mid LTH GV Hiking Boot — Men's
The Asolo Eldo Mid pairs leather construction with a GV (Gore-Vibram) outsole configuration, positioning it as a durable option for men seeking reliable fall trail hiking boots that will hold up across multiple seasons. Early customer feedback describes comfort out of the box — a meaningful indicator for hike-ready footwear — with the leather upper suggesting above-average durability compared to mesh alternatives. A reasonable choice for weekend hikers who prioritize material longevity and prefer the support of a leather mid-height boot over lighter synthetic options.
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Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot — Wide, Women's
The wide-width version of Merrell's Moab 3 Mid addresses one of the most common complaints about hiking footwear: standard widths that feel constrictive on longer outings. Customer feedback collected through Backcountry emphasizes comfort, support, and traction — along with the waterproof lining as a reliable feature for wet autumn conditions. This is a strong option for women with wider feet who want a proven trail hiking boot for fall without paying a premium for a specialty fit.
shop & earn cash backThe adidas Terrex Skychaser Mid GORE-TEX is available in three colorways — black (IH1103), green (IH2804), and a second black variant (IH1091) — all at the same price and spec. The $45 discount from the original $180 makes this one of the stronger value propositions among waterproof hiking footwear in this guide.
Terrex Skychaser Mid GORE-TEX Hiking Shoes — Black (IH1103)
The Terrex Skychaser Mid combines a GORE-TEX EPE waterproof membrane with Continental Rubber outsole grip — a pairing that handles wet autumn trails as well as any boot in this price range. At $135 (down from $180), this represents a 25% saving on a boot that bridges trail running agility and hiking boot support, with a ripstop upper and mid-height cuff for ankle stability. Best suited to hikers who cover varied terrain and want a lightweight hiking shoe that performs in both dry and wet fall conditions without carrying the weight of a heavier leather boot.
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Terrex Skychaser Mid GORE-TEX Hiking Shoes — Green (IH2804)
Identical spec to the black colorway — GORE-TEX EPE membrane, Continental Rubber outsole, ripstop upper with abrasion-resistant overlays — in a green colorway that reads as more trail-oriented in aesthetic. Same 25% discount applies, making the color choice a matter of preference rather than value. If the black colorway is out of your size, this is an equally capable alternative for fall trail hiking.
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Terrex Skychaser Mid GORE-TEX Hiking Shoes — Black (IH1091)
A second black colorway of the Terrex Skychaser Mid, differing in finish or accent details from IH1103 while sharing all core construction features: GORE-TEX waterproofing, Continental Rubber grip, and the hybrid trail-running-meets-hiking build. Worth checking if your size isn't available in the other variants. As with the others in this line, the Skychaser is not an insulated hiking boot, so hikers heading into temperatures below freezing should consider a warmer option.
shop & earn cash backSkechers represents the accessible end of the hiking footwear spectrum — the Relment Daggett is priced for shoppers who want waterproof-repellent outdoor footwear and everyday comfort without committing to a technical hiking boot budget.
Relaxed Fit: Relment — Daggett
The Relment Daggett is built around Skechers' Air-Cooled Memory Foam insole and a Relaxed Fit design that gives more room at the toe and forefoot — a consideration for hikers who find standard-width footwear uncomfortable on longer outings. The water-repellent construction (not a full waterproof membrane) makes it best suited to light fall trail use, dry-to-damp conditions, and hikers who want weekend hiking shoes that transition comfortably to everyday wear. At $75, this is the most affordable option in the guide and a reasonable entry point for casual hikers who don't need full waterproofing.
shop & earn cash backDurango's hiking boots sit at $59 — making them the budget pick of the guide. Both the men's and women's Renegade XP Waterproof styles share the same core construction with waterproofing, EVA midsoles, and dual fiberglass shanks for torsional stability.
Durango® Women's Renegade XP™ Waterproof Hiking Boots
The Women's Renegade XP is waterproof, built with lightweight comfort technology per the product description, and priced at $59 — a strong value if waterproof protection and all-day wearability are your priorities and a technical performance boot isn't necessary. The main consideration at this price point is that construction materials and outsole durability are likely to be more modest than options from Merrell, adidas, or La Sportiva in this guide. Best suited to women who want waterproof hiking footwear for fall weather at the lowest price in this comparison.
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Durango® Renegade XP™ Waterproof Hiking Boot
The men's Renegade XP adds specific construction detail: a Dually Shank with two fiberglass shanks for medial and lateral torsion stability, EVA midsole, and a slip-, oil-, and heat-resistant multi-durometer rubber outsole. A 1-inch rocker heel and rolled shank area are also noted in the product description. At $59, this is a structurally more specified boot than its price suggests — worth considering for men who want fall trail footwear with meaningful midfoot support at a low entry cost.
shop & earn cash backUnder Armour's fall boot lineup covers three distinct use cases: a performance backcountry boot (HOVR Dawn), a leather mid-height hiking boot (Charged Expanse), and a waterproof printed boot for mixed outdoor and everyday use (Expanse Reaper). Only the Expanse Reaper has a confirmed price in the provided data.
UA HOVR™ Dawn Waterproof 2.0 Men's Boots
According to the product description, the UA HOVR Dawn Waterproof 2.0 is designed for backcountry trekking and described as lightweight, durable, breathable, and 100% waterproof — a combination that positions it toward more serious fall trail use rather than casual day hiking. The HOVR cushioning platform is a known feature across Under Armour's footwear line, offering responsive midsole feel. Best considered by men who want a performance-oriented waterproof boot for autumn backcountry hiking and are comfortable checking current pricing directly at Under Armour.
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UA Charged Expanse Mid Leather Waterproof Men's Hiking Boots
The Charged Expanse Mid pairs leather construction with Under Armour's Charged cushioning system and a waterproof build — a combination that leans toward durability and structured support rather than lightweight performance. Leather uppers typically require some break-in time compared to synthetic alternatives, which is worth factoring in if you plan to hike soon after purchase. A solid candidate for men seeking men's fall hiking boots that prioritize a traditional leather construction over a lighter trail-running-inspired design.
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UA Expanse Reaper Waterproof Printed Men's Boots
The Expanse Reaper is described as offering strong waterproofing, excellent traction on slippery surfaces, and effective warmth in snow and mud — making it one of the more weather-versatile options in this guide for hikers who may encounter early-season snow on fall trails. The printed upper gives it a more distinctive visual profile compared to standard hiking boot aesthetics. At $161.97, this sits at the higher end of the mid-range, and is most worth considering for hikers who expect genuine cold-weather and muddy conditions rather than dry fall-day trails.
shop & earn cash backMerrell's Moab line is among the most widely recommended trail hiking boots across the outdoor industry. The two options here — the men's Moab 3 Mid Waterproof and the women's Moab Speed 2 Mid GORE-TEX — represent different priorities within the same trusted franchise.
Men's Moab 3 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boots
The Moab 3 Mid is described by Merrell as the "#1 hiking boot" in its category, with a mid-height design for ankle protection and waterproof materials suitable for trails across varied terrain including cliffs and forested paths. It's a well-established option for men who want a proven fall trail hiking boot with reliable waterproofing at a competitive price point within the performance hiking category. One consideration: this version uses Merrell's proprietary waterproof lining rather than GORE-TEX, which may breathe slightly differently — shoppers who prioritize breathability in warmer fall temperatures may want to compare it to the women's Speed 2 GORE-TEX option below.
shop & earn cash backWomen's Moab Speed 2 Mid GORE-TEX® Hiking Boots
The Moab Speed 2 Mid upgrades to a GORE-TEX membrane — widely considered the most reliable waterproofing standard in outdoor footwear — which offers consistent dry-foot performance in wet autumn conditions while maintaining breathability better than proprietary linings in some conditions. The "Speed" designation in Merrell's naming typically indicates a lighter, more agile build compared to the standard Moab, making this a stronger choice for trail hiking boots women need for faster-paced hiking or mixed hiking-running outings. Check current pricing at Merrell directly, as this model may vary seasonally.
shop & earn cash backSorel's fall and winter boot lineup spans trail-to-town styles and technical winter builds. The three options below cover different needs: a waterproof everyday hiker, a men's GTX winter boot, and a women's GTX winter boot at a higher price point.
OUTING™ SE WP
The Outing SE WP combines durable leather and canvas with waterproof construction and is described by Sorel as "built for trail to town" — making it one of the more versatile picks in this guide for fall hikers who want footwear that transitions from the trail to casual settings. The flecked laces and mixed-material upper give it a more casual aesthetic than the technical options from adidas or Merrell. Best suited to shoppers who want waterproof hiking footwear for fall weather that doesn't look strictly like a hiking boot off the trail.
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Caribou Horizon™ GTX Men's Winter Boot
The Caribou Horizon GTX for men adds GORE-TEX waterproofing to Sorel's well-known Caribou silhouette — positioning it at the more insulated, cold-weather end of the fall boot spectrum rather than as a lightweight trail hiking shoe. This makes it a more suitable choice for fall hikers in northern climates who may encounter near-freezing temperatures, snow, or slush on the trail. Check current pricing at Sorel; given the GTX specification, expect this to sit in the upper range of the Sorel lineup.
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Caribou Horizon™ GTX Women's Winter Boot
At $350, the women's Caribou Horizon GTX is the highest-priced boot in this guide and is built for serious cold-weather performance rather than standard fall trail use. GORE-TEX waterproofing and the Caribou's known warmth profile make it a defensible investment for hikers in climates where insulated hiking boots for fall are a genuine necessity rather than an optional upgrade. Available in multiple colorways including Red Lodge/Tobacco, Black/Honey White, and Honey White — the price reflects the GTX specification and full winter capability.
shop & earn cash backColumbia offers three distinct fall hiking boot options spanning different widths, price points, and use cases. The Newton Alpine PT Boot at $130 is the only confirmed price in this section — check current pricing on the other two at Columbia directly.
Women's Crestwood Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot
The Crestwood Mid is described by Columbia as waterproof and lightweight, with responsive cushioning and a gripping outsole — a combination that targets the broad middle of the women's trail hiking boots market for fall. It's designed for all-trail use, which makes it a reasonable everyday hiking boot for moderate terrain rather than a technical backcountry option. Women who want a reliable waterproof hiking boot for fall at a likely sub-$120 price point (check current Columbia pricing) and don't need GORE-TEX-level performance should consider this a strong candidate.
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Men's Newton Alpine PT Boot
At $130 with a confirmed price, the Newton Alpine PT Boot offers adaptive cushioning and increased traction in a durable build described as "rugged, comfortable, and classic" — with a design suited to stability on varied fall trail terrain. The price positions it competitively against the adidas Terrex Skychaser (currently $135) while offering a more traditionally styled hiking boot profile. A reasonable choice for men seeking a solid, medium-budget fall trail hiking boot with practical everyday wearability from a well-known outdoor brand.
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Women's Newton Ridge Plus Waterproof Hiking Boot — Wide
The Newton Ridge Plus in wide width is built from durable leather and mesh with waterproof construction — pairing protective materials with breathability in a wide-fit format that serves hikers who find standard widths restrictive. For shoppers who've previously struggled to find comfortable wide-fit trail hiking boots for women, this is one of the few options in this guide that explicitly addresses that need. Check Columbia's site for current pricing; this style sits in the Newton Ridge family, which has historically been priced accessibly within Columbia's lineup. If you're also gearing up for weekend travel to go with your new boots, our weekender bag guide has solid options across budgets.
shop & earn cash backNike's ACG line targets the performance end of fall hiking footwear. The ACG Zegama Hike is the sole representative here — a technically specified trail shoe built around Vibram MegaGrip traction and an ultra-cushioned midsole.
ACG Zegama Hike Men's Hiking Shoes
The ACG Zegama Hike is Nike's most technically specified trail hiking shoe in this guide, built with Vibram MegaGrip traction lugs for reliable grip on wet fall terrain and a lightweight, ultra-cushioned midsole described as designed for punishing climbs and all-conditions trail use. At $190, it's the second-most expensive option in this guide after the Sorel Caribou Horizon GTX, and is best suited to performance-focused hikers who want the responsiveness of a trail running shoe with enhanced grip for technical autumn routes. The tradeoff compared to the adidas Terrex Skychaser (currently $135) is a higher price for Vibram's grip compound versus Continental Rubber — both are credible, but the Zegama is clearly positioned for more aggressive terrain. For planning the rest of your fall weekend kit, our fitness and health guide covers outdoor gear beyond footwear.
shop & earn cash backFall Hiking Boot Comparison: At a Glance
The table below summarizes the confirmed pricing and key waterproofing specifications across the products featured in this guide, to help you compare quickly by budget and protection level.
| Product | Price | Waterproofing |
|---|---|---|
| adidas Terrex Skychaser Mid GTX (all colorways) | $135 |
GORE-TEX EPE |
| Columbia Men's Newton Alpine PT Boot | $130 | Waterproof (proprietary) |
| UA Expanse Reaper Waterproof Printed Boot | $161.97 | Waterproof |
| Nike ACG Zegama Hike | $190 | All-conditions (check spec) |
| Sorel Caribou Horizon GTX Women's | $350 | GORE-TEX |
| Skechers Relment Daggett | $75 | Water-repellent |
| Durango Renegade XP Waterproof (Men's & Women's) | $59 | Waterproof |
| Backcountry / Merrell / Under Armour / Sorel remaining picks | Check current price | Varies by model |
Ready to Choose Your Fall Hiking Boots?
Among all the options evaluated, the adidas Terrex Skychaser Mid GORE-TEX stands out as the strongest confirmed value: GORE-TEX waterproofing, Continental Rubber grip, and a lightweight build at $135 — down from $180, representing a 25% saving with a confirmed current price. For hikers who need maximum cold-weather performance and have the budget for it, the Sorel Caribou Horizon GTX and Nike ACG Zegama Hike are the top-tier picks at their respective price points. Use the product links above to check current availability and sizing before fall conditions arrive in your area. You can also explore more outdoor and style-focused shopping guides on Chirpyest to complete your seasonal kit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need waterproof hiking boots for fall, or will water-resistant shoes work?
For most fall trail conditions — wet leaves, mud, light rain, and stream crossings — a full waterproof membrane (such as GORE-TEX or a proprietary waterproof lining) is worth the upgrade over water-repellent coatings alone. Water-repellent treatments help in light drizzle but saturate quickly in prolonged wet conditions. If you're hiking in consistently damp climates or in regions that see fall rain regularly, a fully waterproof boot from options like the Merrell Moab 3, adidas Terrex Skychaser GTX, or Columbia Crestwood Mid is more reliable for keeping your feet dry across a full day's hike.
What's the difference between a mid-height hiking boot and a low-cut trail shoe for fall hiking?
Mid-height hiking boots extend above the ankle, providing additional lateral support on uneven and rocky fall terrain — particularly useful when hiking with a pack or on off-trail routes. Low-cut trail shoes offer more freedom of movement and are typically lighter, which reduces fatigue on longer distances but provides less ankle protection. For most fall day hikers on established trails, either can work; for longer weekend hikes with elevation gain or loose terrain, mid-height boots from brands like Merrell, adidas, and Columbia are generally the more practical choice.
Which fall hiking boot is best for wide feet?
Several options in this guide are specifically available in wide widths: the Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof (wide, women's) via Backcountry, the Columbia Women's Newton Ridge Plus Waterproof Hiking Boot (wide), and the Skechers Relment Daggett with its Relaxed Fit design that adds room at the toe and forefoot. Among these, the Merrell and Columbia options offer more robust waterproofing for fall trail use, while the Skechers is better suited to lighter hiking and everyday wear.
Is a $59 hiking boot worth buying, or should I spend more for fall trail use?
The Durango Renegade XP at $59 includes genuine waterproofing, an EVA midsole, and dual fiberglass shanks for torsional stability — meaningful features at that price point. However, budget boots typically involve tradeoffs in outsole durability, upper materials, and long-term performance compared to options from Merrell, adidas, or Columbia in the $100–$180 range. For casual day hikes on maintained trails, the Durango may be sufficient; for frequent hiking, technical terrain, or multi-season use, investing in a mid-range boot is likely to provide better value over time.