A high shaft height is something to prioritize “when you are hiking over rocky terrain or generally prone to ankle sprains,” says Dr. Teter. “If you plan on going on multi-day backpacking trips or long day hikes where you’re carrying a heavy load, you might want a more heavy duty, sturdy pair of hiking boots,” recommends Bishop. A high shaft height also helps to keep out water, mud, rocks, and debris, says Dr. Teter.

However, a tall shaft isn’t necessary for every hiker, as it adds a lot of weight to the boot. Lightweight boots like the Salomon Outpulse and Altra Lone Peak blend features of trail running shoes with a mid-height cuff to provide moderate ankle support without loading your down.

Waterproofing

Believe it or not, waterproofing is one of the most controversial opinions when it comes to hiking boots. Some hikers swear by waterproof boots, while others prefer non-waterproof boots because they dry faster and are more breathable. If in doubt, consider the environment in which you’re hiking, Bishop says. “If you plan on hiking mainly in warm, arid climates, you’ll likely want a lightweight, breathable, non-waterproof hiking boot or shoe,” Romero says, adding that waterproof hiking boots are best suited for cold or rainy climates.”

If you do decide on a pair of waterproof hiking boots, you’ll have plenty of options. Brands use different types of waterproofing, including interior membranes and exterior coatings. For the best of the best, look for boots labeled “GTX,” which means they feature a Gore-Tex membrane interior to keep moisture out. “Gore-Tex is one of the best types of waterproofing,” Dr. Teter says, because it is also breathable, “so you don’t get too hot and start to sweat on your hike.”  If you’re curious about other waterproofing options, he also likes E-Vent, which is used by brands like Altra. And other brands are now coming out with their own waterproof materials for hiking boots. “Some can be good, but it is trial and error,” he adds.

Outsole

Hiking boot outsoles are what keep you firmly planted on the ground. And two key design elements will influence how well a pair of outsoles will perform outdoors: the quality of the rubber and the pattern of the tread. Similar to waterproofing, some brands use outsoles from reputable third-party companies like Vibram, while others, like Salomon, create their own material in house. Either way, good hiking shoes should be made with high-quality rubber to help the shoes stick and inspire confidence when navigating rocky trails.

A hiking boot’s tread refers to the pattern on the bottom of the shoe: “Just like all-terrain tires, hiking boot outsoles should have good tread—also called lugs,” Romero explains. These lugs will provide stability in uneven terrain by enhancing traction to prevent you from slipping. Some lugs are deep with sharp angles, designed to grip the earth in any condition from dry dirt to mud. Deeper lugs are particularly useful if you want to venture into rugged terrain on moderate to challenging trails. For hikers that prefer mellow trails in good conditions, their shoes’ outsoles don’t need to be as aggressive and may only have moderately deep lugs.

Use these tips as guidance and read on for the best hiking boots from top brands like La Sportiva, Salomon, and Danner.