Hiking shoes should fit perfectly on the foot and offer a secure hold. At the same time, hiking shoes should not be too heavy and should be as breathable as possible. The space for the toes and the general wearing comfort should not be neglected.
Bringing everything under one roof (or one shoe) is therefore a difficult undertaking – which is why many customers often find it difficult to buy given the huge selection.
Stiftung Warentest examined a total of ten hiking boots for the 9/2022 issue. In addition to eight models with a membrane, mostly made of waterproof, breathable Gore-Tex, two models without a membrane were also tested. They are made of leather inside and out. However, as the results show, it doesn’t make a big difference. A total of two models perform “very well”. One of the test-winning boots has a membrane, the other winning shoe does not.
In the following table we show you the respective Test winner shoe with and without membrane as well as one strong alternative each. Information on the test and all models can be found at Stiftung Warentest. You can also find more tips and recommended hiking shoes in our detailed purchase advice.