What are the best quality hiking boots?

[Lunificent]

And which are the most fashionable right now (if that’s not a contradiction in terms)?

If you're actually hiking in them, the best boots are ones that fit properly.
Go to an outdoor store, get measured, try them on and get fitted properly.

Of it's just.for fashion, Go Outdoors and pick what you like.

Do you want them for actual hiking? If so, go to an outdoor gear shop and try a few pairs on and see his they fit your feet. Salomon, Meindel, Merrell and Scarpa are all good brands, but no good if they don’t suit your feet. There are others. The shop should be able to advise you on suitable models for the tile of hiking you intend to do. Stay away from fashion brands.

x Post @MaryAndHerNet

Hi Brasher - I have these, they were my mum's and still going strong. Incredibly comfortable and hard wearing. Last forever.

I have a pair of berghaus boots and teamed with proper hiking/boot socks they are great.

www.berghaus.com/women-s-supalite-ii-gore-tex-boots-brown/13140026.html

If they’re for actual hiking agree go to a store and get fitted.
I really like my On hiking boots, they’re much lighter than previous ones I’ve had and I think they look pretty good too. I’ve got the waterproof ones.

I have these (in a different colour way) and they are so comfortable and supportive, I really wish I’d bought them sooner.

www.cotswoldoutdoor.com/p/keen-womens-targhee-iii-mid-water-proof-boots-B2134372.html?colour=5539

For actual hiking - Solomon
For looking like you go hiking - Grensons

I have timberlands with a slight heel - I walk 10 miles a day and quite happy with them!

Got some Salomon 3-4 years ago. Were SO comfortable after my previous ones (which were fine, so not comparing against a rubbish product). Very satisfied with them.

My Salomons lost any waterproofing after a few months...they replaced them and the same happened again!

Scarpa Terra gtx all the way for me.

Fashion and hiking don't really go together.
You need to decide what type of hiking you will be doing and in what weather conditions . Trainer type ones probably look good ( fashion wise ) but will they correctly protect your ankles if you walk on uneven ground and stumble . Trainer type ones are also not really waterproof , so if you have to cross a stream that is wide enough that you have to use stepping stones or go into water to cross , or even a really big long puddle on a path , believe me having to walk miles in soggy socks is not good.
We mountain walk , sometimes not on paths , and often on wet boggy ground , so for us it has to be traditional leather ones. Yes they can be heavy , but properly looked after will last year's and stay waterproof. Mendls for us.

Keen Targhee II - low rise for me. Have worn variants of this shoe for years.

Great if you have a wider foot.

I have Mamut boots that are still comfy and waterproof after 12 years. I've done hundreds and hundreds of miles in them.

I don't know if they are fashionable. But I wear them to the pub in winter to keep my feet warm and dry and on holidays in the summer with baggy/skater denim shorts when we go on day hikes. I don't think I look terrible but who knows?

I much prefer ones that are more like running shoes than boots, purely due to the weight of them. Yes they're not waterproof, but that doesn't bother me. I'd rather have a lightweight shoe even if it gets wet, rather than a heavy boot that isn't as flexible.
But then I also like the option of being able to break into a run when I'm out walking, so lighter shoes are better for that too. That's why I always go hiking in my inov8s, though Salomon are also good. My Merrell walking boots barely make it out of the loft.

Dunno if inov8 are considered "fashionable" or not (doubt it) but who cares tbh?!

It depends on you, your feet and what you're going to be doing in them. Eg what are your arches like? Do you pronate? Carry any extra weight? Do your ankles roll easily? How far are you walking? In what climate and what terrain? Any decent outdoor shop should be able to give you some advice and bring you a few to try on. None of them are fashionable though imo.

I had a pair of Salomans which were the best boots I've ever had for grippiness. Quite liked my Scarpas too, very comfy, although they let water in after not very long.

For everyday trail shoes- Scarpa Crux, for summer hiking Meindl Lites, for serious winter stuff Scarpa Mantas.
Not sure any are fashionable really but I do quite like the hybrid look of the Scarpa Crux.

If your feet are more narrow, try Salewa - best hiking boots I have ever had!

There are several good brands but the best ones are the ones that fit you. Scarpa, Alt-berg, Mammut, all the ones mentioned. Plus get the right "level" of boot for your type of walking. I tend to go for leather boots pitched at mountain walking but not full on crampon winter mountaineering, so if DH drags me up some Munro's I have enough ankle protection.

Outdoors isn't exactly fashion but there are definitely trends, see here for what's new on the market. www.tgomagazine.co.uk/outdoor-gear-news/gear-guides/three-season-boots-review/

Scarps and Meindl are two of the highest quality manufacturers. I use boots from both. But it depends what you want to use them for. If it’s shorter and easier hikes rather than 3-4 season stuff then you’re probably better off with a lightweight trainer-like design. Brasher also do good lightweight leather boots. Brands like Timberland are not designed or made for hiking.

Totally agree with @NotMeNoNo . Different boots fit different feet differently. I can not get on with Salomons or Inov8, they just don’t fit my feet properly without niggling or rubbing somewhere, but they are both good brands. Scarpa I can wear for a long day in the hills, straight out of the box.

DH used to work in outdoor retail and is a trained boot fitter who prides himself on being able to get a pair of boots fit everyone - he uses different lacing patterns to adjust micro fit.

It really is worth spending a bit of time and money at a reputable outdoor shop to find “your” boots.Or just get custom fit Alt-bergs..: A good shop willarvicr on the type of boot you need for the type of walking you intend to do too. Most manufacturers do a range.

Definitely Merrell's - I have 2 pairs winter and summer. Wore them straight from the box!

Meindl

Salomon for me because the narrow heel cup fits my feet. Merrell trainer style for warm weather come a decent second.