I Have a '1 Shoe' Rule When Packing, and These Are 9 Comfy Hiking Boots That Go With Everything — From $52

One of the reasons I love fall is changing my wardrobe. As much as I love wearing flip-flops (or thongs, as we Aussies call them), I adore boots of all varieties: ankle-length, knee-length, heeled booties — you name it. But as a frequent traveler who is always trying to pack lightly, I admit that boots are one of the most difficult items to pack with their bulky, space-hogging designs. This is especially true when dealing with hiking boots. 

In the past, I would take at least three boots with me whenever I traveled around Europe during the fall: a sturdy pair of hiking boots for all my activities outdoors, a pair of comfortable knee-high boots for city walks during the day, and most importantly, a pair of stiletto ankle-high boots for dinners and bar-hopping at night. Now, I bring just one pair of multifunctional boots to pack more efficiently; something I could wear on the trails, urban walks around a new city, and night outs at swanky bars and restaurants. 

Versatility, comfort, durability, and, of course, style are the main factors I consider when following my "one shoe" rule, and they're the same components I looked for when rounding up the web's best hiking boots that can be worn from trail to concrete without a second thought, resulting in a simpler packing list for your next trip. Below, you'll find cute hiking boots from The North Face, Merrell, and more top brands (many of which I've tested myself) — starting at $52. 

Merrell Harper Pull-on Waterproof Boots

Merrell is known for making some of the sturdiest hiking boots in the game, and its Harper Pull-on style has all the great traits of a top-quality hiker — only a little less rigid and more stylish. The greatest perk is comfort; the roomy toe box means that people with wide feet won't have to bunch their toes together (aka, no blisters when you wear them from day to night). The protective and abrasion-resistant rubber toe cap is reinforced with a breathable mesh lining so if your feet tend to sweat during long hikes, this is your ideal shoe. 

Merrell Moab Speed 2 Leather Mid Waterproof Hiking Boots 

Merrell’s Moab 3 Mids are one of my favorite boots, but they're very outdoorsy looking and would look out of place at a cafe or bar. When I need something a bit more neutral, I prefer the Moab Speed 2 Leather Mid Waterproof Hiking Boots. They're waterproof (which means you don't need to pack rain boots) and are great for walking around urban parks in any European city. They're much lighter and “grippier” compared to the other Moabs by Merrell, so you can take it on hikes with confidence — but I have to say the little features like the leather tongue and the molded leather on the uppers make them comfortable boots for all occasions and activities beyond hiking. 

The North Face Shellista V Mid Waterproof Boots 

These North Face boots are perfect for hikes in the French Alps and also for climbing really steep heels in the Swiss mountains, which I found out earlier this summer. But, the Shellista V Mid Waterproof Boots are just as great for walks around the city because of how polished they look. A modern redesign of the brand's masculine-leaning but sturdy boots, the waterproof and insulated shoes keep your feet warm during colder conditions and also have excellent grip to stop you from slipping on wet leaves. 

Sorel Ona Rmx Chukka Plus Waterproof Boots

I actually saw someone wearing these boots on the streets of Paris and asked her where she got them — so you know these grippy Sorel boots are stylish enough to wear out and about. The waterproof boots are great for any forecast (even snowy conditions; it's a comfortable boot for people who like to hike in slushy conditions) and while $145 is a steep price point, you'll get more bang for your buck by wearing them across all four seasons. 

Teva Midform Patchwork Boots

If you want stability during your hike, try the Midform Patchwork Boots by Teva.  A newly designed version of the popular style, this shoe has a lot of functional features to love, like their waterproof exteriors that keep your feet dry, microfiber linings for a softer and comfier feel on the skin, and suede panels on the upper sides of the shoe to make it just that much more fashionable for your day-to-night itinerary.

Columbia Women's Transverse Waterproof Hiking Shoes

One of the more affordable items in Columbia’s extensive shoe range, the Transverse Waterproof Hikers have mid-height collars for excellent ankle stability and the brand's signature Omni-Grip soles for extra traction. The hardware on the leather and mesh uppers makes these shoes more comfortable than others in the price range. Plus, the neutral color options allow them to seamlessly blend into your travel wardrobe; wear them with your favorite hiking pants and sweater from the trails to the shops. 

Timberland GreenStride Motion 6 Low Lace-up Hiking Boots

With the technical features of hiking boots and the sleek fit of running sneakers, the Timberland GreenStride Motion 6 Lows keep you nimble on the trail and looking and feeling good for a full day on your feet. The OrthoLite footbed and GreenStride soles provide long-lasting comfort and support as the Defender Repellent Systems-enhanced uppers protect the shoes from water. 

Sorel Women's Kinetic Impact Caribou Waterproof Shoes

Trust me, Sorel's Kinetic Impact Caribou Boots are the only shoes you need to pack for winter getaways this season. Their waterproof suede and full-grain leather uppers keep you cozy and dry as the Evertread technology in the soles promotes grippy traction on snow, ice, and other slick and uneven terrains. As if they couldn't get any cozier, the boots are lined with a plushy microfleece material for extra warmth. 

Nortiv 8 Women's Lightweight Hiking Shoes

If you've got a busy day of hiking and city exploring ahead, these Nortiv 8 Hiking Shoes will be the surefire M.V.P. of your suitcase. Their inconspicuous design makes it hard to tell that they're meant for the trails, which means you can get away with wearing them around town and out for the night without an outfit change. What's more, they're lightweight, extra grippy, and well-cushioned for long adventures. 

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