Over the last few years, the sportswear market has seen incredible growth, with people around the world rediscovering their love of nature and learning the importance of spending time outdoors for their physical and mental well-being.
Among all the clothing and accessories required for outdoor sports, Gore-Tex hiking boots are an all-time favorite. These shoes are indispensable both for when hiking is an occasional physical activity and for when it’s a passion pursued every week.
For online and offline clothing and accessory stores, offering a selection of high-quality hiking boots is crucial to meeting growing demand. In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know to ensure you are stocking the best hiking boots on the market for your buyers in 2025!
Table of Contents
The hiking footwear market
How to select the best hiking boots
Final thoughts
The hiking footwear market
Thanks to its ability to combine physical exercise and contact with nature, hiking is now among the most loved sports worldwide, and it was the most popular outdoor activity in the US in 2023.
Accessible to people of all ages, hiking has seen a notable increase in practitioners after the COVID-19 pandemic, which pushed many people to seek outdoor relief from restrictions and forced online relationships with friends or family.
Driven by these factors, in 2023, the global hiking footwear market reached a value of about USD 19.95 billion and is further estimated to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.40% to reach a striking value of around USD 26.94 billion by 2032.
The demand for high-quality hiking boots is increasing globally, even in the APAC region that had yet to register an interest in outdoor-lifestyle goods before. Customers are interested in eco-sustainable products made with innovative materials. They are also increasingly attentive to the quality, comfort, and durability of products, looking for brands that offer reliability and performance.
How to select the best hiking boots
Choosing the proper hiking boots to resell is a make-or-break deal for the success of an online or offline store. Unlike sneakers, a pair of boots isn’t just something people buy impulsively on social media because they like the look.
Walking for a long time, even for several hours or days, on uneven trails and surfaces or steep paths with significant slopes and less than constant grip can subject one’s feet to stress that is anything but negligible. The wrong shoe can even lead to long-term health problems. Consumers look for footwear they can wear with confidence that can prevent complications ranging from inflammation to sprains and bruises.
Top-selling hiking shoes must guarantee protection from the environment and proper support for one’s feet, as well as offering the maximum level of comfort. Here are some essential aspects to consider to ensure that you are stocking hiking boots that are ready to sell.
Comfort and fit
Comfort is a crucial aspect when choosing hiking boots. Ensure the products you offer have a great fit and are available in various sizes to fit all foot types. Good internal padding, arch support and cushioned soles can make a difference in the user experience, reducing the risk of blisters and fatigue.
Don’t be afraid to stock bigger sizes because people usually buy hiking boots that are half to one and a half sizes bigger so they can wear them with thick socks. The perfect hiking shoe wraps the foot without making it feel constricted, leaving space in the front so that the toes do not touch the shoe from the inside. Ultimately, the foot must be firm in the heel area but without feeling uncomfortable.
The right materials
The quality of the materials used to make the boots also plays a crucial role. You never know how the weather may change when you go hiking, so your shoes should always have a waterproof membrane to keep your feet comfortable.
The most common materials include leather, Gore-Tex, and other water-resistant synthetic fabrics. Leather offers durability and comfort, while Gore-Tex guarantees waterproofness and breathability.
Opting for waterproof boots made from high-quality, premium materials ensures that customers can tackle different weather conditions and environments without feeling unsafe or in pain even on rugged terrain.
Technical features
The technical characteristics of hiking boots can vary greatly and influence their performance. Some essential features to consider include:
- Waterproof: Essential for keeping the feet dry in rainy conditions or, for example, while crossing a river or walking through puddles.
- Breathability: This characteristic is essential to avoid the accumulation of sweat and keep feet fresh. Anti-odor hiking boots with breathable protection are experiencing a rise in popularity.
- Ankle support: Important for preventing injuries on uneven terrain.
- Non-slip soles: These ensure good traction on slippery or rocky surfaces while still providing a lighter weight.
Resistance and durability
Hiking footwear must be sturdy and durable, able to withstand heavy loads and the wear and tear of long walks on rough terrain.
Before reselling, every store owner and manager should check the quality of the stitching, the sturdiness of the soles and the overall resistance of the product.
An inventory of boots that can withstand the test of time will increase the store’s reputation and customer satisfaction as they can set off on a lifetime of adventures in their boots.
Design and aesthetics
Aesthetic appearance may come in last in this list of tips for choosing top-selling hiking boots, but it still plays a role in the consumers’ purchasing decision.
Generally, customers tend to prefer boots of darker colors, such as brown, gray, dark blue and black, as these hues are easier to clean from mud and grass spots.
Of course, offering a range of styles and colors can attract a broader customer base. Bright-colored models are usually go-to accessories for kids. Still, they can also be attractive to a target of women and men who look for shoes that are pleasing to the eye, combining aesthetics and practicality.
Final thoughts
Gathering an inventory of hiking boots and others requires careful evaluation of various factors, from the quality of the materials to comfort and from durability to technical characteristics, all without forgetting the design and, of course, price.
With the growing interest in hiking and outdoor activities, offering a selection of high-quality boots can significantly increase sales and build your customer base. For clothing and accessories stores, staying current on market trends and consumer preferences is crucial, as well as investing in products that meet your customer’s needs.
If you are looking for top-selling hiking boots that appeal to modern consumers, then head to Alibaba.com to browse a range of options from trusted suppliers.
