Best hiking and work boots, according to AI

Data as of Aug 25, 2026 · Based on 1,702 AI responses · See how Parse measures this

Merrell has surged to become AI's most-recommended brand for hiking and work boots, leading a major shift in the niche. Since late 2025, AI recommendations have pivoted dramatically, favoring hiking-focused brands over traditional work boot manufacturers.

Hiking and Work Boots

282 brands

ParseChatGPT + Google AI

Parse

https://parse.gl

Measured across ChatGPT & Google AI

Best Hiking and Work Boots, According to ChatGPT & Google AI | Parse

#	Brand	What AI says	Mention rate
1	SalomonA top gainer, praised for technical performance and excellent ankle support.	A top gainer, praised for technical performance and excellent ankle support.	41%
2	MerrellNow the top-cited brand, often recommended for all-around comfort and value.	Now the top-cited brand, often recommended for all-around comfort and value.	38%
3	HOKAFrequently recommended for its maximum cushioning, especially for long-distance comfort.	Frequently recommended for its maximum cushioning, especially for long-distance comfort.	29%
4	Red Wing ShoesStill leads in the stylish work boot category, especially its heritage models.	Still leads in the stylish work boot category, especially its heritage models.	29%
5	KEENA growing recommendation, often noted for its roomy toe box and comfort.	A growing recommendation, often noted for its roomy toe box and comfort.	29%
6	La SportivaConsistently cited for technical hiking and excellent grip on rocky terrain.	Consistently cited for technical hiking and excellent grip on rocky terrain.	28%
7	Danner		27%
8	LOWAGained significant visibility for its classic, supportive, and durable leather boots.	Gained significant visibility for its classic, supportive, and durable leather boots.	23%
9	Timberland		21%
10	Brunt WorkwearFrequently positioned as a modern, comfortable, and budget-friendly work boot option.	Frequently positioned as a modern, comfortable, and budget-friendly work boot option.	21%
11	Wolverine		20%
12	ThorogoodA key player for USA-made work boots with a classic moc toe.	A key player for USA-made work boots with a classic moc toe.	20%
13	Vibram		17%
14	Oboz Footwear		17%
15	GORE-TEX		15%
16	Columbia Sportswear		14%
17	Ariat		13%
18	On		12%
19	Scarpa		12%
20	Carhartt		12%
21	Altra		10%
22	Zamberlan		10%
23	CAT Footwear		9%
24	Asolo		9%
25	REI Co-op		6%
26	adidas		6%
27	JK Boots		5%
28	L.L.Bean		5%
29	Carolina Shoe		5%
30	Thursday Boot Company		5%
31	Kenetrek		5%
32	Nick's Boots		5%
33	New Balance		4%
34	Superfeet		4%
35	The North Face		4%
36	Tecovas		4%
37	KeenA growing recommendation, often noted for its roomy toe box and comfort.	A growing recommendation, often noted for its roomy toe box and comfort.	4%
38	Georgia Boot		4%
39	Blundstone		3%
40	Skechers		3%
41	Orthofeet		3%
42	Irish Setter Boots		2%
43	Caterpillar		2%
44	Ridgecut		2%
45	Backcountry		2%
46	Dick's Sporting Goods		2%
47	Arc'teryx		2%
48	Boot Barn		2%
49	Hawx Boots		2%
50	BruntWork		2%
51	Hawx		2%
52	Muck Boot Company		2%
53	Swede-O		2%
54	Twisted X		2%
55	Chippewa Boots		2%
56	Topo Athletic		2%
57	Tractor Supply		1%
58	Rocky Boots		1%
59	Meindl		1%
60	Foxelli		1%
61	Scheels		<1%
62	Goodyear		<1%
63	Tecnica		<1%
64	Lems		<1%
65	Dr. Martens		<1%
66	Vasque		<1%
67	Nortiv8		<1%
68	White's Boots		<1%
69	Walmart		<1%
70	Hector Maden		<1%
71	Sorel		<1%
72	Brooks Running		<1%
73	Hi-Tec		<1%
74	Camel City Mill		<1%
75	REIGEAR		<1%
76	Etsy		<1%
77	Continental Tires		<1%
78	Switchback Travel		<1%
79	Duluth Trading Company		<1%
80	Everboots		<1%
81	DEWALT		<1%
82	Salewa		<1%
83	OutdoorGearLab		<1%
84	Double-H Boots		<1%
85	North 40 Outfitters		<1%
86	Teva		<1%
87	Journeys		<1%
88	Wesco Boots		<1%
89	Hanwag		<1%
90	GearJunkie		<1%
91	Cody James		<1%
92	RunRepeat		<1%
93	Shoes For Crews		<1%
94	Jim Green		<1%
95	Saucony		<1%
96	Propét		<1%
97	Mountaineer Journey		<1%
98	Pro Tool Reviews		<1%
99	Clarks		<1%
100	BOA Fit System		<1%