Boots
Score packs, tents, and other 2010 products BACKPACKER editors reviewed in the April Gear Guide, including Editors' Choice winners!
This all-purpose midweight hits the hiking boot trifecta–great fit, support, and price.
To survive mixer-tough mountain trails, get Old World craftsmanship.
We took durability testing to the extremes, so you would know which gear lasts–and why.
Whether you're mountaineering, snowshoeing, hiking, or trail running we've tested the winter boot/shoe models you'll want.
Genuinely breathable winter running shoe, great for long slushy runs.
Insulated backpacking boots with enough support to carry a 50-pound pack.
Ideal for treks on packed snow, this boot is great for wintry day hikes.
Ideal for snowshoeing, or wintry day hikes, this boot keeps your feet dry and warm.
Whether it's snowshoeing, light day hiking, or sloshing through town, this boot does it all.
Sturdy yet light, this boot is great for the most extreme day hikes.
Made for big peaks, this boot is warm, and great for ice and snow
Multiple layers and materials make this boot perfect for the summit.
Want to enjoy more time on the trail? It's simple: Bring the whole family, but make sure the kids stay comfortable with gear built for them.
Solid, mid-weight support, waterproof, and grippy tread make this classic boot your kid's go to for all their hiking needs.
Can you really get high performance on a shoestring budget? Our testers found five pairs of light-duty synthetics that deliver huge returns.
Traveling trail runners will be all over this The North Face shoe.
This midcut hiker is great for wet conditions.
This boot earned our best all-around mark, and fits a wide range of foot shapes as well.
This dual-purpose runner works well on everything from roads to rough trail.
We tested 150 boots this year, tallying enough trail miles to hike from Acadia to Denali–and back. Why? To help you find the perfect outdoor footwear.
We tested 150 boots this year, tallying enough trail miles to hike from Acadia to Denali–and back. Why? To help you find the perfect outdoor footwear.
We tested 150 boots this year, tallying enough trail miles to hike from Acadia to Denali–and back. Why? To help you find the perfect outdoor footwear.
Tent leak like a sieve? Boots stink like a compost pile? Don't worry. Class is now in session. Whether you're a beginner or a pro, this in your one-stop, do-it-all user's guide.
We tested 150 boots this year, tallying enough trail miles to hike from Acadia to Denali–and back. Why? To help you find the perfect outdoor footwear.
The best new gear. That's what earns our seal of approval, and only after months of hardcore testing. This year, we subjected dozens of products to heinous trail conditions from Alaska to Wales. In the end, 18 survived to take our top honor.
Soaked, scuffed, and beat up? We'll show you how to get your trusty footwear back to trail-ready.
This Gore-Tex hiking boot has only improved since we named it Editors' Choice last year.
Expect heavy-duty performance in this lightweight hiking boot by La Sportiva.
The Outdry treatment and ultralight weight mean this hiking shoe will go wherever you do.
Get a grip—the soles of these boots stick to any surface.
These boots are tough on terrain but nice and comfortable on feet.
Heavy loads and dangerous terrain are no obstacle for these waterproof mountaineering boots.
The North Face packs extreme waterproofing and long distance comfort into this bargain boot.
This boot is the perfect fit from the first lace-up to the top of the tallest, wettest mountain.
For tough hikes with heavy loads and varying terrain, choose this waterproof and super supportive boot.
Brave cold, wet weather with LOWA's sturdy, Gore-Tex winter boot.
Don't let the tough and sturdy exterior fool you—inside this boot is pure, luxurious comfort.
Tackle the soggiest, wettest, and coldest terrain with this solid traction boot.
For all-around performance, check out this ultralight and super comfortable boot.
Submerge these comfortable waterproof boots in snow and your toes will never know the difference.
For extreme waterproofing at a good price, you can't beat these insulated, high cut boots.
Scramble, bushwhack, and ascend with this all-around solid boot.
This updated Editors' Choice winner stays true to its roots—but now it's a lighter and more breathable boot.
You won't find a boot more supportive or breathable with this low of a price tag.
For lightweight versatility, lace up this low-cut and supportive shoe.
Hit the trail with this waterproof and ultralight boot from Teva.
Use and abuse this tough, low-cut, and lightweight boot by Patagonia.
The supportive midsole, tough build, and bargain price of the Teton proves looks can be deceiving.
Run and hike through any terrain thanks to the sticky outsole of this shoe.
This boot combines lightweight, sneaker-like comfort with solid support.
Testers loved everything about this women's specific shoe, especially the arch support and breathability.
These trail runners are the perfect mix of waterproof and breathable.
New ion mask technology is great for breathability in this lightweight midcut boot.
Take a bite out of dirt and snow with the tough soles on this midcut boot.
If you want the perfect pair of trail runners, look no further than the Gel-Trabuco's.
This low-cut, waterproof shoe is a bargain and perfect for dayhikes and light overnights.
Bring us your narrow feet, your wide feet, or the freakishly long–these boots are the answer.
Can't decide which boots are right for the trip? Stop wondering and start hiking with this all-purpose midweight.
Get technical layers that work everywhere from hotel bars to high-mountain trails. Our testers vetted more than 50 products from the Alps to the Andes to bring you these top systems.
A great pair of versatile leather boots that handle most conditions well.
The stylish Ahnu Mirage is tough enough for the backcountry or streets.
I'm organizing my first group trip. Can I rent gear for newbies who may not be ready to buy?
The latest word from our testers. This month, we test the Marmot Cauldro jacket, Gregory Z65 pack, Exped Andromeda, tents, Danner Formation boots, and more.
4 sole-saving tips from a veteran boot doctor
Does your pack smell like last summer's cheddar? Here's how to clean up.
The latest word from our testers
Get maximum support, traction, and protection without wafflestomper weight or break-in. Welcome to the new breed of all-terrain, any-load boots.
The year's best packs, boots, tents, jackets, and sleeping bags. Period. Plus, a never-die headlamp, a life-saving beacon, a back-saving ultralight chair, and more innovative, trail-tested gear.
We know. You meant to scrub and scour your gear last fall. But...[insert excuse here]. Now, set aside one weekend afternoon to get your gear back into action and promise to be better next year.
The best gear in the world can be worthless in the wrong conditions. That's where Backpacker's Perfect System comes in.
You won't go far with sore feet. So our testers went the distance–5,000 miles, to be exact–to bring you the best shoes for every foot and hike.
We found 17 pioneering products that will cut your carbon cost without sacrificing performance.
There's a bewildering array of tent options available, including hundreds of three-season tents and specialized models built for hot deserts, Arctic summits, and steamy rain forests.
Before shopping for gear it's important to plan a budget, do your research, and prioritize.
Clothing is gear that's just as important as a tent or sleeping bag. We'll help you choose wisely.
Pick the boot that's right for you with this guide.
Vibram continues to expand on its successful mission of reaching a younger, broader audience with work for innovators in the trail running field.
Make sure you don't forget a thing with our comprehensive gear checklists for pretty much any trip occasion. Plus, learn how to pick the perfect piece of gear.
Backpacker's Ultimate Fix-It Guide
Choose the right type of gaiter for your trip.
By keeping your gear (relatively) free of dirt and grime and storing it properly you can make your gear last forever.
If the February '08 Backpacker article "Magnifique" inspired you to take a hut trip to France's Maritime Alps, here are ten lodging options.
Stay light on your feet with the Lafuma Active Raid GTX XCR, Garmont Eclipse XCR, Merrell Chameleon II XCR, Montrail Mountain Mist XCR, and Vasque Breeze Low XCR.
Go light on your feet with the Adidas Cloudcap XCR and Garmont Nasty.
Get killer ankle and underfoot support in an ultralight hiking boot.
Light boots that are good for medium-sized feet.
Breathable low-cut hikers for medium-volume feet.
Boots that are amazingly stable, delightfully lightweight, and surprisingly waterproof.
Boots for women that are both sturdy and compact.
Keep your feet warm and dry while snowshoeing, camping, and shoveling the driveway with the Columbia Ice Dragon, North Face Ice Storm GTX, and Kamik Patriot.
Catch the hot spot before it's too late
A hiking boot that provides outstanding protection against rocks, cactus, snow, and rain
What to do when your soles come undone.
Enough support and comfort to carry a big load for 56 miles in four days--that is, if you're up to it
Introducing a new breed of synthetic boots: fast, nimble, and surprisingly supportive.
Prevent blisters, hike grit-free, and find arch support in a lightweight boot
Channel your nimble-footed inner child with these grippy, hikeable shoes.
A cushy sole makes these a good choice for long trail days.
Excellent fit, support, and waterproofing set a high bar for low-priced boots.
Don't throw big-ticket boots in the bin when a quick makeover will do the trick.
These nimble shoes are a steal for hikers with narrow feet.
On hot summer days, these breathable shoes beat the heat.
Slip into the most comfortable all-leather backpacking boot you've worn in years
Be cool in fastpacking's finest footwear
Young hikers deserve performance shoes
New Zealand is pretty to look at, but harsh on gear--making it just what we needed for our Kiwi challenge.
Pamper your feet with the most supportive footbeds we've tested
What kind of scrambler would pass up a shoe with soles described as Spider-Man-like? C'mon!
Despite its name, Garmont's lighter boot provides excellent support, but a bit too much for fastpackers and trail runners.
If you wake up wanting to walk 1,000 miles, go out and purchase a pair of these first.
If there's a rough and tough masochist in the ultralight category, it's the Cyclone.
Give this boot a little time to really feel broken-in, and it will reward you with years of comfortable hiking.
This scrambler provides everything you need to go anywhere you want: support, grip, comfort, and waterproofing.
Don't underestimate the power of this model's plus sign -- the new and improved shoe almost offers too much to use the same name.
The Trek brings serious trail mileage capabilities to the original (and winning) Trango S.
Mesh-covered vents take these strong midcuts into the future of fastpacking shoes.
The Terrastryder-Mid triumphs in the "Best Fit" category for the hard-to-fit group -- just beware of its sogginess factor.
When it was time for Ladies' Choice, they picked the boot that 'just plain fit.'
Check out the best lightweight boot for your heavyweight foot.
How do you know that your gear is crying out for help? Consult our handy list of signs and solutions.
A complete guide to buying gear that will keep you dry--no matter what
You think thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail is a long walk?
One of the lightest shoes in the test scores big with trail runners.
No toes will be lost in these mountaineering boots.
Not a speed demon? These traditionalists are great for light hiking.
Let others wilt in the heat; your feet are air-cooled by these ventilated runners.
Even big guys with wide feet will feel agile with these supportive shoes.
Ready, set, go. You'll literally run down the trail with these featherweight kicks.
Pillows underfoot might be softer, but they won't last like these cushy shoes.
Ventilation and traction are a nice combo, but stability doesn't match the best.
These shoes can handle any terrain.
A boot that actually improves your agility
These aren't Elvis' blue suede shoes.
Hike on the trail then run on the road with these versatile shoes.
While these shoes aren't for running they are great on the trail or on the town.
A favorite among mountaineers
Boreal gives us a boot that provides stability and waterproofing.
They're not fancy, but they do the job.
Whether you're on rocks or a grassy trail, you're sure to love these boots.
If a short trip is your plan, grab these boots and go.
A long lasting, hard working boot
You won't find a better all-purpose lightweight boot.
A top all-purpose midweight boot
New technologies make this pair of boots a standout.
Become geckolike the minute you slide into these shoes.
A well valued boot, great of every level of hiking.
Want a midweight that can tread in heavyweight terrain?
Boots ideal for summer fast-packing
Light and supportive all in the same package
Given an Editors' Choice Award in 2001, this boot continues to be a great value.
The cork-bed of your sandals in a boot.
Snow-covered trails are no match for this shoe
Not the best for long days and heavy loads, but great for fastpacking.
Socks are as important as the footwear we buy. Follow our two-step buyer's guide.
...From The Experts At Montrail
Waterproof boots can make the difference between a sick hike and a miserable slog.
Lengthen your boots' life span by following this simple maintenance plan.
You can experience heavenly hiking even if you lose your boot sole.
Consider these points when deciding if an approach shoe is right for you.
Rubber boots are essential gear in the tundra.
Think blisters are a sure thing when you hike? Think again: Here's your ticket to preventing and treating the dreaded sores.
There are different boots for different types of terrain. Follow these 10 essentials to match sole to trail.
Before you get a new boot, make sure the shoe fits with our sizing chart.
Inventor finds a way to harness all that energy you burn on switchbacks and long trails.
Know what can and can't be repaired on your boots, and who to call.
Insiders' tips to keep your hikers on the trail longer.
Take care of your hiking boots and they'll take care of you.
Log some easy "city" miles in your new hiking boots before that epic trip.
For maximum comfort, keep your feet drier and cooler.
A simple blister remedy gets you back on the trail fast.
