Hiking boots
The ultimate boot for the long approaches and class 3+ scrambles.
Upgrade your footwear: We found seven models that can take you from dayhikes to thru-hikes, and from desert to rainforest to peaks.
These after-market insoles control motion, fill excess volume, and more.
Comfortable, sneaker-like feel with a roomy toebox.
Flexible support and instant comfort; great for trips with lighter loads.
This supple leather boot has top-notch shock absorption and nearly an inch of arch support.
Running-shoe-like comfort, fit, and breathability.
For hikers in blazing climates who need well-ventilated, waterproof protection and all-terrain traction.
Testers prized these all-leather boots for their tenacious traction, superior comfort, and midsole support.
Named the best all-around boot by testers because of its unusually strong combination of protection, support, and nimbleness.
The shoe has less width in the heel and ball and more curve in the arch compared to men’s hikers.
Fast and light and luxe: Get running-shoe comfort and hiking-boot stability.
These boots offer classic style with modern-day comfort -- and they'll last a lifetime.
Warm winter boots that are also light and nimble.
The trail-runner-like Forge Pro has the teeth to take on ice, slush, and shallow snow.
This boot is packed with 600 grams of Thinsulate, the most insulation in any non-mountaineering boot we tested.
Warm enough for lifties but in a light and nimble package.
A rigid, all-leather boot with an integrated heel crampon.
Serious conditions require serious footwear, like these double-plastic alpine boots.
A boot with interchangeable soles--one for ice and one for snow and mud.
A versatile deep-winter boot
If the prospect of cold feet keeps you off the trail come winter, get these battery-charged boots.
Get light yet supportive shoes that stand up to the worst boot-chewing terrain–and satisfied our crew of Grand Canyon rangers and guides.
These cushy dayhikers are perfect for hiking with light loads.
This light hiker is practically abrasion resistant thanks to the thick pig suede upper.
This light hiker can carry up to 50 pounds!
A Five Ten shoe that excels at scrambling and smearing.
Bootlike support and traction with trail-runner shock absorption and weight.
What do dads really want? Hint: not more ties or car wash gift certificates. We polled our male staffers to find out what they hope to get (or give) this June 19th.
A low-cut hiker for all your daily adventures.
If light and fast is your hiking/trail running motto, these are your kicks.
Two of BACKPACKER's 14 Editors' Choice Award winners fall into this all-purpose hiking boot category.
For big mountain climbs, these are your boots
From fit to grip, this year's shoes do everything better.
Women love this comfortable, stable and affordable boot.
Lightweight book with a lightweight price.
One of the most versatile boots around.
Voted Editors' Choice 2011 as the best all-around boot.
A classic looking boot with above average support and stability.
This boot offers maximum performance and durability.
A great lightweight boot for heavy duty hiking.
The perfect boot for big, unpredictable mountain adventures.
Outfit your mama with the perfect overnight gear.
If the lady on your gift list likes to go hard or go home, we have eight pieces of gear calling her name.
Whether you're shopping for your wife, mom, girlfriend, or BFF we've done the heavy lifting for you with 40 picks that are sure to make her Mother's Day.
All-terrain stability and all-day comfort in this women's only hiking boot.
Incredible traction, light weight, and zero break-in
550-fill down booties that are perfect winter camp shoes.
A leather slipper with a rubber sole–the perfect camp shoe.
Get instant, all-day comfort and superb traction with this ultralight waterproof hiker.
Comfortable low-cut trail runners that offer support and performance.
In this guide, we show you methods for lacing your boots to prevent blisters and maximize comfort.
Boots with solid support and stability without being too heavy or clunky
These trail runners have exceptional shock absorption and a Gore-Tex liner to keep feet dry
Warm up with 7 picks for every winter pursuit.
These are the warmest (and lightest) boots you will ever need for winter.
These will keep your feet warm on the coldest of hikes.
This all-purpose boot provides great support and warmth.
The most versatile cold-weather boot for backpacking and snowshoeing.
These zippered gaiters keep out crusty debris.
These gaiters thrive in wet, wet conditions.
Made for ice climbers–perfect for anyone who needs tough, tall gaiters.
Ski socks that protect shins from boot bang.
Multi-season socks with tons of cush.
Bargain socks that are warm and resilient.
Perfect fit and great performance
For casual winter adventures, a warm-and-cozy boot.
Shockingly light, impressively warm, fabulously supportive...need we say more?
Lightweight boots that are comfortable enough to wear on dayhikes, yet burly enough to mount on to a pair of crampons for three-season summit efforts.
These five-toes socks squelch blisters.
Squash stinky feet.
Revitalize the soles of your hiking boots and climbing shoes.
Tackle the biggest terrain–under the heaviest loads–in this uncommonly comfortable boot.
Hike far, fast.
Boost your boots' warmth with these insoles.
Crampons that won't weigh you down
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.
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.
The stylish Ahnu Mirage is tough enough for the backcountry or streets.
Does your pack smell like last summer's cheddar? Here's how to clean up.
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.
Vibram continues to expand on its successful mission of reaching a younger, broader audience with work for innovators in the trail running field.
By keeping your gear (relatively) free of dirt and grime and storing it properly you can make your gear last forever.
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.
Boots that are amazingly stable, delightfully lightweight, and surprisingly waterproof.
Boots for women that are both sturdy and compact.
Breathable low-cut hikers for medium-volume feet.
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.
What to do when your soles come undone.
A hiking boot that provides outstanding protection against rocks, cactus, snow, and rain
Enough support and comfort to carry a big load for 56 miles in four days--that is, if you're up to it
Catch the hot spot before it's too late
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.
On hot summer days, these breathable shoes beat the heat.
These nimble shoes are a steal for hikers with narrow feet.
Don't throw big-ticket boots in the bin when a quick makeover will do the trick.
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.
Young hikers deserve performance shoes
Slip into the most comfortable all-leather backpacking boot you've worn in years
New Zealand is pretty to look at, but harsh on gear--making it just what we needed for our Kiwi challenge.
Be cool in fastpacking's finest footwear
Pamper your feet with the most supportive footbeds we've tested
The Trek brings serious trail mileage capabilities to the original (and winning) Trango S.
If there's a rough and tough masochist in the ultralight category, it's the Cyclone.
This scrambler provides everything you need to go anywhere you want: support, grip, comfort, and waterproofing.
Check out the best lightweight boot for your heavyweight foot.
The Terrastryder-Mid triumphs in the "Best Fit" category for the hard-to-fit group -- just beware of its sogginess factor.
If you wake up wanting to walk 1,000 miles, go out and purchase a pair of these first.
Mesh-covered vents take these strong midcuts into the future of fastpacking shoes.
When it was time for Ladies' Choice, they picked the boot that 'just plain fit.'
Give this boot a little time to really feel broken-in, and it will reward you with years of comfortable hiking.
Despite its name, Garmont's lighter boot provides excellent support, but a bit too much for fastpackers and trail runners.
What kind of scrambler would pass up a shoe with soles described as Spider-Man-like? C'mon!
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.
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?
Ventilation and traction are a nice combo, but stability doesn't match the best.
One of the lightest shoes in the test scores big with trail runners.
Pillows underfoot might be softer, but they won't last like these cushy shoes.
No toes will be lost in these mountaineering boots.
Ready, set, go. You'll literally run down the trail with these featherweight kicks.
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.
These shoes can handle any terrain.
Boreal gives us a boot that provides stability and waterproofing.
The cork-bed of your sandals in a boot.
While these shoes aren't for running they are great on the trail or on the town.
A top all-purpose midweight boot
Become geckolike the minute you slide into these shoes.
New technologies make this pair of boots a standout.
Given an Editors' Choice Award in 2001, this boot continues to be a great value.
These aren't Elvis' blue suede shoes.
They're not fancy, but they do the job.
Snow-covered trails are no match for this shoe
Light and supportive all in the same package
A boot that actually improves your agility
Hike on the trail then run on the road with these versatile shoes.
Want a midweight that can tread in heavyweight terrain?
Boots ideal for summer fast-packing
A well valued boot, great of every level of hiking.
You won't find a better all-purpose lightweight boot.
If a short trip is your plan, grab these boots and go.
A long lasting, hard working boot
Whether you're on rocks or a grassy trail, you're sure to love these boots.
A favorite among mountaineers
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.
For maximum comfort, keep your feet drier and cooler.
A simple blister remedy gets you back on the trail fast.
Log some easy "city" miles in your new hiking boots before that epic trip.
