Gear Review: Tough Boots

I love the outdoor community. It's hard to love the outdoor magazine website comment thread community.

I am curious what boots did not make it and why also there is no mention of Gronell, Scarpa or La Sportiva three of the best boot builders left these days.

I would like to see the review on the boots that did not make it and why. Also, what happened to the La Sportiva?

@Steve...blah blah blah. If you actually read the review, I state that I don't purchase BP anymore, not that I don't keep up on the website etc. I just won't pay money for the marketing of certain brands over another. I do enjoy seeing what is out there.

I am glad yer Smrt enough to notice they review nine boots...but it also says Tough and Best Protection...which is totally false.

I agree that fit is totally subjective for the person, but toughness isn't when it comes to construction...some people work as professionals and use the boots for the intended purpose, not just walking on trails or around a park.

What is silly is that BP takes a small sampling (probably donated for marketing reasons) and purports this or that certain boot as "best" in certain categories rather than providing an honest in-depth review of strengths and weaknesses for each boot they received. As was stated before, not seeing any La Sportiva boots up there is a travesty. I am also a HUGE fan of my Kayland boots. Ankle support, eVent liner (something none of these have), hybrid crampon compatible (also something none of these can do), and insulated perfectly so that I dont overheat in them even in 90+ heat (and I have WARM feet) and they keep me warm down to about 0 degrees. Just provide reviews, dont claim one to be best in a category when you haven't even sampled a fraction of all the actual offerings in a category. I can tell you Burger King is the best restaurant in town if I based it off a small enough sampling of places to eat!

What is silly is that BP takes a small sampling (probably donated for marketing reasons) and purports this or that certain boot as "best" in certain categories rather than providing an honest in-depth review of strengths and weaknesses for each boot they received. As was stated before, not seeing any La Sportiva boots up there is a travesty. I am also a HUGE fan of my Kayland boots. Ankle support, eVent liner (something none of these have), hybrid crampon compatible (also something none of these can do), and insulated perfectly so that I dont overheat in them even in 90+ heat (and I have WARM feet) and they keep me warm down to about 0 degrees. Just provide reviews, dont claim one to be best in a category when you haven't even sampled a fraction of all the actual offerings in a category. I can tell you Burger King is the best restaurant in town if I based it off a small enough sampling of places to eat!

It's a little silly to argue and insult over boots, or any gear. If someone has a boot that they love then there's no argument after that. It's their feet and my feet are my feet. I like my Asolo 520's but I also have some midweight REI brand boots and some lightweights made by the original lightweight boot maker, Hi Tec, that I use for backpacking in wet canyons. They're all good boots for me even if they won't work for you.

Yes, which ones didnt survive? My husbands Soloman hikers are still looking great, and he uses them for everything. Now, hes an infantry vet, he knows how to break boots in.

I am amused by comments from people who say things like "that's why I don't purchase BP...bla, bla, bla..." --on BP's website. Do they think that we don't see through their hypocracy? Obviously, they stay connected to BP or they wouldn't read the BP website. Ha, Ha. That's like the kid who says, "I hate chocolate chip cookies" - with his mouth full, after finishing off a plate of them and waits for his mom to make more. Keep up the good work BP! I will continue to read your reviews. Besides, I am smart enough to realize that when you say you are comparing 9 boots, that means nine and there are other boots that won't be reviewed on this list.

Yes, which ones didnt survive? My husbands Soloman hikers are still looking great, and he uses them for everything. Now, hes an infantry vet, he knows how to break boots in.

Really? Another reason why I don't purchase Backpacker anymore, this is obviously an add paid for by these boot companies. While I think some of them are okay boots...they are by no means tough. With the exception of the Lowa. If you need tough boots go with Zambelan Civetta...or La Sportiva

Come on BP quit going for flashy colors and actually for once think of utility and function.

Stellar job once again.

My Sportiva's (and I) survived a lot of mountain adventures.

I have some Asolo Prism GTX boots that are awesome. Fit like a glove, not too heavy, great balance, great support, and the Gore-Tex lets my feet breathe.

I still think the LL Bean Cresta Hikers are the best all around boot on the market. They have often been a Backpacker magazine favorite. If you Google them, a lot of people think the same thing.

Which ones did not survive?

A shame that La Sportiva did not get recognized.