Fall/Winter Gear Guide 2011: Footwear
From snowshoeing boots to winter trail runners and electric boots - we found the best cold-weather footwear for every activity.
From snowshoeing boots to winter trail runners and electric boots - we found the best cold-weather footwear for every activity.
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.
Trail runners with spikes embedded in the sole.
A low-cut hiker that fits and feels like a supportive sneaker.
A Vibram sole adds a bit of burly sturdiness to the Mammut Teton GTX boot.
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.
Bedroom-slipper light and instantly comfortable
The Terra's soft PU midsole, gives the boot a cushy, shock-absorbing feel.
One shoe for everything from dayhikes to dog walks to peakbagging epics.
This shoe excels when 'trail' is a generous description.
This barely there trail runner has the perfect blend of breathability, support, and durability.
Women love this comfortable, stable and affordable boot.
Lightweight book with a lightweight price.
One of the most versatile boots around.
It crushed the competition in terms of support.
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.
Warm up with 7 picks for every winter pursuit.
Your toes will stay warm while snowshoe running with these insulated runners.
These runners have such good traction, you'll love running in the snow.
Have the best protection in any weather with these all-season runners.
These heavy duty mountaineering boots are surprisingly lightweight and comfortable.
This all-purpose boot provides great support and warmth.
These are the warmest (and lightest) boots you will ever need for winter.
These will keep your feet warm on the coldest of hikes.
Get the most bang for your buck with these affordable all-purpose winter boots.
The most versatile cold-weather boot for backpacking and snowshoeing.
Take the scenic--and sporting--route to New York's highest summit.
Cool-weather enthusiasts–skiers, snowboarders, snowshoers, & winter hikers–will love this jacket.
Shockingly light, impressively warm, fabulously supportive...need we say more?
A convertible travel pack that can carry big loads.
How to choose an effective, safe sunblock.
Whether you need a trail runner or a burly mountaineering boot, here's the best of the year.
The test's best trail performer nets savings by cutting weight and waste.
As we saw with packs and bags, weight savings equal carbon savings.
Eco-friendly leather and recycled fabrics turn this bestseller green.
An upstart blows the doors off with recycled and natural materials.
Five manufacturers answer our call to design greener trail shoes.
Solid on the trail, this entry sparks a philosophical debate.
Buy the right boots for you–and get the right fit.
A boot with mega support without the extra weight
A summer mountaineering boot that's armor-tough
A luxurious leather-lined boot built for backpacking
A real backpacking boot for kids
A versatile boot with impressive support for its weight
A superlight boot for high-mileage speedhikers
Killer traction in all sorts of slippery terrain
An all-purpose hiker with a bargain pricetag.
If you need boots for wet, soggy conditions, these winners are a bargain.
Build your own superlight first aid kit
A stable lightweight trail shoe for trail running or light backpacking trips
Supreme stickiness on rock in a lightweight hiking shoe
Supportive, comfortable trail sandals with great traction.
A sweet trail runner with maximum traction and cushion
This digital device measures both how much you've drunk and how many ounces you have left in your hydration reservoir.
Quench your backcountry thirst with these new water (and wine!) products.
Quaff wine in backcountry style with this stemless glass.
Clif makes wine? Yup, and good wine at that.
Keep your wine at the perfect temperature in the backcountry with this perfectly sized bottle.
With a 100-ounce reservoir and shoulder straps and hipbelt that hugged our testers' every curve, this pack excelled at hauling water on the move.
With a wide mouth, stainless steel construction, and large capacity, this water bottle did the trick on a hike of Vermont's Long Trail.
Double your trail miles–or just boost your energy–with protein-rich snacks.
On the trail, when you're snacking is just as important as what you're consuming.
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 fast and light boot weighs in at 1 lb. 11 oz.