The Best Men’s Hiking Shoes and Boots of 2023
16 testers tried 40 hikers. These ones came out on top.
Footwear
Our gear experts test the latest backpacking, trail running, hiking and camping boots and shoes in real trail conditions to help you find the best backcountry footwear to fit your needs. Whether you’re looking for a sturdy boot for stability on rocky trails or a lightweight minimalist trail running shoe, Backpacker has you covered with our comprehensive footwear reviews.
We Asked Appalachian Trail Hikers to Show Us Their Shoes. This Is What We Saw.
Our hiking columnist went to the AT’s legendary Trail Days this year with one mission—to figure out what hikers were and weren’t putting on their feet
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The Best Women’s Hiking Boots of 2023
Twelve testers put 33 boots to rock, dirt, and sand. These nine vaulted to the top.
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The Long Game: How Motherhood Bolstered My Confidence as an Athlete
Writer and outdoor adventurer Elisabeth Kwak laces up her HOKA Anacapas and embarks on a challenge that helps her redefine success and discover a new identity as an outdoor athlete
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The Shoe Designed for Thru-Hikers
Developed and tested on the Pacific Crest Trail—the new adidas TERREX Free Hiker 2.0 is your next long-distance shoe
How to Choose the Right Hiking Shoes for Beginners
There’s no faster way to ruin your first big trip than by wearing shoes or boot that aren't up to the task. We break down what beginners need to know about buying their first pair of trail shoes.
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What Happens When You Walk Every Day
Libby DeLana never misses a day outdoors. Here’s what she’s learned—and here are the shoes that keep her going.
Best Winter Hiking Boots of 2023
Shoes to get you moving down the trail—no matter the conditions
Long Term Test: The North Face Vectiv Fastpack Insulated Futurelight
These boots are the only ones you’ll need all winter long
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The Iconic Merrell Moab Just Got Better
Who knew the famous comfort, durability, and versatility of the Merrell Moab could be improved?
An Ode to the Best Pair of Hiking Boots I’ll Ever Wear
I came for their looks. I stayed for their all-day comfort and all-terrain performance.
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3 Life-List Hikes and the Shoes to Match
Put these world-class treks on your bucket list, and get the right footwear for success
Your Next Ultralight Trail Shoe Might Just Be a Boot
For years, trail runners have been the footwear of choice for gram-counters. New boot designs aim to change that.
Editor’s Choice: Scarpa Rapid Approach Shoes
Scarpa is pushing approach shoes to new heights—and distances
The Best Climbing Shoes of 2022
Quality rubber is the most important part of your crag bag
The Best Road Running Shoes of 2022
Kicks for logging tarmac miles
The Best Road and Gravel Shoes of 2022
Step up your cycling game with these road, gravel, and spin shoes
The Best Hiking Boots and Shoes of 2022
These hikers will help you carry your load and stay comfortable and secure, no matter the terrain
The Best Trail Running Shoes of 2022
These rugged runners love to rally
Editor’s Choice: Hoka Tecton X Trail Running Shoes
This shoe brings carbon-plated speed to the masses
Boot Showdown: Mammut Sapuen High GTX vs. Vasque Breeze LT GTX
Which one of these highly-reviewed backpacking boots is for you?
The Best Light Hiking Shoes of 2022
These models will have you jumping for joy as you hike.
Outside Gear Spotlight: Danner Trail 2650 Mid GTX
Check out BACKPACKER Editors and Contributors's author page.
Outside Gear Spotlight: Salewa Mountain Trainer Lite Mid GTX
Check out BACKPACKER Editors and Contributors's author page.
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First Look: inov-8 ROCFLY G 390
The first-ever Graphene foam hiking boot delivers unprecedented energy return and cushioning.
Outside Gear Spotlight: Salewa Mountain Trainer Mid GTX
Sometimes, you need a boot that can stand up to the toughest terrain.
What We’re Testing Now: A Hiking Boot Made for the Desert
The Erem Xerocole Expedition is dialed for sandy adventures.
What We’re Testing Now: Speed Through the Woods on This Supportive, Stable Trail Running Shoe
The Altra Superior 5 aids in a natural, comfortable stride.
Save Your Ankles With These Ultra-Supportive Boots
Bonus: the Scarpa Ribelle HD is crampon compatible.
Haul Any Load With These 6 Hiking Boots
When it comes to hiking in rough terrain with heavy packs, nothing beats the stability of our top six stalwart backpacking boots.
Fly Down the Path with These 5 Pieces of Trail Running Gear
Pick up the pace and cover more distance with this gear designed for speed.
Ecco Exohike Retro Hiker
Check out Jackie Bourgaize's author page.
What We’re Testing Now: This Ultralight Trail Running Shoe Doesn’t Skimp On Comfort
The adidas Terrex Speed Ultra provides plenty of cushion without the weight.
Best Hiking Boots of 2021
Nobody knows hiking boots like Backpacker. We sent testers around the world with the latest boots and shoes to see how they perform in varied conditions. These 10 rose to the top.
These 5 Multisport Shoes Are Ready for Any Adventure
Double your fun with a pair of shoes that's ready to pull double duty.
How to Decide Which Hiking Shoes to Buy
Happy feet equal a happy hiker. Make strides toward your goals with the right shoe.
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First Look: VECTIV™ Exploris Mid FUTURELIGHT™
The VECTIV™ Exploris Mid FUTURELIGHT™ is a new mid boot from The North Face, featuring the VECTIV™ propulsion technology that makes up the backbone of their cutting-edge new line of trail shoes.
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High Speed with Hillygoat
Endurance runner Hillary Allen is a specialist when it comes to charging hard on rough trail. The new VECTIV shoe line is helping get her where she needs to go, fast.
Mammut Sapuen High GTX
The best all-around footwear of 2021
Vasque Satoru Moc
The best camp shoe of 2021.
Danner Trail 2650 Campo
The most breathable footwear of 2021
Northside Stimson Ridge Mid WP
The best value footwear of 2021
Arc’teryx Norvan SL 2
The lightest footwear of 2021
Black Diamond Fuel
The best footwear for scrambling of 2021
HOKA ONE ONE TenNine Hike GTX
The best cushioned footwear of 2021
Oboz Sypes Low Leather B-DRY
The most versatile footwear of 2021
Asolo Corax GV
The footwear with best support of 2021
AKU Rock DFS Mid GTX
The best fitting footwear of 2021
The Key to Hiking Comfort Isn’t What You Think
Go beyond the jargon to find the perfect midsole for your hiking style.
Customize Your Footwear With This Versatile Insole Kit
The Tread Labs Pace Insole Kit let us dial in our fit no matter what pair we were wearing.
Deep Dive: Hiking Footwear Outsoles
Get a grip on choosing the right outsole for your adventures.
The 6 Best Hiking Boots of Winter 2020
Bust through snow, crust, and slush with this warm, toothy footwear.
Wolverine ShiftPlus Polar Range BOA
Best features in a boot
Dolomite Tamaskan 1.5
Best ounce-for-ounce boot
Vasque Breeze WT GTX
Best for snowshoeing
SCARPA Manta Tech GTX
Best for mountaineering
Salewa MTN Trainer 2 Winter GTX
Most versatile winter boot
Oboz Sawtooth II 8” Insulated B-DRY
Warmest boots
Vasque Breeze LT GTX
Light-and-mighty boot
The North Face Activist Mid FUTURELIGHT
Most Breathable
adidas Terrex Free Hiker Parley
Most Comfortable
Jack Wolfskin Force Striker Texapore Mid
Most Stable
Hoka One One Challenger Mid Gore-Tex
Best Stride
Tecnica Plasma Mid
Best Fit
La Sportiva Saber GTX
Best All-Around Light Hiking Boot
Deal of the Week: Merrell Trail Glove 5
Save on a minimalist, distance-crushing shoe.
Deal of the Week – Mother's Day Edition: La Sportiva Spire GTX
Get a crazy-good hiking shoe for a crazy-low price.
Deal of the Week: Chaco Z/Cloud Sandals
Celebrate summer with an updated outdoor classic.
BOGS Kids’ Kicker Slip-Ons
Do-anything shoe
Chaco Lowdown
Best sandal
Salewa Mountain Trainer Lite Mid GTX
Best footwear for technical terrain
Oboz Arete Mid Waterproof
Most protective footwear
Topo Athletic MTN Racer
Best footwear for big miles
LOWA Innox Pro GTX LO
Light but sturdiest footwear
Salomon Sense Ride 3
Most versatile footwear
Garmont 9.81 N AIr G S Mid GTX
Most comfortable footwear
Merrell Altalight Knit Mid
Most durable footwear
Hoka One One Speedgoat 4
Most nimble footwear
Altra Tushar
Footwear with the best traction
Rab Hot Socks
Best for car campers