Zero-drop Shoes Could Improve Your Stride—But They’re Not for Everyone
Trail runners that align the heel and toes are all the rage among thru-hikers. But they may not be right for you. Here’s how to decide whether to make the switch.
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.
Deal of the Week: A Trail Runner That Eats Rocky, Rooty Paths
Rough trail on the menu? The cushy Altra Timp 5 has the stack height to handle it.
Latest in Footwear
The Best Winter Hiking Boots for Long, Cold Treks
These kicks have the insulation, waterproofing, and support to keep you on-trail through the cold season.
The Best Women’s Hiking Boots for Dirt, Sand, and Rock
31 pairs hit the trail. These 9 stayed in regular rotation.
The Biggest Myth About Hiking Shoe Tread, Busted by Science
More teeth equals better grip on the trail, right? Not so fast. We paid a visit to the Outside Lab at CU Denver to learn more about what makes some hiking shoes perform better than others.
The 10 Men's Hiking Boots and Shoes Our Testers Swear By
40 pairs went into the backcountry. Only a select few survived a season of thru-hikes, scrambling, and guiding.
4 Sneaky Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Hiking Shoes
It’s not just the smooth outsole to watch out for: midsole collapse is the secret stride disrupter.
Should You Hike in Boots or Trail Runners? Here’s How a Backpacker Editor Chooses.
On trails today, low-cut shoes are king. But the hiking boot still has its place.
Deal of the Week: Get One of the Trail’s Most Popular Shoes for Less Than $100
If you're a devotee of Altra's Lone Peaks, you can grab a fresh pair at a steep discount now.
Deal of the Week: Get Altra’s Cushiest Shoe for Almost Half-Off
With its 33-millimeter stack height, the Altra Olympus is a solid choice for rooty, rocky trails.
Deal of the Week: The Hoka Anacapa Mid 2 GTX Is a Hiking Boot With a Running Shoe’s Soul
This do-anything mid may just rekindle your love for the category—and it's on sale now.
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Hike. Create. Repeat.
Meet two artists who want you to be a maker, too
Beloved Footwear Brand Vasque Is No More
Today, parent company Red Wing Shoe Company announced that the 60-year-old stalwart would halt production.
Camp Shoes Are Essential, According To Podiatrists. Here’s Why.
Diversifying your footwear keeps your feet dry, comfortable, and healthy. What else could you want?
Wanna Go Fast? Try These Speedy New Oboz Hiking Shoes
For day hikes, you can do no better than this low-top-sneaker fusion from Oboz.
Does Topo’s New Thru-Hiking Shoe Really Dry Faster?
We put the Traverse's water-shedding tech to the test.
Could Your Next Pair of Hiking Shoes Be Repairable?
Modern hiking shoes don’t last long. A few companies are trying to buck that trend.
The Best Trail Running Shoes for Early Spring Hikes
The weather may be unpredictable this time of year, but that doesn't mean you need to trade your trail runners for big, bulky boots. Our experts picked five low-cut, lightweight shoes tailor-made for backpacking during shoulder season.
What We’re Testing Now: A Standout Hiking Shoe with Fashion Roots
Veja’s first trail shoe steps up to the challenge.
The Best Trail Running Shoes of 2023
We put thousands of miles on 85 different shoes over six months to find the best new models for every type of terrain
What Thru-Hikers’ Shoes Look Like After 400-Plus Miles on the AT
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 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.
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 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?
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.
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
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
Vasque Satoru Moc
The best camp shoe 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.