The Best Men’s Hiking Boots and Shoes for Any Terrain
Our team of 15 testers laced up over 40 pairs hiking boots and shoes. These are our top picks for any adventure.
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.
If you're a devotee of Altra's Lone Peaks, you can grab a fresh pair at a steep discount now.
Our team of 15 testers laced up over 40 pairs hiking boots and shoes. These are our top picks for any adventure.
31 boots and shoes hit the trail. These 9 stayed in regular rotation.
With its 33-millimeter stack height, the Altra Olympus is a solid choice for rooty, rocky trails.
This do-anything mid may just rekindle your love for the category—and it's on sale now.
These duds have the insulation, waterproofing, and support to keep you on-trail through the cold season.
Meet two artists who want you to be a maker, too
Today, parent company Red Wing Shoe Company announced that the 60-year-old stalwart would halt production.
Diversifying your footwear keeps your feet dry, comfortable, and healthy. What else could you want?
For day hikes, you can do no better than this low-top-sneaker fusion from Oboz.
We put the Traverse's water-shedding tech to the test.
Modern hiking shoes don’t last long. A few companies are trying to buck that trend.
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.
Veja’s first trail shoe steps up to the challenge.
We put thousands of miles on 85 different shoes over six months to find the best new models for every type of terrain
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
Developed and tested on the Pacific Crest Trail—the new adidas TERREX Free Hiker 2.0 is your next long-distance shoe
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.
Libby DeLana never misses a day outdoors. Here’s what she’s learned—and here are the shoes that keep her going.
These boots are the only ones you’ll need all winter long
Who knew the famous comfort, durability, and versatility of the Merrell Moab could be improved?
I came for their looks. I stayed for their all-day comfort and all-terrain performance.
Put these world-class treks on your bucket list, and get the right footwear for success
For years, trail runners have been the footwear of choice for gram-counters. New boot designs aim to change that.
Scarpa is pushing approach shoes to new heights—and distances
Quality rubber is the most important part of your crag bag
Kicks for logging tarmac miles
Step up your cycling game with these road, gravel, and spin shoes
These rugged runners love to rally
This shoe brings carbon-plated speed to the masses
Which one of these highly-reviewed backpacking boots is for you?
Check out BACKPACKER Editors and Contributors's author page.
Check out BACKPACKER Editors and Contributors's author page.
The first-ever Graphene foam hiking boot delivers unprecedented energy return and cushioning.
Sometimes, you need a boot that can stand up to the toughest terrain.
The Erem Xerocole Expedition is dialed for sandy adventures.
The Altra Superior 5 aids in a natural, comfortable stride.
Bonus: the Scarpa Ribelle HD is crampon compatible.
Pick up the pace and cover more distance with this gear designed for speed.
Check out Jackie Bourgaize's author page.
The adidas Terrex Speed Ultra provides plenty of cushion without the weight.
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.
Double your fun with a pair of shoes that's ready to pull double duty.
Happy feet equal a happy hiker. Make strides toward your goals with the right shoe.
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.
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.
The best all-around footwear of 2021
The most breathable footwear of 2021
The best value footwear of 2021
The best camp shoe of 2021.
The lightest footwear of 2021
The best cushioned footwear of 2021
The best footwear for scrambling of 2021
The most versatile footwear of 2021
The footwear with best support of 2021
The best fitting footwear of 2021
Go beyond the jargon to find the perfect midsole for your hiking style.
The Tread Labs Pace Insole Kit let us dial in our fit no matter what pair we were wearing.
Get a grip on choosing the right outsole for your adventures.
Bust through snow, crust, and slush with this warm, toothy footwear.
Best features in a boot
Best ounce-for-ounce boot
Best for snowshoeing
Best for mountaineering
Most versatile winter boot
Warmest boots
Light-and-mighty boot
Most Breathable
Most Comfortable
Most Stable
Best Stride
Best Fit
Best All-Around Light Hiking Boot
Save on a minimalist, distance-crushing shoe.
Get a crazy-good hiking shoe for a crazy-low price.
Celebrate summer with an updated outdoor classic.
Do-anything shoe
Best sandal
Best footwear for technical terrain
Most protective footwear