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.
Find the best breathable, supportive hiking boots for your next backpacking trip with expert advice from Backpacker Magazine’s hiking boot reviews.
Our team of 15 testers laced up over 40 pairs hiking boots and shoes. These are our top picks for any adventure.
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
For day hikes, you can do no better than this low-top-sneaker fusion from Oboz.
Developed and tested on the Pacific Crest Trail—the new adidas TERREX Free Hiker 2.0 is your next long-distance shoe
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
Check out BACKPACKER Editors and Contributors's author page.
Sometimes, you need a boot that can stand up to the toughest terrain.
Bonus: the Scarpa Ribelle HD is crampon compatible.
Check out Jackie Bourgaize's author page.
The best all-around footwear of 2021
The most breathable footwear of 2021
The best value footwear of 2021
The best cushioned footwear of 2021
The most versatile footwear of 2021
The footwear with best support of 2021
The best fitting footwear of 2021
Light-and-mighty boot
Most Comfortable
Most Stable
Best Stride
Best Fit
Best All-Around Light Hiking Boot
Best footwear for technical terrain
Most protective footwear
Light but sturdiest footwear
Most comfortable footwear
Most durable footwear
Footwear with the best traction
Warmest boot
Best value boot
Best traction
Best support
Women's boot pick
Every piece of gear starts off new and shiny. But then come the miles. And the rocks. And the sun and the rain and the marmots. The stuff that lasts becomes part of our trip memories, intertwined with the journey. We keep using these things because we love them—and we love bucking our throwaway culture. Guides, editors, and testers share some all-time favorites here, and we hope your shiny new gear will someday look the same.
Best ride
Best support
Best stability
Women’s pick
Most versatile
Best traction
Editors' choice update
Most agile
Most comfortable
Best for speed-hiking
Extreme conditions call for extreme boots.
Classic style meets modern performance.
Eco-friendly leather and a supportive ankle make this a boot that made us feel good about our choices.
Strut into savings with this trusty mid-cut.
Mixing the best of a low-top with mid-cut stability, this may be the perfect light boot.
This light, waterproof boot is built to handle the heat.
Need a little extra support on the trail? These mid-cut boots are here to help.
Most Breathable
Best Traction
Best for Mountaineering
Warmest Boot
Waterproof light hikers
High-milege strider
Most waterproof