Crocs Classic Clog
There’s still no more practical camp shoe.
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.
There’s still no more practical camp shoe.
A two-part booty system keeps feet warm and dry.
Deep lugs make these the most mud-worthy running shoes we tested.
Boots this supportive shouldn’t be this comfortable.
These are the comfiest hikers we tested, thanks to a flexible sole and fleece lining.
One of our favorite all-arounders gets winterized.
These insulated hikers kept our toes warm on frigid peaks.
This super-stiff, aggressive boot is the lightest ever in its category.
It’s a one-boot quiver for alpinists.
Check out Aaron H. Bible's author page.
Light and stiff hiker
If you run on a mix of trail and road, look no further than this multitasking trail runner.
A tough outsole and durable upper make this all-terrain hiking boot the choice for rough trails.
These hot-weather trail runners have superior airflow and a snug, grit-repelling ankle cuff, making them great for dusty summer trails.
Get enough stability and protection from these mountaineering boots to stay comfortable on 14,000-feet peaks.
An ankle-high gaiter keeps debris out of this trail runner, while a bouncy midsole adds spring to your stride.
A super-durable outsole and thicker-than-usual shank help this trail runner masquerade as a midcut boot.
Tons of cushioning and a wide toe box make this one of the most comfortable trail runners we tested.
Steeps and rocks ain’t no thing with the outsole on this low-cut hiker.
This is the best mid-cut hiking boot we’ve seen for $100.
This midcut hiking boot's fatigue-busting oversized midsole made the miles fly by on long hikes.
This amphibious low-cut hiking boot is ideal for river hiking, thanks to excellent drainage and traction.
Your favorite tennies meet rugged midweights in this lightweight hiking boot.
From dayhikes to thru-hikes, this midcut hiking boot is the most versatile.
This fast and light midcut boot rides like a running shoe, but protects like a hiking boot.
Protective materials and a thick outsole mean this mountaineering boot will last.
One of our all-time favorite boots is back.
Affordable traction and great durability in a pint-sized package
Packable Camp Shoes
Metal studs in the outsole of this winter trail runner give hikers a claw-like grip on icy trails.
Aggressive lugs make this trail runner the best shoe for muddy trails.
A waterproof exterior and plenty of cushioning make this ultralight trail runner comfortable for 20-plus-mile winter runs and hikes.
An insulated upper and stable platform make these hiking boots ideal for cold winter treks with a heavy pack.
These insulated hiking boots are ideal for winter overnights and snowshoeing.
A rigid midsole and durable upper made this hiking boot our choice for multiday trips with a heavy pack.
This supportive yet cushy hiking boot boasts the best combination of comfort and protection in the lineup.
Hikers who don’t need ankle support will still get durable, protective construction from this tough low-cut hiking boot.
Sticky climbing rubber and an EVA midsole make this shoe at home on the crag or trail.
We all know that layering systems are the way to go for protecting your body through a variety of conditions—these boots will do the same for your feet.
This trail runner is perfect for runners who favor a minimalist feel and goat-like grip for moving fast over rough terrain.
Runners who prefer cushioning and protection for long mountain runs will love these trail runners.
The heavy-duty Trango boot is stiff enough for ice climbing, yet nimble enough for long mountain approaches.
The unrivaled support and precision lacing in these heavy-duty boots kept our feet and ankles happy on long, all-season tours above treeline.
This is the first ever low-cut mountaineering boot.
The miraculously universal fit of this mid-duty boot means killer comfort over long miles.
The high, wraparound rand on these mid-duty boots is tank-tough.
This mid-duty hiker serves up a whole lotta boot for the money.
The premium leather upper on this mid-duty hiking boot molds to your foot.
Torsional stiffness and superior support help this low-cut hiker perform like a bigger boot.
This shoe is a light hiker and a trail runner in one.
Get a winning combination in this hiking boot: sticky Stealth rubber underfoot with a durable, protective upper on top.
Ventilated mesh uppers make these hikers ideal for hot weather.
This is the lightest, toughest, and least expensive trail-running shoe we tested.
This is our one-shoe solution for trail and road running.
These trail runners swallow bumps on rough trails and save your joints on long runs.
The midsole on these trail runners adapts to hard and soft footstrikes.
Like Goldilocks would have said: The cushion on these trail runners is just right.
Waterproof/breathable shoes get a lot more breathable.
This U.S.-built boot is like stepping into a tank lined with velvet.
Keep your feet warm and dry with the best winter footwear of the season.
These camp shoes will warm your toes on any winter adventure.
Above-average grip and warmth won us over, and zero break-in period clinched it.
Get big-mountain performance in a midweight boot with instant comfort.
This weatherproof trail runner excels in the sloppiest conditions.
It’s light and affordable for a Gore-Tex-lined, all-purpose midcut.
No need to pay a weight or warmth penalty on high-altitude tours with these stout boots.
A warm camp shoe with better-than-average traction.
Like a puffy for your feet.
These camp shoes will warm your toes on any winter adventure.
Hikers with hard-to-fit feet will love these customizable boots.
The perfect combination of protection, support, weight, and comfort.
The price-to-performance ratio is off the charts.
Enjoy the best of both worlds: enough flex for a natural stride and the support for big-trip loads and terrain.
This boot eats up big miles, no matter how heavy your pack.
It breathes and flexes like a trail runner, but the rugged outsole is all boot.
A bargain-priced boot that doesn't settle.
Bomber materials and construction shine in a technical, off-trail backpacking boot.
If your foot is extra wide or super skinny, or if you have a protruding bunion, this is the boot for you!
A versatile hiker that's light like a trail runner but stiff enough for bigger hikes.
A minimalist trail runner