Gear Review: L.L. Bean Trail Model Hiker II TEK2.5 Hiking Boot
An all-purpose hiker with a bargain pricetag.
Footwear
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.
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.
Gear Review: Columbia Pole Creek Omni-Tech Hiking Boot
If you need boots for wet, soggy conditions, these winners are a bargain.
Gear Review: Thinsulate Thermal Insoles
Boost your boots' warmth with these insoles.
Gear Review: KEEN Obsidian WP Trail Shoe
A stable lightweight trail shoe for trail running or light backpacking trips
Gear Review: Chaco Pro Sandals
Supportive, comfortable trail sandals with great traction.
Gear Review: La Sportiva Wildcat Trail Running Shoe
A sweet trail runner with maximum traction and cushion
Gear Review: Kahtoola KTS Aluminum Crampons
Crampons that won't weigh you down
Gear Review: Salomon XT Wings GTX Trail Runner
A souped-up trail runner.
Editors' Choice 2008: Scarpa Kailash GTX Boot
This all-purpose midweight hits the hiking boot trifecta–great fit, support, and price.
Vasque Outdoor Footwear Mindbender
The Khumbu is an all-terrain mountain boot with a design that promotes comfortable walking for any kind of adventure.
Vasque Outdoor Footwear Sundowner GTX
The Khumbu is an all-terrain mountain boot with a design that promotes comfortable walking for any kind of adventure.
Zamberlan USA 198 Tundra GT – WNS
The Khumbu is an all-terrain mountain boot with a design that promotes comfortable walking for any kind of adventure.
Zamberlan USA 996 Vioz GT – WNS
The Khumbu is an all-terrain mountain boot with a design that promotes comfortable walking for any kind of adventure.
Zamberlan USA 996 Vioz GT
The Khumbu is an all-terrain mountain boot with a design that promotes comfortable walking for any kind of adventure.
Zamberlan USA 310 Skill GT
The Khumbu is an all-terrain mountain boot with a design that promotes comfortable walking for any kind of adventure.
Zamberlan USA 310 Skill GT – WNS
The Khumbu is an all-terrain mountain boot with a design that promotes comfortable walking for any kind of adventure.
Zamberlan USA 636 Baffin GT RR
The Khumbu is an all-terrain mountain boot with a design that promotes comfortable walking for any kind of adventure.
Zamberlan USA 4041 Expert Pro GT RR
The Khumbu is an all-terrain mountain boot with a design that promotes comfortable walking for any kind of adventure.
Zamberlan USA 760 Steep GT
Tackle the biggest terrain–under the heaviest loads–in this uncommonly comfortable boot.
Zamberlan USA 540 Rise GT
Tackle the biggest terrain–under the heaviest loads–in this uncommonly comfortable boot.
Zamberlan USA 995 Cristallo GT-WNS
Tackle the biggest terrain–under the heaviest loads–in this uncommonly comfortable boot.
Zamberlan USA 651 Cervino GT NW
Tackle the biggest terrain–under the heaviest loads–in this uncommonly comfortable boot.
Zamberlan USA 965 LHASA GT RR
Tackle the biggest terrain–under the heaviest loads–in this uncommonly comfortable boot.
Zamberlan USA 986 Oregon GT NW
Tackle the biggest terrain–under the heaviest loads–in this uncommonly comfortable boot.
Zamberlan USA 198 Tundra GT RR
Tackle the biggest terrain–under the heaviest loads–in this uncommonly comfortable boot.
Zamberlan USA 992 PANTHER
Tackle the biggest terrain–under the heaviest loads–in this uncommonly comfortable boot.
Mammut Cirrus GTX
A superlight boot for high-mileage speedhikers
LL BEAN Women's Gore-Tex Leather Cresta Hiker
A superlight boot for high-mileage speedhikers
LL BEAN Men's Gore-Tex Leather Cresta Hiker
A superlight boot for high-mileage speedhikers
LL BEAN Men's Gore-Tex Fabric Leather Cresta Hiker
A superlight boot for high-mileage speedhikers
LL BEAN Men's Gore-Tex Fabric Leather Cresta Hiker
A superlight boot for high-mileage speedhikers
LL BEAN Women's Gore-Tex Leather/Fabric Cresta Hiker
A superlight boot for high-mileage speedhikers
LL BEAN Men's Adventure Trail Shoe
A superlight boot for high-mileage speedhikers
LL BEAN Women's Adventure Trail Shoe
A superlight boot for high-mileage speedhikers
LL BEAN Men's Trail Model Hiker Mid
A superlight boot for high-mileage speedhikers
LL BEAN Women's Trail Model Hiker Mid
A superlight boot for high-mileage speedhikers
LL BEAN Men's Trail Model Hiker Low
A superlight boot for high-mileage speedhikers
LL BEAN Women's Trail Model Hiker Low
A superlight boot for high-mileage speedhikers
LL BEAN Women's Mountain Laurel Multi-Sport Shoe Waterproof TEK2.5
A superlight boot for high-mileage speedhikers
LL BEAN Men's Overland Multi-Sport Shoe Waterproof TEK2.5
A superlight boot for high-mileage speedhikers
LL BEAN Women's Ascent Day Hiker Gore-Tex Fabric Leather Boot
A superlight boot for high-mileage speedhikers
LL BEAN Men's Ascent Day Hiker Gore-Tex Fabric Leather Boot
A superlight boot for high-mileage speedhikers
LL BEAN Women's Adventure Trail Gore-Tex Shoe Low Cut
A superlight boot for high-mileage speedhikers
LL BEAN Men's Adventure Trail Gore-Tex Shoe Low Cut
A superlight boot for high-mileage speedhikers
LL BEAN Women's Trail Model Hiker II Waterproof TEK2.5 Low Cut
A superlight boot for high-mileage speedhikers
LL BEAN Men's Trail Model Hiker II Waterproof TEK2.5 Low Cut
A superlight boot for high-mileage speedhikers
LL BEAN Trail Model Hiker II TEK2.5 Mid Women's
A superlight boot for high-mileage speedhikers
LL BEAN Men's Trail Model Hikers II, Waterproof TEK2.5 Mid-Cut
An all-purpose hiker with a bargain pricetag.
LL BEAN Men's Trail Model Hikers II Waterproof TEK2.5, Mid-Cut
An all-purpose hiker with a bargain pricetag.
Mammut Mt. Nebo GTX
An all-purpose hiker with a bargain pricetag.
Mammut Shasta GTX – Women's
An all-purpose hiker with a bargain pricetag.
Mammut Mt Crest GTX – Men's
An all-purpose hiker with a bargain pricetag.
Chaco Z/2 PRO
Supportive, comfortable trail sandals with great traction.
Gear Lab: Boots in a Cement Mixer
To survive mixer-tough mountain trails, get Old World craftsmanship.
Danner, Inc. Mountain Light II
Supportive, comfortable trail sandals with great traction.
Danner, Inc. Explorer
Supportive, comfortable trail sandals with great traction.
Danner, Inc. Danner Light II
Supportive, comfortable trail sandals with great traction.
Danner, Inc. Talus GTX
Supportive, comfortable trail sandals with great traction.
Danner, Inc. Expedition GTX
Supportive, comfortable trail sandals with great traction.
Danner, Inc. Instigator GTX
Supportive, comfortable trail sandals with great traction.
Danner, Inc. Radical 452 GTX
Supportive, comfortable trail sandals with great traction.
Danner, Inc. 453 GTX
Supportive, comfortable trail sandals with great traction.
Fall/Winter Gear Guide 09: Boots
Whether you're mountaineering, snowshoeing, hiking, or trail running we've tested the winter boot/shoe models you'll want.
Danner, Inc. Ascend
Supportive, comfortable trail sandals with great traction.
Gear Review: Saucony ProGrid Razor Trail Shoe
Built for nasty winter conditions, this midweight winter running shoe keeps your feet warm and well supported.
Gear Review: Ahnu Firetrail Winter Trail Shoe
Genuinely breathable winter running shoe, great for long slushy runs.
Gear Review: Zamberlan 1009 Vioz Top GT RR Mountaineering Boot
Insulated backpacking boots with enough support to carry a 50-pound pack.
Gear Review: Columbia Winter Trek XMT Omni-Tech Hiking Boot
Ideal for treks on packed snow, this boot is great for wintry day hikes.
Gear Review: Kamik Snowpass Snowshoe Boot
Ideal for snowshoeing, or wintry day hikes, this boot keeps your feet dry and warm.
Gear Review: Helly Hansen Lynx Snowshoe Boot
Whether it's snowshoeing, light day hiking, or sloshing through town, this boot does it all.
Gear Review: Zamberlan 4041 Expert Pro GT RR
Sturdy yet light, this boot is great for the most extreme day hikes.
Gear Review: La Sportiva Baruntse Mountaineering Boot
Made for big peaks, this boot is warm, and great for ice and snow
Helly Hansen Trail Moc and W Trail Moc
Supportive, comfortable trail sandals with great traction.
Wolverine Volt
Supportive, comfortable trail sandals with great traction.
Wolverine Sidewinder
Supportive, comfortable trail sandals with great traction.
Wolverine Omar
Supportive, comfortable trail sandals with great traction.
Wolverine Fortis
Supportive, comfortable trail sandals with great traction.
Montrail PR Rockridge
Supportive, comfortable trail sandals with great traction.
Montrail PR Feather Peak GTX
Supportive, comfortable trail sandals with great traction.
Montrail PR AT Plus GTX
Supportive, comfortable trail sandals with great traction.