The Only Boots You Need
The perfect combination of protection, support, weight, and comfort.
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.
Keen Marshall Mid WP Hiking Boot
The price-to-performance ratio is off the charts.
Ahnu Coburn Hiking Boot
Enjoy the best of both worlds: enough flex for a natural stride and the support for big-trip loads and terrain.
LOWA Innox Mid GTX Hiking Boot
This boot eats up big miles, no matter how heavy your pack.
Salomon X Ultra Mid GTX Hiking Boot
It breathes and flexes like a trail runner, but the rugged outsole is all boot.
Columbia Newton Ridge Plus Hiking Boot
A bargain-priced boot that doesn't settle.
Ecco BIOM Terrain Plus Hiking Boot
Bomber materials and construction shine in a technical, off-trail backpacking boot.
Hanwag Tatra GTX Custom Fit Hiking Boots
If your foot is extra wide or super skinny, or if you have a protruding bunion, this is the boot for you!
Salewa Firetail EVO Mid GTX Hiking Boot
A versatile hiker that's light like a trail runner but stiff enough for bigger hikes.
Topo Athletic MT Trail Runner Review
A minimalist trail runner
Mammut MTR 201 Dyneema Trail Runner Review
Check out Kristin Hostetter's author page.
Freewaters GPS Sandal Review
A legtimately supportive camp sandal at a reasonable price.
LOWA Cevedale Pro GTX Hiking Boot Review
The most supportive boot we tested
Asolo Shiraz GV Hiking Boot Review
These finely crafted Italian boots deliver big-load support with reliable waterproofing and maximum breathability.
Hi-Tec V-Lite SpHike Mid WP Hiking Boot Review
These midcut boots pack enough support for most backpacking trips, yet cost no more than most trail runners.
Oboz Bridger BDry Hiking Boot Review
With a sturdy leather upper and above-average support, the Bridger BDry delivers more than ample protection for on- and off-trail adventures and long days with a heavy pack.
Five Ten Guide Tennie Mid Hiking Boot Review
Combining the stickiness of a scrambling shoe and the ankle and underfoot support of a boot, this hybrid crushes hilly, rocky terrain.
Mammut T Aenergy GTX Hiking Boot Review
Hike all day with a monster load and your feet will still feel fresh in camp with these boots.
KEEN Madison Low CNX Trail Runner Review
Top-notch ventilation, stability, and traction in a low-profile, super-light shoe.
Salewa Firetail EVO GTX Trail Runner Review
A nimble shoe that excels at climbing.
Vasque Grand Traverse Trail Runner Review
This low-cut light hiker delivers the support and stability of a medium-duty mid-cut combined with the grip and control of an approach shoe.
Lems Boulder Hiking Boot Review
These featherlight, zero-drop, mid-height boots are protective enough for mellow dayhiking.
Ecco BIOM Ultra Quest Trail Runner Review
Great for fastpacking and light hiking.
Merrell Grasshopper Air Trail Runner Review
Light, breathable, and springy enough for daily trail running but supportive enough for big dayhikes.
adidas Terrex Swift R GTX Trail Runner Review
A trail runner and a waterproof light hiker in one.
Brooks Cascadia 9 Trail Runner Review
A trail runner and a waterproof light hiker in one.
GoLite Mountain Gecko Trail Runner Review
Trail runner provides stability and barefoot feeling.
Patagonia Tsali 3.0 Trail Runner Review
Versatile trail runner is perfect for the pavement and trails.
Montrail FluidFlex 2 Trail Runner Review
The airy construction makes these a good choice for sweaty feet, hot weather, and watery adventures.
The Backpacker Gear Hall Of Fame: Footwear
A look back at the boots we've loved for years that are still at the top of their class.
Readers' Choice 2014: Vasque St. Elias GTX Boots
Boots built for Alaska.
Readers' Choice 2014: Asolo Vertex GV Hiking Boots
Quintessential backpacking boots - high-cut, durable, and can handle rugged terrain.
Gear Review: Columbia BugaTrek Omni-Heat
For casual winter adventures, a warm-and-cozy boot.
Gear Review: Salomon Conquest GTX
A midweight boot with surprising protection and support.
Gear Review: KEEN Marshall WP
The supportive hiking shoes by Marshall WP.
Gear Review: Oboz Traverse Low Hiking Shoes
Low-cut hiking boots that are grippy in all conditions.
Gear Review: The North Face Verbera Hiker GTX Boot
Excellent cushioning in a long-trail hiker.
Gear Review: Mammut T Advanced GTX Boot
Boots that can handle the up-and-down with ease.
Gear Review: LOWA Focus GTX Mid/Focus GTX QC Boot
An ideal boot for technical terrain that requires precise footing.
Field Test: Big-Trip Boots
Tackle rugged peaks, haul mighty loads, and thrash through the backcountry. These seven boots will support and protect you through it all.
Gear Review: Garmont Croda GTX/Syncro GTX Boot
An all-terrain boot that's supportive enough for big-load backpacking.
Gear Review: La Sportiva Garnet GTX Boot
The lightest boot in our August 2013 test.
Gear Review: Zamberlan 298 Tundra GT Boot
Perfect boots for people who tackle big miles with substantial packs.
Gear Review: La Sportiva Hyper Mid GTX Boots
Hike confidently with these sticky-soled boots from La Sportiva.
Gear Guide 2013: Heavy Duty Boots
The toughest, burliest of boots.
Gear Guide 2013: Mid Duty Boots
Tough, ankle-protecting boots that can carry a load.
Gear Guide 2013: Light Duty Boots
Low profile shoes that can take a beating.
Gear Guide 2013: Trail Runners
Go light and fast with these trail running models.
Gear Guide 2013: Boots & Trail Runners
Find the perfect kicks for going fast and far.
Editors' Choice 2013: Asolo Reston/Athena Boots
Enjoy goat-like agility with midweight support.
Editors' Choice 2013: Zamberlan 230 SH Crosser Plus GTX RR
Get no-compromise lightweight boots that perform like heavyweights.
Gear Review: More Tester Picks Shoes
Perfect your stride with this myriad selection.
Gear Review: Mammut Mercury Advanced GTX Heavy Duty Boots
You'd never expect this model's protection by looking at it's ultralight weight.
Gear Review: Oboz Wind River II Heavy Duty Boots
Strengthen weak ankles with optimal support and comfort.
Gear Review: Lowa Camino GTX Flex Heavy Duty Boots
Pack on the pounds and strap on the Lowa Camino GTX Flex model: These tanks can take it.
Gear Review: Ecco BIOM Hike 1.1 Heavy Duty Boots
Podiatrist-designed Ecco BIOM Hike 1.1 saves the day for those with pronation tendencies.
Gear Review: Crispi Ascent Plus GTX Heavy Duty Boots
Feather-like ankle support and heel stability come with these Crispi Ascent Plus GTX heavy duties.
Gear Review: Salewa Hike Trainer GTX Mid Duty Boots
From scrambling to hiking, this killer deal provides ample protection.
Gear Review: Vasque Breeze 2.0 GTX Mid Duty Boots
Bear those heavy-packed trips with stable strides by way of Vasque Breeze 2.0 GTX support.
Gear Review: Patagonia Drifter A/C Mid Waterproof Mid Duty Boots
You'll never want to take off these comfortable Patagonias.
Gear Review: AKU Transalpina GTX Mid Duty Boots
Ditch the insoles with the built-in support of the mid duty AKU Transalpina.
Gear Review: Salewa Wildfire GTX Light Duty Boots
The support, flex, and grip of these Salewas will keep your stride solid.
Gear Review: Millet Rock Hopper Light Duty Boots
Scramble narrow edges without killing your feet: flat-footed stability for a killer price.
Gear Review: Asolo Reston/Athena Light Duty Boots
This Asolo model wins best light duty for its impressive stability.
Gear Review: Merrell Proterra/Vim Sport Light Duty Boots
Breezy shoes perfect for a heated hike where sandals just wont cut it.
Gear Review: Five Ten Aescent Light Duty Boots
These light duty kicks will bust you up scrambles with its impressive grips.
Gear Review: Salomon XT Wings 3 Trail Runners
Secure and light: This fantasy turns reality with the Salomon XT Wings 3 model.
Gear Review: Saucony Xodus 3.0 GTX Trail Runners
Fang-ridden soles keep runners on their feet in the muddiest terrain with this Saucony model.
Gear Review: Asics Gel-FujiTrainer 2 Trail Runners
Gel patch-induced comfort make Asics' lightweight model a tester favorite.
Gear Review: New Balance Minimus 1010 Trail Trail Runners
A barefoot profile and barefoot weight, yet cushioned for rocky trails.
Gear Review: Scarpa Spark GTX Trail Runners
Water-resistant and light, hit the trail with no rainy day excuses.
Gear Review: La Sportiva Ultra Raptor Trail Runners
These slip-resisting kicks allow for a bold increase of your trail-run stride.
Gear Review: The North Face Verbera Backpacker GTX
A burly boot that doesn't beat up your feet.
Gear Review: Oboz Arete Trail Shoes
High-performance trail shoes that look good on the street.
Gear Review: Salewa Pro Guide Boot
A solid mountaineering boot that handles distance.
KEEN Inc Bryce WP
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
KEEN Inc Byrce Mid WP
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
KEEN Inc Verdi WP
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
KEEN Inc Verdi Mid WP
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
KEEN Inc Ketchum
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.