Best Hiking Boots, Hiking Shoes Reviews

Lightweight hiking shoes

*Est. $105 Compare Prices

For day hikes or shorter backpacking trips on easier trails, the trend is toward low and mid-cut hiking shoes rather than traditional boots. Although you don't get as much ankle support, hiking shoes are lighter and… require less of a break-in period than boots. For a waterproof yet breathable hiking shoe, the Hi-Tec V-Lite Radar II Event Low is a top pick in reviews for both men and women. The shoes weigh less than two pounds per pair, and are comfortable for most testers right out of the box.

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Expert & User Review Sources:

Backpacker Magazine: Based on extensive field tests that compare dozens of new hiking boots, Backpacker magazine's annual Gear Guide issue recommends ...

Cabelas.com: So far, there's only a single review here for the Hi-Tec Men's V-Lite Radar II, but this owner-written review reports that he ...

Buzzillions.com: This brief review praises the Hi-Tec V-Lite Radar hiking shoes for their comfort and traction, finding them comfortable enough ...

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Mid-cut hiking shoes for more ankle support

Keen Targhee II Mid

*Est. $120 Compare Prices

Except for backpacking and very challenging trails, most people are eschewing traditional hiking boots for lower-cut shoes and mid-cut boots. The Keen Targhee II Mid is a good compromise for those who want the light… weight and flexibility of a shoe, but need a little extra ankle support. The Keen Targhee has been a favorite in reviews, earning praise for overall comfort, a roomy toe box and breathable eVENT waterproofing. However, they don't get the best grip in snow. The Targhee hiking shoes come in men's and women's sizes.

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Expert & User Review Sources:

Backpacker Magazine: This backpacking magazine tests more hiking boots than any other publication we've found, putting dozens of models through ...

GearReview.com: An experienced gear reviewer provides a detailed single-product report on the Keen Targhee II in its lower-cut version, comparing ...

Zappos.com: We found more owner-written reviews of the Keen Targhee II hiking shoe here than at any other site. About a hundred men and two ...

REI.com: More than 40 men review the men's version of the Keen Targhee II eVent shoes at this top retail site, and the women's version ...

Backcountry.com: More than a dozen women and about a dozen men rate and review the Keen Targhee II hiking shoe here. Most are satisfied.

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ClimbingGea- r.com

for $124.95

Oregon Mountain Community

for $98.95

TheShoeMart

for $125.00

Lightweight hiking boots

Timberland Cadion Waterproof Mid Gore-Tex XCR

*Est. $140 Compare Prices

Full-length hiking boots are still the best choice for backpacking or for tough terrain where most people need extra stability and ankle support. The drawback is that most hiking boots are heavy. The Timberland Cadion… boots, however, are lighter than most, and are cut lower in the back than traditional boots, weighing just over two pounds per pair. Reviewers say ankle support is excellent, and the boots require no break-in period. Tests show the Gore-Tex XCR membrane keeps them waterproof even when fully submerged in water.

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Expert & User Review Sources:

Backpacker Magazine: This backpacking magazine tests more hiking boots than any other publication we've found, putting dozens of boots and shoes ...

BackpackGearTest.org: This detailed, thorough review by an experienced backpacker is part of a site that structures hiking gear tests and publishes ...

BackpackingLight.com: This publication promotes ultralight backpacking, and the review says the lightweight warmth of the waterproof Timberland Cadion ...

Trailspace.com: The Timberland Cadion gets mixed reviews here. The less enthusiastic rating is from a hiker who finds this boot not supportive ...

TheBackpacker.com: Reviews here are mixed, with one backpacker complaining about a pair that started falling apart during the first trip.

Sports Authority: Right now, there's only one owner-written review here for the women's version of the Timberland Cadion, noting some quality ...

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Sunny Sports

for $81.95

Heavy-duty leather backpacking boots

Kayland Vertigo High

*Est. $200 Compare Prices

For full ankle support and the best durability, reviewers recommend the Kayland Vertigo High leather boots, which are sturdy enough for backpacking trips with a 50-pound pack. Still, these boots (in men's and women's… sizes) are lighter than most other full boots, and their eVENT waterproof membrane has better breathability than Gore-Tex. Testers say they are a good fit for all but very wide feet.

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Expert & User Review Sources:

Backpacker Magazine: This backpacking magazine tests more hiking boots than any other publication, putting dozens of models through rigorous field ...

SprocketRocket: This two-part review covers initial fit and impressions, plus a report on field tests of the Kayland Vertigo High boots while ...

Trailspace.com: This detailed owner-written review by a climber reports that this hiking boot "strikes a nice balance between providing support ...

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Women's hiking boots

Lowa Banff Lady

*Est. $210 Compare Prices

In reviews, testers often recommend hiking shoes and boots that come in unisex designs, but for women that have a hard time getting a good fit, some manufacturers make hiking boots with a female-specific last. Among these… are the highly regarded Lowa Banff Lady hiking boots, which have a waterproof, seamless leather upper. While they are made to withstand challenging terrain and to support wearers carrying a heavy backpack, a pair weighs over three pounds, and they are expensive.

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Expert & User Review Sources:

Zappos.com: Over a dozen women rate and review the Lowa Banff Lady hiking boots here, giving them near-perfect ratings. This website gets a ...

Backcountry.com: About a dozen women review the Lowa Banff Lady hiking boot here, giving it high average ratings. Some find it comfortable out of ...

Trailspace.com: Over a dozen men and women rate and review their respective versions of the Lowa Banff hiking boots here, praising the fit, ...

REI.com: A chemically-sensitive backpacker reports that this is the only hiking boot she's been able to wear. About a dozen men also ...

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Zappos.com

for $120.60

Hiking Boots: Reviews

Lightweight hiking shoes

Mid-cut hiking shoes for more ankle support

Lightweight hiking boots

Heavy-duty leather backpacking boots

Women's hiking boots

Hiking Boots by Price Range


	Asolo Women's Stynger GTX Light Hiker - Hiking Boot from Amazon.com Average Customer Review:


	Men's Danner® Radical GORE-TEX® Boots from Amazon.com Average Customer Review: