Hiking Boots: Reviews

Updated April 2012

Whether you're taking a day hike on well-groomed trails or trekking into the deep woods over rough terrain, a good pair of boots will provide support for your adventure. In fact, the first thing to ask yourself when buying hiking boots is where and how often you will hit the trail. After analyzing the reviews from experts and users alike, ConsumerSearch deems the following six hiking boots your best bets for adventure-seeking footwear. The only question now is, where will those shoes take you?

Merrell Moab Ventilator

Summer hiking shoes

$90

Estimated Price

If day hikes and short backpacking trips are the highlight of your summer plans, reviews point to the Merrell Moab Ventilator (available in both men's and women's sizes) as the best lightweight, low-cut hiking shoe. As the name suggests, the non-waterproof version of this shoe has a highly breathable mesh-and-leather body that isn't suited for winter use. Users say this shoe runs a bit small. Once you find the right fit, owners say the Moab Ventilator is extremely comfortable and supportive, and its soles firmly grip all surfaces. The tread reportedly wears well, although some users complain about durability. Depending on their preferred hiking style, reviewers either like or dislike this shoe's great breathability and the way its mesh-and-leather uppers drain water instead of retaining it once wet, as waterproofed shoes and boots tend to do. A mid-cut boot version, the Merrell Moab Ventilator Mid (*Est. $100) is also available.

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Lowa Renegade II GTX Lo

Waterproof Hiking Shoes

$170

Estimated Price

The Lowa Renegade II GTX Lo earns high marks for traction, comfort and sizing options. The shoe has an all-leather upper that can be waterproofed, plus a Gore-Tex breathable membrane for further protection from water and snow -- all of which makes it a great option for fall and winter treks. Available in both men's and women's sizes, this Italian-made hiking shoe comes in gender-specific lasts in three widths. Reviewers recommend it for travel and everyday wear as well as for day hikes. Main drawbacks include slow drying time once the shoe gets wet and some criticisms about durability. For more ankle support, consider the higher-cut Lowa Renegade GTX Mid (*Est. $220) that also draws positive reviews, or the even more popular Vasque Breeze GTX XCR (*Est. $160).

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Hi-Tec Altitude IV WP

Budget light hiking boots

$90

Estimated Price

As long as waterproofing isn't your top priority, reviewers say the Hi-Tec Altitude IV WP for men (and Hi-Tech Glide WP for women) is an excellent value. The boot doesn't have a waterproof lining but the leather upper is water resistant, and most owners say their feet stay dry. In fact, some experts prefer leather uppers over a waterproof lining because the leather does a better job of letting sweat escape. The Altitude IV WP draws repeated praise for excellent traction on wet surfaces. The shoe has a short 90-day warranty, but quite a few users report hiking in it for several years, then replacing it with the same model. At just under 2 pounds (for the average men's pair) these boots aren't built for maximum support and durability, but users say they're comfortable right out of the box. If you want better-ventilated, lightweight shoes for hiking, reviewers recommend the Merrell Moab Ventilator (*Est. $90).

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Vasque Breeze GTX XCR

Lightweight waterproof hiking boots

$160

Estimated Price

Reviewers say the Gore-Tex XCR waterproof membrane in the Vasque Breeze breathes better than a standard Gore-Tex lining. Many owners say the boots are comfortable from the first day, and provide good ankle protection and support for not only a day hike but also backpacking with loads up to about 30 pounds. Some, however, complain about durability -- a common issue with light hikers -- and waterproofing, which a few users say failed in as little as six months. Traction is generally good, although one user says it's somewhat compromised when hiking at an angle. The men's and women's versions of the Breeze GTX XCR are built on gender-specific lasts, which some female reviewers report can run a little narrow (three widths are available for each gender). The boot is popular with both genders, but women looking for a better fit might consider the ladies-only Asolo Stynger GTX (*Est. $210).

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Asolo Power Matic 200 GV

Heavy-duty leather backpacking boots

$290

Estimated Price

The Asolo Power Matic 200 GV is a bombproof, waterproof hiking boot with plenty of stiff ankle support. Its waterproofing -- a weak point for many boots -- "proved infallible," according to one expert reviewer. Available in both men's and women's versions, these boots are recommended for rugged terrain and carrying heavy loads of up to 80 pounds, and they offer excellent traction. Despite their substantial weight and support, owners report a minimal break-in period; a few day hikes usually do the job. Lacing is sometimes a weak point for heavy-duty boots, but the Power Matic 200 GV comes with a pulley-based system that wears extremely well and is a big hit with reviewers. A big downside is this boot's weight: 3.75 pounds for the average men's pair. Another Asolo backpacking boot, the TPS 520 GV (*Est. $280), is also well liked by reviewers but weighs about the same.

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Asolo Stynger GTX

Women's hiking boots

$210

Estimated Price

All of the hiking boots and shoes above come in both men's and women's sizes, but a few models, like the waterproof Asolo Stynger GTX light hikers, are designed expressly for women, with lasts made for women's typically longer arches and narrower heels. These boots get top marks for comfort, with many women saying they're comfortable without a break-in period. Users praise the Stynger GTX boots for both traction and ventilation -- though there isn't consensus regarding the former, especially on wet surfaces. They're suitable for hiking on rough terrain and backpacking with loads up to 35 pounds. An average pair weighs just under 2.5 pounds, which is reasonable for boots with excellent support. The main drawback to these boots is the mixed durability reviews they've received (a fairly common complaint among lightweight hiking boots in general).

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