Best Reviewed
Hiking Boots
- Summer hiking shoes Keen Voyageur Low *Est. $100
- Waterproof hiking shoes Lowa Renegade II GTX Lo *Est. $185
- Budget light hiking boots L.L.Bean Trail Model Hikers II, Mid-Cut *Est. $60
- Lightweight waterproof hiking boots Vasque Breeze GTX XCR *Est. $120
- Heavy-duty leather backpacking boots Asolo TPS 520 GV *Est. $225
- Women's hiking boots Asolo Stynger Gtx *Est. $210
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- Breathable eVent waterproofing
- Excellent traction, support
- Reasonably light
- Not for very wide feet
These award-winning hiking boots aren't easy to find at retailers, but comparison tests in 2009 rank them at the top for traction, support and comfort. The eVent lining is considered the most breathable type of waterproofing, and tests show these boots really do keep feet dry. They're rated for loads up to 50 pounds, so they're fine for backpacking as well as day hikes. For lighter loads and day hikes, consider the Vasque Breeze GTX XCR (*Est. $120) , which comes in three widths.
These boots haven't accumulated many owner-written reviews, but we found excellent comparison tests at Backpacker magazine, where the Kayland Zephyr wins the 2009 Editors' Choice award. Tests at Wired also rank the Kayland Zephyr at the top. A separate video review at TheBackpacker.tv -- a web forum for backpackers who document their hiking adventures -- shows the boots in action. We found a few reviews from men and women hikers at Amazon.com, Backcountry.com and Endless.com.
Our Sources
1. Backpacker MagazineDetails/Subscribe
The Kayland Zephyr light hikers earn the 2009 Editors' Choice award from the backpacking magazine that tests more hiking boots than any other. Editors praise the Kayland Zephyr on all counts, noting that the eVent lining is waterproof but breathable, that the lacing system adjusts the width without pressure points and that traction is excellent.
Review: Editors' Choice 2009: Kayland Zephyr Boot Review, Editors of Backpacker magazine, April 2009
2. Backpacker MagazineDetails/Subscribe
The Zephyr appears in Backpacker magazine again, this time collecting enthusiastic kudos for not just fitting comfortably out of the box, with excellent waterproofing, but also offering excellent traction and enough support to carry a 50-pound load.
Review: Time Tested Gear: Boots, Alex Geller and Kristin Hostetter, Nov. 2010
This single-product review gives the Kayland Zephyr boots a near-perfect rating of 9 on a 10-point scale, with rigidity the only drawback. Editors praise the way the exoskeleton "feels like lightweight foot armor" yet makes for a light, breathable shoe. The lacing adjusts for a customized fit.
Review: Kayland Zephyr Hiking Boots, Dylan Tweney, Feb. 2010
This video review by two women hikers demonstrates the Kayland Zephyr boots in action on a wet, muddy hike in Wales on slippery rock slopes and rugged terrain. The reviewers say the boots are extremely waterproof and provide superb support, but feel reasonably light.
Review: Kayland Zephyr Boots, Editors of TheBackpacker.tv, April 2009
5. Amazon.com
A handful of users give the Kayland Zephyr mixed reviews here; one criticizes the cushioning and durability while others give the boot rave reviews for comfort and support.
Review: Kayland Men's Zephyr Hiking Boot, Contributors to Amazon.com
The Kayland Zephyr earns mostly positive reviews from the handful of men rating it here, with some complaints about the boot feeling narrow. Water resistance gets mixed reviews.
Review: Kayland Zephyr Hiking Boot -- Men's, Contributors to Backcountry.com
7. Endless.com
Only a few women review the Kayland Zephyr here, but they do it with great enthusiasm -- praising the boot's comfort, stability, traction and water resistance.
Review: Kayland Women's Zephyr Hiking Boot, Contributors to Endless.com
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