Hiking Boot Brands and Links

Updated September 2011

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In this report

Introduction
Hiking Shoes{1 mention}{1 mention}{3 mentions}{2 mentions}{1 mention}{1 mention}{3 mentions}{1 mention}{1 mention}{2 mentions}
Hiking Boots{1 mention}{2 mentions}{2 mentions}{1 mention}{3 mentions}{2 mentions}{1 mention}{6 mentions}{1 mention}{1 mention}{1 mention}{2 mentions}{1 mention}{1 mention}{1 mention}{1 mention}
Women's Hiking Boots{1 mention}{2 mentions}{1 mention}{1 mention}{1 mention}{1 mention}{1 mention}{1 mention}
Useful Links
Our Sources

Hiking and backpacking footwear options

For day hikes or ultralight backpacking, experts at BackpackingLight.com recommend wearing trail-running shoes. These usually require no break-in period, but don't last as long as hiking shoes or boots. See the ConsumerSearch report on trail-running shoes.

Some hikers prefer sandals for backpacking, and some models provide closed-toe protection. Teva, Salomon and Keen are favorite brands among reviewers. BackpackGearTest.org has a few reviews of sandals.

It's possible to buy Gore-Tex liners (sort of like oversocks) to put in boots to waterproof them. These start at around $25 for various brands, but we found quite a few positive reviews for the Rocky Gore-Tex Oversocks (*Est. $60). Users say there's no leeway in the fit, though and they can be tricky to put on.

Insoles can also improve fit by providing better shock absorption. BackpackGearTest.org has in-depth reviews of several insoles.

SuperFeet.com has an insole selector, and guide for trimming insoles, that applies only to that brand.

Running Times discusses over-the-counter insoles as well as custom orthotics in the article "Seeking Supplemental Support."

Sole makes heat-moldable insoles for a custom fit. You can read owner-written reviews of the different Sole insoles at Zappos.com.

Hiking boots for kids

If you're looking for hiking boots for kids, Backpacker magazine's 2008 gear guide recommends the Vasque Breeze (*Est. $70), saying these waterproof boots wear so well that they can be passed down as kids outgrow them. In the 2010 gear guide, the Hi-Tec Renegade Trail WP Jr. Kids' hiking boot (*Est. $35) received a recommendation as a "real hiking boot," again receiving the nod for lasting long enough to be handed down. We couldn't find any newer recommendations for 2011.

Winter hiking boots

We found comparison reviews of insulated boots at Backpacker magazine and BackpackingLight.com, but none of these boots got perfect scores. Tests at BackpackingLight.com find that waterproof hiking boots that keep feet dry at stream crossings still eventually get soaked after hours trekking through wet snow. A Backpacker magazine review of Muck Boot Arctic Sport winter boots, which are made of rubber-covered closed-cell foam, touts them as tough enough to withstand a lot of abuse; the tester used hers in temps as low as -15 degrees Fahrenheit.

The editors of Fitness magazine praised the Columbia Women's Bugathermo boot (*Est. $325), which has wireless heating pads beneath the ball of the foot that offer up to eight hours of extra warmth. The Bugathermo comes in a men's version, too, which received excellent user reviews on the manufacturer's website. The boot also has 200 grams of Thinsulate insulation, rated to -25 degrees Fahrenheit. The reviewer did note that the extra-high ankle support on these boots, which Columbia proclaims as extra protection from the cold, can make them challenging to walk in.

For ultralight backpacking, BackpackingLight.com suggests using mesh-top trail shoes even in winter, with insulated overboots and waterproof sock liners worn over regular socks.

BackpackGearTest.org also has reviews of winter boots and overshoes.

Several companies make attachments that can fit on ordinary hiking shoes for better traction on snow and ice. Owners rate and review several options at REI.com. Kahtoola MICROspikes (*Est. $60) are pricey but get the best reviews there.

Buyers' guides to hiking footwear

For a guide to describing the shape of your foot -- important for finding hiking boots that fit -- see "Foot Type: Shape and Volume."

Trailspace.com also describes a simple test for determining whether your feet have flat, neutral or high arches.

In "What You Need to Know to Buy Hiking Boots," published on the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club website, Ady Hiltz gives detailed instructions on how to make sure boots fit when you try them on.

Outside magazine has answered hundreds of questions -- some basic and some random about hiking boots.

GORP.com, connected with Outside magazine, has quite a few articles on buying and caring for hiking boots and shoes, including one by Chris Townsend on fitting boots, "These Boots are Made for Walkin'."

Gorp.com hiking expert Karen Berger writes about blister prevention in the article "Conquering Blisters."

In his Two-Heel Drive blog, "insatiable" hiker Tom Mangan makes the case for high-top hiking boots over low-rise shoes.

Backpacker magazine publishes a comprehensive guide on not just how to buy boots but how to tie them and repair them.

Care of hiking boots and shoes

Good Housekeeping's Heloise offers tips for cleaning all shoes, including hiking boots.

Bass Pro Shops' website has an online guide to hiking boot care.

Backpacker magazine published a column by gear pro Kristin Hostetter. You can scan the archives to see if your boot-related question has already been answered, or submit it for her consideration.