Hiking Boots

Types of hiking boots and shoes

Lightweight leather-and-mesh hiking boots and shoes are often comfortable right out of the box, while heavier all-leather boots vary a lot in the uncomfortable break-in period required. If you're an occasional hiker or don't plan to carry heavy loads, a lighter boot or shoe with a shorter break-in period makes sense. If you plan mainly on warm-weather hiking, you may be happier with a quick-drying hiking shoe rather than a heavier, hotter waterproof hiking boot.

The trend is now more towards lower-cut hiking shoes rather than boots. Boots provide more ankle support for tougher trails and for carrying heavier backpack loads, so taking stock of the type of hiking you plan to do is the best way to choose. There's also been an explosion of "mid-cut" hiking boots in recent years. As the name suggests, these are cut somewhere between a low-cut shoe and a full boot, aiming to give you the best of both worlds.

Backpacking expert Ronald Mueser estimates that lightweight hiking boots made of leather and mesh should last about 1,000 miles, while full-grain leather boots last about 1,600 miles. Prices correspond pretty well with these estimates, so this doesn't make one type a better investment than another. Low-cut hiking shoes don't last as long, especially if they use midsole cushioning.

Reviews often rate hiking shoes and boots based on the support and stability they provide for different types of terrain – from smooth trails to off-trail bushwhacking – as well as for various weights of backpacking loads. Experts also warn that it's important to take into account the strength of your ankles; you may need more support than other hikers, or less. Most hiking shoes and boots come in medium width, but we also discuss models that come in narrow and wide widths as well. See below, too, for women's hiking boots and shoes designed specifically to fit a woman's foot.

Low-cut hiking shoes

If you're mainly hiking on easier trails and don't need extra ankle protection, low-cut hiking shoes are lightweight and relatively inexpensive. Experts say they're also fine for ultralight backpacking with loads of 25 pounds or less, as long as you gradually work up to this combination of load and hiking shoe. (At first your ankles might not be strong enough.)

For a waterproof hiking shoe that excels in breathability, reviews recommend the Hi-Tec V-Lite Radar II Event Low hiking shoe (*est. $105) . This model uses eVENT, a newer waterproof membrane that releases moisture better than Gore-Tex XCR or the older Gore-Tex membrane. The Hi-Tec V-Lite Radar II Event Low is the 2008 Backpacker Magazine's "best buy" for day hikes and easier trails. Tests there find these hiking shoes both waterproof and breathable in all kinds of conditions, from snow to 80-degree summer heat. They support loads up to 25 pounds, but the shoes themselves weigh less than two pounds per pair. Men's and women's versions are available.

Outside Magazine gave its 2007 Gear of the Year award to the La Sportiva Sandstone GTX-XCR (*est. $120) . (The shoe gets its name from the toe protection, a sprayed-on mix of sand, glue and rubber.) Editors praise this waterproof hiking shoe for its excellent traction and springiness, recommending it for all kinds of terrain. The review says the mesh is placed ideally for breathability. However, tests at Backpacker Magazine find the breathability mediocre and the shoe a bit heavy for a low-cut hiking shoe (2.5 pounds total). The Backpacker review does say the Sandstone is comfortable out of the box -- no break-in period required -- and best for narrow to medium feet. Men's and women's sizes are available, but the lasts are the same; only the color varies.

The Lowa Jannu Lo (*est. $150) isn't waterproof, but it's still luxurious – made on gender-specific lasts (though experts differ on how much difference this makes). This low-cut hiking shoe won the 2006 Gear of the Year award at Outside Magazine, whose review calls it "plush but armored." The inside of this Italian-made shoe is soft leather that conforms to your foot (hence the "plush"), but the outer shell is tough split-grain leather. Editors say they also like the anti-skid tread on the durable Vibram sole; tests show it minimized slipping on steep descents. Reviews also praise the stylish appearance of these shoes, available in several colors.

Backpacker Magazine's 2008 Gear Guide calls the Montrail Flow (*est. $90) a bargain, recommending it for backpacking with loads up to 25 pounds. Tests show this hiking shoe (available in men's and women's sizes) has excellent traction, with sole lugs that are shallow but sticky. The Montrail Flow is designed to drain water fast rather than keep it out, and Backpacker testers find it very breathable. Like other Montrail shoes and boots, the last is based on analysis of over 800,000 foot scans; Montrail has an excellent reputation for good fit.

The New Balance 920 (*est. $90) is another non-waterproof hiking shoe designed to drain water fast (some retailers even go as far as to call it a water shoe). It comes in several widths (and men's and women's sizes), but tests at Backpacker Magazine find the traction not as good as that of the Montrail Flow. Backpacker editors do like the way the mesh is backed by fabric that keeps out most grit – a problem with some hiking shoes that emphasize mesh. New Balance makes hiking shoes and boots in more than one width, and the New Balance 920 comes in two widths for men and three for women. This model is made on the RL3 last, to fit narrow heels and wider forefeet; New Balance makes other hiking shoes with different combinations of heel and forefoot width, as well as some with deeper toeboxes.

Mid-cut hiking shoes for ankle support

Mid-cut hiking shoes offer some ankle support. The line between hiking shoes and hiking boots gets blurred at this point. Cut higher than low-cut hiking shoes but not completely covering the ankle, mid-cut hiking shoes are just as often called hiking boots by some reviewers. Some makers carry both a low-cut and mid-cut version of the same shoe, and the key to spotting this style is often the word "mid" in the model name. The trend is toward this lower cut even for backpacking, except with very heavy loads.

For day hiking and ultralight backpacking even on rough trails, the mid-cut Keen Targhee II Mid (*est. $120) has been a favorite in reviews, earning praise for overall comfort, a roomy toe box and breathable eVENT waterproofing. Backpacker Magazine picks it as a best buy for backpacking with loads up to 35 pounds, and this hiking shoe (which comes in men's and women's sizes) also earns top marks in owner-written reviews at REI.com and Zappos.com. We did find more mixed reviews at BackCountryStore.com, where some owners note problems with durability. Reviews also say it's not good for hiking in snow, where it lacks traction and can soak through.

For backpacking on rougher trails with heavier loads up to 45 pounds or so, Backpacker Magazine editors top-rank the mid-cut Scarpa Kailash GTX (*est. $170), giving it the 2008 Editors' Choice award. Editors praise this hiking shoe for great fit out of the box, without the need for a break-in period, plus excellent traction and durability. At 44 ounces for a men's size nine (women's sizes are also available), a pair weighs about ten ounces more than the Keen Targhee II above, and the Gore-Tex lining isn't quite as breathable as eVENT. So it's a tradeoff between lightweight breathability and durable support. We had a hard time finding the Scarpa hiking boots in stores.

Reviews say the less expensive Merrell Chameleon Wrap Mid Gore-Tex (*est. $140) is suitable for lighter loads of around 30 pounds. Testers at Backpacker Magazine praise this hiking shoe for excellent traction and breathable waterproofing. Its main drawback is its weight, since it weighs as much as the Scarpa Kailash GTX (*est. $170) but offers less support. The Merrell Chameleon is available in both men's and women's sizes.

If you want the ankle support of a mid-cut hiking shoe but plan to hike on smoother trails, the Backpacker Magazine review recommends The North Face Hedgehog Mid GTX XCR (*est. $115) . Editors say it's cushioned and flexible like a running shoe, but also provides support, so it's suitable for ultralight backpacking as well as for day hikes. Men's and women's sizes and colors are available. Per pair, they weigh less than two pounds.

For hikers who need sizes other than a medium width, the all-leather Lowa Renegade GTX Mid (*est. $190) comes in three widths for men. The women's version comes in just two widths (medium and narrow) but is made on a women's last. A Camping Life review wholeheartedly recommends the women's version for comfort, and this hiking shoe also gets reasonably high marks from both men and women reviewing it at REI.com – but with some criticisms for lack of durability.

If you have either narrow or wide feet, New Balance makes hiking shoes (which they classify as "walking shoes") in several widths. Owners reviewing hiking shoes at Zappos.com give top rating to the waterproof New Balance 977GT, which has seam-sealed all-leather uppers plus a Gore-Tex lining. The men's version, the New Balance MW977GT (*est. $135) , comes in three widths and weighs about 38 ounces a pair. The women's version, the New Balance WW977GT (*est. $135), comes in four widths.

Lightweight hiking boots

Lightweight hiking boots tend to be somewhat taller than mid-cut hiking shoes, providing more ankle support. Leather uppers are often ventilated with strips of mesh, so they're more comfortable than all-leather boots in hot weather. The mesh also keeps the weight down to an average of less than 2.5 pounds per pair.

Montrail makes hiking boots with gender-specific lasts based on digital scans of over 800,000 feet, claiming to fit 80 percent of the boot-wearing population, and reviews say they do seem to fit uncommonly well. Unlike most lightweight hiking boots, the Montrail Blue Ridge GTX (*est. $180) have all-leather uppers. Owner-written reviews say they often require no break-in period at all -- especially for hikers with narrow to medium feet with high arches. Thus you should be able to tell right away if they're going to be comfortable. The Gore-Tex lining stretches and the heel pocket is made with molded foam. They come only in medium width, and in men's and women's sizes.

The Vasque Breeze GTX XCR (*est. $150) comes in two widths for both men and women. As the name suggests, these hiking boots incorporate some mesh in the uppers for ventilation, as well as Gore-Tex XCR for breathable waterproofing. This well-ventilated hiking boot is a top pick among women reviewing hiking boots at Moosejaw.com. It also earns high marks from both men and women at REI.com, though a few owners say the XCR lining can still leave feet damp.

The Timberland Cadion Waterproof Mid Gore-Tex XCR (*est. $140) hiking boots come in only medium width but are even lighter in weight, thanks partly to a fabric made of Schoeller material, a Swiss blend of nylon, Lycra, Coolmax and polyester. An average women's pair weighs less than two pounds, a men's pair 38 ounces. These hiking boots win praise in several reviews – including the 2006 Editors' Choice award from Backpacker Magazine. Tests there show the Gore-Tex XCR membrane keeps them waterproof even when fully submerged in water. Editors say these hiking boots have zero break-in time yet great ankle support, and they're even compatible with crampons for hiking on ice.

The Danner Radical 452 GTX (*est. $130) is a lightweight hiking boot that gets top marks for comfort from owners reviewing hiking boots at both Amazon.com and Cabelas.com. It's still available as the Radical 452 in men's sizes, but the Danner Radical 453 GTX (*est. $145) is available in sizes for both men and women. This later model comes in for some criticism at Cabelas.com for stitching coming loose.

For men, the well-recommended Columbia Frontier Peak GTX (*est. $120) is still available in two widths, but is being phased out. Single-product reviews at both Camping Life and at OutdoorsWithDave.com recommend the Columbia Frontier Peak GTX, and it's also one of the top picks in owner-written reviews at Amazon.com and Cabelas.com. It's apparently being replaced by the Titanium Daska Pass hiking boot (*est. $145), which comes only in medium width and uses Columbia's proprietary membrane instead of Gore-Tex.

Mid-weight leather backpacking boots

Mid-weight hiking boots with all-leather uppers offer more support than lightweight leather/mesh boots for hiking on challenging terrain, as well as for backpacking with heavy loads of 40 or 50 pounds or more. Boots with all-leather uppers are the most durable hiking boots, but also the heaviest, averaging around four pounds a pair. Mid-weight leather boots are stiff, so they can take weeks or even months to break in. Until that point, reviews say, they can be fairly uncomfortable, with hot spots and blisters a problem.

The Asolo TPS 520 GTX hiking boots (*est. $230) earn high praise in owner-written reviews at both REI.com and Moosejaw.com. Owners praise them for both durability and comfort even when backpacking with heavy loads, and Backpacker Magazine recommends them even for hiking off-trail. Their main drawback is their weight: 60 ounces for an average men's pair; 54 ounces for women's.

Available in wide as well as medium width (for both men and women), the Gore-Tex-lined Montrail Torre GTX (*est. $160) is one of the top picks among men reviewing hiking boots at REI.com, though not all find it waterproof or breathable. (At the time of this report, the gender-specific women's version isn't carried there.) These hiking boots weigh nearly as much as the Asolo boots just discussed, but Backpacker editors don't rate them for off-trail use.

Available only in men's sizes, Cabela's "Perfekt" 7" Hikers by Meindl (*est. $230) are the top-ranked backpacking boots at OutdoorsWithDave.com. Available in two widths (D and EE), these Gore-Tex-lined boots are also one of the top picks in owner-written reviews at Cabelas.com. Made in Germany, these boots use a cork insole that molds to the foot; Backpacker Magazine editors say it takes about six hikes for the molding to be complete.

The Kayland Vertigo High (*est. $200) is about half a pound lighter than the backpacking boots discussed above. Another advantage is that it uses an eVENT membrane for superior breathability. This hiking boot earned the 2007 Editors' Choice award at Backpacker Magazine as the best hiking boot out of 110 pairs tested. Editors say that these well-constructed boots provide enough support for carrying 50-pound loads, and are a good fit for all but very wide feet. It comes in both women's and men's sizes, but doesn't use gender-specific lasts.

Hiking boots for women

Most of the hiking shoes and backpacking boots discussed above come in women's sizes, and critics are split on whether female-specific lasts fit better than unisex designs. Nonetheless, we found reviews recommending several models specifically designed for women, and if you have especially narrow feet, or narrow heels but a wide forefoot, you may find these to be a better fit. The main drawback is that none of these use eVENT waterproof lining, the most breathable type so far. However, the Lowa Banff Lady discussed below doesn't use any membrane, so it's the most breathable of the women's backpacking boots, and easiest to fit since it comes in three widths.

The heavy classic Lowa Banff Lady (*est. $210) doesn't use a waterproof lining but is built on a special women's last and comes in narrow widths as well as medium and wide. These all-leather backpacking boots made in Germany rely on good construction and seam sealing for waterproofness. These boots earn high praise from owners reviewing them at REI.com, though some owners say they need a break-in period. One woman reviewing them notes that since they don't use Gore-Tex or antimicrobial chemicals, they're an especially good choice for chemically sensitive hikers. The main drawback is their weight -- 51 ounces -- but this also adds to their durability. There is also a men's Lowa Banff (*est. $235) that comes in three widths and weighs 63 ounces for an average men's size.

Outward Bound Wilderness programs recommend the Gore-Tex Lowa Lady GTX (*est. $245) . Like the Lowa Banff Lady, it's designed for heavy backpacking loads up to 50 or 60 pounds, but the Lowa Lady GTX weighs 11 ounces less. It comes in medium and wide widths, but not narrow.

Merrell makes its women's hiking shoes and boots on gender-specific lasts for a better fit, so it's not surprising that the Gore-Tex-lined Merrell Chameleon ARC Mid Waterproof (*est. $120) earns high marks from women testers and is named 2008 Best for Women light-duty boot at Backpacker Magazine. This women's mid-cut hiking shoe provides enough support for backpacking loads up to about 45 pounds, even on rough trails. That's about the weight many women would prefer to carry anyway, and a pair weighs just 33 ounces, slightly over two pounds.

The Asolo Attiva GTX (*est. $190) weighs three ounces more but is cut higher for more ankle support. Testers for Backpacker Magazine's 2008 Gear Guide issue give this women's hiking boot top ranking for the best fit for women. Editors say it's durable, comfortable even with a 45-pound load and has good traction.

For lighter loads, women reviewing hiking boots at both REI.com and Moosejaw.com give high praise to the Asolo Stynger GTX Women's (*est. $180) , although these ankle-high boots weigh 40 ounces. Women say that despite their weight, these hiking boots are comfortable for day hiking as well as for backpacking with loads up to 35 pounds or so. Most women say they're comfortable right out of the box.

Important Features: Hiking boots

Experts say to consider the following in choosing boots or shoes for hiking and backpacking:

• Get the lightest shoes you can. Experts say every extra pound on the feet is like carrying five or six pounds on your back. Unless you need extra ankle support or are venturing into very rugged territory, reviews suggest choosing the lightest hiking boots or shoes that suit your purpose.

• Look for lugs that release mud. Most current hiking boots and trail-running shoes have widely spaced or specially shaped lugs that provide good traction but don't hold onto mud. Reviews say this is important, because otherwise a lightweight boot or shoe can become a monster weighted down with mud. Softer lugs give the best traction, but wear faster.

• Decide whether you need a waterproof boot. Quite a few leather or light hiking boots with waterproof Gore-Tex membranes let you wade through streams without getting wet, as long as the water doesn't go above the ankle cuff and the membrane is undamaged. You can also wade right across even deeper streams wearing light trail-running shoes that drain and dry fast. Of course, temperature makes a difference, and some people like fast-drying shoes while others hate having their feet wet even for an hour. For snowshoeing, you'll obviously need a waterproof hiking boot.

• Breathability is important on long trips or in hot or humid climates. Fast-drying hiking shoes with mesh uppers are the coolest for summer hikes, and don't build up sweat day after day on long backpacking trips. Plain leather breathes next best. Among waterproof membranes, reviews say eVENT breathes better than Gore-Tex XCR, which in turn breathes better than regular Gore-Tex. Reviews note that on long trips the pores get clogged even in XCR membranes, so breathability greatly diminishes.

• For waterproof boots, look for a rand. This is a wide rubber wrapping around the upper shoe where the upper attaches to the sole to waterproof that area. The rand also protects the leather there.

• Leather linings are the most durable. Reviews say leather linings also mold well to your feet (eventually). Synthetic linings like Cambrelle nylon dry faster than leather, but sometimes wrinkle and chafe. Some boots use leather in high-wear areas at heel and toe, but synthetic linings elsewhere.

• Full-grain leather one-piece uppers are durable and easy to waterproof. The more seams in a shoe, the more chance of leaks or rips, and full-grain leather is much thicker and less prone to damage than split-grain leather. However, it makes for a heavier, stiffer boot that can take months to break in -- with a good chance of blisters during that whole period.

• Choose boots with removable insoles, and replace them with better ones. (For reviews, see the Alternative Considerations section below.) Experts say few hiking boots come with the best quality insoles or the ones that will fit your particular feet best. Be prepared to shop for insoles at the same time you buy your hiking boots, so you can get the best possible fit right away. Some stores even have an oven for warming the type of insoles that can be shaped to your exact foot, right while you shop.

Getting a good fit in hiking boots and shoes

Roland Mueser's survey of AT thru-hikers revealed that "one-width" shoes fit only about 64 percent of the population. Some reviews say that most hiking boots are not snug enough at the heel, but are too tight at the toes. Obviously, buying hiking shoes or boots is best done in person. Online stores, however, are doing a decent job, offering free shipping on exchanges. So if you don't have a good outdoor store nearby, the Web is a good resource.

For the ultimate in custom fit, you can choose among brands that make hiking boots in multiple widths; these include Dunham/New Balance, L.L.Bean, Lowa and Vasque. Women sometimes find the best fit in boots made on gender-specific lasts rather than resized men's boots. We found reviews praising several brands on this score, including Hi-Tec, Lowa and Montrail.

Look for a snug heel fit with a deep Achilles notch, but a roomy toe box. The Achilles notch is at the back of the ankle cuff, to keep the cuff from rubbing you there. Shoe and boot designers have devised various ways to keep footwear snug around your ankle, since any slippage there tends to produce blisters. You should have plenty of room to wiggle your toes, and the toe box shouldn't touch the tops of your feet. Reviews say that European lasts tend to be narrower at the toe.

If you want to wear the boots or shoes for backpacking, experts recommend testing them while wearing a pack loaded with the weight you intend to carry. This can change the fit and feel of the hiking boots a great deal. Remember too that on long trips your feet may swell half a size to a full size, so err in the direction of larger rather than smaller.

The fit of your hiking boots or shoes depends on the socks you'll be wearing, and the best socks may depend partly on the boots. So reviews recommend shopping for both at the same time so you can find the best combination.

Do you need a waterproof membrane?

Rain, snow, dew and stream crossings get hiking boots wet from the outside, while moisture from your feet dampens them from the inside. The trend is to use a breathable waterproof membrane inside the shoe to keep water out and to release sweat as it accumulates. For improved breathability, some hiking boots and shoes use eVENT fabric rather than Gore-Tex, since eVENT lets sweat pass through earlier. In the best hiking boots, reviews say either membrane works well (as long as it's not damaged), allowing you to wade right through a stream as long as the water isn't deeper than the boots. Extended hiking in wet or melting snow is still apt to soak through eventually.

Some hiking-boot experts offer counterarguments. If waterproof boots do get wet, they take a long, long time to dry. Even Gore-Tex XCR, the most breathable type of Gore-Tex, doesn't breathe as well as plain leather, and certainly not as well as mesh, so boots and shoes with waterproof membranes tend to be hotter and sweatier to wear. From his survey of hikers, Roland Mueser concludes that it's better to let feet get wet in lightweight fabric or mesh, so they dry fast. He notes, as do several other experts, that the pores in Gore-Tex get clogged after a few hundred miles. User reviews note that the slightest hole in the membrane results in leaks.

Hiking experts, including Lee Van Horn, say that the waterproofing on leather boots also tends to wear off quickly in the field. He concludes that "lightweight backpackers perceive comfort to be higher while walking in wet feet in a 12-ounce trail-running shoe versus having dry feet in a 32-ounce leather or Gore-Tex boot."

Both Gore-Tex and eVENT use a controversial chemical called PTFE. Scientists in Sweden concluded that fabrics using PTFE do contain residues of a toxic chemical used in their manufacture: PFOA, also known as C-8. This is the same chemical used to make Teflon. The European Union has decided that there's insufficient evidence to rule PFOA a carcinogen, but in the United States, the EPA has called for a phase-out of its use. It seems highly unlikely that waterproof membranes in hiking boots would expose the wearer to this chemical, but no one knows for sure. For links to more information, see the Best Research section below.

Our Consensus Report shows how many times products are top-ranked by reviewers included in our
All The Reviews Reviewed chart.

# Picks	Model (With Retailer Links)	Details from Amazon.com
5	Keen Targhee II Mid (*est. $120)	details
4	Columbia Frontier Peak GTX (*est. $120)	details
2	Asolo TPS 520 GTX (*est. $230)	details
2	Meindl Cabela's Perfekt (*est. $230)	-
2	(W) Asolo Stynger GTX (*est. $180)	details
2	Danner Radical 452 GTX (*est. $130)	details
2	Kayland Vertigo High (*est. $200)	details
1 each	(W) Asolo Attiva GTX , Columbia Razor Ridge Low II , Hi-Tec V-Lite Radar II Event Low , Kayland Apex Trek , La Sportiva Sandstone GTX-XCR , Lowa Banff , Lowa Renegade GTX Mid , Merrell brand , (W) Merrell Chameleon ARC Mid Waterproof , Merrell Reflex Mid GORE-TEX Hiker, Montrail Flow , Montrail Torre GTX , New Balance MW977 , Scarpa Kailash GTX , The North Face Hedgehog Mid GTX XCR , Timberland Cadion Waterproof Mid Gore-Tex XCR , Vasque Breeze

We found the most consistent reviews for the mid-cut Keen Targhee II for both men and women, and at about $120, it's a good value in a hiking boot.

If you prefer a full boot, we found good reviews for the Columbia Frontier Peak GTX, but this boot is now being phased out, and we haven't yet seen reviews on its replacement. The Asolo TPS is also a full boot, and although most owners like it, it's heavy compared to the Kayland Vertigo High, which recently won an award from Backpacker Magazine. Also among full boots, the Meindl Perfekt is recommended; these use a cork insole that eventually conforms to the wearer's feet, but requires a break-in period.

The Danner Radical lightweight hiking boots get good user reviews, but we were troubled by some reports we read about stitching coming loose. Instead, we included the Timberland Cadion boots in ConsumerSearch Fast Answers, which cost the same and get especially good comments from owners for their water resistance and comfort out of the box.

We didn't find much consensus in reviews for low-cut hiking shoes, but a recent award in Backpacker Magazine for the Hi-Tec V-Lite Radar II Event Low prompted us to include it in ConsumerSearch Fast Answers as a first consideration.

Sponsored links