Backpacking Boots
The best backpacking boots, reviewed and curated by the Trailspace community. The latest review was added on February 27, 2024. Stores' prices and availability are updated daily.
Recent Backpacking Boot Reviews
Limmer Boots The Lightweight
Good overall construction. I like it being a full leather boot. Buying experience was okay too; sizing can be worked out by working with a rep. Long break-in period. Comfortable for day hikes for sure. They did not work for me for longer (putting boots on for more than 10, 11 hours). I've put the Limmer Lightweight boots through their paces over the past couple of years, and overall, my experience been a mixed bag. Here's a breakdown of my experience with these boots across various aspects: Fit:… Full review
Zamberlan Vioz GTX 996
A great boot for hiking in the Whites of NH with a 30 pound pack on. Rugged, durable, and grippy. I’ve been hiking with these for a year in the whites, they are good in all types of terrain and weather, and handle my weight well. Full review
Alico Summit
This is a rugged waterproof leather boot with the classic Vibram lug sole. I’ve been hiking the whites in these off an on for a year. They are a well made pair of boots for this price point. They are a bit heavy, but I have problematic flat feet and they do a good job supporting and protecting me. I’d buy them again, but only as a backup pair, much happier with some Zamberlans I got. Full review
Hanwag Alaska GTX
12 years ago I bought myself shoes from another manufacturer and walked in them for all these 12 years. The soles were worn out and the shoes needed to be replaced. After scouring the Internet, I realized that they don’t sell anything worthwhile right now. The Germans have moved their production abroad and basically only Croatian shoes are sold if we want something better. In a word, Croatian shoes were recommended to me. We had great doubts that anyone other than the Germans could make good shoes,… Full review
Peter Limmer & Sons Limmer Custom Standard Boots
I ordered my boots in 1977 and waited 12 months to get them. At that time they cost $87. Backpacker magazine had just rated the Limmer custom boot as the best boot in the world for the price. I still have that review. In my opinion, they are still the best boot that I have ever hiked in. My pair has seen every condition imaginable, from torrential downpours to record-breaking cold here in the Appalachian Mountains from Georgia to Virginia. 46 years and still going. Full review
Alico Summit
The Alico Summit is comfortable and stable, with a stiff midsole and flexible forefoot, high ankle height, and durable leather and sole. Out of the box, they didn't feel like they fit. I tried three different pairs to find the best match, which was a full size larger than street shoes. Surprisingly comfortable without much break in period. Now the fit seems perfect. The inner sole is flat and hard. I don't have any foot issues and use a thin innersole from an old pair of running shoes for arch support. Full review
Limmer Boots The Standard
A stable boot, but not all boots are made equal. Scored 5 for the right boot and 0 for the left boot equalling 2.5 overall. Not sure I would recommend this boot. If one receives two good boots they would be fine. I expected an extended break-in period when purchasing these. I have owned the boots three months and I followed their directions to the letter. The right boot broke in nicely. The left boot was problematic one-third of the way forward on the outside of the boot against my foot, where it… Full review
Merrell Wilderness
Great old school backpacking boot. Will outlast most boots. I purchased a pair of Wilderness just under 3 years ago. They are the type of boot that will never again be produced. A modest change from the original model has a goodyear welt construction, not a Norwegian. To it's credit the gemming is stitched to the leather insole, creating a good stoutly built boot, with thick (~3mm by my estimation) leather uppers. The uppers are welted to a double thick rubber midsole and a vibram Roccia is glued… Full review
Limmer Boots The Standard
If you want long lasting, rugged, durable and repairable boots, for hardcore hiking, construction, etc. Limmers are probably the best! In 1971 I had some new Dunhams, as a rookie hiker. When I got to the White Mts. where I was starting a summer job on a Trail Crew, I learned after two weeks that my Dunhams were done. I ordered custom Limmers and got them several weeks later (Trail Crew members were taken care of quickly by the Limmer family, thank goodness) and I soon understood why. Some fellow… Full review
Other Types of Footwear
Find more footwear reviewed in these related categories: