Backpacking Boots

Recent Backpacking Boot Reviews

Hanwag Alaska GTX

Overall fit (depending on foot type) and features. Firm enough for rough mountain walking and winter frolics and not as stiff as Alpine boots. Check for fitting first! Finally, a pair of robust boots, that are sufficiently stiff, but which fit my heels enough to prevent heel lift and the blistering that have seemed to folllow me across the many pairs of boots that I've owned. I've turned to Hanwag following 6 years of pain-free mountaineering with Salewa boots—the replacement of my trusty old… Full review

Alico Tahoe

Old school...in the best possible way. These boots hearken to an era when Noregian welt construction with top grain cowhide, Vibram Montagna lugged soles, and a full calfskin lining were all standard features on a top of the line Italian boot. Maybe these are the last of a vanishing species, so I'd recommend you get a pair now.   Wearing the Tahoes as slippers around the house as stage one of the break-in process. I am more and more convinced there's very little in the way of innovation that can… Full review

Limmer Standard

Excellent boots, like any long-term relationship, they take a lot of work. When Peter fit these for me he grabbed my forefoot and lightly squeezed. This is how the boots should fit, "like a firm handshake". His remark turned me from the larger size that I thought would be the right fit, to the next smaller, against my better judgement. For two years at least I was convinced he was wrong. But umpteen miles and several rounds with a shoe stretcher I bought, has probably proved him right. In his opinion… Full review

Meindl Vakuum Men GTX

Category B trekking boots, great for hiking and trekking both on rocky terrains and in the forest. Greetings hiker! This is a review about the hiking boots Vakuum Men GTX produced by Meindl. Few words about myself first to give an idea about what do I usually use hiking and trekking boots for. I enjoy hiking and trekking on the mountains in all seasons and with all types of weather. I mostly enjoy mountains that are covered by forest, but these boots I also used them on more naked rocky mountains. Full review

Meindl Perfekt

My sole came off both boots. Company won't do anything about it. The boots were not abused. That sucks. They don't stand behind the products. I bought them because I thought they were good, but they are not. Soles fell off both boots, never abused them. Company said "tough, can't help you, throw them away." Full review

Merrell Perimeter Gore-Tex

Best hiking boots I’ve ever owned (and I’ve had many). Durable, comfortable, good looking (like their owner). If these ever wear out, I’d buy another pair in a heartbeat. Full review

Hanwag Alaska GTX

Had these boots three years and only used occasionally. Both boots leak when out on the fells, and one boot just makes creaking noises when I am out walking. I have to say, I will be going back to Lowa boots. Very comfortable walking boot, but as an occasional walker, it did not take long for both boots to take in water, which was hard to take. I think I will go back to wearing Lowas. Also, the left boot was making creaking noises from day one, which I found very irritating. Full review

Herman Survivor

I bought them three days ago and they started falling apart on the first day. By the third day I had to throw them away They are a joke. Fifty dollar pair of shoes for three days. Full review

Zamberlan Vioz GT

Beware of the sole on the Vioz GT/GTX series of boots. Though the boot fits great and needs almost no break-in, the sole problem is a trip-stopper. I cannot go onto what is good about this boot yet, as the soles are a complete trip-stopper. Within a few miles, the Vibram sole starts coming off in large chunks—whole lugs at a time. I have never witnessed this on any boot. That is particularly surprising for a premium brand with a premium-branded sole manufacturer. And so far, Zamberlan has ignored… Full review