Backpacking Boots

Recent Backpacking Boot Reviews

Asolo Bajura Gore-Tex

Backpacking boot Strong, heavy, well-made backpacking boot. According to Asolo it is resoleable (Asolo can do it, so I suppose a local cobbler will also). Beautiful craftmanship with a gorgeous white leather lining. I have five different pairs of backpacking boots. This one I would take if things were wet because it is 100% totally waterproof. HOWEVER it is also heavy. The insole is pretty good for an Asolo; no need to change it out. These are mostly sold in Europe. In the USA they either call it… Full review

Danner Recurve

An out-of-the-box comfortable 7” hiking/hunting boot made of a full-grain leather and suede upper. I tested the insulated version (non-insulated also available), which is waterproof and suitable for winter hiking, hunting, and most definitely playing with kids in the snow. Conditions:I’ve worn the 400g insulated Danner Recurves in the mountains and valleys of Central Pennsylvania during the fall and winter season while hiking, hunting, and playing in the snow with my kids. All told, I’ve worn… Full review

Alico Summit

Had a size 11 that I loved. After about 15 years had to sell them because my feet grew. So I bought a pair of used size 12s. Full review

Scarpa Zodiac Plus GTX

Light, sturdy, good grip, snug around the heel and foot but leaves a little wiggle room where you want it up front. I bought these to replace my old Scarpa Zen Pro Mid GTX. The Zodiac Plus do a god job at that, but only off road. The Zen Pro Mid would get a 5-star review from me without a doubt. I have given the Zodiac Plus GTX  four stars because of what makes them so good on the ruff stuff is their downfall on paved roads. This makes them lose a lot of versatility that the Zen Pro Mid had in… Full review

Esatto Classic Hiker

In November of 2019 (YES 2019) I paid this man over $1300 for custom boots and orthotics. It is now November of 2022. He sent me boots once last year that did not fit. I sent them back. It appears he has done nothing with them since. AVOID doing business with this man. That about says it. No boots. Full review

Alico Tahoe

Incredible bang for your buck. I'm not sure how I could rate these boots anything lower than 5 given their retail price, and certainly not what I paid on ebay ($89.05 in March of 2015). They were a "new without box" pair with no indication that they had been worn. They did give me some grief when breaking in. I wore them to a trip to Seattle later in 2015 and they were giving me some serious achilles pain after about 15 miles. Fortunately, I brought a second pair of shoes, so I shelved them for… Full review

Limmer Boots The Standard

The flogging of Limmer Standards will continue until the rest of you come around. I wore a pair of Limmer Standards for years as a SAR dog handler in New Hampshire. Prior to that I wore Pivetta 8s and Raichle Montagnas in Washington and Alaska, so now you know my disdain for lighter boots when it comes to rough terrain and heavy loads. Having moved back to Minnesota a few years ago, I haven’t had much use for the Standards. Yesterday I hauled a tree stand into terrain that I knew from prior scouting… Full review

L.L.Bean Gore-Tex Cresta Hikers, Fabric/Leather

Comfortable midweight waterproof boot right out of the box. I have owned several pairs of these. Hands down my favorite boot. LL Bean is now charging 300 dollars per pair, and that is the end of that. Full review

Limmer Boots The Standard

Fit is generous. There are some excellent reviews, no need to repeat. Just wanted to add one thing—the fit is generous. I have about 6 pair of hiking boots, from Italian to Chinese made, and my Limmer size 12 are by far the most generous fit. So I wear extra thick socks with them. For example, I have some Asolo size 12 hiking boots that only fit with a very thin sock. Full review