Backpacking Boots

Recent Backpacking Boot Reviews

Limmer Boots The Lightweight

Wearing these boots is like walking around with 2x4s tied to your feet; you will get blisters after short distances.  The boots are uncomfortable, even with the addition of aftermarket insoles.  The sole has no flex whatsoever, which is probably why I have rolled my ankle so many times wearing them.  It's unfortunate because I like the way they look, and the leather is super durable.  I had the boots resoled and the Meindl replacement soles separated at the front just like the originals.   Full review

Scarpa SL Active

Sub-standard boot after the Scarpa Kinesis Pro GTX boot. In Australia (at least) I can't get the Kinesis Pro boot anymore and the "next best" Scarpa product is the SL Active boot. But the SL Active lace clasps aren't nearly as good, and the liner causes SEVERE blisters when they become wet. Mainly comparing the SL Active to the Kinesis Pro GTX premium Scarpa boot.  In Australia, as well as many other countries, they are phasing out the Kinesis Pro boot.  I've had three pairs and they have been… Full review

Lowa Tibet GTX

Only used a couple of times BUT this showed, as with other recent Lowa boots, NO break-in period is required. Very good support and comfort off trail. These are tough, heavy, and fairly stiff boots. They are suitable for carrying heavy camping loads. The first time out was for a 5.5km hike off trail. The boots were immediately comfortable and no break-in was required. I have bought boots in the past that never were broken in! The shank varies in thickness. Thicker at the back and centre and thinner… Full review

Asolo TPS 520 GV

Abhorrent quality. The shoe did not last more than a few months. I am a researcher who does fieldwork in an alpine environment. I've had two pairs (one on warranty) and the stitching has frayed and broken three months into work both times. Old colleagues recommended these shoes as they were unbreakable. Obviously in the 5 years since their purchase the quality has dropped immensely. $200 shoes from Kathmandu have lasted better than this $500 shoe. Take your business elsewhere.  Full review

Crispi Nevada GTX

I really enjoy the fact that everyone has spent some time with these boots and gives a very valid opinion. I just got done with a set of Schnee's Granite boots, and they absolutely destroyed my feet. This is not a knock on Schnee's, it's how my feet are built. I have had the Crispis for 18 months now, and have a lot of time hunting/hiking. For the way my feet are built, this is one of the best pair of boots that I've had to date. If you are looking for an all-around boot with good stability, decent… Full review

Meindl Super Perfekt

Great "old style" mountaineering/backpacking boots. I was not in the market for a new pair of boots, but I stumbled upon the Super Perfekt online (and on sale) and it was love at first sight. Less than a week later (thank you, FedEx!) they were on my feet and being broken in. I got a size 9 UK (43 continental) and they are true to size; ample room in the toe box, and quite wide for the toes to wiggle, relax, and be happy. I have another pair of Meindl's heavy duty boots, the Himalaya, but the Super… Full review

Zamberlan Vioz GTX 996

Vibram sole disintegrating is Vibram's fault. Zamberlan has proprietary Vibram soles on these boots. They brag about it. But...they are hard to clean and disintegrate. The disintegration is probably Vibram's error but still...thinking you know more about soles than Vibram seems pretty egotistical to me. Zamberlan obviously needs to dump the proprietary soles, if for nothing else, because one can only resole them with their own proprietary soles. The rocker on the soles is awesome when walking,… Full review

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. Probably narrow because it fits me and I have a narrow heel. Adequate toe room, I need a big toe box and I can wiggle my toes in this. You do need to break the leather in. Great support, traction, durable. Interesting eyelets for the laces, they are super strong, look like tiny pulleys,… 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