Backpacking Boots

Recent Backpacking Boot Reviews

Asolo Yukon

I agree, BEST boots ever and BEST I've ever owned. I got some FOR SALE right now on E-Bay. Full review

Merrell Men's Phaserbound 2 Tall Waterproof

Nice, lightweight, and WATERPROOF. OK, so I was skeptical, but I couldn't walk away from the sale price. This was a bargain! Qualifying Background Info: I've run the gamut of name brand, off brand, high rise, low cut boots over these past 46 years of backpacking and trail hiking—everything from one-piece leather French SuperGuide boots to American made sneaker company attempts at boots. I also wear several different styles Merrell shoes to the office every day of the week. So, since Merrell makes… Full review

Alico Backcountry Boot

Best of Old and New Worlds. This boot, now renamed the Peak, is an excellent choice for someone looking for a very stable platform for both day hiking, as well as multi-day backpacking adventures. Although these boots are slightly on the heavy side (3 lbs. 4 oz. per pair), they are well worth it given the amazingly solid and supportive ride they give your feet. For reference, I have had Vasque Superhikers, Alpines, and Clarion GTX in the past, as well boots by Montrail (aka OneSport, at the time),… Full review

Meindl Super Perfekt

I have put over 300 kilometers on these boots, which are four months old and for which I paid a king’s ransom, and they are the most uncomfortable boots I have ever worn. The foot bed is like cement. After an hour of walking in them my feet are aching. Why are they made so hard and inflexible? Typical German overengineering. I walked the Camino Frances (800 Kms) in another model of Meindl boots and they were great, but I wore them out. Thought this time I’d try the Super Perfekt (supposedly… Full review

EMS Men's Arete GTX

EMS Arete GTX—Made by Zamberlan for EMS in 2004 and 2005. A rare and awesome hardcore hiking and mountaineering boot. Gore-tex lined. The fit is perfect for my size 11 (45) normal width feet. I have purchased two pairs on Ebay through the years and they are often mis-advertised and usually quite reasonable. These were about $250 when new 15 years ago. I have owned many similar boots in the past, La Sportiva Glaciers, Asolo, Vasque, Lowa, etc. The EMS Arete GTX is without question the best boot… Full review

Hanwag Alaska GTX

Best boots ever! Best boots ever! As a wildlife photographer I travel the world a lot—from Tropics to Poles. Always use these boots. I bought my first pair in 2004 and they are still perfect and way better than other brand shoes I had before. I bought a second pair just to have two pairs of them if Hanwag would ever get the idea to discontinue this model. Full review

Scarpa Men's Kailash GTX

If you really want quality, Scarpa can be the right boot for daily use in the city or in the mountains. I bought a pair in 2009, ten years ago. I do not have the adjectives to explain their quality and durability, even if I had the utmost care for their maintenance. Each season they have been worn almost daily for at least four months a year, starting in November and until March. There are two to three periods of about 7-10 days each during the cold season when the temperatures drop to -10-15°… Full review

Vasque Men's St. Elias GTX

These feel like great boots, though a little on the heavy, beefy side as others have noted. However, they failed me when I needed them. I broke in the St. Elias boots dutifully over several hikes before an 11-day mule-supported Sierra Club trip in 2017 on the John Muir Trail in the Sierras. Fortunately for me, Day 1 was a warm-up dayhike to Mono Pass above Little Lakes Valley. These great-fitting, waterproof boots changed the toe crease when it rained heavily and soaked the leather outer for the… Full review

Vasque Men's St. Elias GTX

Classic leather hiking boot, made with modern materials. Seems to run small. I wear an 11 in most shoes/boots. Had to exchange for an 11 1/2.  I wear the Salomon X Ultras most of the year, but in late fall 2018 in a very wet NY, they soaked through and never dried; I was very happy to have bought camp shoes. I realized I needed a heavier waterproof boot for wet days with nights in the low twenties, and that I should carry gaiters.  The boot has a sewn toe guard, which is great because many glued… Full review