Backpacking Boots

Recent Backpacking Boot Reviews

Hanwag Alaska GTX

Alaska GTX—not my cup of tea. These boots are too stiff for me. They leaked within months of purchase. The eyelets move. They unlace. Rand has come away. Compared to my Hanwag Lhasa they are VERY disappointing. Hanwag make fantastic boots but these not for my purpose. I walk a lot—2,000 miles a year. Buy Hanwag Lhasa Instead. You won't be disappointed. I know they don't have Goretex, but just treat them regularly.  Hanwag Lhasa are AMAZING!!! Full review

Peter Limmer & Sons Limmer Custom Boots

I bought these in 1983 for 140 dollars. I still have them. They are the best best boots. I would not trade them for 5k. Would not. Great family and tradition!!! Thanks you, Limmer Family Bill Aronson, USAF Veteran Best boots I ever bought. I bought new/custom in 1983. We lived up in Alpendorf!! Yes, across from Limmer through the pillar stone. I keep these like a new vet. I would not trade for the world. Get some!!!!! Best boots made. My dad and mom had ski boots from the Limmer family too. We skied… Full review

Limmer Mid-Weight

Wonderful leather, clearly well made hiking boots. Just pulled the trigger on a pair of the overstock or blemished midweights. I had been working through hotspots in my Alico New Guides purchased at STP; took them to a cowboy boot cobbler a few years ago and he said that the left and right boot were constructed by different people. Guess they just weren't up to snuff from his POV. Am on the second day of breaking in the boots (or my feet); took them off at first ankle soreness yesterday, but today… Full review

Limmer Light-Weight

JUNK—don't do it. First pair leaked like a colander, paid to have them ship me another pair—100 miles later (break in) still getting new blisters in new places. Mr. Ken at Limmer is a great dude but sells highly expensive yet useless hikers—true JUNK. I may just fill em with concrete and us them as boat anchors. I am not joking. Don't drink all the "Limmer" cool aid—they are junk. The first pair fit very tight but Mr. Ken at Limmer told me to keep wearing them. I kept going and after about… Full review

New Balance BM1000BK

Waterproof, insulated, and supportive. These boots were surprisingly comfortable right out of the box. The treated suede and nylon mesh uppers are light and supportive, and a little higher on the ankle, and they work! With 200 grams of insulation and a proprietary waterproof membrane your feet stay warm and dry. The cushion midsoles with memory foam insoles are perfectly paired—like walking on a cloud. The grippy outer sole makes this a very usable yet comfortable cold weather boot, even on ice… Full review

Merrell Wilderness

I really have enjoyed the quality of these boots, but they will only last a year if you hike moderately. My pair has a separated sole after 13 months of use. Full review

Salomon Quest 4D 3 GTX

I really wanted this boot to work for me, but it did not. I tried both men's and women's in a couple of different sizes. But they were not for me. I'd like to share my experience in case it can help others. Off the bat I'll say I'm hard to fit. I have normal ladies' heels but a wide, D/E forefoot. My feet are straight, not curved-around, with naturally low but functioning arches, so I get pressure on the outside of my forefoot from shoes made on curved lasts (common for females) and shoes with "arch… Full review

Lowa Tibet GTX

Serious hiking or backpacking boots don't come any better than this. The Tibet GTX is a serious piece of equipment. Excellent support and comfort with no breaking-in needed. Yes, they are heavy, but no more than to be expected with boots of this quality. The water resistance is also very good; my feet have stayed consistently dry. With boots weighing in at 1 kilo each, clearly they are more designed for winter than for summer wear. That said, they have never felt unduly warm. The new Lowa lacing… Full review

Asolo TPS 520 GV

The shock of my hiking life. My soles snapped off—on both shoes—two miles into a 15-mile hike. The shoes were 5 or 6 years old, but little used. This was their first time carrying a guy humping a pack. I was shocked. So were all of my hiking companions. After reading other reviews, I see this happens with Asolo. Full review