Backpacking Boots

Recent Backpacking Boot Reviews

Meindl Perfekt

SHOES FOR LIFE, AND OVER... I've been using the Perfect for decades, if you don't walk too much they are shoes you buy for life. I walk a lot, nothing challenging but constant, and I'm on my second pair, already adjusted but still valid. They are the most comfortable shoes ever and when I tell friends that they are as comfortable as slippers they don't believe it, and worse for them. Not only are they comfortable but they also give something for self-esteem, with these shoes on my feet I feel good… Full review

Herman Survivor

Paid 125 for a pair of Herman work boots 10 years ago. It is 2024 now. The boots we're fantastic. They lasted longer than any other boots I've had and were the most comfortable. I'm shocked at all the reviews slamming Hermans but found out Walmart bought them out. Before reading the reviews I purchased another pair. I just have my fingers crossed that they have worked out the problems before constructing my new ones. Only time will tell. Full review

Salewa Mountain Trainer Mid GTX

A solid, mid-weight hiking boot for rough trails and off-trail scrambling. Good fit and long-term comfort from the front door to trail's end. Vulnerable seams at the toe wear through, limiting useful life span   Most trails here in Norway aren’t built, just worn in over rocks, roots, and bogs, and if you want to visit any summits here, you’ll likely be scrambling up off-trail rocky ridges, steep talus, and over summer snowfields. Running shoes are fine for strolling down a well-built trail,… Full review

Limmer Boots The Lightweight

Good overall construction. I like it being a full leather boot. Buying experience was okay too; sizing can be worked out by working with a rep. Long break-in period. Comfortable for day hikes for sure. They did not work for me for longer (putting boots on for more than 10, 11 hours). I've put the Limmer Lightweight boots through their paces over the past couple of years, and overall, my experience been a mixed bag. Here's a breakdown of my experience with these boots across various aspects: Fit:… Full review

Zamberlan Vioz GTX 996

A great boot for hiking in the Whites of NH with a 30 pound pack on. Rugged, durable, and grippy. I’ve been hiking with these for a year in the whites, they are good in all types of terrain and weather, and handle my weight well. Full review

Alico Summit

This is a rugged waterproof leather boot with the classic Vibram lug sole. I’ve been hiking the whites in these off an on for a year.  They are a well made pair of boots for this price point.  They are a bit heavy, but I have problematic flat feet and they do a good job supporting and protecting me.  I’d buy them again, but only as a backup pair, much happier with some Zamberlans I got. Full review

Hanwag Alaska GTX

12 years ago I bought myself shoes from another manufacturer and walked in them for all these 12 years. The soles were worn out and the shoes needed to be replaced. After scouring the Internet, I realized that they don’t sell anything worthwhile right now. The Germans have moved their production abroad and basically only Croatian shoes are sold if we want something better. In a word, Croatian shoes were recommended to me. We had great doubts that anyone other than the Germans could make good shoes,… Full review

Peter Limmer & Sons Limmer Custom Standard Boots

I ordered my boots in 1977 and waited 12 months to get them. At that time they cost $87. Backpacker magazine had just rated the Limmer custom boot as the best boot in the world for the price. I still have that review. In my opinion, they are still the best boot that I have ever hiked in. My pair has seen every condition imaginable, from torrential downpours to record-breaking cold here in the Appalachian Mountains from Georgia to Virginia. 46 years and still going. Full review

Alico Summit

The Alico Summit is comfortable and stable, with a stiff midsole and flexible forefoot, high ankle height, and durable leather and sole. Out of the box, they didn't feel like they fit. I tried three different pairs to find the best match, which was a full size larger than street shoes. Surprisingly comfortable without much break in period. Now the fit seems perfect. The inner sole is flat and hard. I don't have any foot issues and use a thin innersole from an old pair of running shoes for arch support. Full review