Backpacking Boots

Recent Backpacking Boot Reviews

Herman Men's Survivor

Soles of the shoes disintegrated after sitting in my closet for six months. I NEVER wore them. They were purchased to replace my old Merrels. Soles of the shoes disintegrated after sitting in my closet for six months. I NEVER wore them. They were purchased to replace my old Merrells.  Full review

Vasque Montana

These boots have held up for decades of hiking. My last pair of Vasque Montana boots lasted for decades of extensive hiking when I was younger. A tough durable boot, crampon-compatible. Up rock cliffs, slog thru rivers. The ultimate in foot protection with superior support on trails, rock ledges, wherever, all with carrying a full pack. I had them resoled, but they ground the boot welt back too much so they could not be repaired again. Since then I have worn the Vibram soles down to next to nothing. Full review

Herman Men's Survivor

Beautiful upper, loved the style...and...then the bottom fell off. Full review

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