Backpacking Boots

Recent Backpacking Boot Reviews

Asolo Men's AFX 520

Good general use hiking and backpacking mountain boot. I'm on my third pair of these great boots...my guess is that these were made in the 1990s or early 2000s. The first pair was purchased at REI as a closeout (around $85). This latest pair I purchased on eBay as brand new old stock (around $70). I know that Asolo still makes the 520 model, but I prefer to the lower profile and more traditional appearance of the older AFX version, so much so that I hunt them down. The last pair I had were Gore-Tex… Full review

Herman Men's Survivor

Herman Survivors used to be good...now junk. They went to cotton tongue, cheap rubber that squeaks as you walk, and junk laces. God bless America import it by rich white elitists who never work a day in their lives. DON'T WASTE YOUR TIME WITH HERMANS. THEY WON'T LAST 5 MONTHS! If brain-dead Americans buy Walmart you get what you deserve....junk! It's OK though, you can buy another in six months time. No proud American funds these greasy rich crooks. 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 Men's 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 Women's 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

Herman Men's Survivor

Bought the 400g Herman Survivors camo hunting boots at Walmart. I left my expensive Redwing hunting boots at home on trip to hunting camp. The Herman Survivor 400g camo hunting boots held up surprisingly well. They kept my feet warm and dry over several days of hunting in PA deer season 10 to 40 degrees with snow.  The boots are four years old now and I still wear them on occasions only for hunting. Bottom line is they have held up reasonably well for $40 boots, which is pretty incredible in my… Full review

Lowa Men's 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 Men's 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

Lowa Ranger III GTX

This boot is your best friend while you are backpacking, trekking, even on a rainy city day. If you are looking for a full backpack boot, the Lowa Ranger III GTX is worth a try. Super comfortable, outstanding ankle support, the boot does the job for you while you're hiking in a rugged terrain—thanks to its firm grippy sole and excellent lacing system.  Full review