Hiking Boots

Featured review by OBQ

I have had my Danner 453 for 11 years and it's finally time to replace them: with another pair.

I bought my pair of 453's in December of 2010. I wear them to work several times a week, on hunting, fishing, and hiking trips, and I wore them almost exclusively for the three years I was in Germany to explore all over Europe due to the diverse terrain (castles, vineyards, steep trails, cobblestone city streets etc.) and the unpredictable weather. These boots have been solid performers, keeping my feet dry and warm while providing outstanding support and traction over a wide range of streets, trails, and footpaths.

Read more: Danner 453 GTX reviews (6)

Featured review by Bill "L.Dog" Garlinghouse

I didn't expect to like these boots, but I do. A lot. They are constructed such that they feel like they're wrapped around my feet. The footbed is plush. The stiff Vibram sole and shoe construction provide for a very stable shoe. The new Gore-Tex Surround lives up to the promise of being waterproof with sufficient ventilation to keep my feet dry. I fully expect them to live up to the promise of being suitable for hiking all types of terrain, with light packs, or as bomber trail runners. They're fairly expensive and hard to find.

The Company: La Sportiva is an Italian company that has been making boots and shoes since 1920, and in WWII they began making mountaineering boots for soldiers. They have a long history of excellent craftsmanship and innovation, and a great reputation among mountaineers, trail runners, and long-distance hikers. The New Gore-Tex Liner: La Sportive and Gore-Tex claim the new Surround technology provides 360 degree breathability. In addition to venting thru the tops and sides, they have the ability to vent out of the insoles.

Read more: La Sportiva Synthesis Mid GTX reviews (5)

Featured review by Mark Iliff

Altberg Kisdons are fairly stiff soled, tough, and grippy waterproof walking boots made with Nubuck leather.

           Altberg Kisdon G-fit (size 9) Altberg Kisdon walking boots. These are one tough pair of boots. They are a fairly stiff soled boot with some built-in toe roll. They have a full rubber rand which also goes high over the toe box with a Sympatex waterproof lining. Comfortable to wear and haven't had any problems with rubbing. They fit my feet nice and they don't squash my toes which is something I usually experience with shoes in general, that is my small toes being squashed from the sides, but not so with these G-fit boots.

Read more: Altberg Kisdon GFit reviews (2)

Featured review by BigRed

All-day comfort for wide feet in a lightweight hiking boot. Still holding up after a year and half and an estimated 350 km / 250 miles of use. Best for hiking in mostly dry conditions.

I picked up my Targhees on a sale table at an outdoor retailer sometime during my last couple of months in Tucson in 2018. That summer they saw some use on day hikes and a four-day hike in Colorado before I brought them home to Norway. Since I have the breathable but non-waterproof version of the boots they are not well adapted to Norway’s “moist” climate, but since they are relatively light and very comfortable I have used them for several day hikes here and on two longer backpacking trips and some day hikes on a recent trip to Iceland and the Faroe Islands.

Read more: Keen Targhee Vent Mid reviews (3)

Featured review by Phil Smith

I’ve found the Lowa Camino GTX to be sturdy, comfortable boots good for use on the toughest terrain. The Flex lacing system allows you to tailor the fit however you want it. Excellent support is provided by a firm midsole and thick leather uppers. The Vibram AppTrail sole gives excellent traction on most surfaces.

Over Labor Day weekend of 2017 I went to the closest REI to replace my Asolo Fugitive GTX that had become too worn out for use in rough terrain. I decided I might as well try on some different boots since I was there. When I slipped my feet into the Lowa Camino GTX they were more comfortable than any boots I’d had on my feet before. I bought them even though they were $60 more than the Fugitives I’d planned on buying, along with a pair of footbeds.  The next day I wore them on a pretty flat 2-3 mile hike with a friend, and other than having to adjust the laces a couple times because the roller eyelets make them easy to overtighten I had no problems with them.

Read more: Lowa Camino GTX reviews (8)

Featured review by Insan_art

I just had to write a review for these after reading a recent negative review given to the men's version, The Fugitive, by Trailspace member Cody Rayl. Mr. Rayl had numerous problems with several pairs of Asolo Fugitives. I wanted to let everyone know that my Styngers will be the third pair of Asolo boots I own—they have always been high quality. Actually, my last pair, the Fusion (I think) isn't even worn out, I just loved the style of the Stynger and HAD to get the red/clay colored version.

Read more: Asolo Stynger GTX reviews (7)

Reviewed by Mark Iliff

I'm reviewing the Hanwag Ancash II GTX, which are Gore-Tex lined boots, and in their StraightFit Extra fitting.

I got these to replace my 1-year old Altberg Kisdon boots as the tread has worn down and are now slippy in the mud. Not worth getting re-soled as although still waterproof they have a couple splits developing one external by my toe bend and one internal back of the heel. Fit: Plenty of toe room either side of the big toes and little toes and good volume. They feel similar in fit to my last boots the Altberg Kisdon G fit. The Hanwag having a little more room still, especially in front of the big toe.

Read more: Hanwag Ancash II GTX review (1)

Featured review by Andrew F.

A really comfortable mid that can overlap into four seasons. The leather upper is soft and needs little break-in but provides some support, and the sole and midsole do a nice job protecting your feet - but I wouldn't call the midsole cushy. The lacing hardware is sturdier than most. Waterproof membrane makes them a good choice for rain and mud. Overall, a nice boot.

With five months of hiking and walking under the treads, it's time to review the Bridger. This is a mid-high boot, all leather, but soft on the outside—nubuck. My size 11.5 pair weighs 2 pounds 13 ounces. I have been using them everywhere but got them as a change of pace for my heavier Limmer boots when I train with 40-60 pounds on my back. I used a discount at REI, so they set me back about $115.   Fit/Comfort These fit true to size. My feet are pretty wide in the front, and the toe box works well with a reasonably thick sock.

Read more: Oboz Bridger Mid Waterproof reviews (11)

Reviewed by Lester M

Old style quality and modern functionality. Waterproof, all-leather—but light and most importantly with a choice of five width fittings.

I've walked thousands of miles in Italian and German footwear, but always accepted that I'd have to deal with blisters on each of my smallest toes. When my oldest pair of boots finally wore out, at the end of 2019, a little research told me that the English boot maker tradition was back—and available, at my local outdoor store. One careful fitting appointment later, and I was the owner of a pair of wide-fitting Altberg Fremingtons, designed for lightweight hikes and day walks, with a medium flex midsole, Sympatex lining, Vibram sole and top quality Anfibio leather upper.

Read more: Altberg Fremington Walking Boot review (1)

Reviewed by Bob Withrow

Out of the box comfort and Italian-made quality! Khumbu worthy! An Asterisk (*) notes some comments after 85 miles in the Khumbu, including EBC.

In my saga of needing to replace my entire quiver of footwear, a sturdy hiking/light backpacking boot was next on the list. Find a good fit with Zamberlan, I stuck with the brand. And I can't lie, I do love Italian-made leather boots. These are no exception.  I only needed a few steps down the hall after putting them on the first time to know they fit great and were going to need very little break-in time. The first hike was a quick 3-mile loop in the wet forest of the Cascades. The new design of Vibram lives up to its billing, especially in terms of the braking.

Read more: Zamberlan 320 Trail Lite EVO GTX review (1)