Hiking Boots

Recent Hiking Boot Reviews

AKU Montera GTX

Really well crafted and built to last, but a bit stiff for the trails and scrambling. I was sent the Monterra from AKU for testing in exchange for a review. I chose the AKU Monterra because of the lower profile and no heel. I've worn zero drop shoes or sandals for years now and heels aren't my favorite. They put a slight tilt on my foot that I don't like and the heels also get caught on things when I don't want them to.  The Monterra looked like the perfect boot.  Fit:  When I first tried on… Full review

Lowa Men's Renegade GTX Mid

Soles not durable (but this may be a weight-related issue. See the detailed review). My wife and I both purchased these boots on the same day, and covered exactly the same mileage. They have been used for a mix of average-hill and some extreme-slope walking. I would not use these on extreme rocky and loose surfaces because the level of grip is not that good. After two years, hers are still fresh and intact on the soles, whilst the soles on mine are very badly degraded (edge lugs crumbling and breaking… Full review

Keen Men's Targhee EXP Waterproof Mid

I really like these boots. I agree totally that they are only water resistant. If it pours all day (even with gaiters) the boots will start to take water. You will also feel hard sharp rocks under your feet when you have a heavy load. Great grip and super comfy. Could walk for weeks with these. Very durable and warm and cozy. They do get hot in the summer. Cheers. Full review

Keen Men's Voyageur Mid

Lightweight, not waterproof, soles separate. After ditching Merrell because they turned to very poor quality, I switched to Keen. For the price (I got it for much less than $125 and new) this is a decent lightweight shoe. One should have no expectations about them being waterproof; I knew this going in, so no problem there. However, I've spent a lot of time gluing the soles together, as they simply separate. Not the whole thing but substantial parts where the black tread protrudes from the overall… Full review

Merrell Moab 2 Mid Gore-Tex

Great boots, crappy shoelaces. I was looking for some boots to use for our 10-day hiking trip to Philmont scout camp. I had never owned a pair of Merrells because of the high price. They were recommended by the high end outdoor store in my area. I bit the bullet and bought them. They were GREAT, 10 days on the trail, not one blister. I paired them with some Smartwool socks and liners, and was the only one in our crew who didn't have foot issues. They stayed waterproof for about a year, and then… Full review

Asolo Men's FSN 95 GTX

Comfortable but not worth the money because of sole separation. I'm on my second pair. The first pair had the sole separate after hiking the Georgia AT section. Bought a second pair because they are very comfortable, no blisters and keep you dry. I had hoped it was just a bad boot the first time. The second boot had the sole separate two days ago after only hiking a week several years ago and then a handful of just day hikes for the past few years. I don't know if the sole could be glued to the… Full review

Vasque Men's Breeze 3.0

Great boot for summer hot weather hikes. I have the Breeze 3 and also the Goretex version. There is no comparison as the Breeze 3 breaths much better than the Goretex version. I wear a size 13 1/2 so I use a 14 in all hiking boots. For me the fit is great. I don't find the Breeze 3 hot at all but the Gortex version is. I have several hiking and mountaineering boots. The Breeze is great for day hikes, but I wouldn't use it for packing in the Sierras high country. Full review

The North Face Jr Hedgehog Hiker Mid Waterproof

Just right for outfitting the 7-year-old grandson for his first trek. I shopped and bought these, because I felt they were the best value in a real hiker for my grandson and I'm very pleased. Excellent design, materials, and construction in a waterproof hiking boot. I bought them in size 3 (which is his size now) and they may very well fit him through next season, too. There seems plenty of room in the toe box.  Full review

Merrell Men's Moab 2 Mid Ventilator

I needed a breathable hiking boot to wear as my daily shoe in the office and in the field. In one year of ownership, my Moab 2 Ventilators have kept my feet comfortable on rocks, trails, concrete, and pavement. I don't think they're fashionable, but they do what I need them to do. I think they are a great choice for hiking in warm weather for anyone who wants a mid-height boot. Fit: These boots run small in my experience. I went with a size 11, but with most other boots I wear a 10.5. While I would… Full review