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 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 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 (10)

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.I have had NO problems with this pair of Styngers.

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 straight fit 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 Tony Boccelli

If you have bad ankles and love trail hiking, then here's the shoe for you! After a decade of wearing Merrell Moabs I'd recommend these to anybody who desires quality footwear.

I spent 30 years in the military, am very particular of my footwear, and Merrell Moabs have not let me down for the last ten years. After trying several styles of hiking/trail boots I purchased my first pair of Moabs when they became available. I recently just disposed of this pair after the shoe split beyond repair near body and sole. My other two pair, one being the low quarter version is about 6 years old and, my newest pair almost a year old (purchased to hike the AT). Both pair perform as well as my first pair and do not fall short of my high expectations for comfort, durability, and weight.

Read more: Merrell Moab 2 Mid Waterproof reviews (2)

Featured review by A. Podor

A quality product, with a somewhat old school/traditional "style", that is made of unusually thick/excellent-quality leather that fits me out of the box pretty much instantly.

Scarpa is an old-school manufacturer that produced this well-priced boot which works very well almost anywhere. Well-priced does not mean inexpensive should you be on a strict budget...I rarely see these on sale and $250 is a fair, full retail, price for what you get.  Wet or dry this boot can endure most things and work well for years. Only after the lower leather gets heavily abraded (by scree) did I experience that "wet boot feel". Treat them with mink oil and the issue is almost gone. The durability of the upper leather is not an issue...I believe that the water repellant is surface applied and as the outer (originally shiny) leather gets abraded, the increasingly matt surface begins to hold progressively more water for a longer time.

Read more: Scarpa Terra GTX reviews (3)

Featured review by Chuck Lawson

Very expensive boots, but these could be what makes the difference for middle-aged feet.

A year ago I got back into backpacking after 20 years of a sedentary lifestyle. For the last three years of my two decades of slothfulness, I suffered from chronic plantar fasciitis. When I finally got over that, I had a renewed appreciation for well-functioning feet. I decided to put mine to good use by resuming regular hiking and backpacking trips. A lot of research led me to these crazily expensive boots made by Finn Comfort, a German company that produces high-quality, hand-made shoes. The first thing I noticed about them is their extreme comfort.

Read more: Finn Comfort Garmisch reviews (2)