Topic: The Best Hiking Boots of 2023, Tested and Reviewed (Read 35 times)
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Topic: The Best Hiking Boots of 2023, Tested and Reviewed (Read 35 times)
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The Vasque Breeze won top honors in our review of the best waterproof hiking boots: It was co*pletely dry after being left in several inches of water for sixteen hours, and then stayed dry in my second test, where I threw all of the salt and mud and sun that I could at it and then left it again in submerged water. And it manages all that while co*ing in at a fairly affordable (at least for hiking boots) price tag. The lightweight design of the Vasque Breeze also offers more breathability than other waterproof hiking boots, and it performed well during the dry-time test.
I reco*mend sizing up for the Vasque Breeze (which runs small) and also walking around for some time before co*mitting to a final purchase. This boot is on the narrow side, and some hikers may find that it is putting more sideways pressure on the forefoot than they prefer.
Hikers and backpackers with wider-than-average feet can run into a range of problems, ranging from blisters to more serious injuries. KEEN has long been known to run substantially wider than standard hiking boots and incorporate a larger toe box into their designs. The Voyageur was popular with CMC members in part for this reason. One member who dealt with plantar fasciitis said, “changing to the Keens helped resolve the issue.” (Another KEEN mainstay, the Targhee, also won top honors in our roundup of the best hiking shoes for wide feet.)
This shoe was less popular for backpackers used to carrying loads over 30 pounds, because of the reduced cushion in the footbed. But the lighter overall weight of this shoe co*pared to those with heavier cushioned shoes makes this a co*fortable day hiking choice, even on longer trails.
The Asolo Drifter GV Evos have all the hallmarks of a great pair of hiking boots: a durable upper made from waterproof Cordura, and a Gore-Tex liner that keeps feet dry even in the unpredictable afternoon rain storms of the Rockies. The Vibram outsole (which is replaceable, can keep this boot in co*mission for many years) grips well and holds onto less dirt and debris.
Unlike the roomier toe boxes typically seen on trail runners, the Asolo Drifters narrow at the toes. That, co*bined with the overall slimmer shape of the shoe, made this one an ideal fit for CMC members with narrower feet, locking their heels in place without pinching once laced up.
The Danner Arctic 600 was the winner of my test of the best winter hiking boots. The Vibram Arctic Grip outsole (in co*bination with this shoe’s lug design) was extremely impressive. The stickiness of the traction meant I could barely tell I was walking on ice—it was almost impossible to slip with these shoes. Similarly this shoe stayed warmer than every other boot in my test while standing in the early spring runoff of the Middle Fork of the Snoqualmie River, and no moisture made its way into the boot. I did note, however, that this boot was the coldest at the side zipper.
The Danner Arctic 600’s side zipper was an unusual feature among the boots that I tried. While putting on and taking off boots seemingly every fifteen minutes, I appreciated that I could put on and remove these shoes without having to untie and retie the laces.
But as everyone who spends time outdoors knows, zippers represent a significant failure point on just about any piece of gear—and that goes double for waterproof zippers like those on the Arctic 600. If you are concerned about the
For Hannah Simmerman, a hiking guide with REI in Shenandoah National Park, the best hiking boots are the kissing cousin of what hikers and backpackers have long agreed is the best hiking shoe: the Altra Lone Peak. Read the OL gear team’s full test of the biggest shoe in backpacking here. Like the Altra Lone Peak, the Hiker’s wide toebox and zero heel drop promotes stability and correct foot placement (Simmerman also reco*mends this shoe to clients dealing with plantar fasciitis).
While one of the most appealing aspects of the lightweight Lone Peak Hiker is that, like many trail runners, it requires little to no break-in period, this does co*e with a catch: This shoe has very limited water resistance and is one of the least durable shoes on this list. If you’re looking for full protection that will last a lifetime, you’ll be better with the more expensive Vasque Talus XT GTX or Lowa Renegade GTX Mid Hiking Boots.
While Simmerman initially grabbed the Lone Peak Hikers for the heavy load she carries on client trips, she has started using these on personal trips as well.
“It’s nice sometimes to feel support on my ankle when I’m hopping around on rocks,” she says. “They feel more secure than trail runners.”
Full-grain leather boots have long been popular for their natural water resistance and ability to mold to the shape of the foot over time. The Zamberlan Tofanes take this to the next level with welted construction (as opposed to glue) and a double stitch between the midsole and the upper, which increases the natural durability of the leather. The quality co*ponents make this boot appropriate for off-trail hiking and scrambling (a rubber band protects the toe from accidental scuffs). And a Gore-Tex liner augments the leather to make this an excellent waterproof option across a range of conditions.
One CMC member noted the “longer than normal break-in period” with the Tofanes. But they’re “high-quality, awesome boots once done.” They said. Still, these boots are not as stiff as mountaineering boots because the uppers do not provide significant ankle support.
While the Tofanes are easily the most expensive on this list, they are designed to be resoled, increasing the overall longevity of the hiking boot.
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