Gear Highlights

Gear
- Make Perfect Camp Coffee
Gear List
- Boot Shopping Guide

Share your tales of travel & adventure with our step-by-step guide. Upload trail descriptions, photos, video, and more.

Backpacker Magazine – Online Exclusive

Boot Shopping Guide

by: The Backpacker Editors

The Standard:
For three-season hikes on moderate to rough trails with loads of 35 to 45 pounds, most hikers will want midweight boots cut high for ankle support with waterproofed leather uppers or a waterproof/breathable liner (like Gore-Tex) for stream crossings and rainy days.

Variables:
Do you often carry heavier loads, hike in the desert, or tackle steep, off-trail terrain? Do your ankles roll over on every little pebble? Adjust your boot priorities accordingly.

For This Temperature	Look For These Features
Hot	Fabric/leather upper, mesh panels
Cold	All-leather upper with fleece or Thinsulate insulation
Extreme cold	Plastic double boots or felt-lined pac boots

For This Moisture	Look For These Features
Wet	Waterproof/breathable liner, leather upper with few seams, ankle-high or above-ankle cut
Dry	Non waterproof fabric/leather upper, mesh panels, low cut

For This Pack Weight	Look For These Features
50+ pounds	Stiff midsole and upper, ankle-high or above-ankle cut
25 pounds or less	Below-ankle or ankle-high cut, flexible forefoot, grippy tread

For This Terrain	Look For These Features
Rugged, rocky off trail	Above-ankle cut, stiff shank and midsole, rockered (or curved) sole for long treks
Steep, icy	Very stiff soles and treads, crampon compatible, high cut with substantial leather or synthetic uppers
Flat and fast	Below-ankle or ankle-high cut, moderately stiff sole with good forefoot spring, grippy tread
Snow	Insulation, aggressive lug pattern for traction
Slickrock, scrambling	Sticky rubber tread, high toe rand, flexible forefoot

For These Ankles	Look For These Features
Strong	Low cut, flexible fabric or leather upper
Weak	High cut, stiff leather upper, moderate to stiff midsole

Problem Feet
If you suffer from excessive sweating, foot motion that causes blisters and foot fatigue, or ailments like hammertoes, bunions, and calluses, visit a podiatrist for a professional foot exam.

Return to Backpacking 101 home
Subscribe to Backpacker magazine