Best Backpacking Boots: Your Outdoor Adventure Guardians


You don’t need to be a hardcore hiker in order to want the best on your feet. It is obvious and very reasonable that everyone will aim for the best product they can get, regardless of the use, and we can freely say that the same goes for the best backpacking boots.

Nowadays, many companies started designing their backpacking boots with one very useful feature – Sticky Rubber. This aspect on its own makes all of the backpacking boots suitable for their application. But, the important thing you need to keep in mind is that some of the features may vary between the materials, design, and the brand you are using for your hiking adventures, or just a casual walk around.

Furthermore, many companies focus on insulation and breathability when designing new boots. The fact is that human feet have thousands and thousands of sweat glands, and that is why many companies aim for the best ventilation system, designed for that purpose. Actually, thanks to the invention of Gore-Tex Surround Technology, sweaty feet are now part of the past! This modern technology allows an active way of pumping out the heat, faster, and way more efficient than ever.

Buying backpacking boots for the first time?

a pair of camel boots on grass

When buying the boots for the first time, you might want to have your socks on – by adding temperature and cushioning control, it will be way easier to notice whether the boots are good for you or not. After all, no one wears boots on their bare feet. Remember that if you have a special kind of socks – hiking socks – it would be perfect to wear those when buying your new best backpacking boots.

You probably know that the more you hike, the more demanding it will be on your body and your feet, and that is why the support of your hiking boots is extremely important and you should think of it in a reasonable way. Therefore, one of the most important things when buying new boots would also be their weight, as no one wants to feel like they are carrying an elephant on their feet. So, having lightweight boots is very helpful and important when hiking, as they can save you from 100g up to 200g whenever you move your feet, meaning you will be saving your precious energy over the hiking period.

What to consider when buying?

As a true hiker, you need to take care of the footwear you wear, as this can make a big difference while you are out there in the wilderness. So, make sure that you know the difference between high-maintenance demanding boots and those who don’t need that much care, before buying your new pair of backpacking boots. Usually, when purchasing normal boots, everyone looks for the aesthetics and that is completely fine, but, when purchasing backpacking boots, it is very important to look at other factors and purposes, not just the aesthetics.

Therefore we advise you to consider various aspects such as the hiking season, the terrain you will be hiking on, the durability of the boot, and of course, the shape.

A few more factors to consider:

  • Waterproof materials – In order to maintain the warmth and keep your feet dry, look for boots that have the Gore-Tex inner lining
  • Outsole – The rubber strip along the bottom of your boots, featuring a tread. The Vibram is what most of the people pick, but that does not mean other brands will not suit your needs.
  • Insulation – ThinsulateTM is one of the many materials used on the market today. Also, other materials like Zylex, polypropylene, and wool offer warmth without any bulkiness at all.
  • The Right Cut – Hiking boots come in all shapes and sizes, from high-cut to low-cut and each of them have their own benefits. The ankle support is very important if hiking in the winter, for example.
  • Breathability – When buying new backpacking boots make sure to look for the materials which provide enough breathability to actually feel comfortable and dry. Materials such as Gore-Tex, Nylon, and Split-Grain Leather will surely provide you with moisture protection and very good breathability.

3 great backpacking boots

an image of boots surrounded by nature

The boots listed below are just a few out of many you could pick to go on a hiking/backpacking adventure with your friends or family. These are the best examples of what you should look at when picking a new pair of backpacking boots to give your feet a pleasant surprise.

Salomon Quest 4D 2 GTX

Salomon Quest 4D 2 GTX is the right boot for anyone who is into hiking, amazingly stable on a harsh terrain as well as the rugged surface. The 4D Advanced Chassis gives an amazing foot support and torsional stability at any time. When wearing these boots, you will feel a lot more confident on your outdoor adventures, hiking, camping or anything else you could possibly imagine. These boots are simply amazing.

Asolo Fugitive GTX

The Asolo Fugitive GTX boots seem to be the most sought on the market. These are probably the most versatile boots you can own, allowing you to do various things such as hiking, light mountaineering, backpacking, 4 season trekking, and 3 season glacier travel.

The hiking will never be as comfortable as when you own Asolo Fugitive GTX simply due to their low profile and comfort.

Vasque Women’s St.Elias Gore-Tex hiking boot

Unlike many hiking boots, these boots actually look pretty decently, but putting that aside, they are amazing for backpacking adventures.

These boots are made out of high-quality leather with the minimum amount of seams and the molded toe cap. The only downside seems to be the synthetic material, which is easily scuffed by the annoying sticks and sharp rocks.

Wrapping it up

As you can see, backpacking boots are very important and you should not underestimate their purpose. Your feet and your body deserve to feel comfortable, dry, and taken care of. So, by having a good pair of backpacking boots, comfort is exactly what your body and feet will get.

Before picking the right boot for your needs, you should always take a look at materials and features used in the design, as rushing and buying something pretty, instead of something which will fully protect your feet and body on a long backpacking adventure, can be really bad. Therefore be careful and take enough time to know what you truly need!


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