How to Choose Hiking Boots
How long will you be on the trail?
- Hiking shoes: day hikes or ultralight backpacking
- Hiking boots: multi-day treks with heavier loads
What upper is right for you?
- Leather: water- and abrasion-resistant, durable
- Synthetic: lightweight, break in easily, dry faster
Look at the lugs
- Deep, thick lugs improve grip
- Wider lug spaces sheds mud and offer good traction
Check crampon compatibility
Mountaineering and winter hiking may call for crampons. Narrow your search for boots with crampon compatibility.
