6 Best Backpacking Boots in 2024

Paul Ronto
Paul Ronto on
6 Best Backpacking Boots in 2024
We earn affiliate commissions at no extra cost to you when you buy through us. Why trust us

Pack adventures and backcountry trips that last for days need the right gear. In the realm of footwear, backpacking boots are your sure allies.

This guide is exclusive to those in dire need of the best kicks built for extended journeys. So, whether you need something dependable on all fronts, a lightweight pair, or a boot that can tough it out there for months, we got you covered.

To make this best-of-the-best selection a reality, we’ve thoroughly tested over 70 backpacking boots. We evaluated every result we acquired on our number of tests and we decided which stood out from the rest. Check out the top picks we selected in several categories!

How we test hiking boots

We provide you with unbiased reviews on the best backpacking kicks known to man. Here is what we do:

  • We receive no backpacking boots for free. All pairs are purchased with our own funds to help us stay unbiased.
  • We test every pair for days on various types of terrain—from manicured trails to off-the-beaten-path locations. We also put each boot through the wringer in different weather conditions to gauge its longevity and overall performance.
  • To make our reviews as comprehensive as possible, we tear the shoes apart. We check every existing element on the shoes. We also measure them over different parameters, such as breathability, durability, and flexibility. 

Best backpacking boots overall

What makes it the best?

Backpackers looking for a stable, durable and cushioned boot for multi-day adventures can look no further. The Salomon Quest 4 GTX ticks all the boxes, and more, making it our best backpacking boot overall.

The Salomon Quest 4 GTX is a champion of stability, especially when carrying a fully-loaded pack. The integrated ankle support system keeps our feet locked firmly and snugly into the boot. We rated the heel counter as one of the stiffest that we have tested; at 5/5 it holds our heel tightly but without compressing. Heel slippage is non-existent (so no blisters, either!). The midsole is 2.7 mm wider than average, providing a stable landing platform which prevents rolling on uneven trails.

Durability is the name of the game in this boot, and it survived our tests both on the trail and in the lab with barely a scratch. The Contragrip outsole showed almost no sign of wear and tear after our test hike, so we tested the hardness in the lab with a durometer. It measured an impressive 88.3 HC, quite a bit harder than the average 87.4 HC. Since the outsole measures a solid 7 mm thick, it will take a whole lot of hiking to wear out this boot!

We felt a lot of cushioning under our heels which protected us from sharp edges on the trail. In the lab, we measured the heel stack at 38 mm - quite a jump from the average of 36.2 mm. The midsole finds the sweet spot between comfort and support, measuring 27 HA with our durometer, around the average. Altogether, we found the cushioning kept our feet protected and comfortable during long days with heavy packs on our backs.

With all of its sturdy materials, the Salomon Quest GTX is not a flexible boot. We bent it to 90° with a force gauge, which measured a stunning 62.3N - making it 42% stiffer than average! While we personally didn’t find it a problem while hiking, we don’t recommend it to backpackers who prefer a more flexible boot.

Pros

  • Exceptional durability
  • Top-notch waterproofing
  • Excellent impact protection
  • Highly secure ankle support
  • Fantastic stability
  • Comfortable in-boot feel
  • Effective grip on various terrain
  • Fits as expected

Cons

  • A bit heavy
  • Gets very stiff in cold
Full review of Salomon Quest 4 GTX

Backpacking boots with the best cushioning

Hoka Kaha 2 GTX
81
Good!

What makes it the best?

We tested the Hoka Kaha 2 on hikes and literally pulled it to pieces in the lab. With its impressive cushioning leading to exceptional comfort, reliable support and flawless waterproofing, we deem the Hoka Kaha 2 to be a backpacking boot with the bets cushioning.

The Hoka Kaha 2 is the champion of cushioning - it’s got lots of it and it's super-soft. We measured 3.1 mm of extra foam below the heel and a massive 5.7 mm of extra foam under the forefoot! Combining two layers of foam in the midsole, it manages to be both soft (the primary cushioning measures a squishy 21.7 HA with the durometer) and supportive (the secondary layer measures a firmer, more supportive 31.6 HA). Packed with such divine cushioning, the Kaha 2 is an excellent choice for a backpacker’s boot.

The Hoka Kaha 2 is sturdily built, and with its Nubuck leather upper and high collar our feet feel well-supported on rough trails and while carrying heavy packs. In the lab, we bent and twisted the boot, which was no easy feat – in the end, we awarded it 5/5 for torsional rigidity. 5 is the most rigid rating, which means this shoe doesn’t twist easily and it prevents us from twisting our ankles.

No one likes getting caught out in the rain during multi-day hikes, and the Hoka Kaha 2 makes sure we are in high spirits, no matter the weather. In fact, despite splashing through several streams and traipsing through wet grass, our feet remained bone dry all day long. We brought out our smoke machine, pumping smoke into the boot to test for breathability. No surprises there – not even a tiny tendril of smoke made it through the Gore-Tex membrane, so we awarded the boot 1/5 for breathability, one of the least breathable (and most waterproof) boots on the market.

The Hoka Kaha 2 is advertised as having a 6 mm heel-to-toe drop, but when we measured the sole with a caliper, we found that this isn’t the case. At 11.2 mm, the drop is firmly within the average hiking boot range of 10-12 mm. For most people this is perfect, but hikers who prefer a lower drop might be surprised at the elevation in the Kaha 2.

Pros

  • Sky-high comfort level
  • Excellent waterproofing
  • High-quality materials
  • Pain-alleviating support
  • Smooth heel-to-toe transitions
  • Incredibly stable
  • Superb grip
  • Surprisingly light
  • Minimal break-in period
  • Includes sustainable materials

Cons

  • Short tongue (laces slip and cause pressure)
  • Bulky heel gets stuck in stones
  • Polarizing aesthetics
Full review of Hoka Kaha 2 GTX

Backpacking boots with the best comfort

What makes it the best?

Our backpacking adventures are guaranteed safe with the Asolo Fugitive GTX’s unwavering support. With a protective construction, it’s our defense against unwanted elements in the wild. We can hike for hours on end as this backpacking boot offers the best comfort.

With its water-repellent and heat-preserving design, our feet stayed warm and dry as we crossed streams. Our breathability confirms its impermeability with a low 1/5 rating. The high collar and fully gusseted tongue prevented water intrusion, while the toe bumper served as our shield from painful toe stubs.

The firm cushioning maintains our balance on rocky terrains, while the ultra-stacked 42.1 mm heel offers protection from landing impact and sharp objects. Our durometer confirms the foam is 31.9% denser than average. For additional support, Fugitive GTX keeps the midsole rigid to enhance our surefootedness. And true enough, the midsole emerged 94.3% stiffer than average. While these elements seem tough, they enhance comfort by preventing leg fatigue from trying to maintain our balance. Further ensuring our steady footing are the 3.6 mm grippy and multi-shaped lugs that excel on any terrain we try.

Unfortunately, the outsole's durability is compromised by its weak adhesion to the midsole. After just a few test hikes, the outsole started to peel away. While the boot is designed to be resoled when necessary, it should still provide longer-lasting performance.

Pros

  • Superb adhesion and traction
  • Great impact dampening
  • Worth the price
  • Waterproof
  • Reliably supportive
  • Feels light on the foot
  • Zero break-in
  • Balance preserver

Cons

  • Outsole started peeling off
  • Not-so-cushy footbed
Full review of Asolo Fugitive GTX

Best backpacking hiking boots with wide toeboxes

KEEN Pyrenees
90
Superb!

What makes it the best?

KEEN Pyrenees offered the best with wide toebox experience among all the hiking boots we backpacked with. It’s hard to beat Pyrenees’ robust and protective platform, which feels stable and homey. We found its sweet spot hiking all day in cold weather and occasionally crossing streams.

Our toes can splay naturally even with our thickest socks. Our caliper shows the toebox is a generous 108.0 mm. Pyrenees doesn’t hold back and offers more space than average in the big toe area at 83.5 mm. This enhances our surefootness and control while carrying heavy loads on uneven terrains. 

Pyrenees provides all-day comfort with its generous heel cushion and velvet platform. Our durometer confirms its plush feel at 15.9 HA vs. the 26.6 HA average. An average forefoot stack leads to a massive 18.1 mm drop. A raised heel is essential for backpacking as it reduces our leg strain. Furthering stability is a midfoot shank for further support to avoid unwanted ankle movements.

The shoe’s premium nubuck leather, firm lockdown, and extremely tough outsole make it an armor from the cold, water, rocks, and other elements. Its KEEN.ALL-TERRAIN rubber is one of the toughest in our lab, with a 92.0 HC durometer reading.

With a 1/5 score on our breathability test, Pyrenees feels like an oven in temperatures above 50°F or 10°C.

Pros

  • Premium nubuck leather quality
  • Top-notch waterproofing
  • Tons of impact protection
  • Surprisingly soft cushioning
  • Excellent stability and support
  • Very wide, accommodating toebox
  • Convenient lacing system

Cons

  • Too bulky and heavy
  • Tongue edges dig into shins
  • Lacks traction for mud, ice, and snow
Full review of KEEN Pyrenees

Best lightweight backpacking boots

What makes it the best?

When we want a supportive, ultra-grippy backpacking boot that won’t weigh us down, we turn to the La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX. It is one of our favorite boots from La Sportiva, and with a slew of features to keep us safe and comfortable on our multi-day hikes, it takes top place as our best lightweight backpacking boot.

With its rugged build, the Ultra Raptor II looks like a hardcore, heavy boot, so we were nothing short of stunned to find our scales registering an incredible 14.6 oz (415g)! At 3.4 oz (96g) less than average, we feel quick and nimble when wearing these boots, and they are perfect for putting in long days without tiring our legs out.

Plenty of protective overlays and a shank embedded in the midsole not only keep our feet safe from bumps and scrapes but also provide a tonne of support from twisting. In the lab, we twisted the boots torsionally, which was pretty hard to do! We awarded them a 5/5 for rigidity. Even while wearing a heavy pack, these boots don’t give in to twists, and our ankles thanked us for it.

We can’t rave about the Ultra Raptor II’s grip enough! It held firm on soft, muddy ground, smooth, wet rock and loose gravel alike. We flipped them over in the lab to take a closer look. We measured the lugs at 4.3 mm, around the average of 4.2 mm for hiking boots. But what really cinches it is the tread design. A combination of narrow, toothy lugs and wider ones activate when they are most needed - think of it like the 4x4 of hiking boots! We felt confident and stable on anything the trail threw at us.

We don’t recommend this boot to beginner backpackers. According to our measurements, the Ultra Raptor II is 6.9 mm narrower at the forefoot and 8.5 mm narrower at the heel. Aside from the fit, it means a less stable landing platform, which is especially important when carrying heavy loads.

Pros

  • Unbelievably lightweight
  • Excellent waterproofing
  • Doesn't let debris and falling rain/snow inside
  • Exceptionally robust and durable
  • Phenomenal grip on technical terrain
  • Not so stiff and firm in low temperature
  • Great impact protection
  • Highly supportive collar
  • Ample flexibility

Cons

  • Tight fit
  • Narrow platform
Full review of La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX

Best backpacking boots for narrow feet

What makes it the best?

Named after the Greek God of wind, the Boreas GTX from Scarpa is, without a doubt, an almighty backpacking boot that had us mowing down various terrain types effortlessly. Underneath its tough shell, however, is a gentle cradle that keeps our feet happy, making pack adventures across many miles extra memorable. What's more, it's a durable, tank of a boot at a reasonable price point.

Pros

  • Mesmerizing comfort
  • Surprisingly light
  • Terrific surface traction
  • Quite durable
  • True to size
  • Supportive underfoot
  • Exemplary craftsmanship

Cons

  • Not for wide feet
  • Needs breaking-in
Full review of Scarpa Boreas GTX

I’ve spent countless days and nights out on the trail and like anything to do with the outdoors, your gear choices can play a big part in how enjoyable your trip will be.

Combining the best backpacking boots with lightweight camping gear is a great starting point. Let’s take a deep dive into all you need to know before buying your next pair of backpacking boots.

What is backpacking?

Backpacking is when you travel with everything you need in your backpack. You’ll often hear people saying they’ve backpacked through Europe, and while technically true, that’s not the type of backpacking that we’re talking about here.

Backpacking in a hiking sense is when you head off on a multi-day trip with everything you need to keep yourself warm, comfortable, and safe in the wilderness in your backpack. Backpackers are often very self-reliant, meticulously planning each day of their hike and finding places to refuel and restock their supplies well in advance.

Features of the best backpacking boots

At first glance, backpacking boots might look like regular hiking boots, but there are a number of key differences. Backpacking boots are:

  • Made with durable materials
  • Strong boot construction
  • Waterproof uppers
  • Higher cuffs for ankle support
  • Stiff midsoles to carry weight

Made with durable materials

In normal day-to-day life, your gear failing can be infuriating, but if you’re taking the risk of hiking into deep forests and across mountain ranges on a multi-day backpacking trip, failing gear can be incredibly dangerous. That’s why backpacking boots are extremely durable.

A lot of the major backpacking boot makers choose to make their boots out of full-grain leather because it's so durable. This material is able to stand up to the rigors of hiking miles of trails and still be in great condition the next time you lace them up. Split-grain leather and synthetic materials are sometimes used, and while in certain conditions, they can be very durable, full-grain leather wins out.

Strong boot construction

The durability of your backpacking boots doesn’t fall solely on the upper, the boot construction and sole also play a big part. Brass eyelets let you lace up your boots without worry for an incredibly long time.

Backpacking boots with a Goodyear welt, a strip of leather or rubber that runs along the outsole, are also a good choice as they’re easily resoled. So when you’re worn out the tread on your favorite pair, you can give them a new lease of life with a new sole.

Waterproof uppers

Unless you’re planning to exclusively hike in dry arid conditions, you need to consider what level of waterproofing you’ll need.

As we know leather is a great material for a durable pair of boots, but it is also good at keeping water out. Full grain is more water resistant than split grain, although there are some issues when it comes to breathability with leather as a whole.

This is where Gore-Tex comes in. It’s a proprietary material that prevents moisture from entering, but it does allow moisture to escape. What this means out on the trail is that you’ll be blocking rain out, but air will still circulate through letting your sweat evaporate and keeping your foot as dry as possible.

Higher cuffs for ankle support

Safety needs to be high on your list of priorities when you head out backpacking. Making sure you’ve somewhere safe to sleep, shelter to keep you dry and equipment that keeps you fit and healthy is vital.

Backpacking boots are designed with ankle cuffs that support your foot while out hiking. By lacing them up properly, your foot is secure in the boot and helps protect you if you roll your ankle. Tired legs and loose terrain can result in injuries, so anything helps. 

Stiff midsoles to carry weight

A stiff midsole is one of the most important things to look for when searching for the best backpacking boot. As you’re carrying extra weight on your back, you’re exerting more pressure and force onto the ground with each step. So when you’re walking across rough terrain, rocks have a greater chance of piercing through your boots - a stiff midsole helps to protect you from this.

Do I need backpacking boots?

The best backpacking boots are specifically designed to be worn for multiple days in a row under heavy loads and still stay in top condition. Boot manufacturers chose durable materials, robust design features, and long-lasting techniques to achieve this.

Here’s a breakdown of how backpacking boots differ from other types.

Backpacking boots vs hiking boots

Hiking boots are very similar to backpacking boots, but there are some differences. Think of backpacking boots as the bigger brother of hiking boots. They look quite similar but because backpacking boots are used under heavier loads, they’re tougher and more durable than hiking boots. This means that they’re also generally heavier, so try to think about how you’re going to use them and what your needs are.

Backpacking boots vs hiking shoes

Hiking shoes are a further step down from hiking boots in terms of durability and ruggedness. The main point of difference is the ankle cuff height. With hiking shoes, the cuff sits below the ankle, while backpacking boots cover the ankle, providing so much more support. Hiking shoes are great for specific environments where backpacking boots may be overkill, they’re two very different tools.

Backpacking boots vs mountaineering boots

Mountaineering boots are for climbing to the highest peaks and hiking difficult trails in extremely remote places. They are the ‘go anywhere’ boot in the world of hiking. They’re more durable, rugged, and long-lasting than any other hiking boot out there, but in all but the most difficult conditions, mountaineering boots are way too much boot for the job and can be a hindrance.

Backpacking boots vs trail running shoes

Now we have two types of footwear on either end of the spectrum. Trail running shoes are designed to be light and let you move as freely as possible across technical terrain. To do this, they’re made with flexible and lightweight materials, two things backpacking boots are not made to do. If you want to backpack in trail running shoes, you’ll wear them out much quicker than backpacking boots and will have less protection too.

How is backpacking different?

Backpacking takes place on hiking trails with people using hiking gear - so it’s the same as hiking, right? Not quite. Backpacking is uniquely it's own. Here’s how it’s different from hiking, mountaineering, and thru-hiking.

Backpacking vs hiking

There are a couple of differences when it comes to distinguishing hiking from backpacking:

Hiking Backpacking

Hikes are usually done in one day. Think of your local mountains, heading off in the morning, climbing a peak, and coming back down in the early afternoon is considered hiking.

You’ll only need a small backpack with you to hold your water, some food, and safety supplies.

Backpacking is when you climb the same peak but then continue across the range for a few days, camping out along the trail with everything you need in your backpack.

Backpacking takes place on hiking trails, the only thing that changes is the length and the higher amount of self-reliance needed.

Backpacking vs mountaineering

Another discipline of hiking is mountaineering. This is a wide-encompassing term that can apply to a few different situations, but generally speaking, there are two disciplines of mountaineering; alpine and expedition.

They both differ from backpacking based on difficulty. Mountaineering takes place in more extreme conditions than backpacking, you’ll even see experienced mountaineers scaling steep mountain peaks in the depths of winter.

Alpine mountaineering

Expedition mountaineering

Alpine mountaineering is the more accessible of the two with these trails and routes bringing people to the top of The Rockie Mountains and The Alps.

Expedition mountaineering is the more extreme activity with climbing Everest and Kilimanjaro among these types of routes.

Backpacking vs thru-hiking

Similarly to how backpacking and hiking share a lot of the core components, the same can be said for backpacking and thru-hiking.

Backpacking

Thru-hiking

Backpacking takes place on multi-day hiking trails where you’ll bring all you need for your trip and will likely go far off the beaten track.

Some of the most popular backpacking routes in the US for example are The Continental Divide Trail and The Ice Age trail, with backpackers choosing to do a section of these.

Thru-hikers on the other hand, hike these trails from start to finish, often spending months at a time on the trail, hiking through different seasons.

These require much more planning and you’ll even find yourself needing a new pair of boots halfway through if you take on one of the longer trails. It’s so important to find the best backpacking boots possible if you’re planning a thru-hike.

Ultralight backpacking boots

Long days out on the trail, carrying all your equipment and often in warm summery conditions has a lot of backpackers considering the weight of everything they carry. There are plenty of options out there when it comes to ultralight camping gear and backpacking gear, but there aren’t a whole lot of ultralight backpacking boots out there. And the reason for this? Durability.

Why ultralight boots aren’t great for backpacking

The best backpacking boots can take a beating all day long on technical trails and still come back for more. The rugged materials needed to do this come with a weight penalty. That’s not to say that you can’t backpack in a pair of lightweight hiking boots. Some thru-hikers wear lightweight boots, and some even wear trail runners, but they wear them out very quickly, often posting themselves new pairs at pickup points along the way.

Backpacking and blisters

There’s no way to completely avoid blisters while backpacking, especially if you’re out on the trail for multiple hours a day. The best way to combat blisters is to understand them and find the best way to prevent them.

How to prevent blisters while backpacking

Here are four things you can do to prevent getting blisters while backpacking

1. Wear properly fitting boots

Before even stepping out onto the trail, you need to make sure that your boots fit properly. If your boots are too loose, your foot will move too much which creates friction. Too much friction irritates the skin and blisters start to pop up. On the other hand, if your boots are too tight you’ll create pressure points that can lead to blisters too.

2. Wear hiking socks

Hiking socks come in two main varieties. The traditional thick hiking sock is great at giving an extra bit of cushioning which can help with your normal pain points. In recent years, technical hiking socks have become more popular. These are much thinner with strategically placed zones of cushioning, although not quite as much as regular hiking socks. Some hikers prefer how their boots fit with the thinner sock, but either way, if you choose a regular sock, you’ll increase your chances of getting blisters while backpacking.

3. Use powder to absorb moisture

Much like how an ill-fitting backpacking boot can create friction, the same can be said if your feet get too sweaty. The moisture makes your foot move more easily across the inners of your boots, and if this goes on for long enough, you can get blisters. A breathable sock, breathable boot, and putting powder in your boots can help reduce moisture.

4. Use lubricants to reduce friction

As we know now, friction is the main cause of blisters. Packing a tube of lubricant with you can help reduce this friction and keep you hiking for longer. Prevention is much better than a cure, so if you think you’re susceptible to blisters, put some lubricant on your feet before you start backpacking in the morning and throughout the day.

Backpacking boots FAQ

Are there backpacking boots for flat feet?

There are backpacking boots out there for every type of foot, even those with flat feet. If you’re struggling to find the perfect fit, but are getting close, try adding a different insole. There are off-the-shelf options as well as custom-made ones.

What are the best winter backpacking boots?

Depending on how extreme the winter conditions are that you’re planning to hike in, there are a couple of things to consider. Firstly they have to be waterproof and lined. This will keep you warm and dry. You’ll also need to consider if you want crampon-compatible boots, but this is only if you’ll be in icy and snowy conditions.

Can you buy backpacking boots with steel toes?

It's not common to find backpacking boots with a steel toe. These are more often found in work boots where the wearer needs protection from things falling on their toes. This isn’t much of a risk at all while backpacking and the weight penalty is severe.

Author
Paul Ronto
Paul Ronto
Over the past 20 years, Paul has climbed, hiked, and run all over the world. He has summited peaks throughout the Americas, trekked through Africa, and tested his endurance in 24-hour trail races as well as 6 marathons. On average, he runs 30-50 miles a week in the foothills of Northern Colorado. His research is regularly cited in The New York Times, Washington Post, National Geographic, etc. On top of this, Paul is leading the running shoe lab where he cuts shoes apart and analyzes every detail of the shoes that you might buy.