Our verdict
- Our top pick in best backpacking boots
Pros
- Mesmerising comfort
- Surprisingly light
- Terrific surface traction
- Quite durable
- True to size
- Supportive underfoot
- Exemplary craftsmanship
Cons
- Not for wide feet
- Needs breaking-in
Audience verdict
- Top 16% in hiking boots
- Top 12% in waterproof hiking boots
Comparison
The most similar hiking boots compared
+ + Add a shoe | |||||
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Audience score | 83 Good! | 86 Good! | 91 Superb! | 88 Great! | |
Price | $229 | $160 | $170 | $200 | |
Trail terrain | ModerateTechnical | Moderate | Moderate | ModerateTechnical | |
Weight lab Weight brand | 20.6 oz / 583g 20.6 oz / 585g | 19.9 oz / 563g ‐ | 21.7 oz / 615g 20.9 oz / 592g | 14.6 oz / 415g 16.6 oz / 470g | |
Lightweight | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | |
Breathability | Warm | Warm | Warm | Warm | |
Use | BackpackingDay HikingSnow | BackpackingDay HikingSnow | BackpackingDay Hiking | BackpackingDay HikingSnow | |
Foot condition | Flat feetPlantar fasciitisOverpronation | Flat feetPlantar fasciitisOverpronation | Bunions | Flat feetPlantar fasciitisOverpronation | |
Orthotic-friendly | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
Drop lab | 14.0 mm | 16.4 mm | 16.7 mm | 14.1 mm | |
Midsole softness | Balanced | Firm | Soft | Balanced | |
Difference in midsole softness in cold | Small | Small | Normal | Normal | |
Heel counter stiffness | Moderate | Stiff | Moderate | Moderate | |
Stiffness | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate | |
Difference in stiffness in cold | Normal | Normal | Normal | Big | |
Outsole hardness | Hard | Average | Very hard | Very hard | |
Waterproofing | Waterproof | Waterproof | Waterproof | Waterproof | |
Material | Suede | LeatherMesh | Leather | Textile | |
Season | Winter | Winter | Winter | Winter | |
Toebox durability | Good | Bad | Good | Good | |
Heel padding durability | Decent | Bad | Decent | Decent | |
Outsole durability | Good | Decent | Bad | Good | |
Toebox width at the widest part | Medium | Medium | Wide | Narrow | |
Toebox width at the big toe | Narrow | Wide | Wide | Medium | |
Lug depth | 4.0 mm | 4.6 mm | 3.6 mm | 4.3 mm | |
Heel stack lab | 34.2 mm | 38.7 mm | 41.0 mm | 34.4 mm | |
Forefoot | 20.2 mm | 22.3 mm | 24.3 mm | 20.3 mm | |
Widths available | Normal | NormalWide | NormalWide | NarrowNormalWide | |
Technology | Gore-TexVibram | - | - | Gore-TexOrtholite | |
Cut | Mid cut | Mid cut | Mid cut | Mid cut | |
Removable-insole | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
Ranking | #5 Top 16% | #20 Bottom 37% | #3 Top 10% | #15 Top 47% | |
Popularity | #31 Bottom 3% | #19 Bottom 40% | #16 Top 50% | #14 Top 44% |
Who should buy
We recommend the Boreas GTX as an excellent choice for:
- Backpackers looking for a stable and reliable waterproof companion for their next long-haul adventures
- Those in the market for a year-round boot that performs consistently no matter how drastically temperatures fluctuate as the seasons change
- Hikers who prioritise foot protection and durability in their hiking boots
Who should NOT buy
The Boreas GTX's toebox doesn't have much space for the toes to splay out, making it a blister magnet for those with broad feet. We recommend the Salomon Quest 4 GTX or the Keen Pyrenees as roomier alternatives.
As a waterproof boot, the Boreas GTX's leather upper does a great job of sealing our foot from the elements though this does make for a toasty ride. For a boot that boasts more suitable airflow for those dry, fairweather hikes, we recommend the Keen Voyageur Mid instead.
The Boreas GTX is a relatively heavy boot that's well-suited for carrying heavy packs long distances. For those in the market for a lighter option that feels quick and nimble underfoot for those more casual hikes, we recommend the Salomon Outpulse Mid GTX instead.
Breathability
Being watertight and having good airflow are mutually exclusive traits as our smoke test clearly demonstrates. The boot's leather and Gore-Tex upper didn't let even a wisp of smoke filter through as we pumped it in, thus earning the Boreas GTX a breathability score of 1 out of 5. As such, the boot certainly feels toasty, especially on warmer days, but does a good job of keeping our feet dry (albeit a little sweaty) as we splash across streams or riverbeds.
The Merrel Moab 3, on the other hand, lets the smoke escape with ease throughout the shoe, making it a much better summer hiking option.
Further confirming the airtight nature of the Boreas GTX is how a cross-section of its upper entirely eclipses our backlight.
Our microscope shot of the toebox, which resembles a NASA image of evidence of water on Mars, also shows how impermeable the Boreas GTX's upper is, with no gaps for water or air to get in or out of the shoe. This also means that the boot won't drain in the event of dunking them too deep and taking on water.
![Scarpa Boreas GTX Breathability](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/38810/scarpa-boreas-gtx-breathability-21201806-main.jpg)
Boreas GTX | 1 |
Average | 1.5 |
Durability
Toebox durability
To simulate extreme wear and tear, we fired up our Dremel to 5K RPM and set it against the reinforced section of the Boreas GTX's toebox with 3.2N of force.
By the time the twelve seconds were up, we found that the tool had only done minor damage to the toe bumper and wasn't even able to reach the leather below. This excellent performance leads us to give the Boreas GTX a perfect toebox durability score and means that we can tackle even the harshest trails without fear of compromising its hardy upper.
![Scarpa Boreas GTX Toebox durability](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/38810/scarpa-boreas-gtx-toebox-durability-21201809-main.jpg)
Boreas GTX | 5 |
Average | 4.3 |
Heel padding durability
Next, we turned our attention to the heel collar and set the Dremel against the Boreas GTX once more.
It's difficult to see from our aftermath photo but our tool's abrasive element was able to shred its way and disturb the padding within during the short four-second test. The damage is far from catastrophic, however, with this very respectable performance earning the Boreas GTX a heel padding durability score of 4 out of 5. We therefore don't expect the friction of heel rubs to cause significant damage to the boot throughout its lifetime.
![Scarpa Boreas GTX Heel padding durability](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/38810/scarpa-boreas-gtx-heel-padding-durability-2-21201811-main.jpg)
Boreas GTX | 4 |
Average | 3.9 |
Outsole hardness
The Boreas GTX's heel stack is within spitting range of our current lab average at 34.2 mm thick according to our caliper measurements. This gives us a healthy amount of midsole foam to effectively dampen our landings and keep us high above any underfoot hazards while hiking in this boot.
![Scarpa Boreas GTX Outsole hardness](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/38810/scarpa-boreas-gtx-outsole-hardness-21201812-main.jpg)
Boreas GTX | 89.5 HC |
Average | 87.5 HC |
Outsole durability
To test the outsole, we increased the speed of our Dremel to 10K RPM and pressed it against one of the Boreas GTX's lugs. Apart from a small amount of rubber dust that piles up in the tread, our tool seems to have minimal effect on the boot.
Using a tyre tread gauge to measure the indentation left behind after the twenty-two-second test, we found that we had only shorn off 0.5 mm of rubber from the outsole. However, hiking boot outsoles are generally built strong to withstand harsh terrains so this isn't very much less than the average hiking boot loses under similar circumstances, based on our testing so far. This is still a great performance and means that we can safely expect a good 500 miles of hiking before seeing any signs of wear on the outsole, maybe even 500 more.
![Scarpa Boreas GTX Outsole durability](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/38810/scarpa-boreas-gtx-outsole-durability-21201814-main.jpg)
Boreas GTX | 0.5 mm |
Average | 0.8 mm |
Outsole thickness
The Boreas GTX's outsole is ever so slightly short of our current lab average at 2.6 mm thick according to our caliper measurements. However, with that and the extremely durable lugs, there is still plenty of material underfoot to wear through before having to retire this boot.
![Scarpa Boreas GTX Outsole thickness](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/38810/scarpa-boreas-gtx-outsole-thickness-21201815-main.jpg)
Boreas GTX | 2.6 mm |
Average | 3.0 mm |
Weight
Tipping our scale at 20.6 oz (583g), the Boreas GTX is heavier than the average hiking boot based on our findings in the lab so far. That said, we didn't find its weight prohibitive as we were still comfortably able to gobble up the mile markers during our longer test hikes. What's more, that added heft gives us the feeling of having a sturdy base while carrying a heavy pack.
![Scarpa Boreas GTX Weight](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/38810/scarpa-boreas-gtx-weight-21201851-main.jpg)
Boreas GTX | 20.56 oz (583g) |
Average | 18.91 oz (536g) |
Cushioning
Heel stack
The Boreas GTX's heel stack is within spitting range of our current lab average at 34.2 mm thick according to our caliper measurements. This gives us a healthy amount of midsole foam to effectively dampen our landings and keep us high above any underfoot hazards while hiking in this boot.
![Scarpa Boreas GTX Heel stack](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/38810/scarpa-boreas-gtx-heel-stack-21201852-main.jpg)
Boreas GTX | 34.2 mm |
Average | 36.4 mm |
Forefoot stack
The boot's forefoot stack is also just shy of our current lab average at 20.2 mm thick. This amount of foam also adequately mutes the harsh surface below while still keeping us low enough to the ground for stable and intuitive toe-offs.
![Scarpa Boreas GTX Forefoot stack](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/38810/scarpa-boreas-gtx-forefoot-stack-21201853-main.jpg)
Boreas GTX | 20.2 mm |
Average | 22.4 mm |
Drop
With the stack heights falling so close to the average, it's no wonder that the Boreas GTX boasts an average drop height of 14 mm. This provides a healthy mix of an elevated and protected heel with a more grounded forefoot that's ideal for hiking.
For those curious about a more parallel-to-the-ground hiking experience, we recommend the zero-drop Altra Lone Peak Hiker 2 instead.
Boreas GTX | 14.0 mm |
Average | 14.0 mm |
Midsole softness
Pressing our durometer against the Boreas GTX's midsole yields a harder-than-average reading of 28.1 HA.
This means that, while protective, the boot's midsole feels quite brick-like underfoot due to how little it compresses under our weight.
However, for what this lacks in comfort it more than makes up for with a stable and tank-like ride that gave our feet an invulnerable sensation as we stomped along the trails. This is especially beneficial for backpacking adventures as the firm foam won't feel wobbly under the added weight of heavy gear.
Boreas GTX | 28.1 HA |
Average | 27.9 HA |
Difference in midsole softness in cold
To simulate exposure to cold conditions, we placed the Boreas GTX in the freezer for twenty minutes. Once chilled enough, we took another durometer reading of the midsole and found that it only became 16.5% more firm.
This means that the boot's cushioning isn't as affected by exposure to frigid conditions as the average boot. As such, the Scarpa Boreas GTX will make a good companion for hikers looking to brave the elements and go for a trek no matter how low the mercury drops.
Boreas GTX | 16.5% |
Average | 17.9% |
Insole thickness
We measured the Boreas GTX's insole to be 6.3 mm thick which is right around the average for hiking boots. This provides us with a well-padded footbed that feels nice and cushy underfoot as we land.
![Scarpa Boreas GTX Insole thickness](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/38810/scarpa-boreas-gtx-insole-thickness-21201859-main.jpg)
Boreas GTX | 6.3 mm |
Average | 6.1 mm |
Stability
Lateral stability test
The stability of the Boreas GTX is surely the boot's crowning glory. Whether laden with camping gear or not, we were able to scamper along the trail with the surefootedness of a mountain while testing this well-grounded boot. We'll explore below how the Boreas GTX achieves this feat despite its relatively narrow platform.
Torsional rigidity
We could barely get the Boreas GTX to budge as we bent and twisted it in our hands, leading us to give it the highest torsional rigidity score of 5 out of 5. This means that the boot actively resists the lateral contortions of our foot and maintains an extremely stable base. As such, we enjoyed such confidence with every stride while testing the Boreas GTX that even the God of wind himself couldn't blow us asunder.
Boreas GTX | 5 |
Average | 4.3 |
Heel counter stiffness
The Boreas GTX's well-reinforced heel counter is quite stiff, earning a score of 4 out of 5 in our manual assessment. This level of rigidity helps to mitigate excessive lateral movements at the rearfoot while still feeling quite comfy and supportive around our ankle.
Boreas GTX | 4 |
Average | 3.6 |
Midsole width in the forefoot
At 109.8 mm wide at the forefoot according to our caliper measurements, the Boreas GTX's midsole is slightly narrower than our current lab average. However, this is still more than enough of a platform that it didn't compromise our balance while testing this boot.
![Scarpa Boreas GTX Midsole width in the forefoot](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/38810/scarpa-boreas-gtx-midsole-width-in-the-forefoot-21254997-main.jpg)
Boreas GTX | 109.8 mm |
Average | 111.8 mm |
Midsole width in the heel
The narrowness of the midsole is more pronounced at the heel which we measured with our calliper at only 83.9 mm wide. This also didn't cause us to falter while testing Boreas GTX, rather serving to give the boot a more agile silhouette that made it easier to manoeuvre through tricky terrain.
Those more accustomed to having a girthier platform at the heel for even more surefooted landings should check out the KEEN Targhee III Waterproof Mid as an alternative.
Boreas GTX | 83.9 mm |
Average | 87.4 mm |
Flexibility
Stiffness
We secured the Boreas GTX to our workbench and found that 44N of force is needed to bend it 90 degrees. This is very slightly stiffer than the average but still a rather stiff result.
While being inflexible does sacrifice some level of comfort as our foot struggles to flex naturally within the boot, it also gives us a much more stable feeling on the ground as our foot isn't liable to bend over every obstacle we encounter. This also helps in preventing foot fatigue from over-flexion and is very supportive for those suffering from conditions like plantar fasciitis.
![Scarpa Boreas GTX Stiffness](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/38810/scarpa-boreas-gtx-stiffness-2-21254996-main.jpg)
Boreas GTX | 44.0N |
Average | 44.0N |
Difference in stiffness in cold
We also repeated the flex test after chilling the boot for twenty minutes and found that the Boreas GTX only became 13.8% stiffer than at room temperature. This makes it more consistent than the average hiking boot under similar conditions and means that the boot should feel just as supportive all year round without getting too frigid and uncomfortable as the temperatures drop.
Boreas GTX | 13.8% |
Average | 24.2% |
Grip / Traction
Lug depth
At 4 mm thick according to our calliper measurements, the Boreas GTX's outsole lugs are on par with our current lab average.
They also form an aggressive tread pattern that provides us with excellent traction on just about every surface we come across. Not to mention the stickiness of the Vibram compound which means that wet and mossy rocks didn't give us much pause as we splashed through riverbed crossings.
![Scarpa Boreas GTX Lug depth](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/38810/scarpa-boreas-gtx-lug-depth-2-21255006-main.jpg)
Boreas GTX | 4.0 mm |
Average | 4.2 mm |
Size and fit
Toebox width at the widest part
Using our calliper, we measured the Boreas GTX's toebox to be 100.8 mm wide at its widest point.
This is a little narrower than average but should be a comfy fit for those with narrow to normal-width feet. Broad-footed hikers, on the other hand, should consider a roomier alternative like the Keen Pyrenees which is spacious enough to account for some foot swelling towards the end of longer excursions.
Boreas GTX | 100.8 mm |
Average | 101.9 mm |
Toebox width at the big toe
The Boreas GTX's toebox tapers to 75.1 mm wide at the big toe which is significantly narrower than our current lab average.
This feels a little constrictive and limits how much our toes can splay while hiking in this boot. Depending on foot shape, this can lead to hotspots and/or blisters if the big toe is constantly butting up against the sidewalls, especially if frequently descending hills.
For a boot with a more natural, foot-shaped silhouette, we recommend checking out the Altra Lone Peak Hiker 2 as an alternative that boasts more real estate for the toes.
Boreas GTX | 75.1 mm |
Average | 78.3 mm |
Tongue: gusset type
The Boreas GTX's tongue is fully gusseted on both sides which effectively prevented any debris or water from entering the boot during our test hikes.
![Scarpa Boreas GTX Tongue: gusset type](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/38810/scarpa-boreas-gtx-tongue-gusset-type-21201823-main.jpg)
Boreas GTX | Both sides (full) |
Comfort
Tongue padding
At 13 mm thick according to our calliper measurements, the Boreas GTX's tongue is slightly more padded than our current lab average.
This means that we enjoyed a secure and comfy lockdown without even a hint of lace bite while testing this boot.
![Scarpa Boreas GTX Tongue padding comfort](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/38810/scarpa-boreas-gtx-tongue-padding-2-21201818-main.jpg)
Boreas GTX | 13.0 mm |
Average | 11.0 mm |
Removable insole
The Boreas GTX's insole is fully removable so replacing it with an aftermarket one or a custom orthotic is possible if necessary.
![Scarpa Boreas GTX Removable insole](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/38810/scarpa-boreas-gtx-removable-insole-21201819-main.jpg)
Boreas GTX | Yes |
Misc
Reflective elements
The Boreas GTX doesn't feature any reflective elements, so we recommend exercising caution and using additional high-vis gear if hiking along dimly-lit roads at night.
![Scarpa Boreas GTX Reflective elements](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/38810/scarpa-boreas-gtx-reflective-elements-21201816-main.jpg)
Boreas GTX | No |