To learn more about how to choose between hiking boots for winter, I chatted with Kim Kelley, a member of REI’s virtual outfitting team. Here’s what she told me: Ankle Support A common misconception is that the upper of a hiking boot helps prevent ankle rolling. Unfortunately, the uppe...
foam. The result is a ride so soft and bouncy that you’ll forget it’s a boot. “They wear like a sneaker but kick butt on the trail,”our Hike editor forExpert Advice, who tested these boots around the lakes, at dog parks and along the Mississippi River Gorge near their Minnesota...
while the wrong boots make every step a pain. We tested more than 30 women’s hiking boots over a variety of terrain to find the best options for every hike, from day trips to mountain expeditions. These nine rose to the top of the pile after impressing...
After many weeks of fun hikes I was feeling good about the Oboz Sawtooth Mid boots. The midsole in the heel had a nice spring to it which propelled me forward every step of the way, and as I started myPacific Crest Trail backpacking journeyI was eager to crush some miles. ...
Hiking Boots:You’ll want to invest in a good pair ofhiking boots. Your feet will thank you for it. I always buy a 1/2 to 1 size bigger, since your feet swell after a day of hiking. I recommend trying them on near the end of a day, when your feet are already swollen. ...
featherweight boot belying its formidable performance. Tipping scales at just over a pound, the nimble feel belies ample durability over hundreds of miles on mixed terrain. I found that the athletic cut sits lower than traditional backpacking boots but still provides noticeable stability gains over ...
Break in your new boots. Lighter boots need little break-in, but make sure you wear them around the neighborhood at least a few times, until your feet feel comfortable in them. Store your boots in a cool, dry place. Put crumpled up newspaper in them to absorb moisture. Take them out ...
One of the first features you’ll notice is the lacing system. In the past I’ve had difficulty keeping tension in the right places with mid-height hiking boots, but the Quest 4D 3 GTX has solved this for me. Right near the ankle there’s a nice, deep-set eyelet to ensure you get...
However, be prepared for the water to slide down the cape towards your boots…so wear gaiters to keep the water out and your feet from getting wet. See alsoBurning Feet when Hiking [Causes and Solutions] Pants or shorts? It all depends on the hike, but as a general rule, it’s best...
Cushioning: We made note of the cushioning provided in each pair of socks, then tried them on with a pair of Hoka high-top hiking boots and walked around to see if they bunched up or rubbed at all. We also noted any arch support and compression. Durability: To check durability, we h...