We Search for Hiking Boot Reviews

We scour the Internet looking for reviews on hiking boots from the best gear suppliers and condense them all into an easy to read format.

Weed Out the Losers

If a hiking boot is reported to just suck, we tell you about it right away, we don’t hold anything back. This way you don’t waste your time searching for information on boots that are just not worth it.

And Help You Choose the Best Hiking Boots

We include both the good and the bad of each hiking boot in our reviews. This helps you determine which hiking boots will fit the best and provide the features and performance you expect in a hiking boot.

Many review websites are there for one thing and one thing only, to get you to buy something. The tactics they deploy are just despicable and all they do is tell you how great the product is so you will buy. Well, we have more integrity than that. Of course if you buy a hiking boot through one of our links we are compensated from the supplier, but we make sure our reviews include both the good and the bad.

We are hikers and backpackers ourselves and it is not just a hobby for us it is a passion. From the mountains of Europe and the scorching deserts of the Middle East to the Pacific Crest Trail on our western coast we have been there. Our extensive experience puts us in a unique position to help you choose the best hiking boots and footwear for you.

Please use our menu and search function to find exactly what you are looking for….

Technorati Tags: Best Hiking Boots, Boots, Footwear, hiking, Hiking boot, hiking boot review, Hiking Boots Reviews, Hiking equipment, Hospitality/Recreation

Pros

• Medium Weight
• Comfort Tec removable sockliner

Cons

• Heavy but sturdy
• Waterproof Issues

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From Amazon.com

Price $60 to $80

At Last! A Lightweight Breathable Hiking Boot with Ankle Support

The Hi-tech Womens Outlander Hiking Boot weights in at 2.5 lbs and would be what we consider a medium weight hiking boot. The upper is
constructed of a breathable suede and nylon upper with a padded collar. They also come with EVA midsoles and a steel shank which is where the weight comes from.

Cons

The Hi-Tech Women’s Outlander is reported by most wearers to be true to size but if you are between sizes it is recommended to buy the larger size for best fit. They run a bit on the heavy side but are sturdy with good toe protection.

These boots are supposed to be waterproof but a few women have complained water will soak through if walking through heavy morning dew but this is not the norm.

Pros

Quite a few hikers have reported they are on their second pair or will be buying a second pair once the originals have worn out. The medium height upper provides excellent ankle support. These boots can be worn right out of the box with no blisters and have a very quick break-in period.

Not only is this an excellent hiker and has all the features expected in a more expensive boot they are stylish as well. Who says you can’t make a fashion statement and hike too.

Wrap Up

You will be happy with these boots if you like the idea of having a steel shank but these are a little on the heavy side. If you are looking for a durable and comfortable hiking boot these are for you but are not recommended for thru hiking because of the weight.

To purchase the Hi-Tech Woman’s Outlander Hiking Boot or for more information visit Amazon.com usually on sale or check out our other suppliers below.

Look for Merrel Hiking Boots at these fine Retailers

Top Stores	Current Specials	Standard Shipping Time
	BEST CHOICE! Free Overnight Shipping and Free Return Shipping if returned in 365 days.	1 Day New Items 3-5 Days Clearance Items
		7 to 12 Days (Economy Option)
	Get 10% off next purchase if you post a gear review.	Ground Shipping 7-10 days
	About 8 Days

Technorati Tags: backpacking, Best Hiking Boots, Hi-Tec, Hi-tech Womens Outlander Hiking Boot, Hiking Boots Reviews

Blisters

Perhaps the easiest injury for a hiker to obtain is the blister.  The most important item a hiker must select before hiking is their hiking boots.  It is vital that these boots supply all the features necessary for comfort and safety.  They should be waterproof and offer sufficient ankle support.  Hikers should ensure that they are broken in prior to a major hike.

We know blisters are caused by friction and they usually can be prevented but in the event a blister still occurs it can be easily treated on the hike.  When you get a blister you should pull off your sock slowly and clean the affected area with a little soap and water or what I like to do is carry a few baby wipes and alcohol pads in my first aid kit for cleaning injuries.

Now it is usually recommended against, but what I do is I’ll pierce the blister with a sewing pin, just a small hole will do, and squeeze out the fluid that has buildup. Then depending on the size of the blister I will either leave it alone or cover it with moleskin.  I always try to avoid covering the blister because it is best to allow the blister to heal itself in the open air over time.

Hypothermia and Heat Stroke

Depending on the hiking climate there are a couple of hiking injuries that also must be taken into consideration.  They would be hypothermia or heat stroke. Hypothermia occurs when your body loses the ability to maintain its core internal temperature above 95 degrees F. Symptoms include loss of muscle coordination, uncontrollable shivering, disorientation, pale skin, bluing of the lips, ears and fingers. Hypothermia can be avoided by dressing accordingly and staying dry. Hypothermia can be treated by taking measures to warm the body back above 95 degrees F such as drinking warm drinks and skin to skin contact.

One popular Outside magazine recently claimed, in an answer to a quiz, you can treat hypothermia by crawling into a sleeping bag with your clothes on. They should know better, someone will get killed following that advice. The only sure way to warm back up in the outdoors when you get hypothermia is to crawl into a sleeping bag sans clothes with another person. You must introduce an outside heat source to warm back up because remember during hypothermia your body cannot warm itself back up.

Heat stroke is the opposite of hypothermia, where your body cannot cool its internal temperature down by itself. Symptoms include nausea, rapid pulse, difficulty breathing, confusion and lack of sweating with flushed or dry red skin. It is deadly and can kill you just as easily as hypothermia. Heat stroke can be avoided by dressing accordingly, drinking enough water and taking frequent breaks on the hike.

Heat Stroke can be treated by removing all clothing, placing the hiker into a cool stream, not cold water, and slowly drinking water to bring the body temperature to a safe level. If no stream is available, remove all clothing, get in the shade and drench a piece of cloth in water to make a cold compress. Place cold compresses in the armpits, groin and neck area. Make sure to leave enough skin exposed to let the body heat escape and drink water.

Sprains and Strains

The dreaded sprain or strain can also occur on the trail.  This can be avoided by following proper safety procedures and utilizing necessary hiking equipment.  Sprains and strains are typically treated by applying ice to the injured area in 20 minute intervals to reduce the swelling. Its great if there is snow on the ground but if not the only treatment would be to snugly wrap the sprain in cloth to prevent pain or further injury.

Dehydration

Dehydration is another area of concern.  Always ensure that you have access to plenty of water while hiking.  It is easy to get dehydrated.  Drink water often.  If you get dehydrated you need to drink water slowly but continuously until you become hydrated again.

One good way to see if you are drinking enough water is to look at the color of your urine. If it is clear or slightly yellow you are good to go. If it is a dark yellow then drink a liter of water immediately and try to drink a little more water throughout the hike than you have been. If your urine is orange you need to stop and drink a couple of liters of water over about an hour period.

If you do not follow this advice, you can easily become a victim of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Even in the winter you need to make sure to drink water even if you don’t think you need it.

Bleeding Wounds

Bleeding wounds can occur from time to time on the trail as well.  You can reduce the possibility of these type of hiking injuries by wearing the proper apparel and using common sense but in the case a wound occurs apply a clean cloth to the wound applying pressure for up to 10 minutes or until the bleeding stops.  Make sure to bandage the wound to prevent infection and further bleeding. Depending on the severity of the wound obtain professional treatment as soon as possible.

There are many more injuries that can occur when hiking but these are the most common ones. The majority of these hiking injuries can be avoided by simple prevention methods.  You should properly prepare for the hike taking all the necessary precautions to ensure a safe and rewarding outdoor experience.

Technorati Tags: Accidental hypothermia, Backpacking Tips, Blister, Dehydration, First Aid Kit, Heat illness, hiking, Hiking Injuries, Medical emergencies, Medicine, Outdoor Medicine, Outdoor Survival, Symptoms, Wilderness Medicine

Pros

• Feels Like a Custom Fit
• Excellent Traction
• Superior Ventilation

Cons

• Narrow need to Buy 1/2 Size Bigger or get them wide

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From Endless.com

Price around $149

When it comes to hiking boots you need a boot that has been designed and equipped with just the features you need.  It takes a boot that makes hiking a breeze.  It takes a Vasque Men’s Breeze GTX Hiking Boot to be exact

Cons

Some wearers have reported this boots run a size too small but buying them one size bigger usually takes care of this problem. However, the boots have been reported to be a little narrow so if you have wider feet than most people you might want to get a wider size rather than longer.

Also, the stitching around the upper lace hook has been reported to give out if you wear them constantly in extreme terrain such as scree fields. But most boots would have this problem in those conditions.

Pros

The Vasque Breeze GTX Hiking Boot uniquely stretches to give you what feels like a custom form fitting feel. These boots are comfortable even without an extensive break in period and no blister problems have been reported. With a Vibram Contex outsole and dual-density EVA insole they provide excellent grip in all conditions even in light snow.

The waterproof Nubuck leather upper with airmesh nylon fabric and Gortex XCR membrane will keep you dry during stream crossings and cool with minimum sweating even in summer desert conditions. The upper also grips your ankles comfortably to provide you with excellent ankle support on firm and unstable surfaces.

Wrap Up

At 2 lb 9 oz in a size 9 these boots are not the lightest out there but are packed with features you can’t do without.

In conclusion if you want a boot that is extremely comfortable and requires no break in period, the Men’s Vasque Breeze GTX Hiking Boot simply breezes right by the competition.

Get the Mens Vasque Breeze GTX Hiking Boot from Endless.com or check out your favorite retailer below.

Look for Vasque Hiking Boots at these fine Retailers

Top Stores	Current Specials	Standard Shipping Time
	BEST CHOICE! Free Overnight Shipping and Free Return Shipping if returned in 365 days.	1 Day New Items 3-5 Days Clearance Items
		7 to 12 Days (Economy Option)
	Get 10% off next purchase if you post a gear review.	Ground Shipping 7-10 days
	About 8 Days

Technorati Tags: Best Hiking Boots, Boots, Footwear, Hiking boot, Hiking Boots Reviews, Hiking equipment, Mens, Mens Vasque Breeze GTX Hiking Boot

It’s all about energy

Did you know a hiker burns up to 500 calories per hour while hiking? So for an 8 hour full day hike you could burn as much as 4000 calories. Just think, considering a pound of body fat contains 3500 calories, you could very well hike yourself to the bone if you don’t eat enough. Wow, it is amazing isn’t it? Now that you know how much energy you could be expanding don’t you think you will need some?

Here’s how to get it. Energy for hiking requires that you eat high calorie foods that deliver the most energy compared to its weight. Here is the breakdown of the three components of food that provide energy:

• Fat- 9 calories per gram
• Protein- 4 calories per gram
• Carbohydrates- 4 calories per gram

So based on this breakdown, you would think we should choose foods that have a high fat content, right? Right. However, you also need protein to repair muscles and carbohydrates for those quick energy bursts so we need to keep these factors in mind when choosing foods to eat.

Nutritionally speaking for multi-day and long distance hiking you should try to plan a balanced menu. Fat carries more calories per ounce but you should still try to get half of your calories from carbohydrates and a little bit of protein to balance it out. Also the above information is only a guide the calorie intake necessary will differ from hiker to hiker.  This can be accomplished in various ways.

What’s on the menu?

The key to the successful trail food menu is to not carry more than you need but yet carry enough to deliver the energy you do. Also trail food should be durable so you don’t end up eating crumbs. Unless you want to break the bank you want to avoid the freeze dried backpacking meals that are typically expensive.

You want to create a menu that can be easily accessible from your local food market so you can find non-perishable foods that won’t cost you a fortune. There are plenty of foods good for hiking that can be picked up right from your grocer

These following suggestions may not meet every hiker’s expectations.  Each hiker is different. You have to gear the menu to your personal taste.

• Good breakfast items would be like harvest oatmeal bars, cliff bars, blueberry or hazelnut quinoa, pop tarts or homemade energy bars that can be prepared at home.

• Snacks that can be devoured with ease are great when you need quick refreshment so things like dried fruit and almonds, fresh apples and cheddar, gorp or even a good old snickers bar.

• For lunch things like pita and dips make great meals. Items like packaged (not canned) tuna, you know the ones that have packets of mayonnaise, relish and crackers, are great as well.

• For dinner you can pick up sufficient amounts of pasta, ramen style noodles and even full meals in foil packages that can be easily prepared.

So that is about it. Always try to eat the heavier items on the menu first. Plan your menu correctly and you will carry the trail food that will deliver what your body needs for the journey.

Technorati Tags: backpacking, Backpacking Tips, food, Food and drink, Food energy, hiking, Hospitality/Recreation, Nutrition, Trail Food, trail food menu, Ultralight backpacking

Pros

• Lightweight
• Waterproof
• Durable

Cons

• No Ankle Support

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From Endless.com

Price $70 to $95

The Mindbender GTX is a new trail running shoe from Vasque. Right now there is limited availability and most vendors are not carrying it not even the mighty REI. But we found it for you. There are no user reviews at this time for the Mens edition of this shoe. In fact right now you can’t find the womens Mindbender GTX either.

However, one of Vasque’s very own athletes, Krissy Moehl, tested out this trail running shoe last summer at the Western States Endurance challenge. This is what she had to say about the Vasque Mindbender GTX:

“When Vasque product manager Brian Hall first sent me a pair of the Mindbenders, I was pretty excited to be wear-testing a new shoe,” Moehl says. “And once I slipped them on my feet and went for an 18-mile road-trail run (right out of the box), I knew they were the shoes I would be wearing for the Western States Endurance Race. In looking for a shoe to wear for a 100-miler, my goal is to feel confident that I can put the shoe on at the start of the race and not think about it or my feet for the entire event. The Mindbender was perfect and totally fit the bill.” ~ Krissy Moehl

Krissy ran for 100 miles through some of the most extreme terrain in the Western United States including rocky terrain, stream crossings and snow fields even through 100 degree temperatures. A lesser trail running shoe would have melted right off her feet.

Here is another cool quote from her, “With my quads being completely shot after the event, it was nice to not have to tend to my feet.”

The shoe is built on Vasque’s Perpetuum last which will fit a wide variety of foot shapes and sizes. A new feature Vasque adopted for this trail running shoe is the Gore-Tex conformable technology, an “inner bootie” made of Goretex fabric that conforms directly to your foot shape, adding water protection to the shoe.

The toe box was made extra wide on this trail running shoe to accommodate an expanding foot throughout the miles. There are even more features packed into the shoe to include a synthetic nubuck and airmesh nylon upper, removable dual density EVA insole and a nylon half shank.

Even with all these great features and the seamless durable construction this trail running shoe weighs in at only 11.5 ounces in a mens size 9 and just 9.9 ounces in a women’s size 7. This is a great trail running shoe for the lightweight or long distance hiker and day hikers.

It is sure to be a very popular running shoe and be hard to find for some time to come. If you are gearing up for the Pacific Crest Trail, Continental Divide Trail or Appalachian Trail get this perfect trail running shoe for hiking today.

Be one of the first to get the Mindbender GTX trail running shoe from Endless.com or at one of the other retailers below in the near future.

Look for Vasque Hiking Boots at these fine Retailers

Top Stores	Current Specials	Standard Shipping Time
	BEST CHOICE! Free Overnight Shipping and Free Return Shipping if returned in 365 days.	1 Day New Items 3-5 Days Clearance Items
		7 to 12 Days (Economy Option)
	Get 10% off next purchase if you post a gear review.	Ground Shipping 7-10 days
	About 8 Days

Straight from the Source:

• Outdoor Retailer Winter Market Trade Show press release (released by darbycommunications.com)
• Endless.com
• blog.vasque.com

Technorati Tags: Boots, Brian Hall, Continental Divide Trail, Gore-Tex conformable technology, Gortex, hiking, Hiking boot, Hiking Boots Reviews, Hiking equipment, Krissy Moehl, Recreation, Removable Insoles, Trail Running Shoe, Vaque Perpetuum, Vasque, Vasque Mindbender GTX

Pros

• Lightweight
• Removable Footbeds
• Superior Ventilation

Cons

• Need to Buy 1/2 Size Bigger
• Off Trail Durability Issues
• Not For Hikers With Ankle Problems

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From Amazon.com

Price $87 to $90

At Last! A Lightweight Breathable Hiking Boot with Ankle Support

The Merrell Moab Ventilator Mid is reported to be an excellent lightweight hiker with ankle support. It has a Dura leather and mesh upper, padded tongue with an air cushion in the heel which absorbs shock and provides cushioning. The Vibram Multi-Sport soles with a 5mm Sole lug depth keep your feet on the trail where they belong. Weighing in at only 17 oz. per boot in a size 9 you will almost feel like you are walking on air.

Cons

Hikers reported if you have a tendency to turn ankles this boot will not provide the ankle support you need, but is fine for people without this problem. Some owners have reported durability issues when the boot has been used extensively off trail, but if you tend to stay on trail and only go off trail to see a sight or make camp the Merrell Moab Ventilator will hold up.

“Do not machine wash these boots,” have been warned by several people but we wouldn’t suggest you do that anyway. The biggest issue reported by the majority of wearers is that the boot wears a 1/2 size too small. However, if you buy this boot a 1/2 size bigger, with decent socks these boots will fit like a glove. So keep this in mind when ordering.

Pros

The sole of the Merrell Moab Ventilator Mid is soft and pliable so it grips the terrain well. The uppers and tongue are flexible, padded and fit snugly. Out of box comfort with a minimal break in period has been reported. This hiking boot wears like a sneaker but the nylon shank keeps your feet from feeling every sharp rock and stick you step on.

The breathability of these hiking boots is excellent and keeps foot sweating to a minimum which will help keep blisters at bay. These boots are quick drying after stream crossings, snow field crossings and early morning dew exposure. It has been reported these boots will dry out in as little as 30 minutes while wearing and will be dry in the morning if left out wet.

The Merrell Moab Ventilator comes with removable anatomically shaped foot beds for superior comfort and can be used right out of the box or replaced with your favorite after market foot bed for maximum comfort.

Wrap Up

Overall this is an excellent boot for those hikers that stick to the trail and keep the weight down in their pack. This is an A+ hiking boot with a large following of repeat wearers.

You can get the Men’s Merrell Moab Ventilator Mid right here from Amazon.com usually on sale or check out our other suppliers below.

Look for Merrel Hiking Boots at these fine Retailers

Top Stores	Current Specials	Standard Shipping Time
	BEST CHOICE! Free Overnight Shipping and Free Return Shipping if returned in 365 days.	1 Day New Items 3-5 Days Clearance Items
		7 to 12 Days (Economy Option)
	Get 10% off next purchase if you post a gear review.	Ground Shipping 7-10 days
		About 8 Days

Technorati Tags: Amazon.com Inc., Ankle Support, Best Hiking Boots For Around $, blisters, Boots, Clothing, Hiking apparel, Hiking boot, Hiking Boots Reviews, Hiking equipment, Hospitality/Recreation, Lightweight, Merrell, Merrell Moab Ventilator Mid, Removable Footbeds, Vibram, Walking

There are some rather easy exercises that can be very successful at getting your body ready for the long hike.  Keep in mind that anytime you are exercising you want to take it slow.  Never jump right into strenuous exercises without first warming up.  This can be accomplished by simply doing a few low impact calisthenics or jogging in place.

If you want to last for the long haul you have to ensure that your leg muscles and joints are prepared for the journey.  You can prepare these muscles by simply doing some squats. Squats are accomplished by placing your heels nearly together and holding your arms straight out at the side.  Then all you have to do is squat down slowly and then slowly come back up again.  You can begin with a small amount of repetitions and then build up to as many as you prefer.

Another good exercise for the hiker is lunges. This can be done very easily.  Simply place one foot about a foot and a half in front of you and then lower yourself down slowly.  Then slowly rise back up again.  Do about 10 repetitions with each leg.  As with any exercise you want to begin slowly and then build up your regiment.

The avid hiker knows other than having the necessary equipment making sure their body is ready for the hike is the key to a successful trip.  Hiking training and exercise can be accomplished in many ways.  You can go on short jogs numerous times during the week or slightly longer walks if you want to save your knees. It is also vital that you strengthen those back and stomach muscles.  These are really the foundation that presents posture and wards off fatigue on the long hike.  Hitting the weights or utilizing a rowing machine will go a long way in supporting those legs in the calves, hamstrings and quadriceps area.

Hiking training is nothing more than taking care of your body and preparing your system for the long hike over hills, mountains and creek beds.  The key is consistency and restraint in whatever exercises you choose.  Train yourself wisely and any hiking excursion will be easy to endure.

Technorati Tags: Backpacking Tips, Bodyweight exercise, Calisthenics, Exercise, Hamstring, hiking, Hiking Training, Physical exercise, Recreation, Scoutcraft, Squat

Pros

• Removable Insoles
• Durable Construction
• Cult Following

Cons

• Not for Wide Feet
• Nothing Else Really

Buy Now

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From Amazon.com

Price $63.44 – $93.00

Anyone who has ever hiked a trail knows how important it is to have a quality pair of hiking boots on their feet. Not just any boots, but boots that have been specifically designed for the rugged environment that most hikers are accustomed to confronting. A great boot for the treacherous hiking trail is the Hi-Tec Altitude IV Hiking Boot.

The truth of the matter is quite apparent; you don’t need boots that cost hundreds of dollars to find comfort. The Altitude IV Hiking Boot from Hi-Tec was designed with loads of comfort and quality for the rambunctious hiker and the value far exceeds the price. A hiking boot that looks great, feels great and won’t break the bank is worth looking into.

A great hiking boot has to deliver the features that are stuff of legend. First and foremost they have to be comfortable. If you are going to be walking mile after mile in a pair of boots you want to do so in comfort. Wearers of these boots have said they require almost no break in time and were designed with quality material so these boots have proven to be quite durable as well.

There seems to be an almost cult following for these boots because some wearers have bought this boot time after since the first version of the boot. Because of the classic look and durability many have also worn this boot as work boots and casual wear without any problems.

However, a few reports from hikers with wide feet and high arches have reported hot spots. Even the wide sizes sometime fit like mediums. Weighing in at 2 lbs, these boots are in between a light and heavy hiking boot. So the Men’s Hi-Tec Altitude IV would be a good choice for someone who wants support but doesn’t want to feel like they are carrying around lead weights on their feet.

The bottom line is this. The serious hiker knows what he or she requires in a hiking boot. They know that a boot has to be able to endure the wear and tear of the trail, keep their feet dry and not produce blisters on top of blisters. They have to be comfortable for the long haul, mile after mile. The Hi-Tec Men’s Altitude IV Hiking Boot accomplishes this task at a price far less than other brands.

Look for Hit-Tech Hiking Boots at these fine Retailers

Top Stores	Current Specials	Standard Shipping Time
		About 8 Days
		7 to 12 Days (Economy Option)
	Get 10% off next purchase if you post a gear review.	Ground Shipping 7-10 days

Technorati Tags: Durable, Hi-Tec, hiking boot review, Hiking Boots Reviews, Leather Hiking Boot, Low Price, Medium Weight, Mens Hi-Tec Altitude IV Hiking Boot