Hiking Boots and Footwear

I’ve been wearing La Sportiva Ultra Raptor Trail Runners for hiking and backpacking for the past 3 years. Made out of mesh, they drain and dry quickly, which is important in the densely forested and wet Northeast US environs where I do most of my hiking. I originally switched from leather …

Hiking Boots and Trail Shoes are becoming much lighter weight. There’s no doubt about it. We surveyed 440 backpackers to find out what their favorite hiking boots and trail shoes are it’s clear that the era of heavy leather hiking boots is on the wane. Perhaps ever more amazing is …

The Icebug DTS2 BUGrip GTX Shoe is designed for running and walking on ice-covered roads, sidewalks, and trails covered with hard-packed snow. The sole of each shoe has 19 carbide steel studs that provide traction, much like studded snow tires on icy roads. They really provide an amazing amount of grip and …

Columbia Bugaboot Plus III Titanium Omni-Heat Winter Hiking Boot (where do they come up with these product names) is a 600 gram insulated winter boot rated down to -65 fahrenheit. If you get cold feet on winter hiking trips or at home, these boots are for you. While these are high …

The Baffin Borealis Winter Hiking Boot is a lightweight insulated hiking boot rated to -20 degrees with a removable liner, similar to a plastic mountaineering boot in certain respects, but much more comfortable for hiking in, and suitable for winter backpacking, since you can sleep with the liner to prevent it from …

Vasque Coldspark UltraDry Boots are waterproof winter hiking boots with the nimble spirit of trail running shoes. Lightweight, with a flared heel and good rocker, you can hike fast in these boots when you want to make time. Insulated with 200 grams of Thinsulate, the Coldsparks are designed for hiking and …

Every year, I like to recognize the piece of gear that has the biggest impact on my hiking and backpacking experience by giving it the Section Hiker Gear of the Year Award. This years winner are CEP Compression Socks which have helped me manage and cure a nagging overuse foot …

I’ve developed a case of Plantar Fasciitis in my left foot this summer, a painful repetition injury often caused by hiking or running that presents itself as chronic heel pain. The pain is caused by the inflammation of the ligament that connects your heel bone to the ball of your foot. I’ve …

The KEEN Versatrail is a low hiking shoe that runs wide and has a spacious toe box. Designed for casual use and for easy day hikes, it’s a very stable hiking shoe that defies ankle rolling, but lacks the traction you’d require for more technical hikes that require rock scrambling. …

The Salomon Toundra Mid WP winter hiking boot is a lightweight boot that is perfect for hiking and snowshoeing in winter weather. Rated for -40 F, the Toundra Mid WP is insulated with Aerogel, an ultralight foam insulation that NASA developed to protect the Mars probes from extreme cold. Considered the …