Our Experts CNET’s expert staff reviews and rates dozens of new products and services each month, building on more than a quarter century of expertise. Our Picks CNET’s expert staff reviews and rates dozens of new products and services each month, building on more than a quarter century of expertise. Having the right boots for your hiking trips and outdoor adventures is important.
Modern hiking footwear brands pour their research and materials into making boots that are waterproof and stable enough to comfortably handle terrain of all types. Some companies are constantly fine-tuning their shoes with perfection in mind. Others use a more traditional, decades-old methodology when it comes to construction and the materials they use.
Countless brands promise the best experience , but it can become quite challenging to decide on which pair is the best fit for you. That's why I've put together my picks for the best adventure and hiking footwear. Each product in this list has been hand-selected and tested to ensure that they perform as well as they're supposed to, whether you're heading into the wilderness to go backpacking or simply schlepping around town.
If they didn't impress, they didn't make the list. Everything on this list qualifies as a boot, with higher ankles that give more support on longer walks or on unstable terrain. Looking for a lighter walking shoe for more casual afternoon walks? Check out our guide to the best walking shoes .
Note that this list focuses on me.