Step Out in New Boots

In the Jan+Feb issue of Washington Trails, our gear team put the spotlight on their selection of top-rated hiking boots—new models and classics, from companies like Montrail, Lowa, Salomon, Keen and The North Face. You can check out the review here. But with only enough room for a handful of selections, we wanted to share the rest of their list with you here. All of these models—from light hikers to heavy backpackers—made an impression with our testers, and are highly recommended if you're shopping for a new pair of boots this year.

Trail Runners and Light Hikers

A trail running mainstay, the Montrail Mountain Masochist continues to prove itself for its light weight, fast drying, and superior traction—as well as its sharp-looking new color patterns. Gear tester Matt Thyer found the Gryptonite tread provides excellent traction on most trail surfaces. It lost a few points in sticky mud conditions, where the tread pattern did not perform as well. On long trail days the padding and support of the compression-molded EVA midsole in combination with the full-foot Trail Shield provided ample support and protection. Over all, still a great trail running shoe, ideal for fast packing and hiking. (Score: 7.5/10) $95

Although not waterproof, and in Washington probably only a one season shoe, the Salomon X-Over Hiking Shoe offers practically everything you need in a light hiker. According to seasoned trail runner and gear team member Cheri Higman, they offer an amazing support system and a ContraGrip outsole that gives the stability and traction you need to trek through rough Pacific Northwestern terrain. The lacing system is simple and can be adjusted on the fly. And light! These hikers weigh in at just over 11.5 ounces, making them decent trail runners also—though a tad bulky, Higman says. Of all the light hikers she tested, she says the X-Overs are probably the most comfortable shoe she wore. (Score: 9.5/10) $130

"This light-hiker design is incredible," says Cheri Higman about the Vasque Scree Mid WP. A bit heavy for a light hiker—but one heck of a light mid-hiker—what it lacks in lightness it makes up for it in robustness. She took these scrambling on the class 3 moves of McClellan Butte, climbing low class 5 terrain on Sahale and Chair Peak. Providing excellent breathability to keep feet dry in all conditions, the Screes also feature Stealth rubber soles that are sticky on both wet and dry rock, and a mid-cut to give extra ankle support and protection. Longer mileage days pushed the comfort level, but overall they performed like a pro. (Score: 8.4/10) $150

Midweight Hikers

Comfortable out of the box, the Garmont Zenith Mid GTX is an excellent option for any weekend getaway. Gear tester Patrick Leahy found the over-the-ankle support, reinforced rubber toe rand, and aggressive Vibram sole make this mid-hiker a solid choice for all-day hiking as well as lightweight backpacking. Whether tromping around Discovery Park in the rain, or strapped in snowshoes in the Cascades slogging through 3 feet of fresh powder, his feet remained dry, comfortable, and supported. He was especially impressed at just how supportive this boot was compared to its relatively light weight. Featuring a water-repellent upper and a Gore-Tex bootie, it kept his feet completely dry under the wettest conditions. (Score: 8.8/10) Also available in a low model. $160

Gear tester Cherie Bevers found the Ahnu Montara boots to be a combination of brightly colored fun and modern footwear innovation. The oiled leather and suede construction offered a snug, glovelike fit, requiring little break-in time, but called for lighter weight socks for the optimum performance. The advanced eVent waterproof, breathable membrane kept them comfortable through a wide temperature range, while the Vibram outsoles provided sure footing over slippery log bridges and down steep slopes at Snow Lake. Cherie would have liked more toe protection from the Montaras, hence the slightly lower score. Their advantage: the light and flexible design made it easy to drive to and from trailheads without having to change shoes on site. (Score: 7.6/10) $140

Backpackers

Washington Trails editor Eli Boschetto is a big fan of Keen footwear. This past year, he put the Keen Oregon PCT backpacking boot to the test. Among his numerous summer destinations, the Oregon PCTs hit the trail all over Lassen National Park’s varied terrain—from jagged volcanic rock to soggy forest and everything in between. The high ankle offered excellent stability, while the metatomical dual-density footbed over the cork and EVA cushioning insert provided pleasant comfort mile after mile. And Keen's signature large toe box kept the piggies from getting smashed on grinding descents. (Score: 8.4/10) $160

Ten years ago, Lace Thornberg's first pair of backpacking boots were a pair of secondhand Scarpas. Recently, she laced up the new Scarpa Kailash boots. Sharing the simple design of her first pair, they weigh in at a practically buoyant 2 pounds! She wore these on a 20-mile overnight trip to Sahale Arm and beyond, where they cruised through the talus and easily handled soft flat stretches of snow. In steep snow they performed fine, though she did wish for crampons, and both her and the boots were happier back on solid rock. The sturdy Vibram soles served well, and the Gore-Tex-lined uppers proved to be totally water-phobic. She's planning to enjoy another decade in Scarpa boots. (Score: 9.5/10) $209

Winter Boots

Come autumn and the return of rain and cooler temps, the Keen Revel mid-weight winter boot was a powerhouse around the Indian Heaven Wilderness with editor Eli Boschetto, and a choice selection for off-season hiking. The KEEN.WARM insulation and wool felt footbed kept Eli’s feet cozy while the KEEN.DRY waterproof membrane kept the wet out. All the while, the deep tread on the dual-climate outsole kept his feet firmly planted on even the messiest of trails. And even though categorized as a winter day hiker, Eli had no problem taking this pair on multi-day backpacks. Available in men’s and women’s sizes. (Score: 8.4/10) $140