This was one of the biggest reasons that I went for these boots, and I am very happy to say that I was not disappointed. Don’t let sweat-induced blistering be the reason you can’t bag your next 14-er. If your feet are out of commission, then so are you. So if you are going to get yourself a quality pair of hiking socks (read: not cotton), why not complete your footwear system with a Gore-Tex lined boot? OK, price is a fair point to argue, but we are talking about your feet here. You’re probably going to sweat a good deal. This is great for boot-wearers because, we all know it, you’re going to sweat in these things.

For years, Gore-Tex has been at the top of the field for waterproof, breathable fabrics. Just rest assured your feet will be well-protected by these great-gripping soles. They hold well on slick surfaces, and I’m pretty sure you could stomp your way across a bed of nails without worry. The good name of Vibram makes the soles for these boots. Since buying them and taking them out for multiple mile journeys through some fairly rough terrain, I’m inclined to agree. Almost across the board, wearers of these boots past and present praise their durability, out-of-the-box comfort, and quality construction. I bought these boots because of the stellar reviews they received at their home site, LL Bean. A cautionary note: all-leather construction and Gore-Tex lining put these boots on the heavier end of the scale, but that translates into long-term protection and ankle stability for folks seeking high adventure. Priced at $200.00 USD, you may need to budget for these bad boys, but you’ll find that investing in great boots up front will help you put more miles in with less wear and tear on your feet. The Quick and Dirty: If you are looking for a solid performer and an all-leather hiking boot that will keep your feet warm and dry even in rough conditions, these boots are the end-all.

Are ll bean boots good for hiking