Shoes & Boots
We test all the top brands: Salomon, Nike, HOKA, to Muck, Sorel and Bogs in our quest to find the best
Our testers have spent countless hours on dirt trails and scrambling rock climbs while testing the market's top approach shoes.
Credit: Matt Bento
Not all boots are made for walkin'! From hiking boots to winter boots to the best trail running kicks on the market, most footwear is designed for a purpose. To that end, our expert reviewers unselfishly tied their laces and took to the desert, valleys, coasts, and mountains to test the full roster of shoes and boots. Best hiking shoes for women? Check. Best running shoes? Check. Our testers pledge no allegiance to brand or product, only results.
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Best Pick Reviews in Shoes & Boots
Best Hiking Boots of 2022
We've done the homework for you on men's hiking boots, buying the most popular models, hiking many miles on varied terrain and measuring them against their competitors.
Best Hiking Boots for Women 2022
Now is the time to invest in your next pair of hiking boots. But where to begin? We have narrowed down the options to the top models on the market for hands-on testing.
Best Hiking Shoes of 2022
We selected the top hiking shoes and put them to the test. After months of hiking on all types of trails, we wrote the most comprehensive hiking shoe review, which will help you select the...
Best Hiking Shoes for Women of 2022
We're here to help you sort through the options for the best women's hiking shoes. We tested the market's leading pairs, then picked the 13 leaders for thorough side-by-side testing.
Best Climbing Shoes of 2022
We pick the best rock climbing shoes for bouldering, sport, trad, gym, kids, and beginners. No matter your budget, we have a pick for you.
Best Climbing Shoes for Women of 2022
We've weeded through dozens of climbing shoes to select to top contenders on the market. We have specifically selected only women's models for this review and have climbed countless...
Best Rock Climbing Shoes for Kids of 2022
With a lack of thorough kids' climbing shoe reviews, we researched over 40 of the top models, purchasing the best 10 to put through our testing process. Our expert testers decided to help...
Best Approach Shoes of 2022
Looking for a new pair of approach shoes? We've got you covered. We scrambled, bouldered, sport climbed, and hiked around the Eastern Sierras in 14 different pairs of sticky rubber...
Best Approach Shoes for Women of 2022
If you're on the hunt for a great pair of women's approach shoes, we've got the information you need. Whether you're gearing up for a long mission in the alpine or a casual day at the...
Best Trail Running Shoes of 2022
Looking for a new pair of trail runners? We researched over 100 of the most popular models before purchasing 19 of the best for extensive testing. After hundreds of hours on the trails, we...
Best Women's Trail Running Shoes of 2022
Searching for your next trail running shoe? With our expert advice and experience testing various models this season, we get down to the nitty-gritty of the different options out there...
Best Running Shoes of 2022
After many long runs and tempo miles, we've determined the best running shoes available in 2022 for any running style or budget
Best Running Shoes for Women of 2022
Seeking a women's running shoe to help you pick up the pace? Our comprehensive review of the most popular running shoes on the market is sure to give you all of the information you need to...
Best Rain Boots of 2022
You shouldn’t have to worry about your feet when the bad weather rolls in. Our testers put 15 high-quality rain boots through the proverbial wringer (though they actually got wetter...
Best Rain Boots for Women of 2022
From the showers of spring and summer thunderstorms to the muck of fall and winter, it's always a good time to think about rain boots. For this article, more than a dozen rain boots are...
Best Winter Boots of 2022
To help you find the best winter boots, we researched the best models available before buying the top to test and compare side by side. During our extensive head-to-head testing process...
Best Winter Boots for Women of 2022
Our expert winter testers took to the trails, streets, and snowbanks to test the market's top-rated winter boots. After over 8 years of seeking out the best options on the market and...
Best Sandals of 2022
In our opinion, every season is sandal season. We curated the industry's best selection of sandals to review head-to-head in search of the best products for your next adventure.
Best Sandals for Women of 2022
What are the best women's sandals for travel, hiking, and daily use? We put 14 great options through a bevy of toe-to-toe tests to find out.
Best Mountain Bike Shoes of 2022
Looking for the best clipless mountain bike shoes to suit your riding style and budget? We researched the top models on the market before selecting 18 to test and compare side by side...
Best Mountain Bike Shoes for Women
Poor performing mountain bike shoes can spoil your ride, just as an uncomfortable pair of shoes can leave you in pain. With this in mind, we researched over 40 models in search of the best...
Best Mountain Bike Flat Pedal Shoes of 2022
There are lots of mountain bike flat shoes on the market. We bought 11 of the most intriguing options to put through our rigorous testing process.
Best Mountain Bike Flat Pedal Shoes For Women of 2022
After researching the top-ranked and newest models of mountain bike flat pedal shoes on the market, we purchased 13 pairs to test side-by-side over the course of eight months. We spent...
Best Water Shoes of 2022
After combing through 60 of the best water shoes on the market, we purchased and rigorously tested the top 7 to find the best.
Best Water Shoes for Women of 2022
Our lady testers took these models on rafting trips down the Grand Canyon, Arkansas River, and muddy rivers of southeastern Minnesota to find out which ones stand out among the heap.
Best Road Bike Shoes
After months on the road and at the desk, we've pulled out and tested the best road bike shoes of 2021. In this article, we explain our hard-earned findings.
Best Flip Flops of 2022
With an unfathomable number of flip flop brands and models on the market, the process of finding the right pair can be daunting. We did the leg work for you and put a host of highly-rated...
Best Flip Flops for Women of 2022
No matter what kind of warm weather adventure you're gearing up for, we've got the perfect flip flop to bring along for the ride. From versatile and sporty to practical and stylish, your...
Best Barefoot Shoes of 2022
Ready to make the switch to minimalist or barefoot shoes? Our comprehensive review compares 10 of this season's best models side-by-side, so you can spend less time worrying about "proper"...
Best Barefoot Shoes for Women of 2022
Barefoot shoes got a bad rap shortly after their introduction to the mainstream. In this review, we talk about ways to approach this style of running, and how your footwear choice can help...
Best Mountaineering Boots of 2022
Trying to find the best mountaineering boot? We've got you covered. Our testers reviewed 7 of the top products on the market...
Best Mountaineering Boots For Women of 2022
Are you a woman in search of a mountaineering boot? We tested some of the best mountaineering boots for women, climbing steep ice routes, rugged rock routes, and challenging approaches...
Best Skate Shoes
To help you find the best skate shoes, we researched dozens of different models on the market and bought and tested 8 of the top-selling pairs available today.
Best Slippers of 2022
You'll wear good slippers nearly every day. We carefully tested (researching 30 models and purchasing 9 for direct comparison) and summarize our findings for your benefit.
Best Slippers for Women of 2022
After researching over 50+ different options, we chose 8 of the best slippers for women to test hands-on and side-by-side. We've spent the last year in these options, wearing them while...
Best Insoles
Looking for a new pair of insoles? After researching over 50 pairs available today, our expert reviewers purchased and tested 10 of the best on the market to help you decide which pair...
Best Snow Grips
Searching for some snow grips? Our experts selected 10 top models and compared them head-to-head to help you find the best product for your needs and budget.
Best Hiking Socks
Is a bomber hiking sock the next thing you need to add to your adventure gear list? We spent countless hours researching, purchasing, and testing
Best Running Socks of 2022
Are you seeking a running sock that will suit your needs? After perusing over 50 different models, we've chosen 11 of the best for both men and women. Testing each for at least 60 miles...
Best Socks of 2022
Finally time to replace your tired old socks? We researched over 15 pairs of the best of the selling socks before picking 10 of them to compare in a rigorous side by side comparison.Recent Gear Reviews in Shoes & Boots
Editors' Choice
Hiking Shoes - Women's
La Sportiva Spire GTX - Women's Review
Performing well in almost every metric, this is a high-quality hiking shoe that will make your feet happy on and off-trail.
Editors' Choice
Approach Shoes - Men's
La Sportiva TX2 Review
The TX2 takes our Editors' Choice and runs with it, making it by far our favorite approach shoe on the market. This shoe climbs and hikes equally well, all while being super lightweight.
Best Buy
Hiking Shoes - Women's
Merrell Moab 2 WP - Women's Review
A high-performing hiking shoe that won't let you down. It's not the most comfortable, but it has excellent traction. And it is cheaper than most of the competition.
Editors' Choice
Approach Shoes - Women's
La Sportiva TX2 - Women's Review
This is an all-around awesome shoe, perfect for boulderers and alpine scramblers alike. With a great climbing ability, superior comfort, and an incredibly lightweight design, the TX2 is...
Best Buy
Mountain Bike Flat Shoes - Women's
Ride Concepts Livewire - Women's Review
Ride Concepts is a mountain bike shoe specific company making some great shoes, and we were super excited to try their LiveWire women's edition. For the price point, this shoe checks all...
Editors' Choice
Hiking Boots - Women's
La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX - Women's Review
This streamlined hiking boot offers impressive comfort, breathability, and support, within a lightweight and durable design.Shoes & Boots Learning Center
Men's Rock Climbing Shoe Buying Guide
Finding the best shoe for various types of adventures can be an overwhelming task. We're here to help. From sport climbing to trad climbing to bouldering,
How to Choose the Right Trail Running Shoes
We recommend making a basic self-assessment to help you determine what your specific needs are when it comes to a trail running shoe. With this in mind, we can guide you through the best...
How to Choose Hiking Boots
Why should I buy a pair of hiking boots when the salesperson at my local gear shop told me that all hikers are just wearing trail running shoes now? The category of hiking footwear is...
How to Choose Hiking Shoes for Women
What do you do when the options for hiking shoes are overwhelming? This article will help you understand the different options available, and how to choose the right shoe for your terrain...
How to Choose Hiking Boots for Women
With so many options for hiking footwear, it can be a challenge to know what to look for. Hiking footwear should match your anatomical needs for maximum comfort and support in both feet...
How to Choose Winter Boots for Women
Winter can be exceptional with a solid pair of women's winter boots. Making sure a boot fits and provides all the features you need this winter is of utmost importance. In this article...Ad-free. Influence-free. Powered by Testing.
GearLab is founded on the principle of honest, objective, reviews. Our experts test thousands of products each year using thoughtful test plans that bring out key performance differences between competing products. And, to assure complete independence, we buy all the products we test ourselves. No cherry-picked units sent by manufacturers. No sponsored content. No ads. Just real, honest, side-by-side testing and comparison.
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