Premium approach shoes online shopping: When we think of Asolo, the first thing that comes to mind is a classic, leather hiking boot like their TPS 520 GV Evo. The sleeker and more modern Falcon GV, however, represents where hiking footwear clearly is headed: a little less weight and support than a traditional hiking boot, but with serious technical chops. We took the Falcon on and off trail over the course of a rugged trek in Patagonia and came away impressed. It’s well built, extremely comfortable right out of the box, and can handle just about anything you can throw at it. The biggest downside in choosing the Asolo Falcon GV is stability, which we would rate as moderate. If you’re used to a high-cut boot with tons of support, the Falcon isn’t it. But when laced up tight, we wore it backpacking with a relatively heavy load over all types of terrain from scree fields and glaciers to steep rocky passes with few issues. For those who don’t need the ultimate levels of stability and want a lightweight and comfortable do-all boot for everything from day hiking to serious backpacking, we love the Falcon. Find even more info on walking boots.

Standing out as a wide, minimalist hiking boot, the Altra Lone Peak ALL-WTHR Mid is a top choice for those seeking a wider toe box for long days in the backcountry. The foot box shape, unique to the Altra shoe brand, is wide enough to allow your toes to splay out with lots of room to wiggle around. Its high ankle cuff offers stability so you can move with confidence over technical terrain. If you’re looking for a lightweight hiking boot suited for a wide foot that’s an excellent pick for fast and light backpacking, this is our top recommendation. While this boot is flexible and lightweight, it’s not the most durable or stable option we’ve tested. The lighter materials have proven to wear down more quickly than other boots with a leather construction. Another consideration is the zero-drop design, which takes some time to get used to. If you’re in search of a lightweight, flexible, and comfortable hiking boot suited for wide feet, this is our favorite choice.

Can’t Go Wrong. The Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX scored toward the top of the field in every metric we tested for, including comfort, durability, traction, support, weight and price. True, it’s not the best of the best at any of those things, but its well-rounded nature makes it a great option for folks looking for one boot to do it all. And, in its latest update, Salomon took the comfort to the next echelon by adding leather support straps that attach to the lacing, securing a midfoot fit whenever you snug up the standard laces.

However, as a more serious backcountry boot, the Lone Peak Hiker 2 has a number of compromises. For us, the design showed its weaknesses while backpacking in Patagonia—on off-camber terrain, the roomy fit was sloppy and hard to trust, and the toe protection fell far short. What’s more, the zero-drop design means the Altra feels more like a mountain slipper than a technical mountain boot, and the ankle protection and support don’t measure up to the taller boots here. But if you’re prone to blisters or unhappy feet, you’d be hard pressed to find a more comfortable boot, and the freshly updated Hiker 2 is impressively durable with a plush suede upper. Compared to Altra’s taller and waterproof Lone Peak ALL-WTHR Mid 2, we appreciate the Hiker 2’s more hardwearing yet lightweight design, and think of it as the better overall option for fair-weather hiking on easy trails.

Looking for a shoe that can go the distance without a lot of bulk? Look no further. The Danner Trail 2650 was designed for folks who might want to tackle a long walk like the 2,650-mile Pacific Crest Trail it’s named for. Unlike clunkier boots, the 2650 has a lightweight-yet-oversize EVA midsole (no hard plastic TPU here!) for a softer step that’s reminiscent of a trail running shoe. Yet, the TPU shank adds stiffness and support for backpack loads of up to 25 pounds, as one Colorado tester learned on a three-day trip in the Mount Sneffels Wilderness. “These hit my sweet spot: nimble and agile to scamper around the rock fields, but supportive enough to carry a moderate backpack for a few nights,” she reports.

Midweight boots are skilled compromisers, with enough support to carry a heavy load but without feeling like someone stuffed lead in your socks. It’s a rapidly growing category, reflecting demand from backpackers and serious day hikers for a light but capable option. It’s also home to some of our favorite boots (the Scarpa Zodiac Plus GTX and Lowa Renegade are both midweight). Solid support underfoot makes the boots a bit stiffer than your day hikers but not excessively so. Because of the quality of materials and construction techniques, prices in this category usually start at around $200. At that price point, the quality of the waterproof bootie improves and you’ll typically find GTX (Gore-Tex) in the name. Find extra information at https://www.trekkit.in/.

The Hoka Kaha 2 GTX – All Gender offers superior comfort for all humans, with over two inches of foam stacked into its midsole. It is one of the thickest models we have tested, easily providing a smooth landing surface every time. It is surprisingly stable (for its stack height), with rigid ankle support to prevent unsuspected turns or twists. The 5mm lugs and sticky rubber holds well on tricky surfaces. It also offers a surprising amount of water protection, and the reinforced leather upper resists scuffs and scratches. Hands down, this boot offers the best cushioning on the market and should be considered if comfort is your top priority. While the thick cushioning underfoot is heavenly, there is an adjustment period to get used to wearing them. When hiking over rocky terrain, we had to train ourselves to lift our feet just a little higher to avoid unsuspected trips. Additionally, while the upper offers superior waterproofing, it isn’t very breathable. If ample cushioning and excellent underfoot protection are your priority, this is our recommendation for all humans.