2. Vasque Zephyr GTX
We kept expecting these bad boys to pull a Transformers and get all Optimus Prime on us; they're that big and heavy. Still, these boots had lots to recommend them. A higher cut with ample padding meant plenty of ankle support for long backpacking trips, but with none of the shin bruising that is so common with heavier boots. The sole was a little too stiff for our taste; on rocky paths, we nearly keeled over sideways if we didn't watch our step. But the thick footplate had one unforeseen advantage: On uphill hauls the stiffness actually lends a spring-like feeling, flexing just enough to give you the impression that you're being propelled upwards. Optimus, is that you?
WIRED Thick footplate offers springy sensation on ascents. Ideal for multi-day packing trips. Virtually impenetrable. To paraphrase Seinfeld, we could hike naked if we had these boots.
TIRED Heavy! Stiff sole plate can tip you over unexpectedly. Ankle support results in stiff-legged Frankenstein stalk.
$180, 
3. North Face Enrapture
If the Hypertrail was our teenybopper crush, the Enrapture is our dowdy aunt. While the boot offers great heel and ankle support, the footplate feels too flexible and the upper too flimsy for extended trips with a 40-pound pack. The boot's traction on wet stone was also disappointing; after all, the last place you want to fall flat on your face is on top of a big, hard rock. However, the flexible foot plate and upper means that the boot felt just like a sneaker, and at just 1 pound and 7 ounces per pair, the boots were the lightest we tested. If you're looking for a fun, athletic replacement to your waterproof yellow galoshes, we've found one for you.
WIRED Light and extremely comfortable. Attractive color scheme. Very breathable.
TIRED Slippery sole. Less-than-sturdy upper and foot plate. Can't use them on a multi-day packing trip in the Cascades during winter--but who does that, anyway? Are you crazy?
$100, 
4. Merrell Chameleon EVO
These boots are uglier than a broken nose. The ribbed design and yellow accents are stomach-churning and at 2 pounds, 2 ounces, they're on the heavy side, too. Moreover, the high cut of the boot resulted in the worst shin-bang we've had in recent memory, to the point where we protected ourselves with two additional layers of knee socks. Still, these were the warmest boots of the bunch (or was that because of the socks?). They kept our feet dry through mud and creeks, and we experienced no slippage on soggy uphill climbs. We found the pointed toe intriguing, but ultimately not useful. Theoretically, the point might be useful for rock scrambling; in practice, our toes couldn't get to the end of the boot in order to use it. Those socks again. Oh well.
WIRED Functional. Kept our feet warm and dry. Great traction.
Baby, it's getting warm outside! The perfect excuse to stay in and crank the AC? "No way!" we say. It's time to strap on some boots and hit the trail. These hiking boots are light enough to wear any time of the year but will have your toes covered at the first hint of foul weather – whether that means puddle-splashing in your front yard or braving an unexpected spring hail storm when blazing up a backwoods path.
1. Timberland Hypertrail
Can you fall in love with an inanimate object? Because we have a major crush on the Hypertrails. Weighing in at just 2 pounds per pair, these boots are both reasonably light and flexible. While they don't offer quite enough ankle or footplate support for overnight backpacking, don't underestimate them: They held up superbly over strenuous, rocky terrain and kept our feet dry in the coldest mountain streams. A fun rubber toe meant for climbing proved just as useful for kicking fallen logs as for rock-scrambling. Our one complaint? That svelte profile was achieved by skimping on insulation.
