Hardcore hikers and backpackers may need heavy duty hiking boots that can handle heavy loads and harsh country. The average hiker doesn’t need (or want) $300+ backpacking boots that tip the scales at three-and-a-half to four pounds. But heavy duty hiking boots literally may be lifesavers for wildland firefighters, big game hunters, trail crews, Alpine trekkers, and backpackers with fifty pound packs. Do you spend a lot of time off trail in the mountains? Do you carry extra weight? If so, you may need a heavy duty backpacking boot.
This post highlights five of the world’s best heavy duty hiking and backpacking boots. For these recommendations, I leaned on my customers and co-workers at Backcountry with more experience in this category: wildland firefighters, guides, elk hunters, wilderness first responders, and others who work in the backcountry.
best heavy duty hiking boots
The best heavy duty hiking boots are made by venerable European brands based around the Alps. This includes Asolo (Italy), Hanwag (Germany), Lowa (Germany), Scarpa (Italy), and Zamberlan (Italy). You should expect similar build quality and performance from these brands. The best brand for you will be the one whose boots best fit your unique feet.
Here are five of the best heavy-duty backpacking boots listed in alphabetical order:
Asolo TPS 520 (heavy duty backpacking boot)
Asolo (pronounced AH-zo-lo) is a premium Italian brand for Alpine footwear. The TPS 520 GV EVO is their classic, full-grain leather hiking boot. It’s stiff and supportive with extra foot and ankle protection. The Asolo TPS 520 would be overkill for the average hiker and backpacker; it’s more of a brawler for those who haul heavy weight across hard terrain. Like most Italian brands, Asolos run narrow, particularly in the toe box. But it’s also available in wide (which isn’t especially wide).
Technical Specs
- water resistant, full grain leather uppers
- waterproof-breathable Gore Tex membrane
- dual density PU outsoles for durability & support
- made in Europe
- claimed weight (per pair): 3 lbs. 11 oz (men’s 9)
men’s options & prices
women’s options & prices
Hanwag Alaska GTX (heavy duty backpacking boot)
Hanwag (pronounced “HAHN-vog”) has been making artisan boots since 1921. Based in Bavaria, Germany, the brand’s known for long-lasting, hard-wearing, yet comfortable, mountain boots. The Alaska is Hanwag’s classic trekking boat for challenging terrain–recommended by wildland firefighters who trust them in serious conditions.
technical specs
- high cut ankle collars for bomber ankle support
- waxed nubuck leather uppers for increased comfort
- waterproof-breathable Gore Tex membrane
- full rubber rand for durability & weather resistance
- polyurothane midsole & Vibram Fuora outsole
- claimed weight (per pair): 3 lbs. 10 oz (men’s size 8)
Lowa Camino GTX (heavy duty backpacking boot)
Lowa is a premium German brand beloved by hikers, hunters, and soldiers around the world. The mid-weight Renegade GTX may be Lowa’s best-selling backpacking boot. But the Camino GTX is a better heavy duty option. It’s got a little more flex and a little less weight than the behemoths on this list. But it’s still a beast–and a beauty–that can handle hardcore hiking, hunting, and backpacking.
Technical Specs
- soft nubuck uppers for comfortable support
- waterproof-breathable Gore Tex membrane
- heel stabilizer, DuraPU midsole, forefoot shank for added stability
- Vibram outsoles
- made in Germany
- can be resoled
- claimed weight (per pair): 3 lbs., 6 oz (smallest men’s size)
Scarpa Kinesis Pro GTX (heavy duty backpacking boot)
Scarpa makes world-class ski boots, mountaineering boots, climbing shoes… and backpacking boots. The Kinesis Pro GTX is Scarpa’s premier, heavy duty backpacking boot. Like most boots on this list, it’s made last for years of rugged trekking in the Italian Alps and Dolomites. The Scarpa Kinesis is also a “Gearhead Pick” at Backcountry (chosen by outdoor gear experts)–the only Gearhead pick in the heavy duty backpacking category.
- full-grain leather uppers with high ankle cuffs
- Gore Tex membrane adds waterproof-breathable weather protection
- PU midsole & TPU shank for durability, support, & firm cushioning
- rubber rand for added weather protection & toe protection
- Vibram biometric outsole
- made in Italy
- weight (per pair): ≥ 3 pounds 12 ounces (US Men’s size 9)
* not available in women’s sizes
Zamberlan Vioz GTX (heavy duty backpacking boot)
The Zamberlan Vioz GTX is another Italian masterpiece. Zamberlan (pronounced ZOM-ber-lun) has been making handcrafted boots since 1929. The Vioz is their best selling backpacking boot. This artisan boot is custom made for Alpine treks and for hauling heavy weight across steep slopes. It’s considered one of the world’s best heavy duty hiking boots.
Technical Specs
- Hydrobloc full-grain leather upper for weather resistance & protection
- GORE-TEX membrane for waterproof and breathable protection
- TPU shank and PU midsole for durability & midfoot support
- Vibram 3D sole for excellent traction and durability
- Handmade in Italy
- weight (per pair): ≥ 3 lbs. 8 oz (men’s size 8)
men’s options & prices
women’s options & prices
are heavy duty backpacking boots worth the cost?
For the most part, you get what you pay for with hiking footwear.
The heavy duty hiking boots on this list cost more (and weigh more) than the other hiking boots I recommend at Hiking Feet. For that extra money, you’ll get much more stability and support than the best lightweight hiking boots and best mid-weight backpacking boots. You’ll also get better durability–as long as you wear them (more than you store them), keep them clean, and care for their premium leather.
The key, though, is finding the best fits for your feet and the best matches for your hikes. Mid-weight hiking and backpacking boots offer plenty of support and durability for most hikers and backpackers. But these world-class heavy weights would be good buys for hardcore hikers and backcountry bad asses who need stiff and heavy boots to help them haul heavy packs, game, and gear across treacherous terrain.
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