How to Choose Hiking Boots

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Whether it's your first hike or 500th, the men's REI Co-op Trailmade waterproof hiking boots offer protection and support so you can recharge and reconnect.
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View the REI Co-op Trailmade Product LineView all REI Co-op Men's Day Hiking BootsBest Use | Hiking |
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Footwear Height | Over-the-ankle |
Footwear Closure | Lace-up |
Waterproof | Yes |
Type of Waterproofing | HydroWall waterproof/breathable membrane using 70% recycled polyurethane (PU) |
Upper | REI-exclusive FirmaWeave woven from 80% recycled PET/100% recycled synthetic leather |
Lining | 75% recycled polyester |
Midsole | TerraLoft using at least 20% recycled EVA/10% algae-based BLOOM foam |
Outsole | TerraGrip rubber (20% recycled) |
Vegan | Yes |
Weight (Pair) | 1 lb. 12.16 oz. |
Gender | Men's |
Sustainability | Contains recycled materials From a Climate Label Certified brand |
8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 11.5 | 12 | 12.5 | 13 | 14 | |
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U.S. Men's | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 11.5 | 12 | 12.5 | 13 | 14 |
UK | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 11.5 | 12 | 13 |
EU | 41 | 42 | 42.5 | 43 | 44 | 44.5 | 45 | 46 | 46.5 | 47 | 48 | 49 |
From feedback to field testing, all of our gear is dialed-in by REI Co-op members. Their adventures informed every stitch and detail—making for better, longer-lasting gear.
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I put these boots to the test right out of the box with 45+ trail miles around Asheville, NC and one day of metal detecting. The boots held up well and are very comfortable. The ankle support and soles are fantastic. Honestly, no Super Feet required. I even tested the waterproofing by submerging the toe sections under water for one minute. They stayed dry with the water just beading off. Also, I ordered a size 12 when normally I am an 11.5. I wore a thicker Smart Wool socks and they fit perfectly. I liked that the toe section was a bit wider as well for feet expansion on those longer hikes. The only ding I have on the boots was that when walking through heavy mud my traction was off. Overall, solid boot and recommend them for anyone looking for a boot ready for action right of the box. No break in required!
These boots are very lightweight and breathable but still sturdy. Good arch support and comfortable cushioning inside. They have good tracking for hiking but also look casual enough for everyday wear. Solid ankle protection without being too restrictive or tight. Accurate sizing
HOW I USED IT: - Wore around town - (2) 3-mile hikes - (1) 8-mile hike - (1) 5-mile hike (muddy) - (many) walks to the grocery store and back I like: - How stylish they are! I never get compliments on what I wear, and 3 people in two weeks have complimented my shoes! WHAT! - ankle support is strong - Nice fit - Quite water resistant - My whole shoe went in a stream during a hike, and the water did not make it through the shoe and one pair of wool socks. - Decent grip Cons - I was really bummed when they got dirty. See picture, and I don't tend to like cleaning my shoes regularly so if you are looking for something that hides the messes where you have been walking the white sole, and green and yellow vibes don't do the trick.
I usually wear a 42.5 in shoes and these fit exact. Toe box has excellent room to move your toes. Collar is very well padded, as is tongue. Lacing system is excellent. Tread(used on light snow and ice gave an acceptable level of grip) and on dirt and pavement was extremely secure. Outside of shoe has double stitching in needed points and is durably put together. Color option received was olive and a lighter shade and isn’t exciting but was still a good looking shoe. I received this as part of a promotion but would still consider getting it. I recommend for daily use, hiking, and someone wanting a little more sturdy everyday shoe that is good for long walks.
These hiking boots are very lightweight and great for walking. They are super comfortable even on the first wear and didn’t take long to break in at all. The styling in these boots feels like it invokes streetwear since the uppers reminded me of basketball shoes, but the sole is rugged enough to feel comfortable on snowy streets and snowy trails. My one concern is that the foam in the sole feels light to the point that it may break down faster, but with only ~2 weeks of wear it’s tough to say. I like that they’re made from some recycled materials as well, and the material quality doesn’t feel like it suffers at all.
Boots are comfortable right out of the box and the size is pretty true 11.5 Wide similar to my running shoes 11.5 4E. Toe box is wide heel sits well. I’ve done two 8 mile hikes on a local multi use trail and each time can feel stones and rocks on the trail through the soles. This is probably what makes these boots so comfortable the soles are like a well cushioned running shoe with extra ankle support. So a rock plate for the soles would make for a more robust trail shoe
I really enjoy this REI boot. Very comfortable wearing these. I have only been to Ricketts Glen State Park and Great Falls NPS with them but so far very comfortable. Great ankle support and wide toe box for me. While no water submersion, at Ricketts I did have water come over the leather by the toe box and no water came through and with all the rain in the area of Great Falls on 11/10/23, some standing water and feet still dry. My only concern is on the outsole where the 6 open foam areas are and how they hold up over prolonged rocky hikes.
Disclaimer: I was provided with a complementary pre-release version of these boots for review. These boots are very stylish, nice clean lines. Comfortable, lightweight, and they breathe really well. I also really like that they are environmentally focused in their production and packaging. That's very important to me. But I do have some concerns: 1) the foam midsole appears to be breaking down very rapidly. I have about 20 miles on them, and it's already very heavily creased. 2) these boots are great for "around town" or short hikes on paved or smooth unpaved trails, but do not have enough support to handle hiking with a pack, nor enough traction for wet\loose\steep terrain. 3) although the press materials indicate that these boots are waterproof, the boots I received were not. I suspect that this is a preproduction issue?
I bought a pair of the REI Trailmade Hiking Boots on clearance at my local REI. For the price I paid I'm more than satisfied with the shoes. I got them for a daily walkabout town and city trail use. We have a lot of great hiking close to home on trails that are at times steep and rocky, and these do pretty well for a sneaker style boot. The footbed has plenty of space for me (something I struggle with) and the styling is respectably neutral. I've only been wearing them for a short time, so I can't speak to longevity. I was surprised at how long they took to break in, but it was worth the minimal effort, and they feel better each time I put them on. I'm generally a big fan of CO-OP products and these so far have not disappointed.
The boots themselves are very comfortable and do not have a lengthy break in period. I wear a men's 9 in Merrell/Altra/Saucony and the 9s fit perfectly with enough wiggle room in the toe box (not like altras, but plenty). Similarly, my medium hillsound spikes also fit over them without any hassle (the heel has a good lip to keep them on!). The grip works well on rocks/mud/etc, but is a bit slick on wet materials like wood/tile/metal grates/etc. The waterproofing works well to keep your feet dry through the puddles/snow/etc I encountered. Where they miss the mark is that the lugs aren't quite as deep as I'd prefer for a true trail boot, but the grip is a bit too lacking on slicker materials that you'd encounter in the city for a good winter city boot. They straddle the line pretty well between trail and city, but not really excelling or failing at either. If you're looking for a single do it all mid-height, I'd recommend them.