How to Choose Hiking Boots

With a classic style that looks good on and off the trails, the men's Xero Shoes Ridgeway hiking boots offer lightweight, waterproof protection for brisk mountain mornings or drizzly day hikes.
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Imported.
View all Xero Shoes Men's Day Hiking BootsBest Use | Hiking |
---|---|
Footwear Height | Over-the-ankle |
Footwear Closure | Lace-up |
Waterproof | Yes |
Type of Waterproofing | 3-layer laminated, seam-sealed construction with Hydroguard 50 waterproof membrane |
Upper | Suede/polyester textile |
Lining | Polyester textile |
Midsole | EVA/textile |
Outsole | FeelTrue rubber |
Weight (Pair) | 1 lb. 10 oz. |
Gender | Men's |
7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 11.5 | 12 | 12.5 | 13 | 14 | 15 | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
U.S. Men's | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 11.5 | 12 | 12.5 | 13 | 14 | 15 |
UK | 6 | 6.5 | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 11.5 | 12 | 13 | 14 |
EU | 40 | 40.5 | 41 | 41.5 | 42 | 42.5 | 43 | 43.5 | 44 | 44.5 | 45 | 45.5 | 46 | 47 | 48 |
Foot Length (in.) | 9.8 | 10 | 10.2 | 10.4 | 10.6 | 10.8 | 11 | 11.2 | 11.4 | 11.6 | 11.8 | 12.2 |
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I’ve never owned zero drop shoes other than sandals, but since I surf and walk around barefoot a lot I decided to try a pair. They feel so good on my feet, and I feel incredible balance that my other boots have never given me. Lots of room for toes to breathe which is a must during backpacking trips. People are concerned of this being a barefoot shoe but there’s a good amount of cushion, but not too much to make you wobbly. I will try these out on the trail soon, but immediately comfortable!!!
These things are the best. I’m normally partial to Altras, but these are just as light as the Altra boots, more comfortable over long distances and rough terrain, and far more waterproof. Pay no heed to the review which says they are not waterproof - two of us wore them on a multiday hike through the Icelandic highlands and they withstood everything, including being submerged in several inches of rushing water, which left not even a spot of damp on my socks.
So at first I had a very good impression of the boots. Since then, some things have changed but nothing too bad. I’ll start with the bad to get it out of the way. They are definitely not waterproof. They can submerge very briefly in stream crossings, but in the rain your out of luck. On a happy note, the little gap in the suede by the ankle is such a small detail that Is a lifesaver. I’ve taken this boot on a couple backpacking trips, and zero blisters. I usually get them on my pinky toe and ankle, but the boot is light enough, flexible enough, and has toe spreading room to prevent that. You will have better balance in these without the heel, but your pace will slow down slightly when you begin to walk without heel stomping as much. If you want a super light comfortable boot for long distances of walking this is it. If you live in a wet climate, try something else that’s truly waterproof.
BLUF: Ok boot with decent ankle support but lacking ground feel. Pros: boot is pretty lightweight so doesn’t drag you down on long hikes. Nice and wide forefoot. Pretty true to size. Sole is fairly grippy on dry rock and dirt. Low stack height and zero drop makes it quite stable. Cons: sole is very stiff so you really give up ground feel. Way less feel and flex than xero prios or the like. Because of the sole stiffness your foot can’t flex naturally. Also the boot is surprisingly unbreathable considering its light weight. Sole tread could be grippier in mud and probably more flexible it it had deeper and wider lugs like the Altria lone peak. Overall not a bad boot, good low stack and stability but I’ll look elsewhere for my next pair. Want more flex and breathability in a boot in this category.
I spent 6 days hiking the Tetons wearing these amazing boots! Zero hotspots with amazing comfort and durability. I would highly recommend them to anyone interested in zero drop boots. Great with wide range of temperatures ranging from 70-38 degrees.
I’ve had these for a few months now and they are solid boots. Very comfortable on long walks, and my feet don’t ache a bit. As other reviews have said, the shows are not waterproof. I’ve worn these with micro spikes and the boots were soaked through from snow within an hour. Stepping in mud is 50/50 on if I will come away with a damp foot. Overall very impressive shoe, does the job, if you’re hiking anywhere wet look for something else
I have only had the shoes for a week, but I love them! They are light, look great, and the natural feel is the best! They almost feel like slipper on my feet! Highly recommend!
Sent me worn defected shoes. Paid full price for them too.