Trail Gear Picks

Footwear & Poles

Boots, trail runners and the poles that go with them. Start with fit and width, then argue about weight.

In this category3 guidesUpdated Sep 2026.

Buying guides

3 guides
The Best Hiking BootsSix waterproof mid boots for day hikes and nights out, from $110 to $280, with the widths each one comes in and what buyers said about the size they ordered.The Best Trekking PolesSeven pairs from $30 to $230, carbon and aluminum, compared on weight, on how far they adjust and on the lock that holds them, with what owners report.The Best Lightweight Hiking BootsSeven waterproof mid boots from $110 to $240, all under 17.6 oz a shoe, with the widths they come in and the fit problems owners run into.