Long Haulers
Of all the full-on backpacking boots we tested this year, none was as comfy as Timberland’s Washington Summit. While it’s tall and rigid enough to handle loads north of 45 pounds, even our most blister-prone tester, who normally avoids big boots like giardia, was wooed by its athletic-shoe feel on the trail. The waterproof Gore-Tex liner held up superbly during a high-water weekend in Shenandoah National Park, and when twilight came with a mile of wobbly switchbacks to go, the padded collar prevented several twisted ankles. Note: While the boot is lighter than it looks, the nylon panels aren’t armored enough to withstand regular off-trail bushwhacking. 20.8 oz;
Support: 4.8
Comfort: 3.8