Boots are the most important piece of gear on your climb. Here we list the best boots for climbing Kilimanjaro.
All of these boots are waterproof and warm enough for your trek. Fit and comfort are critical. Make sure they fit. Hike in them before you climb Kilimanjaro and break them in well, or risk getting blisters. In general, the heavier the boot, the more durable and the more cushioning they provide. But the more tiring it will be.
1. ASOLO POWER MATIC, $299
The Asolo Men’s Power Matic 200 GV Backpacking Boot has a waterproof Gore-Tex lining and fatigue-reducing technology to keep you moving for your hardcore winter hikes. The Power Matic sole’s front density gives you maximum support, and a heel density that reduces shock and fatigue. Cylinders throughout the outsole and midsole absorb jarring from your steps, so you can take on the trail and have more energy for the long haul. The waterproof Gore-Tex lining protects your feet from those soggy spring days, and provides high breathability for the long haul. A wide fit gives your feet more comfort without sacrificing support—less squashed toes and more stability.
Weight: 3 lbs. 12 oz.
2. SALOMON QUEST 4D GTX, $230
Salomon was born in 1947 in the heart of the French Alps and the birthplace of modern alpinism. Driven by a passion for skiing and design innovation, Francois Salomon and his son George designed and perfected much of the first modern ski equipment. During the following 60 years, Salomon’s commitment to innovative design and passion for mountain sports created a vast range of revolutionary new concepts in boots, skis and apparel and brought innovative solutions to footwear, apparel and equipment for hiking, adventure racing, mountaineering and trail running. Through performance-driven design, Salomon enhances mountain sports by converting new ideas into action and expanding the limits of possibility.
Weight: 2 lbs. 13 oz.
3. ASOLO FUGITIVE GTX
, $229
Travel further on your next backpacking trip thanks to the comfort and versatility of the Asolo Fugitive GTX Men’s Light Hiking Boots. Though they weigh only 3lb (size 8.5), these Asolo boots provide excellent support and traction with their burly Syncro outsole, and have an ultra-secure lacing system, which reduces heel lift. The Fugitive Boots’ Gore-Tex lining keeps your feet bone dry on soaking-wet days, while their low-profile design makes the hike so comfortable you’ll think you’re strolling through the park in your sneakers. Once you take a trip in these sporty hiking boots, your old clodhoppers are doomed to gather dust in the closet.
Weight: 3 lbs. 2 oz.
4. VASQUE SUMMIT GTX, $219
Some adventures call for more. Bigger pack, more grit, longer days…and boots crafted with soul. We use 2.6mm waterproof full grain leather from one of the few remaining tanneries in the US. It’s gorgeous, it’s tough, it’s classic. Vibram’s® Summit sole features lugs that grip throughout your stride, with dual-density EVA and polyurethane between you and the trail. Heirloom boots worthy of your best. Shoulder your back and make for the Summit in this rugged boot from Vasque. Waterproof, breathable GORE-TEX membrane. Grippy Vibram Summit outsole with deep lug pattern.
Weight: 3 lbs. 14 oz.
5. HI-TEC ALTITUDE IV, $105
Boasting waterproof, seam-sealed construction for unparalleled durability, the Altitude from Hi-Tec really goes the distance. This rugged and stylish hiking boot has a softly padded leather collar, fully gusseted leather tongue, and rustproof brass hardware. It also has a board last with a steel shank for added rigidity, a lightweight compression-molded EVA midsole for superior comfort, and a carbon rubber hiking outsole for traction. There’s even a Comfort-Tec contoured sockliner to help support feet mile after mile. Big features, small price.
Weight: 1 lb. 8 oz.
