Testers put 32 pairs of men's hiking boots and shoes through a full season of thru-hiking, scrambling, and guiding to find out which ones are actually worth your money. The result: a shortlist of a dozen models, from classic leather workhorses to featherweight trail hybrids, each earning its spot through a specific strength rather than a vague 'good all-round' label.

The overall favourite is the Arc'teryx Kopec Mid GTX, a 12-ounce boot that needed no break-in and kept a Pacific Northwest tester dry through a winter of use. Its Vibram Megagrip outsole handled loose, muddy, and rocky ground, and testers found the firm, supportive midsole left their legs feeling fresher on long hauls. It handles overnight loads up to about 30 pounds — though it suits narrower feet best.

Value hunters get the Keen Targhee IV, a traditional full-leather boot that now comes with a lifetime guarantee against outsole delamination, thanks to a new mechanical bonding process instead of glue. One tester put it through puddles and a rainstorm on Vancouver Island without a wet sock, though it gets clammy above roughly 70°F and starts to feel unstable beyond a 40-pound pack.

The new autumn additions round out the range. The Astral TR1 Sensi HT is the minimalist pick: a 9.1-ounce, zero-drop shoe with a hemp upper and a wide toe box, aimed at easy trails and hot days rather than technical terrain. The La Sportiva Akyra II is the low-top standout — a web-like plastic-rubber exoskeleton gives it stability testers compared to high-cut boots, with a two-rubber outsole that grips sloped rock hard enough to squeak. It runs small, so size up. The Adidas Terrex Freehiker 3 Ultra G takes the speed crown.

Other winners by job: the Danner N45 Mid for heavy multi-day backpacking (its nitrogen-infused supercritical foam midsole has a lively, propulsive feel), the Salewa Pedroc 2 Mid PTX for fast day hikes in foul weather, the Salomon X Ultra 5 Mid GTX for grip, the Merrell SpeedArc Matis for cushioning, the Meindl Air Revolution Alpine 4.1 for support, the AKU Flyrock GTX for durability, and the Zamberlan Salathe Trek for scrambling.

The wider takeaway for anyone shopping: the line between hiking boot and trail runner has blurred almost to invisibility, so it pays to buy for your actual trips — a plush day hiker and a boot that carries a 50-pound pack are very different animals, and this list splits them accordingly. Pick by load, terrain, and season rather than style.