I found a modern version of my old boots on the REI website for $170, but the thought of a brand new pair of boots makes me cringe. I want a new-to-me pair that looks like they have a story to tell.

Scarpa still makes real old-school boots. Their SL M3s ($250) have silicon-impregnated one-piece leather uppers, flexible cuffs to keep out debris, Cambrelle liners, and Vibram soles.

Brown leather high top boots which lace up. These were worn by the donor, Earl Shaffer during his 1998 walk through of the Appalachian Trail at age 80. This was the last of three times Shaffer was ...

Editor’s Note: We updated this guide in May 2025 with updated formatting, additional navigation and photos, and refreshed links. We also removed out-of-stock or old-model hiking boots.