Kayland Legacy GTX has been named Gear of the Year 2026 in the Hiking Boots category by The Great Outdoors (read the article).
This recognition is particularly significant because it is based on rigorous, independent field testing carried out by a team of experienced outdoor professionals with extensive expertise in the mountains.
Every year, The Great Outdoors testers put hundreds of products through their paces in real-world conditions, assessing their performance, reliability and ability to meet the practical needs of outdoor enthusiasts.
Among the hiking boots tested in 2026, Legacy GTX stood out for its versatility: a boot designed to perform across a wide range of activities and terrain, from trails and scree slopes to scrambling and via ferrata routes.
Following extensive testing, Legacy GTX proved to be a stable, lightweight and reliable hiking boot, particularly well suited to those looking for footwear capable of handling different conditions without compromising on comfort.
Kayland’s Ergo Tech construction, combined with a comfortable forefoot, padded collar and ankle support, helps provide a secure and stable fit even during long days on the move and across uneven terrain.
The GORE-TEX Extended Comfort membrane provides waterproof protection and breathability, qualities that were put to the test in the wet conditions of the Scottish landscape.
One of the key strengths highlighted by the tester was Legacy GTX’s ability to provide protection and stability on unstable terrain.
The stiffness of the midsole delivers reliable support on scree, wet grass and loose ground, while the protective toe cap and reinforced heel help shield the foot on more demanding terrain.
At the heart of Legacy GTX’s performance is its Vibram outsole, praised during testing for its grip across a variety of terrain. The pronounced outsole edge helps maintain stability on steep slopes and loose ground, while the climbing zone at the toe makes more technical sections easier to negotiate. The result is a balanced combination of grip, stability and ground feel, designed to inspire confidence as conditions change.
Read the full review here.
It is precisely this ability to adapt to different experiences and terrain that made Legacy GTX one of the standout products for The Great Outdoors testing team. A boot designed not for just one adventure, but for many.
Kayland Legacy GTX. Gear of the Year 2026.