And finally, wed be remiss not to point out that the Hoka aesthetic isnt for everyone. And the running shoe-inspired Trail 2650 is clear about its intentions: with the mileage of the Pacific Crest Trail in its name, this shoe is designed to tackle some serious ground. Gone are the days of hitting the trail in leather clunkerstrail-runner-inspired hiking shoes have all but taken over. One thing to keep in mind, however, is that you arent able to adjust the tension between eyelets, so the fit will be equally tight across the entire foot. The thickly cushioned yet relatively stiff midsole offers a great balance of comfort, protection, and support, which comes in handy for high-mileage days and off-trail scrambling. With a hiking-shoe-meets-trail-runner build, the OUTpulse has appeal for everything from long day hikes to shorter trail runs. But in general, these designs are a bit long in the tooth compared to modern synthetic shoes. We recommend checking out Superfeet insoles for their wide selection of options and trusted reputation in daily shoes, ski boots, and hiking footwear. For those that stick to the trail and travel light and fast, the Hoka is definitely worth a look. Just like with running shoes, the stock insoles that come with nearly every hiking shoe are generally fairly cheap. Category: Hiking shoeWeight: 1 lb. Combining feminine contours and tailoring with a waterproof, breathable design, the Sapphire holds its own both on and off the mountain. Its also wildly comfortable with Altras trademark zero-drop design and extra wide toe boxin fact, this is the shoe we recommend most for hikers that regularly suffer from hot spots and blisters. And finally, its shallow and rounded lugs dont provide great hold on soft terrain like mud and wet leaves. Category: Trail runner/hiking shoeWeight: 1 lb. 7.6 oz. If moving fast trumps all else, wed recommend a trail running shoe. For logging serious miles on tougher terrain, we prefer a firm and supportive midsole as opposed to too much cushioning. And despite clocking in well under 2 pounds, the Merrell is one of the heaviest shoes here and will feel clunky and cumbersome if youre used to a more trail runner-inspired design. One of the biggest trends we see across the board in the outdoor space is the move towards lighter-weight gear. Salomon is one brand that doesnt outsource their traction needs. But the Ultra Raptor is an incredibly capable shoe for technical mountain terrain, and the fun updated colorways certainly dont hurt. Read more about us. Category: Hiking shoeWeight: 1 lb. You get a durable fabric upper with welded reinforcements, burly midsole with EVA foam and TPU reinforcements for cushion and stability (weve found the Rush to be overall stiffer and more cushioned than the X Ultra 4 below), and a sticky outsole with a rockered profile that facilitates quick movements. Its slightly lighter than the X Ultra 4 GTX above at 1 pound 5.2 ounces, and forgoes some of the X Ultras stability and cushion with a softer and more streamlined midsole. In general, womens shoes are designed to fit narrower heels and higher arches, come in womens-specific sizes and widths, and are offered in a different set of colorways. For our breakdown of the top models on the marketincluding everything from mid-height trail running shoes to traditional leather designssee our article on the best women's hiking boots.Back to Our Top Women's Hiking Shoe Picks Back to Our Women's Hiking Shoe Comparison Table. adidas Terrex Eastrail GORE-TEX Men's Hiking Shoes, adidas Response Super 2.0 Grade School Kids' Running Shoes. Exclusions and minimum order values may apply. The X Ultra has held our top spot for years running, but we were forced to reconsider after thoroughly testing the most recent version. Most include EVA, TPU, or a combination of both.EVA But the Scarpa nevertheless offers some of the best on-trail performance and comfort of any model here Read in-depth reviewSee the Scarpa Rush Low GTX. 1 oz.Waterproof: NoWhat we like: Extremely comfortable thanks to the thick cushioning and flexible construction.What we dont: Tall stack height and soft midsole can result in instability. The mesh upper of a trail runner also lacks around-the-foot protection and leaves your feet more vulnerable to roots and rocks. Among thru-hikers, the Lone Peaks biggest competitor is the Speedgoat above. for the pair), its definitely more shoe than most day hikers need. 8.7 oz.Waterproof: No (available)What we like: A durable trail workhorse.What we dont: Pricier than the Merrell Moab above without enough to show for it. The design also translates to a rather clunky feelthe Siren Edge is much less nimble and flexible than similarly lightweight shoes like the Hoka Speedgoat above. Building on the success of the prior generation, the latest shoe Lets face it: it rains, and sometimes it pours. Android, Google Play and the Google Play logo are trademarks of Google Inc. App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc. Get 15% off when you sign up for our emails, California Transparency in Supply Chains Act. But were big fans of the OUTpulse for moving quickly on easy trails, and with a low weight and modern looks, it has great crossover appeal as well. But after testing the Siren Edge during multiple day hikes, we hesitate to give it our wholehearted recommendation. See the Oboz Sapphire Low Waterproof. These differences are enough for us to hesitate in moving the updated shoe any higher on our list, but if you can try it on before you purchase (and it fits), the latest X Ultra is undeniably a high-performance, quality option Read in-depth reviewSee the Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX. Of all the outdoor activities we cover here at Switchback Travel, hiking isdearest to our hearts. Bringing the much-loved Moab (below) into the modern era, the Speed Low features a lightweight and cushioned design that will appeal to day hikers and weight-conscious backpackers alike. Weve found the level of quality and performance is on par with Vibrams offerings, from anything from their fast-and-light X Ultra 4 hiking shoes to the burly Quest 4 backpacking boots. Made of full-grain leather but given a brushed finish that has a suede-like feel, nubuck leather is a common sight on heavier-duty hiking shoes. Hiking shoes also are great options for folks needing a substantial shoe for daily wearjust be aware that the outsoles will wear faster on pavement. If the system itself doesnt secure your heel very well, the up and down walking motion will create hot spots and blisters. 4.8 oz.Waterproof: No (available)What we like: Incredibly capable in mountain terrain, including top-notch protection and grip.What we dont: Relatively stiff and clunky; mesh upper retains water. Thermoplastic polyurethane, shortened (mercifully) to TPU, is a durable plastic commonly found in performance-oriented hiking shoes. For some, this might not make a difference, but for others, its what separates comfort from misery. Dont expect a high level of stability from any of the shoes in the Trail 2650 serieswe hesitate to wear them with a heavy packbut for day hiking and ultralight backpacking, theyre solid all-rounders that are built to last Read in-depth reviewSee the Danner Trail 2650. Second, with a rather stiff and heavy build (1 lb. 1.4 oz.Waterproof: No (available)What we like: Super light, cushioned, and wildly comfortable.What we dont: Durability issues; roomy fit lacks performance on technical terrain. Approach shoes, on the other hand, have exceptional protection with a standard wraparound rubber rand and stiff midsole and outsole. The Trail 2650 is comfortable right out of the box, grippy with a Vibram outsole, and competitively light (especially for a partial-leather design) at 1 pound 2 ounces per pair. These shoes are gaining popularity for being the ultimate lightweight option and beloved among thru-hikers on long trails like the PCT and AT. Weve worn the Rush Low for everything from day hikes in Patagonia to climbing approaches in Zion, and much prefer it to the newest X Ultra (below): The fit is more accommodating in the midfoot without being too roomy in the forefoot, and the combination of stability and cushion is far superior to the Salomons rigid heel and flexible midfoot. The extra protection that comes with a waterproof and breathable membrane inserted into the shoe is a nice security blanket if you plan to hike in the mountains or in shoulder-season conditions, where wet feet can grow cold quickly. ), its also a close match to its predecessor in terms of weight. The Rush Low GTX might have the appearance of a running shoe, but Scarpas newest trail offering is a capable hiker that delivers excellent performance on even the trickiest of terrain. In other words, those with finicky feet that need to fine-tune their laces to be comfortable may be better off avoiding quick-lace designs. Category: Approach shoeWeight: 1 lb. On rocky and muddy trails, weve found that traction and stability fall short of grippier and closer-fitting designs like the Hoka Speedgoat above and Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX below. There seems to be a problem serving the request at this time, One stop shop for all things from your favorite brand, {"modules":["unloadOptimization","bandwidthDetection"],"unloadOptimization":{"browsers":{"Firefox":true,"Chrome":true}},"bandwidthDetection":{"url":"https://ir.ebaystatic.com/cr/v/c1/thirtysevens.jpg","maxViews":4,"imgSize":37,"expiry":300000,"timeout":250}}, Size 8 - adidas Terrex Free Hiker Primeblue Pink, Size 4 - adidas Yeezy Boost 350 V2 Israfil, Size 9 - adidas Terrex Free Hiker GTX Beige, Size 6.5 - adidas UltraBoost 5.0 DNA Blue Tint. Like the Oboz Sapphire above, this shoe is designed specifically with women in mind, and has been a crowd favorite for years (its now in its third iteration). Arcteryx has been experimenting with footwear for years, from the Bora2 hiking boots to the Norvan trail runners. 3 oz.Waterproof: NoWhat we like: A classic thru-hiking shoe that offers a bit more stability than the Speedgoat above.What we dont: Fairly dated and fit will be too roomy for some. Whether youre setting out on a casual day hike or hitting the trail with overnight gear, theres a hiking shoe up for the task. Your recently viewed items and featured recommendations, Select the department you want to search in. TPU On paper, its a fairly impressive and versatile shoe, and the price is right at just $110 (and $120 for the waterproof version). In a way that more casual footwear can never match, hiking and trail running footwear are leaps and bounds better when the going gets rocky, slippery, and steep. Something went wrong. The Hoka Speedgoat above has achieved legendary status among hikers (specifically the thru-hiking community), but there are some notable tradeoffs with the trail-running design. Earn One Point for Every $1 and get a $10 Reward for Every 300 Points. If you think the Lone Peak looks more like a trail runner than a hiking shoe, youre not mistaken. On the bright side, the rigidity translates to more support underfoot (especially helpful on tricky terrain or when carrying a load), and the Swift R3 is a noticeable savings compared to the similarly robust Spire above. The majority of the tread is quality Vibram rubber, but Hoka incorporated large sections of blown rubber in the middle of the design. Joining the Speedgoat above is another non-traditional hiker: La Sportiva's TX4. Join DICKS Text Alerts to Receive Special Offers! These shoes can be plenty comfortable on day hikes but arent what we typically recommend as a daily driver: the tread isn't as secure on muddy trails, and theyre stiffer than most hiking shoes, which will result in discomfort on high-mileage days. Finally, at 1 pound 9.6 ounces (our size 8.5 clocked in at 1 lb. The sole feels like a hiking boot, toe and protection around the side of the foot are impressive (similar to designs like the Spire above and Cross Hike below, the collar is fairly high for a low-top shoe), and the Gore-Tex lining is waterproof without feeling swampy. We hesitate recommending many of the shoes here for much more than hiking on established trails, but the burly La Sportiva Spire GTX is a notable exception. Category: Hiking shoeWeight: 1 lb. To compile our top picks, the female editors at Switchback Travel took to the trail, testing out everything from heavy-duty leather hikers to cushioned trail runners and approach shoes originally intended for climbing. The shoe also lacks that locked-in feel you get with top performers like the Salomon X Ultra or La Sportiva Spire above, pushing it down our list for serious trail endeavors. Enter the Aerios FL, which is super lightweight at just a pound-and-a-half per pair, waterproof with a Gore-Tex membrane, and tough with a burly toe cap and a large swath of TPU around the bottom portion. And the Cross Hike is about as purpose-built as it gets: Salomon took their Speedcross running shoe (a popular choice for mountain terrain), beefed up the protection and support, and lowered the stack height for greater stability. Finally, while the Cross Hikes sharp lugs bite nicely into soft terrain, traction does suffer on smooth, slippery surfaces like wet rocks. But for all the Ultra Raptors strengths, its not our shoe of choice for most trails. Regardless of the style, most of these shoes offer ample stability, protection, and traction for tackling rough trails with a load by way of stiff midsoles and outsoles, toe caps, and reinforced uppers. Nubuck Leather Compared to other forms of hiking footwear, boots are epitomized by their mid-height build Now in its fourth iteration, Salomons modern X Ultra line is a popular collection for everything from day hikes to lightweight backpacking trips. Regardless of whether youre opting for a new-school synthetic model or a more traditional leather hiker, most hiking shoes retain good stability and support thanks to robust uppers and midsoles and relatively rigid soles. You get a tailored fit that reduces bulk and looks great for casual use, excellent stability with a nice combination of TPU and EVA foam in the midsole, and a long-lasting and protective nubuck leather upper. Further, within this price class, the KEEN contends with more modern designs like the Salomon X Ultra 4 above, which offers a closer fit and better performance overall. All in all, the Moab 3 Ventilator is a hardwearing and time-tested solution for day hikers and casual overnighters alike. Like the Speedgoat and Lone Peak above, this shoe bridges the gap for speed-focused hikers with the support and protection you need for rugged trails alongside a hefty dose of cushioning for long days out. The midsole of your hiking shoe functions to cushion your stride, working as a shock absorber from impacts and providing a stable base so your feet dont have to work so hard on off-camber terrain. Scarpas new Rush collection For the best combination of protection and support on the trail, look no further than a hiking boot. Instead, they use their in-house Contagrip for all of their hiking and trail running models. 10.2 oz.Waterproof: YesWhat we like: Incredible performance for everything from easy trails to scrambling.What we dont: Heavy and pricey. The leather upper and sturdy outsole arent particularly lightweight (especially compared to modern trail runner-inspired designs), but the benefits are excellent stability over rough terrain, great long-term durability, and impressive all-around protection for your foot. For those who want a bit more support and protection, Hoka also offers an impressive lineup of hiking-specific footwear, including the Anacapa Low here. Copyright 1995-2022 eBay Inc. All Rights Reserved. But for most, a lightweight trail runner-inspired shoe is the best choice for day hikes, peak bagging, and quick overnight trips. Below, we spell out the pros and cons for the most common materials used for hiking footwear.Synthetic Nylon and Mesh Get instructions now. We tested the Aerios FL on the Grand Canyons multi-day Escalante Route, which included off-trail scrambling with a loaded pack. Its also worth noting that the fifth-gen Speedgoat features a softer midsole than the 4, along with a less durable upper (it is lighter and more breathable, however)which benefits runners but isnt necessarily great news for hikers. 5.2 oz.Waterproof: Yes (non-GTX available)What we like: Lightweight, agile, and grippy, with great crossover appeal.What we dont: Doesnt stand out in support or durability. Hiking shoe upper material is not the most exciting topic, but checking the construction can give helpful insights into the shoes performance. Tough but thin fabrics and the rising popularity of trail runners have made putting on major miles a lot easier. A sticky Vibram sole means you get confidence-inspiring traction on rock, and the generous rubber rand and stiff midsole provide critical protection and stability while boulder hopping or scrambling up slabs. These shoes have more flexible midsoles, and the large dose of cushioning underfoot is great for comfort but offers less structure for off-camber sections of trail. 5 oz.Waterproof: No (available)What we like: Great on-trail performance in a lightweight build.What we dont: Not the most supportive or durable option. The OUTline Low GTX falls in the latter category, combining Portland, Oregon-based Danner is best known for their work boots, but theyve quickly made a name for themselves in the hiking market with a nice assortment of trail-ready offerings. New insoles can provide more or less volume to fill out the shoe, improve the fit under the arch, and increase or decrease the cushion and impact absorption. While the majority of our female friends wear womens shoes, its important to note that some women might be better off opting for a mens model (this is particularly important for those with high-volume feet). If a shoe has a poor lacing system that is prone to loosening, youll find yourself having to readjust constantly on the trail. Both are very comfortable right out of the box, offer plenty of support and traction for non-technical trails, and can even get the job done on shorter backpacking trips. Compared to Obozs Sawtooth (no longer featured on this list), the Sapphire has more crossover appeal but less protection and support overall. While the Moab 3 checks all the boxes for moderate trails, the shoe is not meant for fast-paced or off-trail endeavors. The Altras shorter stack height also puts you closer to the trail, which increases stability for many hikers (the Hoka can feel a little tippy and harder to trust on rocky terrain). Like the Speedgoat above, Altras high-cushion, zero-drop Lone Peak was designed first as a running shoe and has since won the hearts of thru-hikers with its minimalist-yet-tough build. In theory, these shoes should keep your feet dry during creek crossings, surprise rainfall, or if you hit snow on an early-season trek. But if you stick mostly to established trails and prioritize cushy comfort and a nimble feel, the Anacapa is well worth a try.See the Hoka Anacapa Low GTX. Whats more, the thin, knit-like upper wont hold up to heavy use, and we question the efficacy of pairing a waterproof membrane with such a low-profile design (water can easily get in at the ankle). Why is the Adidas Terrex Swift R3 ranked here? Category: Hiking shoeWeight: 1 lb. For example, we found the Vaya to offer fairly unimpressive traction on wet terrain, whereas the Cross Hike excels in this environment. If youre headed out on technical terrain or with a heavy pack, models like the La Sportiva Spire and Moab 3 will offer noticeably more underfoot stability and isolation from the trail. In 2022, the vast majority of hiking shoes come in both mens and womens versions. The end result is a nimble and responsive shoe that still offers a step up in support and traction from trail runners like the Hoka Speedgoat or Altra Lone Peak above. Women with hard-to-please feet will likely appreciate the accommodating toe box of the Sapphire, but the narrow heel wont work for everyone. The result is a fast-moving shoe that nicely mixes a trail runner-like feel with the added structure of a hiker. These materials are not as well-known for their durability, but they do a great job cutting weight and are generally easy to break in. Approach Shoes Simply put, waterproof membranes restrict a shoes ability to pull moisture away from your sweaty feet as efficiently as a non-waterproof upper. If you tend to get out only in the summer months or live in a hot or dry area, we recommend a non-waterproof shoe in most cases. For more background information, see our womens hiking shoe comparison table and buying advice below the picks. As more and more hikers push their mileage and speed, the need for nimble yet protective footwear is paramount. The good news is there's no shortage of women's-specific designs to keep your feet Brian and I had spent four days hiking in Tombstone Territorial Park the previous summer on a trip that just scratched the surface and whet our appetites for more. Not all non-waterproof shoes should be treated equally, however. But while the OUTpulse Low GTX will get the job done for carrying a light pack on established trails, we dont recommend the shoe for particularly technical terrain or overnight loads. Finally, Merrell also makes the Moab 3 Waterproof, which retails for $135 and checks in at a comparable 1 pound 11 ounces.See the Merrell Moab 3. Category: Hiking shoeWeight: 1 lb. This lends a lot of versatility: you get protection when you need it, but your shoe will still dry out quickly after a dousing. Blown rubber is common on road running footwear and is almost foam-like in feel. One of the hallmarks of a hiking shoe is good traction on a variety of terrain. La Sportiva also makes the Ultra Raptor II Leather GTX, which is just a few ounces heavier, offers waterproof protection, and retails for $179Read in-depth reviewSee the La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II. Some shoes have much larger and sharper lugs underfoot for serious grip in mud, while others prioritize sticky rubber for scrambling over rocks. However, while the TX4 is ideal if youre tackling a mix of cross-country and on-trail travel, it wouldnt be our first choice as a dedicated trail shoe. If You Find a Lower Price, Well Match It. However, hiking boots still have their place, particularly for rugged terrain and schlepping a heavy multi-day load. View cart for details. Category: Hiking shoeWeight: 1 lb. For those that prefer a more traditional hiking shoe, theres a lot to love about the Moab 3 Ventilator. Click For Details. Thats a winning formula for Adidas and has made the Terrex line quite popular. The Targhee also boasts a noticeably wide toe box, which is great for accommodating swollen feet and a nice alternative to some of the narrower designs here (those with lower-profile feet might be better off with KEENs womens-specific Terradora). Running brand Hoka is no stranger to trail-ready footwear, and their lightweight and cushioned designs have made a recent entrance into the hiking market. Lacking any protection on the front of your shoes can lead to a trip-ruining impact when you inevitably look up from the trail to enjoy the scenery. La Sportiva bills their Ultra Raptor as a mountain running shoe, but were big fans of this design for hikers venturing above treeline on rugged trails or cross-country terrain.
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