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. Salomon is one brand that doesnt outsource their traction needs. And at only 1 pound 3 ounces for the pair, it wont weigh you down as much as the hiking-specific shoes here. Hiking shoes typically have a full rubber toe cap, but trail runners sometimes have a trimmed-down version or none at allone of the compromises in opting for a minimalist shoe. Throw in excellent grip, good breathability (for a waterproof design), and the top-shelf quality weve come to expect from this Italian climbing brand, and you have one of the more capable hiking shoes on the market. Ample cushion makes the shoe comfortable enough to wear all day, and a sock-like construction keeps the foot snug while sealing out trail debris. Category: Hiking shoeWeight: 1 lb. Some shoes have much larger and sharper lugs underfoot for serious grip in mud, while others prioritize sticky rubber for scrambling over rocks. 2 oz.Waterproof: No (available)What we like: Light and nimble without sacrificing protection or traction. All in all, the Moab 3 Ventilator is a hardwearing and time-tested solution for day hikers and casual overnighters alike. 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. 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. Now in its 16th iteration, the Brooks Cascadia is one of the longest-standing trail runners on the market and particularly popular in the thru-hiking community. Most day hikers will want to look elsewhere, but for backpackers and those frequently traveling off trail or above treeline in areas like the High Sierra or Colorado Rockies, the Spire offers an excellent combination of support, durability, and protection.See the La Sportiva Spire GTX. While nearly all shoes on this list use some sort of EVA, designs can vary from super soft to mildly stiff. Of all the outdoor activities we cover here at Switchback Travel, hiking isdearest to our hearts. Danner originally was known for its work boots, but the long-time footwear brand has made a nice transition to hikers of late. Further, if you do get water inside your shoe (not a difficult task with a low-top design), it doesnt drain as well and wont dry out nearly as quickly as a non-waterproof option. 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. With the Lone Peak, you get a lighter feel and trail-ready features like an integrated stone guard, built-in drainage ports, and gaiter trap. The biggest point of differentiation between hiking shoes and boots is height: shoes have a low-top fit, while boots generally sit above the ankle. 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. 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. Weve included one model on this list (the La Sportiva TX4), but for a complete look at the market, check out our article on the best approach shoes. 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. Comfort will start to suffer if the shoe is pushed too far, resulting in tired feet and sore ankles. 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. 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. The cushy, soft material takes some of the sting out of both your heel impact and forefoot spring and is also extremely lightweight. Further, we found the X Ultra 4 to have an odd combination of stiffness in the heel and flexibility in the midfoot, which can result in sore feet. 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. Finally, it does not come in a non-waterproof model, limiting its appeal for true summer use. Thankfully, a good rain jacket can provide a solid layer of defense against the elements. Theres no shortage of Salomon offerings on this list, but the OUTpulse Low GTX is a favorite among our female staff team. Easily overlooked, lacesas well as the lacing system of hooks and eyeletsplay an essential role in fit and comfort. Pleaseenable JavaScript in your browser; it's quick and easy! *Price Promotions - Due to manufacturer restrictions, select new release and other specified products are excluded from price promotions. Arcteryx has been experimenting with footwear for years, from the Bora2 hiking boots to the Norvan trail runners. 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. For more on the waterproofing debate, see our article Do You Need Waterproof Hiking Shoes? That said, we found it to be less stablenot great news for new hikers or if youre carrying a lot of weightand a step down in all-out durability (the upper started to delaminate after some rough use). Thermoplastic polyurethane, shortened (mercifully) to TPU, is a durable plastic commonly found in performance-oriented hiking shoes. Joining the Speedgoat above is another non-traditional hiker: La Sportiva's TX4. On paper, its a fairly impressive and versatile shoe, and the price is right at just $110 (and $120 for the waterproof version). It does fall short in breathability, however, and generally weighs more. Earn One Point for Every $1 and get a $10 Reward for Every 300 Points. 9.6 oz.Waterproof: Yes (non-GTX available)What we like: Great on-trail performance in a lightweight build.What we dont: Strange fit and odd underfoot feel. Gone are the days of hitting the trail in leather clunkerstrail-runner-inspired hiking shoes have all but taken over. If you think the Lone Peak looks more like a trail runner than a hiking shoe, youre not mistaken. Salomons X Ultra has been one of our favorite hiking shoes for years running, offering an exceptional combination of comfort, on-trail performance, and durability for everything from casual day hikes to long overnight missions. Among thru-hikers, the Lone Peaks biggest competitor is the Speedgoat above. View cart for details. Additionally, there are restrictions on the use of coupon codes. Category: Trail runnerWeight: 1 lb. Further, the collar rides fairly low, resulting in less ankle support than shoes like the La Sportiva Spire above and X Ultra 4 below, and the thick tongue is reminiscent of gym shoes of yore. Whether youre setting out on a casual day hike or hitting the trail with overnight gear, theres a hiking shoe up for the task. 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. for the pair), its definitely more shoe than most day hikers need. Now in its second iteration, the Ultra Raptor II provides chart-topping protection against rocks and roots by way of generous toe and heel caps and a full-length rock plate, along with incredible grip on everything from mud and loose talus to boulders and snow. TPU 7.6 oz. Merrell found a winning formula here, combining a comfortable fit with a sturdy yet lightweight feelall for an affordable $110. 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). If you havent yet noticed a trend in our picks, the Salomon Cross Hike should make things abundantly clear. 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. 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. If moving fast trumps all else, wed recommend a trail running shoe. In 2022, the line between trail runners and hiking shoes is growing increasingly blurry,and for good reason. The Anacapa (also available in a mid-height version) features Hokas well-known springy midsole, a rockered shape for a smooth ride on the trail, and a beefed-up construction that includes durable nubuck leather and a Gore-Tex waterproof liner. Building on the success of the prior generation, the latest shoe Lets face it: it rains, and sometimes it pours. What we dont: Expensive, ungainly heel counter, and not the most stable shoe here. 2022 Kohls, Inc. KOHLS and Kohls brand names are trademarks owned by KIN, Inc. All rights reserved. And finally, its shallow and rounded lugs dont provide great hold on soft terrain like mud and wet leaves. Exclusions Apply. But until recently, the legendary Canadian brand had yet to release a true hiking shoe. Throughout the past year, we dreamed of returning to see the classic spires and tundra Danner Trail 2650 Campo GTX Hiking Shoe Review, A Year on the Road (Part 3): Tombstone Territorial Park, Back to Our Top Women's Hiking Shoe Picks, Back to Our Women's Hiking Shoe Comparison Table. But while the Targhees nubuck leather upper is a little more durable than the mesh used on the Moab, were not sure its worth the $45 bump. Category: Hiking shoeWeight: 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. Most include EVA, TPU, or a combination of both.EVA 7.3 oz.Waterproof: Yes (non-GTX available)What we like: Great combination of stability and cushion; durable and protective for a synthetic shoe.What we dont: Expensive; low collar limits ankle support. Finally, the Spire is only offered in a waterproof version, which is great for early-season snow and colder weather, but is prone to overheating on mid-summer days at low elevation. See the Salomon OUTpulse Low GTX. In terms of trail performance, you get far less protection from rocks and roots, and the flexible build translates to noticeably less stability on uneven ground (especially while carrying a load). Vibram is the gold standard when it comes to outsole rubber, but not all Vibram compounds should be treated equally: The rubber manufacturer tailors their blends and designs for the specific footwear and brand. Whats more, protection is solid with toe caps, generous rands, and burly nylon or leather uppers. Why is the Adidas Terrex Swift R3 ranked here? 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. 10.2 oz. While the Moab 3 checks all the boxes for moderate trails, the shoe is not meant for fast-paced or off-trail endeavors. 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. The mesh upper of a trail runner also lacks around-the-foot protection and leaves your feet more vulnerable to roots and rocks. In the end, its a tall order to recommend a single shoe for a range of hikers and hiking venues, but the Speed Low nails the all-around equation and gets our top spot for 2022Read in-depth reviewSee the Merrell Moab Speed Low. Beyond its sleeker and more modern look, the X Ultra 4 features a revised lacing system and chassis, along with a wider fit in the toe box. 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. One of the hallmarks of a hiking shoe is good traction on a variety of terrain. 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. As a result, all of the shoes on our list weigh well under 2 pounds for the pair, with some dropping to just over a poundby comparison, a traditional backpacking boot like the Asolo TPS 520 tips the scales at over 4 pounds. The Moab Speed Low will get the job done for the majority of day hikers and ultralight backpackers, but keep in mind that its far from the most supportive or durable shoe here. Keep in mind that, like Vibram, Contagrip compounds can vary from shoe to shoe (there are a number of different compounds, including Contagrip MA, MD, and TA). Over the past decade, one of the most significant advances in hiking shoes has been the move to lighter-weight designs.